Author: Sophie Wannenes, interior design
Co-author: Václav Mlynář, Bomma’s creative director, interior design
Client: Bomma, www.bomma.cz
Main interior supplier: PalermoUno, www.palermouno.it
Project: Monument Office, www.monumentoffice.com
Graphic design: František Kast [PageFive], pagefive.com
Art curator: Danica Kovářová
Art pieces: Matyáš Chochola, www.matyaschochola.cz
Michaela Karásek Čejková, www.karasekcejkova.com
Veronika Drahotová, http://veronikadrahotova.com
Alena Kotzmannová, https://kotzmannova.cz
Peter Fabo, www.peterfabo.name
The cubist Diamond House in downtown Prague conceals the BOMMA Atelier – a newly created hub for meetings of both professionals and aficionados with a passion for design, for the first time showcasing all BOMMA lighting collections in one space. This unique urban apartment combines original custom-built functionalist furniture with products that carry world-renowned leading brands of contemporary interior design, opening a dialog regarding the possibilities of this industry.
BOMMA, the Czech producer of crystal lighting, decided to use the unusually composed apartment in the Cubist Diamond House as its first showroom. The house was designed by architect Emil Králíček in 1912 and the BOMMA glassworks opened exactly 100 years after this Cubist gem was built. The company rented the apartment directly from the descendants of the original owner, Adolf Hoffmeister, who was a writer, politician and leading figure of the First Republic avant-garde.
However, the BOMMA Atelier accommodates more than simply the presentation of crystal lighting in the context of other top brands, art and historic furniture. Its goal was to create a hub dedicated to interior design within this unique historic setting – a living space for inspiration, discussion and meetings among both professionals and the general public. Aside from meeting with partners and clients, BOMMA plans to organize various events and lectures, as well as recording BOMMA Design Talks podcasts covering interior design.
Eva Kozarová, BOMMA Marketing Director, explains “Since its founding, BOMMA has built upon original design, top-level craft quality and concentrated its efforts on creating exceptional and timeless products. This impression of our original aesthetic only becomes stronger in combination with unique architecture and the overall design of the atelier. We wanted more than to merely present our collection. Our aim was to create a truly inspirational and unconventional space that fully showcases the possibilities of interior design. This is why we approached interior designer Sophie Wannenes, from Milan. Her characteristically Italian approach to design goes beyond the ever-present minimalism. She understands how to connect different styles and use daring combinations to underline the character of individual products.”
In their new Atelier, BOMMA presents all their lighting collections, gathered together for the first time, along with selected design pieces from leading Czech and international brands. Each element was personally selected by Sophie Wannenes, the curator of the space, an interior designer and owner of a design gallery in Milan, in collaboration with Václav Mlynář, BOMMA’s Creative Director.
“The concept is based on current European trends, into which we blended colors to create an almost stage-designed yet harmonious atmosphere,” Sophie Wannenes, the interior designer of the BOMMA Atelier, reveals about the project, “The result is an authentic space for life and work, as well as education, an environment that truly represents designers and the brands that share their love of design.”
However, the current appearance of the space is will constantly be in flux. The intent is for the BOMMA Atelier to keep changing, thus truly showcasing the possibilities of working within an interior and inspiring the creative in its visitors. Several international designers have already promised a residency. They will live in the residential wing of the apartment during their stay in Prague, to fully absorb the exceptional character of the space. Residencies will then result in designs that transform the individual rooms, including brand new BOMMA lighting collections.
The combination of the original furnishings of the apartment with BOMMA lighting, art, furniture and decorations from leading international contemporary design brands aims to create absolutely unique interiors with the goal to open a much-needed dialog concerning the many diverse approaches to interior design.