José Miguel Schnaider is the founder and creative director of Sten Studio based in Mexico City. The most defining feature of his work is rooted in the special use of materials. He often incorporates stone and crystal into furniture and decor designs. This stems from the idea that it is important to retain the use of organic materials as the digital world continues to grow.
Schnaider shares how he works with the medium, stating The most challenging part of working with stones is their diverse nature. Each stone is different and each requires different transformation techniques. For example, it’s not the same working with an onyx, which is constantly solid, than working with a fluorite – a crystal conglomerate that if you work it very fast, it will start scrambling. So it’s understanding each material in order to transform it."
Image Credit: Sten Studio
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Organic-material Integration
- Incorporating stone and crystal into modern furniture designs emphasizes the importance of organic materials in a digital age.
- Diverse Material Techniques
- The unique transformation techniques required for different stones highlight the need for specialized skills in material manipulation.
- Hybrid Aesthetic Furniture
- Combining traditional and contemporary aesthetics using natural materials creates a visually striking and innovative furniture style.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Furniture Design
- Furniture design that incorporates natural stones and crystals can appeal to consumers seeking unique and eco-conscious home decor.
- Luxury Home Decor
- Luxury home decor that leverages the distinct characteristics of various stones can offer exclusive, high-end products.
- Material Science
- Advancements in material science can enhance the ability to work with diverse and delicate materials like fluorite and onyx more effectively.
