At home with Sebastian Herkner

The German designer and 2023 Wallpaper* Design Award winner finds inspiration in his extensive travels around the globe and the spirit of optimism of his adopted hometown of Offenbach

- By Rosa Bertoli

Where do you currently live?

I have lived in Offenbach for more than half of my life. It’s the city where I studied product design and established my design studio. In addition to this apartment, my husband and I have a small apartment in Berlin to escape the studio routine from time to time.

Can you tell us about your neighbourhood?

Offenbach was the German city of leather production. Famous brands including Goldpfeil and Montblanc have manufactured wallets and bags here. Since the decline of the industry, the city has tried to reinvent itself and find a new identity. I find this spirit of optimism very inspiring.

How would you describe your home?

Our home is always changing. We love to buy crafted objects on our holidays; an old wedding chair in India, bowls in Bangkok or a ceramic head in Sicily. They always remind us of special moments and show the beauty of manufacturing.

What’s the story behind your favourite piece of furniture?

The Boat of Life was a present from close friends for my 40th birthday. It was made for me by Indigenous people from the Colombian Amazon, and it shows the good and bad encounters in life. There are squirrels on top of the boat. Squirrels are actually running around our studio’s courtyard and the craftspeople did not know about it.

How do you start your days?

This is less romantic. I watch the news and read emails on my phone while lying in bed.