MEET A DESIGNER #11:
SANTIAGO SEVILLANO
What about transferring a sunny beach day feel into your home? With sand-like textures, warm earthy tones and the most comfortable relaxation? That’s where our new Saler Modular Sofa comes in. Designed by Spanish industrial designer Santiago Sevillano, this sofa brings summery greetings straight from Valencia seashore.
WELCOMING OUR THIRD SOFA
“Saler is the third sofa we introduce to our collection. Starting as a small brand focusing on workplace furniture in 2013, today we feel the need to offer a wider range of furniture and accessories for various interiors and occasions. Alongside our previous Naïve and Bean sofas, we believe the trio makes a great selection of modern seating to choose from,” — says EMKO founder Erika Markovska-Mikulskienė.
Lounge furniture set: 2-Seater Saler Modular Sofa by Santiago Sevillano, Lietuva Linen Rug, Pinion Side Table
WHY IT’S SPECIAL?
The idea of Saler Sofa comes from a long time ago — the designer started working on this project around 2014-2016, and it finally became possible with the help of the EMKO team in 2022.
“When Santiago approached us with his idea, we were already looking for such a design — something comfortable to relax, but also stylish and unique from the competition. Santiago’s offer caught our attention with an interesting wooden part and a curved silhouette that holds great storytelling, too,” — says Erika.
3-Seater Saler Modular Sofa by Santiago Sevillano for EMKO
THE SOLUTION
Originally, Saler is a beach in Valencia (Spain) characterised by its dunes and vegetation. The place is famous for its serene atmosphere to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea.
Inspired by the curved shapes of these dunes, Santiago Sevillano created a silhouette of the Saler Modular Sofa. Due to its design, this sofa allows multiple combinations of seats and invites you to relax as if it is a sunny day at the beach. The upholstered part of the sofa rests on a wooden base inspired by boardwalks leading through the dunes to the seashore.
“While developing this sofa, our main goal was to stay as close as possible to the core idea of the piece — to find the right way to highlight the wooden part and connect it with upholstery effectively. Not forgetting the overall story, too: conveying the seaside mood, choosing the right textures and tones,” — says EMKO Head of Development Aurimas Kalpavičius.
Finally, Saler Modular Sofa is available in four colours and two sizes, along with a lounge chair and pouf, all of which can be purchased on our e-shop.
Saler Modular Sofa Sketch by Santiago Sevillano
CURIOUS HOW SUCH DESIGNS ARE BORN?
Now, let’s take a look from the designer’s perspective.
Santiago, what is your favourite part of being a designer?
The movement and the problem-solving of everyday issues. Design work means moving, having information and collaborating with partners. All this gives you a life experience you cannot get from other professions.
Where does your inspiration come from?
We are Mediterraneans. Probably it comes from our everyday way of living or our relaxation time. Usually, we do not have this sense of “inspiration” — we act in the way we can see the best solutions.
Livingroom furniture set: 3-Seater Saler Modular Sofa, Citizen Side Table and Chaos Linen Rug
How would you describe your style?
International, essential and elegant with a bit of fun. We cannot stay in a box. Every client and market is different, allowing us to experiment inside and outside the project.
To which aspects of design do you give the highest priority?
Client contact and information. I consider design as a formula to solve with information and range of development: time, factories, materials, needs of the market, etc.
And, of course, it should be comfortable and easy to use or move.
How do you know when an object is finished and needs no additional work?
You never know — everything is a process. You cut when you see that it is the correct solution.
What, according to you, is the role of collaboration in design?
Fundamental. Without talking and sharing on-time information, you might be working on the things your client or market does not need, this way losing a lot of time.
2-Seater Saler Modular Sofa and Dessus Wall Shelf
BLITZ QUESTIONS
Favourite work tool?
Pencil and WhatsApp with some renderings.
Best soundtrack for design?
Usually, I don't listen to music. Maybe radio in the car.
Favourite material?
〰️ Light. Working with light is amazing.
〰️ Everything solid. Maybe the combination is the nicest way to work.
Design-related content you’d recommend checking out?
Right now, Valencia is the World Design Capital. So there are full of interesting exhibitions.
If we talk about habitat design: Milano Design Fair (and Triennale), Maison et Object in Paris or the next Valencia Furniture Fair are great spots to see everything.
Also, The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand — I can recommend it both as a book and as a movie.
What’s the closest thing to real magic? ✨
At this moment, peace.