Mati Sipiora’s Steel Furniture: Where Bold Meets Playful
people • makers
Mati Sipiora, a designer based in Northern Poland, brings a unique energy to his work, particularly through his passion for steel and furniture. His creations reflect his personality—joyful, playful, and a touch rebellious—transforming cold, hard steel into kinetic, light forms that enhance living spaces. With an innovative approach, Mati reimagines traditional materials, making his pieces both functional and artistic.
WEBSITE: matisipiora.com INSTAGRAM: @mati.sipiora
Words: designeers
October 2024
designeers
Could you please give us a quick introduction? Describe what you create:
mati sipiora
Mati Sipiora is a designer based in Poland. Throughout his career, he has worked with various forms and materials, but he is most passionate about steel and furniture. His furniture reflects his personality: joyful, fun, and a little bit rebellious. His mission is to change cold and hard steel into a kinetic light form for use in your living space. His innovative approach breathes new life into traditional materials, making his designs both functional and artistic.
From the start of his career, Mati's work has garnered attention, being highlighted by prestigious publications such as: VOGUE Poland, AD Poland, Maison Marie Claire Korea, and more.
As Mati embarks on his journey into furniture design, he is already showing signs of becoming a highly unique and singular artist. His dedication to his craft and his ability to push the boundaries of conventional design set him apart in the world of contemporary furniture.
designeers
Can you tell us a little about your latest collection, and what is the inspiration behind it?
mati sipiora
My first collection, Futuroom, was launched a year ago. It all began with the Spektra chair, the very first piece in the collection. The reception of this design exceeded expectations, drawing significant attention not only from the Polish design community but also from across Europe. I received numerous encouraging messages on Instagram from designers and creatives, urging me to continue developing new designs. Inspired by this positive response, I decided to expand the collection, focusing on steel as the main material, with all pieces crafted in my family’s workshop.
The vision behind Futuroom is deeply influenced by the works of Stanisław Lem, the renowned Polish science fiction writer. His futuristic and philosophical ideas shaped my approach to creating furniture that is not only functional but also evokes a sense of wonder about the possibilities of the future.
designeers
What is your favourite piece in this collection?
mati sipiora
By far, the most important piece for me in the Futuroom collection is the Poodle armchair. Its retrofuturistic style radiates through its form, giving it a distinct personality and a recognizable aesthetic. On one hand, it is entirely unique, yet on the other, it’s exceptionally original and immediately commands attention. The Poodle armchair embodies the creative essence of Mati Sipiora’s design philosophy. While it can be classified as design, there is also a strong artistic element to it, placing it within the growing realm of Collectible Design—an increasingly popular trend in premium interiors worldwide.
The inspiration behind the Poodle armchair stemmed from experimenting with the durability and elasticity of steel. This exploration led to the creation of a piece that balances form and function with a sense of innovation and artistry.
designeers
Tell us about one thing that’s inspiring you lately and why.
mati sipiora
Lately, I've been deeply inspired by books, particularly one I recently read about the Polish Art Deco designer Julia Keilowa from the 1930s. Her work as an industrial designer stood out to me because of its timeless elegance, geometric precision, simplicity, and varied textures. Keilowa’s ability to create pieces that felt both modern and enduring, blending artistry with functionality, has sparked my imagination. It’s inspiring how her designs, rooted in minimalism and balance, remain relevant and influential today, reminding me of the beauty in thoughtful, well-crafted design. Today, her pieces are collectible, desirable pieces of functional art.
“The design process is inherently full of mistakes, and it's often through these missteps that the most well-thought-out products are born.”
mati sipiora
designeers
What are some of your methods to staying motivated, focused and expressive?
mati sipiora
One of my key methods for staying motivated, focused, and expressive is limiting the amount of information I take in from the internet. With so much information everywhere online, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so I make a conscious effort to stay offline when I need to focus. This helps me clear my mind, avoid distractions, and stay in touch with my own creative thoughts. Disconnecting allows me to focus on what truly matters and keeps my creativity flowing, whether I’m working on a project or simply reflecting on new ideas.
designeers
What’s the best mistake you have ever made?
mati sipiora
The design process is inherently full of mistakes, and it's often through these missteps that the most well-thought-out products are born. In fact, my best mistake happened when I accidentally pressed a steel pipe the wrong way. What initially seemed like an error ended up sparking a new direction, leading to the creation of the Cosmic series. That unplanned moment of experimentation opened up unexpected possibilities. It’s a reminder that mistakes can be a valuable part of the creative process, pushing boundaries and unlocking fresh ideas.
designeers
Favourite hotel in the world?
mati sipiora
My favorite hotel in the world is actually my parents' small hotel on the Polish seaside, where I grew up. It holds a special place in my heart. I go there every time I would like to reset and think of new projects. The simplicity, warmth, and connection to nature there have always inspired me. It’s a place that feels like home, and to me, that’s what makes it truly special.
designeers
A gallery or museum that inspires you?
mati sipiora
Two museums that truly inspire me are the Museum Barberini in Potsdam and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark. Museum Barberini offers a blend of classic and contemporary art that sparks fresh ideas, especially through its vibrant exhibitions and stunning architecture. The Louisiana Museum, with its seamless integration of nature, modern art, and architecture, creates an inspiring atmosphere that encourages reflection and creativity. Both places fuel my imagination and remind me of the power of art and design to transform spaces and experiences.
designeers
Design hero?
mati sipiora
For me, a design hero is someone who can solve problems in an effective and creative way. It's not just about aesthetics, but about finding innovative solutions that genuinely improve people's lives. I love observing how people deal with everyday challenges and thinking about how to invent new tools to make their lives easier. Whether it's a designer, an engineer, or even someone navigating daily life, the ability to combine creativity with practicality is what truly defines a design hero in my eyes.
