Bernhardt
& Vella

“Probably our more feminine side translates into a mark of sweetness, softness, while also being contemporary and pragmatic”. Bernhardt-Vella was founded in 2008 by German designer Ellen Bernhardt, and Italian interior designer Paola Vella. The company is based in Milan.
Their starting point is research such as the maieutic process, taking inspiration from the world of art, from the masters of the past as well as from architecture, a starting point which creates their style, at the same time recognisable but personal to them. When we start to think about a new project we think of it projected into a hypothetical space. Often working on projects of different scales, from a single object to cabins and entire houses, it is natural to think about the use of the object or vice versa. We like to create surprising contrasts: experimenting with colour in all of its facets, neon lights with old paintings, precious textiles with industrial resin and old furniture with extravagant plants.” They therefore prefer flexible products that can merge and coexist in harmony with other pieces from different eras. To reach this objective, they discuss and work together as a pair, amplifying the creative lever that comes from their differing cultural backgrounds.
“Working with leading companies in the sector, we are stimulated to find ergonomic, high-performance illumination solutions. Without however dispensing with attention to detail. Brass, glass, etc. for example, appear woven in or as an insert to create a precious detail, noble, almost a reminder of the past and of the passage of time.”