HETTA: 100% all natural talent

Posted by Tiffany on October 5th, 2010    Add your comment »

Probably one of the things that will always come to mind when I think about HETTA was the crazy cold day in February that Erika Mörn came into central Stockholm to meet me.

It was the only day that anyone could remember that the city’s subway system (Tunnelbana) actually shut down due to weather. Determined to make our appointment though, Erika walked most of the way. And as if I didn’t feel bad enough, I later found out she was pregnant at the time!

Well, that certainly says something about this design duo’s dedication. And as I’ve gotten to know Patrik and Erika better, there’s no doubt about it. These two are pros.

I caught up with them recently for an exclusive interview to find out how they’ve gotten where they are, and how they do what they do.

Inside the home Erika and Patrik share with 3-year-old son Charlie

FS: I always like to start at the beginning… where did you grow up?

EM & PM: We both grew up in Småland in southern Sweden. Erika’s from a small town called Huskvarna, and Patrik is from Solberga village.

FS: Where are you based now?

EM & PM: We live in a 1960’s era detached house in Segeltorp, a suburb of Stockholm, with Charlie, our 3-year-old son. Our office and showroom is at Telefonplan, just outside Stockholm’s city center.

FS: What first drew you to a career in design? Are you doing what you thought you’d be doing?

EM: I’ve always liked colors and shapes, I get that from my mother. I attended a series of design schools, and have tried everything from interior design to designing products. I understood early on though that to succeed I would need a solid business strategy and someone who could manage the finances. That’s how Patrik came to join the business.

A glimpse at HETTA’s stand at Formex.

FS: How would you describe your design style?

EM: I like my designs to be functional, but with a twist or something a bit unexpected.

FS: I love your natural textures. Was it always your intention to work with sustainable materials?

EM: Once we started working with wool we discovered all the benefits of this natural material. Now it feels like a given to use natural eco-friendly materials.

Cork, which is a renewable material like wool is, has become increasingly more important in our collection. We simply make more and more things from both of these materials.

Two of HETTA’s other cork trivet designs.

FS: How does a design come together for you?

EM: Usually the ideas are born from a need that I personally feel needs solving. Once I understand the need, then I’m inspired and the stream of colors and patterns just fall into place.

FS: What inspires you?

EM: Just like for many others it’s the times we live in… literature, magazines, travel, kids… all those sorts of things.

FS: What is your creative space like? What do you need to have around you?

EM: The ideas often come out of a conversation when I least expect it. After that all I need is my computer and some peace and quiet.

More glimpses inside the home of Erika and Patrik.

FS: How did you come up with the idea for the Ladder trivet for pots?

EM: Our other long trivet, or hot pad, made from wool has been very popular, so creating one in the same spirit from cork was our challenge. I was playing around with blocks, and they turned into different types of trivets, like long necklaces and ladders that could be shaped based on how the table was set.

FS: And I love how you don’t have to fuss around with a bunch of different trivets. Just one for the whole table! What was the pattern on the Rektangel trivets inspired by?

EM: About one and a half years ago we moved into our 1960’s house. Since then I have been very inspired by the patterns of that era, so the pattern on the trivets is a modified wallpaper pattern.

The “Rektangel” patterned trivet, inspired by vintage wallpaper.

FS: How about the design of the candleholder?

EM: When we decided to make an advent candle holder, we wanted to try to translate the flexible trivet idea to it. We wanted it to be in a state of change. It’s actually possible to just untie the knot and reorder the candle holders to fit your individual taste.

Putting several of the candle holders together creates an interesting effect, like these on display at Formex.

FS: What is the process that goes into making the wine stockings?

EM: The wine stockings are knitted in a very large size and shrunk down to
their final size.

HETTA’s full range of wine stockings. You’ll find the white ones in the shop for this month only.

FS: When is the perfect time to use them?

EM: Us Swedes are very fond of picnics and like to bring wine with us. With the stocking the wine will stay at the right temperature. The white wine stays cool and reds don’t get too warm or too cold. In other words, the wine stocking has insulating properties. And it’s a very nice gift to bring when visiting friends!

The great texture of the wool is a tactile treat.

FS: I agree, but I wouldn’t want to give mine away! What’s your biggest challenge now?

EM: Combining work with our growing family (our new baby is due this month). But all the new things in our life will surely generate lots of new ideas.

FS: And we look forward to seeing what kinds of inspiration your new little one brings. Congratulations, it sounds like October is going to be an eventful month!

Thanks Erika and Patrik!

Buy your wooly wine stockings, cork trivets and advent candles in the shop this month only!

---