Kelp + Lamp

During my MA in product design at the Royal College of Art 2024, I aimed to bring kelp into the furniture market due to its sustainable qualities. Inspired by artist Julia Lohmann, who creates structures from the material, and brands like Notpla that work with seaweed, I envisioned giving kelp a fresh perspective—one that wasn’t green or disposable. My goal was to incorporate it into the home in ways that showcase my personal taste and flair.

​

For the Lens Lamp, I drew inspiration from 1960s stained glass windows and explored creating a 2D lampshade influenced by the easel. For the Lantern Lamp, I incorporated the traditional Vietnamese lantern concept, inspired by my evenings in Ho Chi Minh City, blending it with a 1960s midcentury vision. I wanted to showcase the diverse range of colors achievable by dyeing kelp, presenting the material in a new light and making it desirable.

​

My aim was to create a retro feeling that captures the ethos of mid-century modern design with a nostalgic charm, using curves and raw materials like birch plywood, while providing a modern edge with the choice of kelp.

 

​