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In fact, it is more accurate to tell you it started with the lack of a shelf! Back in 2003, in a tiny apartment in the heart of Stockholm, a Swedish photographer is on the hunt for a small and stylish bedside table, but the furniture market of the time was failing him. Not one to be defeated, Kent Johansson armed himself with a hammer, nails and a couple of boards. The F shelf was born.
The Instagram-able F shelf was to become Mazeās first product, but it goes further than that, Kentās approach to design and construction are the pillars on which Maze has built their reputation: clever solutions (and quirky design), locally made with quality material choices.
As time has gone on the company has aligned themselves with a number of well-known and highly celebrated designers who each bring something of their own to the brand.
We spoke to both Helena Gorne who works with product development and design for Maze, and designer Antrei Hartikainen about Mazeās production philosophy and the latest addition to Mazeās collection ā the Parasol table.
A pop of colour for your walls with the Pythagoras shelf from Maze.Ā
Maze doesnāt do normal - thank you very much! Their quirky designs are your passport to whimsical living. But it is not only Mazeās designs that offer us something out of the ordinary, Maze also operates something they call Slow Production. For Maze each piece must have a clear purpose, taking versatile pieces of furniture to the next level. Each decision from the material choice to the production location is carefully considered.
āAround 95% of Mazeās production takes place in Swedenā Helena tells us with pride. āWe work with suppliers we have known and established a relationship with over a very long timeā she continues, āthis means we know who is making our products and we know they get a fair wage, vacation and all the other benefits you get when you work in Sweden.ā This initiative, it is clear, is something that is close to Mazeās heart.
We want to offer our customers a choice, something that makes them question ā Where did this come from? Who made this? ā We want to offer them something better than the alternativeā. - Helena Gorne, Maze
Create a forest scene in your hallway with the Nature series from Maze.Ā
@moeofsweden
Enhance the atmosphere in your hallway with the stylish Bill horizontal coat hanger.
From the very beginning Maze knew how important it was to cultivate lasting relationships with their designers, Helena explains, ābecause they know the brand, and understand the values, but sometimes we find someone really interesting, and talented just like Antrei Hartikainenā, she continues with a knowledgeable smile. āWe were keen to start making more wooden itemsā she says, āand when we saw his work and understood the philosophy behind the designs, we knew he would be a good fit for Mazeā.
A master cabinet maker from Finland, Antrei is best known for his elegant work in wood. The Parasol table for Maze is no exception. Winner of the Scandinavian Design Awards āRising Star of the Year 2023ā and an extensive list of other accolades to his name, Antrei Hartikainen is certainly one to watch.
The base of the Parasol table doubles as a handy spot to store those things you don't want to display but want to keep close at hand.
The coffee table takes its inspiration from a water lily floating on a pond. āFrom the first sketches, I was striving to create a similar levitation and airinessā Antrei tells us. āThe storage space located at the bottom of the leg creates sturdiness, functionality and appearance, thus combining usability and aestheticsā he continues. Indeed, one of wonderful aspects of this beautiful coffee table is the way it combines form and function. The ability to hide away magazines and childrenās toys in a way that makes them part of the design is in a word ā genius!
The tabletop rests on a single metal leg that is uncentred, creating the illusion that the tabletop is levitating. A particular challenge that needed expertise and craftsmanship to overcome, for this Maze and Antrei collaborated closely with Swedish steel manufacturer Steelnova. āThe appearance and production of Parasol table fits the Maze company philosophy perfectly, where minimalistic and playful design meets the local productionā. Antrei tells us.
From certain angles the beautifully engineered Parasol table seems to levitate.
Furniture serves as a background for a functional everyday life but at itās best it brings joy, aesthetics and functionality. ā Antrei Hartikainen
Well designed furniture plays an important role in enhancing peoplesā daily lives, whether that is a compact, wall mounted bedside shelf for a tiny apartment in the heart of the city or an impressive coffee table that seems to defy gravity, Maze has tapped into the inherent needs of their customers without compromising on style. āIf necessary, the Parasol tables blend into the background, specifically serving practicalityā says Antrei, ābut you can also create an installation-like group of tables in different sizes, giving a dose of eye-candy in addition to usability.ā
No ordinary furniture brand, Maze welcomes the quirky design with open arms, with the understanding that every part of your home deserves to be extraordinary. With a carefully curated collection of home storage solutions Maze has a unique ability to transform the ordinary into something magical. From their floating bedside shelf āEdgyā that defies the laws of physics while embracing the art of style, or the welcoming committee āNatureā that makes you feel like you have walked into an enchanting Swedish forest as you pass through your front door all the way through to the ultimate feat of engineering that is the Pythagoras shelf. Mazeās creative designs bring both delight and fulfil a function in equal measure allowing you to declutter your home without compromising your personal style.
Photography: Elof Martinsson, Angeliqa Daldorph, @moeofsweden, Maze