Meet Mati Sipiora, a rising designer from Northern Poland whose distinctive furniture brand is redefining the possibilities of steel. Founded in December 2023, Mati’s brand, “Mati Sipiora,” crafts unique, hand-finished steel furniture, turning this traditionally cold material into warm, kinetic, and artistic pieces that elevate any living space.
Driven by a passion for innovative design and a commitment to quality, Mati’s approach stands out in the design world. Every piece is created in a family-run factory, where meticulous craftsmanship transforms steel into vibrant and dynamic forms. It’s no wonder that in such a short time, Mati’s work has gained recognition from major design and lifestyle magazines.
One of Mati’s most notable recent achievements was being invited to showcase his work at ISOLA Design Milano, a significant milestone in the international design community. There, he presented his now-iconic creation, the Poodle Armchair—a bestseller that embodies his playful yet sophisticated approach. The armchair captures the essence of Mati’s vision, blending modern aesthetics with an unexpected lightness and personality that resonates with a global audience.
To dive deeper into Mati’s inspirations, creative process, and plans for the future, we’re happy to present an exclusive interview with him right here on our blog!
Your work has a distinctly futuristic feel. What inspires you to push the boundaries of design, and how do you envision the role of product design evolving in the coming years?
It comes from my fascination with retro-futuristic aesthetics, where the imagined future in classics like Metropolis and The Jetsons merges nostalgia with visionary ideas. These influences create a foundation that lets me explore timelessness within futuristic concepts. Mid-20th century abstract art also inspires me, particularly for its ability to convey emotion and depth through form and color, encouraging me to infuse more abstraction into my work.
Experimenting with materials is where I find the most creativity, especially in pushing the structural and aesthetic potential of steel. I’m constantly inspired by how malleable, resilient, and enduring it is a material that, when tested, can take on unexpected shapes and create a sense of futuristic durability.
Looking to the future, I envision a shift toward quality over quantity in product design. As people grow more conscious of environmental impact, there will be a greater emphasis on using materials wisely and valuing sustainability, craftsmanship, and longevity. Designers will increasingly be tasked with not just creating beautiful, functional pieces but also ensuring they reflect a more sustainable, responsible approach.
How does Poland’s rich design heritage and craftsmanship influence your approach to product design, and do you incorporate any traditional elements into your contemporary work?
Poland’s design heritage deeply influences my work, particularly through the legacy of Julia Keilowa, who is my biggest inspiration. Keilowa was a pioneering Polish designer and silversmith in the 1930s known for her elegant, modernist metalwork. She blended functionality with sculptural beauty, using streamlined forms and luxurious materials that reflected both simplicity and sophistication. Her approach to design was groundbreaking; she thought deeply about form and material, pushing boundaries in ways that I really admire.
In my own work, I’m inspired by her commitment to material exploration and the way she gave each piece a unique character. Like Keilowa, I strive to combine form and function, pushing materials to their limits while respecting their natural qualities. This approach allows me to infuse a contemporary touch into my designs, rooted in the thoughtful craftsmanship and modernist spirit of Poland’s rich design heritage.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in design. How do you balance aesthetics, functionality, and environmental consciousness in your projects?
In my work, sustainability is integral to every design choice. I work exclusively with steel, a fully recyclable material known for its durability and strength. To enhance its environmental friendliness, I use polished stainless steel instead of relying on galvanizing processes. This approach allows me to showcase the natural beauty of the material itself—its raw luster and sleek finish. Additionally, polished stainless steel offers a sustainable advantage: if it scratches over time, it can be polished back to its original state repeatedly, extending its lifespan and maintaining its aesthetic appeal. This balance between aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability enables me to create timeless pieces that honor both craftsmanship and environmental responsibility.
With rapid advancements in technology and materials, how do you see the relationship between product design and emerging technologies shaping the products of tomorrow?
I choose to create my pieces using traditional methods, intentionally avoiding modern technologies like laser cutting and CNC. While these advancements are fantastic for mass production, my vision is to produce designs that embody the craftsmanship and hands-on expertise of skilled artisans. I believe that every slight flaw or imperfection in a piece adds to its character, reflecting the human touch that goes into creating it. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, I think products of tomorrow will benefit from a balance, where unique, handcrafted elements bring warmth and authenticity to modern design.
Thanks a lot for the insights! For those inspired by his designs, we’re also hosting a raffle on Instagram where you could win a Cosmic Tray in stainless steel from the Mati Sipiora collection. Stay tuned to learn more about Mati’s journey and enter for a chance to bring a piece of his kinetic art into your home!