12 March 2025

A Dance of Interplay

Sculptural Minimalism serves as a guiding principle at Kristina Dam Studio, a philosophy deeply influenced by Bauhaus, Japanese design, and Dam’s experiences in diverse neighbourhoods and cities around the world.

Kristina Dam’s approach to design is both striking and meditative—a blend of art and function where simplicity reigns, and where each piece is crafted to leave a profound yet understated impact on a space. Her vision is anchored in a dedication to creating objects that transcend time, objects that bring not only functionality but also a subtle artistry into everyday life.

Above (Left to right) The Contour Scultpure, the Rock Pile Sculpture showing two of four rocks, and the Solitude Lounge Chair in beige.

Kristina Dam Studio, founded in 2012, has evolved over the years into a respected name in Scandinavian design, recognised for its commitment to a monochromatic palette and the expressive potential of natural materials. Dam’s background in graphic design and architecture is evident in the precise lines and thoughtful proportions of her creations. Her collections echo the minimalism of traditional Nordic design but are rendered with a sculptural sensitivity that evokes a modern architectural formality.

Pieces are often crafted in oak, steel, and stone–materials that Dam handles with great respect, choosing to emphasise their natural qualities rather than disguise them. It’s a vision that she describes as “striking a balance between art and practicality,” achieved through simple shapes that possess a distinctly architectural presence.

The recent collection from Kristina Dam Studio continues this aesthetic journey, featuring everything from multifunctional furniture to quietly dramatic accessories, each piece crafted with an exacting attention to detail.

The Contour Sculptures, carved from light grey sandstone, introduce organic shapes that nod to both art and nature, while the Serif Sculpture offers a play between fluid form and industrial materiality. Dam’s pieces often serve multiple functions, reflecting Dam’s belief that beauty need not sacrifice utility. The Grid Cabinets, another recent addition, embody the brand’s dedication to creating objects that merge art and functionality. Her Rope Vase and Flowerpot, another multi-functional design, feels both modern and timeless, offering a sculptural form that can stand alone or hold botanical displays.

Above (Left to right) New from the 2024 Kristina Dam Studio collection–the Contour Sculpture, the Dome vase, the Globe sculpture, and the Rope Vase & Flowerpot.

Above left The Stack Wall Shelf effortlessly marries modern elegance with practicality. Designed for wall attachment, these shelves can be paired to form a sophisticated shelving system tailored to your space. Thoughtfully aligned using discreet dowels that connect the walnut wood pieces, the minimalist design is elevated by the rich detail of dark walnut legs. Crafted from solid oak and dark oiled walnut, these shelves are not only visually appealing but also functional, supporting up to 5kg per box.

Kristina Dam Studio has steadily evolved, embracing not just furniture and accessories but also larger-scale, immersive design statements. At Milan Design Week 2023, her work took center stage within Studiopepe’s Terra exhibition, where her pieces interacted seamlessly with other installations, creating an engaging dialogue that explored the depth of texture, interplay of color, and the impact of form within space. Each piece was a testament to her commitment to sculptural minimalism and the elevation of everyday materials.

In Copenhagen, Dam’s participation in 3daysofdesign saw a unique collaboration with sculptor Katrine Blinkenberg, inviting attendees to explore artistry firsthand. Through interactive sculpture workshops, guests were encouraged to craft their own cast pieces, embodying Dam’s vision of accessible art and community connection. This approach underscores her dedication to bridging fine design with personal expression, making artful experiences available to all who encounter her work.

Reflecting on her journey from graphic illustration to establishing a multidisciplinary design studio, Dam notes that her goal has always been to create objects that feel as though they belong in a room without demanding attention—each piece, in her words, “designed to be of the room rather than dominate it.”

Her exploration of minimalism is far from an aesthetic of austerity; rather, it is about achieving the perfect balance of proportion and material, where every line and curve has been meticulously considered.

(Above) The design of the Grid series from Kristina Dam adds an element of visual interest. Its aspect keeps the designs light and airy, allowing a glimpse of the items inside, perfect for displaying accessories or as a spacious yet unobtrusive storage unit.
Featured here is the Wall Cabinet in beige, also available in black.

(Above) The Grid Cabinet is a striking piece, effortlessly blending storage and display. Ideal for books, ceramics, or tableware, its see-through doors and sides offer a subtle reveal of its contents, lending an airy lightness to its form. Inside, three perforated steel shelves hold your pieces with elegance, while outward-swinging doors, secured by a strong magnetic closure, provide seamless access. Adjustable feet ensure balance, while a simple wash with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth keeps it pristine. Understated yet impactful, the Grid Cabinet made in perforated powder-coated steel redefines utility with artful restraint. Available in beige or black.

As Kristina Dam Studio moves forward, the vision remains one of understated sophistication—designs that embrace simplicity yet speak volumes. Dam’s work continues to inspire a connection between space and form, evoking a quiet elegance that celebrates Nordic design principles with a twist of sculptural boldness. Her pieces are an invitation to bring art into everyday spaces, to experience the beauty of refined craftsmanship, and to live surrounded by objects that enhance, rather than overpower, the spaces they inhabit.

In every design, Dam crafts a statement of integrity, artful restraint, and timelessness. The Kristina Dam Collection is available to the design industry in New Zealand through May Time, and their retail stockists nationwide.

Visit May Time online to discover more.

The Serif Sculpture derives from Kristina Dam’s unique passion for lettering and her tribute to the little but strong character. It is an interplay with the soft surface of stoneware and deep reflections of light and shadow.