New Talent Studio Gorm

An appreciation of the beauty in an object’s true function drives the work of Studio Gorm.

- Mikki Brammer

If there’s an apt description for the work of Studio Gorm, it’s soothing. Perfectly rounded corners. Clean lines. Natural materials. An unobtrusive color palette. And what’s more, it’s all just so useful.

Utility is key for John and Wonhee Arndt—the Eugene, Oregon–based duo behind Studio Gorm—whether they’re designing furniture, lighting, products, interiors, or exhibitions. Their well curated portfolio ranges from laundry baskets and butter dishes to rockers and trestle tables, all executed with the same dedication to bare necessity.

Their appreciation of spare objects has only deepened in recent years. John and Wonhee—who met while studying at Design Academy Eindhoven and formed Studio Gorm in 2007—have immersed themselves in the principles of two “cultures of functional aesthetics”: the Japanese and the Shakers.

“Those two places are very different culturally, but still have these similar aesthetic sensibilities,” John says. “They’re both very respectful of the material, they’re very useful, and they’re really considerate as far as how the thing is used in a very aesthetic and functional way.”