Discover Benelux |  Special Theme |  Design

Geluk creates objects with a balance between form and function; he uses unconventional materials and strikingly bold and often surprising designs.

GELUK

DESIGN

Piquing our curiosity While being creative is certainly a skill in itself, Rotterdam’s Michiel Geluk takes it far further. A proficient design consultant and self-proclaimed creative, he deftly transforms his knack for sketching imaginative designs into beloved and coveted interior products, innovative creations that each home is secretly calling for. TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE  |  PHOTOS: GELUK DESIGN

Eschewing the more traditional designs, Geluk constantly poses himself the question of how best to pique our curiosity as a  consumer.  Whether  it’s  a  wine  rack, lamp  or  stool,  he  isn’t  content  until  he reaches  his  objective  of  making  us,  the consumer,  stare  in  amazement  at  the product – and believe us, this happens. Often  pleasantly  surprised  by  his  rather unconventional material choices and strikingly bold designs, he succeeds like very few  others  in  expressing  his  creative thoughts as physical entities.  Take, for example, the 1,000 faces lamp, a striking circular lamp with no fewer than 160 planes, which double as both the design and the light source. Inspired by the sunset’s reflection in the ripples of Rotterdam’s Kralingse Park lake, Geluk settled on copper as the material for this cutting-

42 |  Issue 12 |  December 2014

edge  product.  Using  copper  as  a  flat sheet gave the young designer the flexibility  to  create  these  angles  that  spread the light like the ripples of the water.  “It’s  these  kind  of  occurrences  that  inspire  me,”  he  explains  from  his  studio. “Far removed from the design process, the everyday happenings can spark concepts in my mind and then I’ll head back to the studio and create simple paper or cardboard models to try out my ideas.” Similarly, Geluk’s crane-inspired balance lamp  causes  raised  eyebrows  with  its far from innocuously unbalanced 60cm length  and  3mm  width  setting  it  apart from any regular light source. With his inventive designs, Geluk bestows an extra dimension  onto  household  items,  such as his solidly delicate hand-casted bowls and  candles  created  with  concrete.

“As  a  product,”  explains  Geluk,  “these will  age  over  time,  telling  a  story  as unique as their owners.” When it comes to  the  choice  of  material,  “they  choose themselves,”  he  says  matter-of-factly. “The material has to strengthen the product’s story as well as suiting the function of the product.”  Working  on  commission  or  for  his  own collection,  Geluk’s  sense  of  creativity  is certainly reflected in the products as his aesthetically pleasing products strike the balance between form and function time and time again. Far more than just visually attractive, they’re tactile talking points of a room, winning your admiration – and as the name Geluk suggests, they’re happy products for happy people. www.gelukdesign.nl