BW - Handmade with Passion

BW - Handmade with Passion - EN

QUALITY AND PASSION DOWN TO THE LAST DETAIL EDITORIAL A team effort is an incredible thing! Every single piece of furniture made by Bielefelder Werkstätten is a team effort. It is carefully developed and crafted with our own hands, following precise, successive steps. It’s the only way we can guarantee the high quality that BW has been known for since 1956. To highlight this team effort even more in the future, we are presenting both of our design brands, BW Handmade with Passion and ipdesign, together for the first time in this edition of BW Magazine. This reflects our vision of a holistic furni- ture brand, which no longer just stands for perfectly crafted upholstered furniture, but interior design expertise across the board. With this new edition of our magazine, we invite you to discover the new world of the BW Group. Yours, Claus Anstoetz HANDMADE WITH PASSION 01

NOVELTIES 2024 What’s the meaning behind the challenge was to develop an armchair name NIMBO? that integrates well into the BW collec- The name comes from the Latin word tion, while enriching and strengthening it. “nimbus”, meaning cloud. Right at the beginning of my collaboration How was the collaboration? with BW, I asked myself, what embodies We took our time, and I think it was ultimate comfort and soft textures? And worth it. the answer was ... clouds! The whole process took around two years. I visited the factory in Bielefeld How did people ﬁrst react to NIMBO three times. BW’s craftsmanship is after it was presented? exceptional. I think it’s the brand’s most What I was most pleased about was the valuable asset. And for my work, it is fact that people instantly understood the obviously incredibly important to see idea of “sitting on a cloud” that inspired what the brand is capable of in terms of my design, especially with the light craftsmanship and technical expertise. bouclé upholstery on the model we It was a huge joy to experience that in presented. Although it does look equally person. amazing in velour! NIMBO can spin around 360 degrees. What was the biggest challenge? Was that planned from the start? When developing upholstered furniture, Yes! It was indeed planned from the I think ergonomics is the most important start. factor besides shape. Seeing how much In my eyes, function is what makes up great furniture is already out there on BW’s DNA as a manufacturer. It gives the the market only drives your own desire design the “perfect twist”, as it invites to make absolutely no compromise on the viewer and the person sat in the comfort in your next design. Another chair to take on different perspectives. HANDMADE WITH PASSION 03

NOVELTIES 2024 Let’s talk about LOOP! goes hand in hand with long life cycles How sustainable was the production of Yes! Allow me to introduce LOOP, the new built on quality and good design. And the design? sofa range we developed for ipdesign. as a designer, you are responsible for We thought through everything related to The name stems from its shape: its semi- designing products with long life cycles. transport very carefully: the modularity, circular, curved armrest that defines the the packaging and the transportability of look of the sofa from the front and conti- Where do you see the LOOP sofa within individual components. nues seamlessly to form the backrest the collection? When it comes to sustainable production, behind. An archetypically minimal piece When I get a brief, I obviously look at the the BW Group is already one step ahead of furniture that is built extremely well – current collection. A design can’t just land with its premium-quality manufacturing, which corresponds to both my philosophy in the collection like an UFO; local wood and very short supply routes – and that of Bielefelder Werkstätten. it has to blend in, while moving the brand Made in Bielefeld at its best! Everyone is talking about sustainability. forwards. Thinking ahead is one of the You have to understand that sustainability biggest challenges facing a designer. HANDMADE WITH PASSION 07

Does the sight of cord take you back to your childhood outﬁts? Or your parents’ or grandparents’ furniture? Do you think of speciﬁc colour combinations, too? We all have our own stories of cord – most of them are set in the 1970s. And now it’s back, both in fashion and interior design. Opt for modern shades like pink to give your (retro) furniture timeless appeal. Accessories in materials like gold, marble and glass add a touch of class to this textile revival. HAMILTON The HAMILTON tabletop comes in terrazzo or lacquered glass. The table and its frame harmonise perfectly with cord fabrics. POLO COCKTAIL With its skilful pleating, POLO COCKTAIL is a welcome guest at any party and in any living room, as an ensemble or on its own. POLO COCKTAIL armchair 14 HANDMADE WITH PASSION

LIVING LAVISH COZY With the new Cosmic Kiss collection, Carlucci’s head designer Simone Marshall puts the focus on jewel-like textiles in mystical shades. Here, it’s all about maximalism over minimalism. Lavishly embroidered linen and soft bouclé alternate with velvet, fake fur and mohair. In this interview, the textile expert talks about colour trends in décor and why they have so much to do with our (positive) feelings. Warmer, more earthy tones like When I stick to one colour group, I exude copper and terracotta are everywhere calm and can play with individual nuances. at the moment. What colours are But a polychromatic colour scheme is a you drawn to? lot more dynamic. Copper has a lot of warmth and some- The key question is: What atmosphere do thing immensely calming about it. But at I want to create in the room? Do I want it the moment, we’re seeing a lot of pastels to be calm, for example in a bedroom, or and light tones too—at Carlucci, we love more lively? to use contrasts. Letting your feelings guide you can never be wrong. So designing starts earlier than you When it comes to cushions, standalone might think. Are there basic rules for armchairs or throws, I’m all for being the colour scheme of a room? bold and adding colour! But obviously, The only rules are those you give yourself not everyone is drawn to the same by thinking: What do I want to achieve shades. Red can be seen as a symbol with this room? Dark walls can look beau- of love, something positive and gentle, tiful in smaller rooms. But if the room is but also as a sign of warning. The way too big, they can soon feel oppressive. we see colours and the feelings we When it comes to colour in rooms, colour associate with them is very different can really pop against a dark background. for everyone. That’s why I find colours so The same colours against a cream or interesting. You can play with them in white sofa can bring an energetic vibe many different ways. and therefore have a completely different impact. Can you share an example? Mystical depth or fresh energy? Like peacock feathers, which feature in There are no rules. Instead, you should our wallpaper print. The colour of peacock play with colour, listen to yourself and feathers ranges from turquoise to blue to ask: How do I feel? What do I want? green, which creates harmony. 16 HANDMADE WITH PASSION &

Shades of gray and cream dominate the atmosphere of the living area (right), giving it a modern, bright, and welcoming feel. Brass-colored velvet cushions add elegant accents. mend being palette is only nice when you want a calm more temperate. atmosphere. If you were to choose blue This is for as an accent colour, I would recommend sustainability combining different shades, like an Yves reasons, too. Klein blue with turquoise or ocean blue. It’s hard to get And then of course, the question remains: fed up of a quality sofa. How can I play with accessories? Gold goes with blue and accentuates it, for Once I have that, example through gold piping. I can then build the rest of the Are there any colours that just don’t room around it work well, or even shades that you and bring it to would advise against? life with individ- No. Essentially, anything you like is allo- ual armchairs. wed. You shouldn’t limit yourself, but lis- And of course, ten to how you feel. Personally, I wouldn’t cushions are go for red curtains because I find them something that too overpowering. But I know people who can be easily do, and it looks really beautiful, like a and quickly Bordeaux-coloured velvet around the swapped. window. Would you I wouldn’t necessarily recommend linen It really depends on the material. Where do you start when choosing a choose two or three different shades, in a deep red, but a rich, lustrous shade room’s colour scheme? or is it best to identify a primary and in velour or mohair is very elegant. I start with the largest piece of furniture, accent colour? I could also imagine red in a space with which should last for a long time. For I find accent colours aren’t enough and a lot of concrete, as it would give it a example, the sofa. Here, I would recom- can soon become boring. A tonal colour different, almost theatrical twist. HANDMADE WITH PASSION 17

LIVING As head of design of the brand JAB ANSTOETZ Fabrics, Pascal Walter certainly knows a thing or two about upholstery fabric. In this article, he reveals what to look out for when choosing fabric, as well as the hottest patterns right now. Why are JAB ANSTOETZ Fabrics the onto any model. From a textile design- perfect match for BW furniture? er’s perspective, the fabric can also All brands of the JAB ANSTOETZ Group set the tone. When I want to present a work closely together, and our collabo- new fabric, I think about the model on ration with Bielefelder Werkstätten is which it would really shine. Ideally, the particularly intensive. We use models furniture and fabric work hand in hand for our photo shoots and showrooms to form an excellent piece. and therefore work with BW furniture throughout the year. When developing What patterns are experiencing a new fabrics, we also get upholstery revival right now? tests carried out. For upholstery fabrics, definitely graphic The feedback from our colleagues designs with a slightly retro feel. at BW is then incorporated into our The best example is our new jacquard development and design process. upholstery velour MONTE CARLO. We got BW to upholster it onto a What sets the tone? The fabric DARON armchair for our photo shoot. design or the furniture design? The fabric and armchair work perfectly I think both can. together. In our sustainable collection Obviously the furniture design dictates RETURNITY, we have a classic meander whether a model should have a classic and a chevron, two graphic designs or modern look, whether it is particu- that can be interpreted in a very mod- larly suitable for velour or a flat weave, ern, classic or retro way depending on or whether a surface would best suit the colourway. plain or patterned fabrics. Even the processing must be carefully examined, as you cannot just upholster any fabric POLO LIVING With its voluminous upholstered backrest, POLO LIVING makes for a particularly comfortable seat. Loose individual cushions can also be used as armrests. POLO LIVING sofa POLO LIVING armchair HANDMADE WITH PASSION 25

BEST OF BIELEFELD There aren’t many German cities associated with so world since IT student Achim Held posted a satirical many myths and expressions. Udo Lindenberg first message denying its existence almost exactly sang the following line in 1976: “And if I don’t see 30 years ago, ended in 2024 with the verdict, you in this world, I’ll see you in Bielefeld.” “Yes, Bielefeld really does exist.” And boy, does it But the most well-known and stubborn myth ques- exist! BW Bielefelder Werkstätten, a brand of the tions the very existence of this East Westphalian JAB ANSTOETZ Group, has been actively shaping jewel. The Bielefeld conspiracy, debated around the the city’s history since 1956. 28 HANDMADE WITH PASSION

PORTRAIT Local tourists are invited to come and take a de- tailed look at the production on Potsdamer Street during a guided tour.“Everyone should and is al- “AS A FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS THAT HAS ALWAYS PRODUCED lowed to know where we come from, what we stand IN-HOUSE AND COLLABORATED for and where we’re going”, says BW’s CEO Claus Anstoetz. He’s not just referring to BW’s deep roots in this important economic region of Germany known as the “East Westphalia furniture mile”. He also means the company’s wide sustainability programme, which isn’t just a trend for BW, but a long-standing WITH LOCAL SUPPLIERS, WE ARE WELL-POSITIONED FROM THE GROUND UP.” Claus Anstoetz conviction. Local, certified materials, short delivery ation, the children of our employees, are already routes and product longevity are prerequisites for looking for and finding their place at Bielefelder everything BW does. Werkstätten. This is certainly due to the company’s philosophy, but also this unique city, which doesn’t In addition to a rooftop solar panel system, the just exist, but is a great place to stay. region’s ground-breaking biogas cogeneration plant, which was commissioned in 2012, provides the With around 340,000 inhabitants, Bielefeld is both energy required for climate-neutral production. the largest city and economic centre of the East But just as vital is a great atmosphere. Long-stand- Westphalia-Lippe region. It is a city of furniture, a ing, highly specialised employees in the factory, city of fabric and a city of fashion. Visitors are occa- logistics and sales are celebrated and nurtured for what they are: human resources, the most important resource that a manufacturing company can have today. We are delighted to see that the next gener- 30 HANDMADE WITH PASSION

RIGHT SIDE: Even the architecture of the art gallery close to the city centre (top left) is a sight to see. “A modern temple made from red sandstone”, says Pascal Walter, head of design of the JAB ANSTOETZ Group. “It’s a small, but spe- cial collection, and the temporary exhibitions are internationally renowned.” Historical and culinary gems line up in the alleyways surrounding the Old Market: shown here are the Klötzer restaurant and delica- tessen (top right), the façade of the Kachel- haus built in 1928 (bottom right) and the bronze linen weaver statue (bottom left). LEFT SIDE: The headquarters of the JAB ANSTOETZ Group from above with its elegant showroom on Potsdamer Strasse. sionally surprised to discover the many independent boutiques that have opened around the Old Market and to the east of the old town: Hindahl & Skudelny, Friederike von Müller’s Puddingtown and Katrin Stallmann’s shop Tragbar are shining examples. Bielefeld is chic. A fact that certainly has Bielefeld’s past as the capital of the linen industry in the early 20th century to thank. The linen weaver statue in the park behind Nikolai Church has become a land- mark, alongside the towering Sparrenberg Castle. This city, surrounded by Teutoburg Forest, is loved by its inhabitants and admired by guests. It exists, it’s beautiful – and it’s here to stay. PORTRAIT HANDMADE WITH PASSION 31

Mirco Schäpe, Design & Development movable furniture clean if it’s placed at JAB ANSTOETZ Flooring, explains directly on a hard surface so you don’t which characteristics good ﬂooring scratch the floor underneath. should have in dining areas. Is there anything to keep in mind What ﬂooring is particularly suitable? when combining ﬂooring with a rug? As a general rule, flooring in dining A rug should be large enough for the areas should be hard-wearing. Things chairs to stand on it properly without are always dropping off the table with- toppling over, even when they’re pushed out people realising. The flooring should back. That’s the biggest problem clients ideally be scratch-resistant, especially face when they’re not so experienced. if you’re moving around on it with chairs or something like that. Salt, hair and Why are natural ﬂoors so on trend sand can also collect in the glides that right now? you hopefully stick underneath your It’s actually not natural flooring itself chairs, which wears down the surface. that’s on trend at the moment, but nat- ural shades. Over the last few decades, How do you ﬁnd the right ﬂooring I have noticed that whenever the world for you? outside goes haywire, people withdraw Even though I advocate for durability, and everything must be warm and cosy. you can essentially put any kind of People then prefer warm and calming flooring you like under your dining tones over grey. We can also see that table. People often place a rug under- in our collections: There are far more neath anyway to highlight the ensem- light woods and wood designs than ble. But I would avoid doing that with dark or grey ones. But if you’re looking young children. As a basis, you could for a sustainable, 100% recyclable go for beautiful natural flooring, design product that isn’t glued, I would really flooring or parquet. There aren’t any recommend our new natural flooring rules, but it’s important to keep any line INFINITY by JAB ANSTOETZ. DINING BUTLER The BUTLER bar cart isn’t just ready to roll. It combines both functional and beautiful features: high-quality materials, craftsmanship and elegance. 34 HANDMADE WITH PASSION