June 2023: Q&A with Nadia Olive Schnack; Making of . . . Twin
June 2023
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Feature
Unexpected gestures of color, pattern and texture characterize the compelling interiors of designer Nadia Olive Schnack. For this month's Sketchbook, we asked Nadia, who represents SkLO through her Copenhagen-based atelier Schnack Archive, to share her design process as well as her unique take on the relationship between color and light.
Nadia Olive Schnack and her husband, Adam Schnack, at the Schnack Archive in Copenhagen; a SkLO Twin 1.0 Sconce in blue palette glass color and dark oxidized brass hardware hangs on the far wall; Photographed by Enok Holdegard; Styled by Mille Collin
Q: Where do you find inspiration?
A: My process is never the same. Sometimes I find inspiration in a piece of cloth or other times when watching a movie or listening to a piece of music. Right now I have a very strong relationship with the color red. So everything I see with red gets my attention, and [my design] grows from that.
Q: How would you describe your process?
A: When beginning a new project, there is always a building or a person that provides the foundation. From that I begin to build up a scheme and find objects that fit the atmosphere we want to create to enhance the space. After we have a mood board, my colleague Carla Logo will begin to draw everything including the furniture plans, bathroom details, new kitchen, etc.
A SkLO Drape Circle 28 Chandelier hangs from a red coffered ceiling in private residence designed by Nadia Olive Schnack in Copenhagen; Photographed by Lars Gundersen
Q: What draws you to color?
A: Color is a magical tool to enhance things or hide them away. It is a driver to show character and personality. Color is a simple way to define and say who you are. Color is a mood changer. Mood is everything!
Q: What is the relationship between light and color?
A: Without light there is no color. I proceed differently from room to room depending on how much or how little light there is in terms of what colors to choose
The Drape Circle 28 Chandelier palette chosen by Nadia Olive Schnack combined white glass, dark oxidized brass hardware and black fabric-wrapped electrical cord; the chandelier was carefully composed to fit within the proportions of the open stair; Photographed by Lars Gundersen
Q: Is your approach different when using light in a darkly colored room versus light in a brightly colored one?
A: Yes, though this depends on what the room is used for. If it is a cocktail bar I would recommend a dim light, but if it is a walk-in closet, I would suggest a stronger and brighter light even if it is a dark room. In a colorful and vibrant setting, I would focus more on the lamp than the light. The lamp needs to build character in a space like this.
Q: What advice do you have for using color in interiors?
A: Make a plan. Begin in the room that inspires you the most and build the plan from there. Go to places you love - maybe a museum, restaurant or another place to kick off your inspiration. My trick is to never use black or white as they are too hard to look at and seldom create a nice atmosphere. If I want white panels, I always add a touch of green or red or whatever fits with the walls and ceiling. It's the same when using black, which could be a choice for railings and windows in a summer house, for example. I would use the dark color but with a drop of color like red or blue (I love dark purple). This instantly adds some warmth and character where black itself is endless and quite depressing.
A Hold 18 Sconce with white glass and dark oxidized brass hardware hangs in the entry foyer of this residential project in Copenhagen by Nadia Olive Schnack; photographed by Line Klein
Q: What makes good lighting?
A: Lighting is good when it suits the function of the space. Lighting is difficult - too much or too little is always a challenge. An example is in a restaurant. You would rather have less lighting but with fixtures that create a lot of personality. Too much light would not provide a pleasant experience.
Q: What is appealing to you about SkLO fixtures? How do they complement your design vision for a space?
A: First of all I appreciate the quality and the feel of the handmade details. And the focus on glass is a win. It is playful but still classic. Best mix.
Nadia Olive Schnack chose SkLO Stem 2X Sconces in a palette of white glass and brushed brass hardware for this residential bathroom project; Photographed by Line Klein
Q: Do you have a favorite SkLO fixture and why?
A: The Twin 1.0 Sconce is my absolute favorite. It offers a wonderful choice of colors and materials. It's very versatile.
Q: What does the future hold?
A: I am in the process of designing a bistro here in Copehagen. This is my first restaurant project and I'm very excited! It's a cool client, cool building and cool location. The triangle of creativity!
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Making Of
The Twin Lighting Collection grew out of experimentation with glass and glassblowing and trying to put colors together in a new way. The two pieces of every Twin glass element are first blown individually and then joined together while hot on the pipe. Deceptively simple looking, the glass elements require tremendous skill and ability to blow and produce in such a precise manner. The end result is beautiful, and each design of the Twin Collection is a testament to our dedication to the idea of craft.