Gabriela Kavinska’s designs made a significant impression on me at the Ambiente fair, showcasing innovative creativity and craftsmanship. Her ability to simplify complex forms while maintaining aesthetic appeal truly highlights her talent and creativity and I am happy that she accepted to be interviewed for Revista Atelierul.
1. You are a Polish designer specialized in furniture and product design; how did you find your creative path? Can you tell me a couple of words about yourself?
I graduated Product Design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków (Poland), where I gained skills in design principles – user centered process, sketching, and 3D software. However, my style was created later. After studying, I moved to Warsaw, where I worked as a designer. I was designing products, interiors, scenography and retail. It was during this time that I began to define my own design aesthetic. Everything around me, people, art, theater, movies influenced me and shaped my creative approach. I always aspired to transform my projects into a design brand. In 2024, I took that step by launching my own design studio in Warsaw. The studio both sells original design pieces and offers creative services to other companies.
Gabriela Kavinska, photo by Pablo Pulido
2. How d you define your style for your creations?
I like to define my style as emotional design. I believe that in design the most crucial are the emotions that we can invoke in recipients by our works.
3. What are the values for your creations? What was the moment that defined your style?
I believe that my style was growing slowly during all my design path. It reflects my sense of esthetic, people, places and art that surrounds me. I like to look for inspiration in small things that we remember from our childhood, something which makes you smile
4. I discovered your brand at Ambiente in 2025, I loved your colorful creations. Can you tell me more about your Pinocchio table, Forest’s modular figure and all your childhood inspired design?
Thank you so much! The Pinocchio is a table inspired by the shape of a traditional wooden toy. By adding or removing colorful elements, the height of the table can be easily changed. You can use free modules to form a seat. The key feature of this table is interactivity, allowing users to shape and adapt it according to their preferences. Each rearrangement of the modules transforms the table into a unique sculpture. The table is made entirely of beech and pine wood. The simple construction of the object allows for self-assembly, subsequent maintenance and recycling. Easy access to individual components – the ability to repair or replace them extends the life of the product.
It is made of pine wood, beech wood and plywood.
Pinocchio table, photo by Antuan Becker
Pinocchio table, photo by Antuan Becker
Pinocchio table, photo by Antuan Becker
Pinocchio table, photo by Antuan Becker
My second object presented at Ambiente, the Forest is a decorative figure, which consists of five shapes, each of them has a different number of modules, the user’s task is to connect the modules and build a forest. Everyone can create their own version of the figure by experimenting and changing the order of the modules. The product is entirely made of beech wood and produced locally in Poland.
The Forest, photo by Antuan Becker
The Forest, photo by Antuan Becker
5. How was your experience at Ambiente? At what other fairs did you exhibit your design products?
I found Ambiente fairs so exciting. I always like to attend trade fairs, because of direct contact with people. Ambiente is a place to share ideas, cooperation. I had a chance to meet people from many different countries, and different branches of the design business.
In April 2024 I exhibited at Salone Satellite. It is a part of Salone del Mobile – big design trade fairs organized during Milan Design Week in Rho Fiera. The Salone Satellite is an area dedicated for designers below 35 years old. This presentation was very important for me, except for presenting my objects I designed and produced a unique scenography that surrounded my works.
I exhibited also in Blickfang Vienna in November 2024. The event took place at the MAK Museum in the heart of Vienna. It allowed me to connect directly with my customers and gain first-hand insights into the Austrian market.
6. Where do you take your inspiration from, and how is a piece created? Do you prefer any podcasts, places, and/ or songs?
I’m so much into theatre and movies. I like works of polish theatre director Anna Karasińska. My favorite movie directors are Pedro Almodovar and Paolo Sorrentino.
I live in Warsaw and this city also inspires me every day. I have my favorite places that always give me a good energy – Muranów Cinema with stunning interiors and artistic movies, morning Saturday runs in Park Szczęśliwicki, or walks in Vistula River area. I like to discover new places here – cafes, galleries, vintage shops.
7. What stories do your design products tell most of the time?
My approach in creating all my objects is always to create elements of a fairy tale. I like to make products which stop you for a moment, make you smile, and turn reality into something magical.
The forest, photo by Gabriela Kawińska
8. How do you see design products in a more and more digital society?
I believe the physical and digital worlds are constantly influencing each other. Digital media are extremely visual, it has shaped how we see, interpret, and respond to objects. This visual language, born from screens, social media, and virtual environments, has a strong impact on how physical products and interiors are now designed, presented, and experienced.
9. How do you deal with plagiarism? Did this happen to you?
Plagiarism is always a concern, especially when you put a lot of personal meaning and effort into your work. Every time I present a new piece, there’s a bit of anxiety that someone might try to copy it. Unfortunately, it’s something many designers face, and it can be difficult to prevent entirely. However, I try to focus more on the story I want to tell through my designs.
10. Do you have special designers that you follow or admire?
I like Patricia Urquiola projects, the way she combines contemporary design products with traditional craft techniques. I look for inspirations also in set design. I follow the scenographers: british Shona Heath and polish Anna Szczęsny.
11. What do you think is the greatest challenge for a product designer in 2025?
I believe the greatest challenge for a product designer is to do no harm. Throughout the entire lifecycle of the product, from the initial concept to it’s end of life. This includes designing with the user at the center, choosing sustainable materials, and considering how the product can be refurbished or recycled. It also means using new technologies in a thoughtful, responsible way that avoids unintended negative impacts.
Photo from Salone Satellite
12. Do you prefer online or offline interactions with your public? How would you define the public that buys your statement design creations?
I believe both online and offline interactions are valuable in different ways. Trade fairs and physical exhibitions offer a unique chance for direct contact with my audience. I really appreciate hearing how people interpret my objects. Being present in the same space allows for spontaneous conversations, body language and reactions that digital media can’t always capture. These interactions often reveal unexpected perspectives and help me grow as a designer. At the same time, being active in digital spaces is incredibly important. It allows me to connect with a much broader audience, people who may live far away or wouldn’t otherwise discover my works.
As for the public who buys my products, they’re often people who enjoy objects that tell a story or provoke thought, something that goes beyond function and adds personality to a space.
All the photos are send by Gabriela Kavinska from her archive.
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