Interview with Steil owners
For all those who would like to learn more about the Steil brand, we invite you to an interview where we answer the most pressing questions.
Where did the idea for creating the brand come from?
The Steil brand is our dream of realizing ideas without compromise. We both work in the creative industry, but we deal with services. Here, by offering a specific product, we, in a way, choose the client, not the other way around. As for the style of our designs, the materials chosen at the beginning somewhat defined the direction. We focus on minimalism – we believe that both slate and leather are so interesting and decorative that the rest can only be an addition.
How did the company name originate? What was the inspiration?
The name Steil reflects the two main materials we work with. We searched for their names in Scandinavian languages, as the ruggedness of the local landscape inspires us. We settled on a combination of words that have a similar sound in practically all these languages, namely "stone" and "leather."
How did your adventure as a Polish creator begin?
We started our adventure by creating a collection consisting of just a few items – three tables, stone trays, and one model of a leather handle in several color variants. The vision was so coherent that it aroused interest – the first orders quickly appeared. Of course, the possibility of selling through platforms promoting Polish hand-made products and participation in design fairs helped us.
What brings the most joy in running the brand?
The greatest joy comes from creating new products and their reception by customers. We love to see photos of our furniture and accessories in their new homes and hear how they are doing.
What is your biggest sales hit?
Our leather furniture handles definitely attract the most interest. Plant hangers are also popular, as they can be a great and not overly binding gift.
What materials do you use most often?
Our brand stands on leather and slate – these are very versatile materials with many faces. They are complemented by steel and brass, as well as cork.
What does the process of creating a new design look like?
We start with sketches and researching the possibilities of materials. In the next stage, we talk to manufacturers of elements that we cannot make ourselves and adapt the design to specific technology. Finally, we refine the details.
What is the purpose of your products?
In our collection, you can find both furniture, specifically coffee tables, side tables, and nightstands, hanging lamps, as well as interior accessories: furniture and door handles, plant hangers, trays, and coasters.
Do you create personalized designs? What kind? What does personalization involve?
Most of our products can be adapted to individual customer needs – both in terms of dimensions and colors. We encourage anyone undecided to contact us. We always manage to find a way to create a personalized product that perfectly fulfills its function in a specific home.
The most unusual order?
The most unusual were probably the XXL handles – they were over 40 cm long.
A design that I would most like to boast about to the whole world...
Our favorite design is probably the Stade Premium coffee table, which came about somewhat by accident, as a custom order combining the Lade and Stade models, and immediately stole our hearts. That's why we value contact with customers; it inspires us to perfect our designs and seek new solutions.
What do customers pay most attention to in the offered designs?
I think what distinguishes us are the materials used in our designs, the consistency of the concept, and the raw aesthetic that resists trends.
How do customers surprise you?
Customers constantly surprise us by appreciating our designs and being willing to order them to really distant parts of the world – to the USA, Australia, and even Vietnam.
What is your/your daily inspiration for work?
We are inspired by travels – we draw a lot from observing nature and art.
Who is the recipient of your products? Define the ideal client.
Our ideal client appreciates products handmade in Poland. They like simple, strong forms and muted colors. They know that high-quality products are not bought in chain stores.
I can't imagine working without...
We can't imagine working without good communication. This is probably the most important thing, both in team relations and in contact with clients.
The interview was created in cooperation with Pakamera.pl
In the photos: detail of the Stade Premium coffee table, Lade #4 leather plant hanger