KAIA and Pauline Leprince Present Beneath the Surface
Kalin Ned — May 23, 2026 — Art & Design
References: v2com-newswire
KAIA — a design studio known for distinctive lighting and furniture pieces created through partnerships with creative talents — collaborated with French architect and designer Pauline Leprince to present the Beneath the Surface collection.
Beneath the Surface is a capsule of three sculptural objects that explore the emotional and psychological depths beneath visible appearances through the deliberate transformation of materials. The silhouettes include a console, a mirror, and a lamp. Beneath the Surface features burnt metal that has been subjected to fire, undergoing an irreversible transformation that leaves the surface marked, scarred, and permanently altered. This variation is contrasted with glass that introduces fragility and transparency while exposing imperfection.
The console, called Under the Surface, combines fired metal with a textured glass panel set into the center that allows light to pass through. The mirror, which is titled Disarmed, is constructed from planes of burnt metal with the mirrored surface partially veiled and recessed to reveal itself only in fragments. The Axis table lamp, on the other hand, features a glass panel beneath the top that diffuses light evenly outward from a solid base.
Image Credit: Matthew Gordon
Beneath the Surface is a capsule of three sculptural objects that explore the emotional and psychological depths beneath visible appearances through the deliberate transformation of materials. The silhouettes include a console, a mirror, and a lamp. Beneath the Surface features burnt metal that has been subjected to fire, undergoing an irreversible transformation that leaves the surface marked, scarred, and permanently altered. This variation is contrasted with glass that introduces fragility and transparency while exposing imperfection.
The console, called Under the Surface, combines fired metal with a textured glass panel set into the center that allows light to pass through. The mirror, which is titled Disarmed, is constructed from planes of burnt metal with the mirrored surface partially veiled and recessed to reveal itself only in fragments. The Axis table lamp, on the other hand, features a glass panel beneath the top that diffuses light evenly outward from a solid base.
Image Credit: Matthew Gordon
Trend Themes
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Material Contrasts in Design — Intentional pairing of rugged, fire-altered metals with delicate glass surfaces creates a new aesthetic language that reframes imperfection as premium value.
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Fire-altered Surface Aesthetics — The embrace of irreversible thermal transformation on finishes signals opportunities for products whose unique, unrepeatable textures become core brand signatures.
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Fragmented Reflectivity and Concealment — Partially veiled mirrors and recessed reflective planes introduce design narratives that emphasize selective revelation and psychological depth over pure utility.
Industry Implications
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High-end Furniture — Scarred-metal consoles and sculptural pieces point toward furniture lines that blend artisanal imperfection with functional craftsmanship to command premium market segments.
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Architectural Interiors — Textured glass panels and veiled reflective elements offer built-environment opportunities for spaces that prioritize experiential, emotionally resonant surfaces.
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Luxury Lighting — Lamps integrating diffused glass and solid, altered bases suggest lighting products that treat illumination as a sculptural, narrative-driven focal point rather than a mere utility.
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