NEU STUDIO -
TILDE NYGAARD
Pleasing and piquant all at once
Tilde Nygaard has a penchant for organic shapes. The many designs that she has created in her studio over the years are all characterised by an enticing softness of expression. Beautiful circles and pleasant curves to delight the eye. But always characterful, and never lacking in vitality.
Industrial designer Tilde Nygaard is behind NEU Studio.
She has won several design awards as well as
international recognition for her work. Most recently, her
EAU tableware range earned a ‘Best of the Best’
distinction at the Red Dot Design Award 2024.
Good design should be functional, but preferably without radiating functionality. It should be pleasing to the eye, but at the same time pique your curiosity.
EAU:
Pleasant
self-service
Ideas for new designs are often inspired by a mood or an atmosphere that has captivated Tilde. The result is products that appeal to the senses, while conveying that special mood or atmosphere, rather than springing from a passing trend. The pleasant atmosphere or special sensuality never goes out of fashion.
Simplicity is the hard bit
Tilde works in many different materials, but favours natural and tactile materials such as glass, wood and ceramics. Materials that are visually pleasing in themselves because of their patterns, structures or the surprising effect of sunlight falling on them. When the material is interesting in itself, the shape can be kept very clean, which is just how Tilde likes it. An important part of her design process is about making the individual components interact with each other in the most beautiful way.
“I pare away, simplify, adjust and refine. It’s a
long process, because simplicity of style
calls for extreme attention to detail. It is the
only way of achieving true coherence. But if
you succeed in this, you may have created a
design of enduring beauty.”
Several of Tilde’s designs for Zone have been on the market for many
years, and are still in great demand. The timelessness enriching her
simple aesthetic matches her take on sustainability for 2024 and
beyond.
“The future belongs to designers who take timelessness seriously. In their designs, in their choice of materials and in their mindset. If we can get people to buy less but better, we will have come a long way.”
Stacks of success
In 2024, NEU Studio and Tilde Nygaard earned a ‘Best of the Best’ distinction at the Red Dot international design competition for EAU. A prestigious honour that is deservedly attracting a lot of attention to this stackable tableware range. Asked to highlight a single thing about the series that she is particularly pleased with, Tilde says that it encourages a special atmosphere.
The products look beautiful both individually and together as a family – without dominating. At the same time, they are extremely functional and perfect for casual table settings and informal gatherings.”