Camilla Ödmo

BordBord

BordBord is a series of design-conscious worktables launched by Studio Camilla Ödmo. Traditionally, worktables have tended to be heavy and conservative, as if to underline the seriousness of work. These tables, on the other hand, add playfulness to their surroundings, without stealing too much space. We spoke to BordBord’s founder Camilla Ödmo about her sources of inspiration and her perspectives on design.

AC: Tell us a bit about Bordbord. How was the project born and what is it today?

CÖ: I was in advertising right before I started BordBord. 10 years earlier I had worked as a cabinetmaker and designer, and during my time in the agency-world I started to miss that period of my life. I missed the process and the fact that there was a physical, tangible outcome. Not just ideas, pictures and copy. Bordbord started 2 years ago with just one worktable. Today it has grown into a creative studio with collaborations and an extended range of products.

AC: How would you describe the bordbord aesthetic?

CÖ: Playful, esthetic, functional.

AC: What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of “good” design?

CÖ: Usability, I think. But when it comes to furniture as a sculpture or art there’s of course a different criteria. I love design that speaks to you. It doesn’t have to look in a certain way or have a specific style. Sometimes it just says “hi take me home”.
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AC: Is there an underlying philosophy that grounds the way you create?

CÖ: Not really or maybe there is unconsciously. I create out of a feeling. It’s a playful process and sometimes I start up with the intention to sketch one thing and ends up with a totally different thing. I try not to have to many rules. Just do instead of philosophize to much.

AC: Where do you look to for inspiration?

CÖ: Art, architecture, magazines, friends, nature.

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AC: Which designers make your heart beat faster?

CÖ: Donald Judd and Finn Juhl.

AC: You mentioned that you wanted your tables to add playfulness to their surroundings. We like the idea that objects have a power to transform or influence human actions. What are your thoughts on this- especially in respect to the role of product design towards social function?

CÖ: I think both architecture and furniture has big part in how we feel. Both physically and mentally. When you enter a room you instinctively get a sense of the room. It’s like the room talks to you. I think this is so interesting. Sometimes I actually feel sick when spending time in a room and as I leave the place I feel better again.

AC:Why did you choose to work with the table specifically?

CÖ: I guess I saw a need. It’s almost impossible to find a nice work table or coffee table. Maybe that’s just me 😉

AC: Any plans to diversify into other products? What are the future plans for Bordbord?

CÖ: Maybe, but right now I have too many ideas of tables I like to do. In the future I like to do more collaborations. It’s an inspiring way to work.