Nils Holger Moormann: A modern day Robin Hood

Nils Holger Moormann (right) at the Designers Open Awards Ceremony (Photo: www.designersopen.de)

Six years ago Nils Holger Moormann, designer and furniture producer, started a process against Ikea – accusing the Swedish company of ,how shall we put it, „borrowing“ one of his companies designs. Despite the pessimism of colleagues and industry insiders, Moormann won at every trial and Ikea were eventually obliged to remove the offending article from sale. The process may have cost Moormann lots of effort and resources, but it also won him a lot of recognition in the industry for his conviction and courage; and bestowed on him the image of a modern day Robin Hood, standing up for the rights of the little man regardless of the perils and personal sacrifice

Erika Spoon holder from Moormann

The self-styled autodidact Nils Holger Moormann first entered the furnishing industry in 1982. He established his company HQ in Aschau, Bavaria in 1992, and since then the Moormann company has grown continually and currently has 20 employees. The actual production of the products is outsourced to specialist companies in the region: Spreading the wealth in true Robin Hood tradition.

Nils Holger Moormann’s “speciality” is supporting young talented, generally unknown, German designers. The furniture they create should be characterised by  “simplicity”, “innovation” and “intelligence”; and not only the form, colour material and composition of the product should be new – it should also embody a new “discovery”. As such Moormann has established a reputation for encouraging creativity and humour in furniture design. Among those designers who have “graduated” from Moormann to become established designers in their own right are Konstantin Grcic, Markus Boge and Patrick Frey.

Erika espresso from Moormann

A classic example of Moormannian igenuity is his modular kitchen system Erika. Through its 23 different elements the Erika system turns bare, unused walls in any home or office into practical kitchen areas. Everything you require from mugs, spoons and espresso makers through to the proverbial kitchen sink can be added as specially designed modules.

Just as genial, playful and practical is the Moormann “Lese + Lebe” Seating-Shelving System. “Lese + Lebe” is a conventional double-seater sofa with an somewhat unconventional reverse side: A shelving unit for your favourite books – or your guilty secrets should you wish to store your “Lese + Lebe” next to the wall. If required “Lese + Lebe” also comes with an extractable footrest and fold down table. Under the seats are storage drawers, for example for storing a favourite rug for cosy autumn evenings and being on wheels it can be easily moved within a room.

The furniture collection established by Moormann is well worth a closer look. We at smow are delighted to be able to work so closely with Nils Holger Moormann be it furniture producer, speaker or competition judge.

Among the Moormann products we can heartily recommend are:

“Siebenschläfer”– Bed

“Abgemahnt” – Side table

“Tischmich” – Table

“Der kleine Lehner” – Lectern