'Crafted Minimalism' by DAY Studio
Look at this vibrant, scintillating composition.
Starkly contrasting colors, materials and shapes are in play here.
The clean lines, bold geometry and just a hint of playfulness are drawing you in; I’m sure of it.
This bright melange of objects belongs to the Avlu collection 'Crafted Minimalism', by Istanbul-based multidisciplinary design studio DAY. The studio has created two collections of works under the Avlu banner–'Crafted Minimalism’, in 2016 and ‘Istanbul Collection’ in 2015.
Avlu 'Crafted Minimalism' collection, 2016, by DAY studio
Readers scroll to the end of this article for detailed shots and information about our absolute favorite pieces from these two collections!
Besides the obvious draw of beautiful contemporary design, elegant minimalist forms and (clearly) excellent craftsmanship seen in these works, what stands out in DAY studio’s work?
It's roots.
Designer duo Doğanberk Demir and Yeşim Eröktem, of DAY studio, draw inspiration from their Turkish cultural background, and in particular, from the energetic, colorful streets of Istanbul–from the life of the city they live in. The new Avlu collection 'Crafted Minimalism' in fact, which will be seen as part of Form&Seek's exhibit at the London Design Fair this week, mainly plays on the idea of hidden gems in the city and ordinary mise-en-scène on the streets from street vendors to the typical teahouses of Istanbul.
Ali and Ayse, Bottle openers from the Avlu 'Crafted Minimalism' collection, 2016
Try to imagine this: Seeds from Turkish culture and city life take root in a contemporary approach to design, and what sprouts is a series of simple, beautiful and functional everyday objects. This is DAY Studio's work.
Except, these pieces of furniture, lighting, tabletop accessories, containers, porcelain ware and more, are anything but everyday or ordinary. Over two collections, DAY Studio, founded in 2015, has shown us two series of real ‘gems’–surprising, graspable, pleasurable objects.
And how were these created?
The Avlu collection is focused on local Turkish manufacturing techniques and craftsmen, so the designer duo works in close collaboration with makers, from different backgrounds and talents. These are usually artists who have mastered traditional techniques of working with materials like wood, metal, stone, glass, among others. Marrying their skill-set with contemporary design becomes DAY studio's mission then.
Esnaf Candleholder from the Avlu 'Crafted Minimalism' collection, 2016
Esnaf Centrepeice from the Avlu 'Crafted Minimalism' collection, 2016
While the studio works with a variety of materials, there is one material they are fascinated by more than others–marble. It is a material they feel connected to, owing to the city they live in– from the Turkish Baths to monumental marble fountains and stairs-marble is all around Istanbul. No wonder that the duo enjoys working with an element that is a visible, significant part of the city.
'Istanbul Collection' by DAY Studio, 2015
Cini Porcelain ware from 'Istanbul Collection' by DAY Studio, 2015
In addition to their Avlu collections and brand, DAY collaborates with local and international brands such as Frette, Flormar, and Hamm. Their brand Avlu's work has been exhibited at platforms such as Wallpaper* Handmade, Salone del Mobile, Downtown Design Dubai and Istanbul Design Week.
Look out for the beautiful 'Crafted Minimalism' series at the Form&Seek exhibit at the London Design Fair, from Sept 22-25, 2016.
