In a world where design often leans towards the sleek and the standardised, the Lumberyard Project stands out as a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the allure of craftsmanship. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lars Hofsjö, the creative mind behind this venture, to delve into the inspiration and creative process of this project.
Lars's passion for clean, uncomplicated design rooted in the aesthetics of different designers: 'I've always been a big fan of De Stijl and American minimalism, and icons like Gerrit Rietveld, Donald Judd, Dan Flavin, Agnes Martin and others. This kind of art and shapes, very clean and uncomplicated. I've always liked this kind of design,' Lars explains.
Lars Hofsjö at work. Photos: Anthony Hill.
The project took shape during the COVID-19 summer when Lars found himself spending extended periods at his summerhouse, seeking a creative outlet. 'Sweden is such a big country. We have a lot of space and beautiful nature. Summerhouses are quite common here. I live in Stockholm, and my summerhouse is just an hour away,' he explained. With a modest workshop at his disposal, he began experimenting with materials sourced from his local lumberyard. However, it was a chance encounter with a fellow craftsman across the lake that truly transformed his approach. 'I found a guy on the other side of the lake with his own saw and forest. We talked a lot and became friends, so then I could buy materials straight from him, from the source,' Lars says.
This direct access to high-quality materials such as ash and oak opened up new avenues for Lars, allowing him to push the boundaries of his designs beyond standard dimensions. 'At the lumberyard, they had pine, but now I could pick wood like ash and oak. It's very nice wood to work with and you don't need to paint it,' he elaborates. This newfound freedom laid the foundation for the collection showcased at the Stockholm Furniture Fair last month, characterised by its use of untreated wood and striking, minimalist designs.
Left: LYPC - 64.1 - Box chair with leaning back - in Pine plywood, available natural or painted. Right: LYPC - 128.3 - Low backed chair - in Elm.
When asked about his creative process, Lars emphasised the constant flow of ideas and inspirations that fuel his work. 'People often ask me where my inspiration comes from. But I think it's hard to pick out something special. I kind of keep my mind running all the time, thinking of solutions and design. That's my kind of fun,' he shared. Whether immersed in the bustling city or surrounded by the tranquil beauty of nature, Lars finds inspiration everywhere, drawing from his surroundings to inform his creations.
Reflecting on his recent visit to the Stockholm Furniture Fair, Lars expressed satisfaction with the event's organisation. 'I've been going to the fair for 20 years. The years before COVID, it was so crowded and busy. Last year, there were a few empty spaces because a few brands didn't come. But this year the fair was better.' It was a significant fair for Lars, since it was the first time he showcased The Lumberyard. 'If you don't do it, you don't give it a chance. Now things are moving forward,' he says. With plans to expand his collection and explore new designs that blend artistry with practicality, Lars is poised to carve out a distinct niche in the world of furniture design.
To aspiring designers and creatives considering embarking on a similar journey, Lars offered a simple yet powerful piece of advice: 'You should do what you like. Don't think about what others will say. Sometimes you feel like you should fit in, but you should do what you think is right. And the most important thing: have fun!'
Left: LYPT - 1L - Low coffee table. Right: LYPT - ARCADE. Both a series in differing sizes and finishes - in painted pine.
More information:
The Lumberyard Project
Vegagatan 13
113 29 Stockholm
+46 704 - 43 78 43
[email protected]
www.lumberyardproject.se