Inspired by the Past, 
Handcrafted for a Lifetime






Benediko founder and designer Desi Koleva. 
Photo ©Achim Käflein

“The name Benediko originates from the beautiful name Benedict, a name with a strong and positive meaning rooted in history,” says Desi Koleva, founder and creative leader of Benediko, a sculptural lighting and furniture company based in Germany. Benedict comes from the Latin name Benedictus, meaning “blessed,” and there is something blessed, or at least blissful, about Benediko’s designs — classical forms enhanced with hand-applied, hand-sculpted finishes to create tasteful visual accents. Their lighting pieces and furniture are all made by hand in small workshops by skilled artisans to the highest standards, and nothing leaves the workshop until it is perfect. Benediko specializes in painted plaster used to embellish and transform simple metal and wood structures. Incollect spoke with Desi in her studio about the importance of craftsmanship and materials in creating great design.




By Benjamin Genocchio  

All photos courtesy of Benediko unless otherwise noted 




What distinguishes Benediko from other design brands?

The Benediko pieces embody a unique aesthetic and visual experience that derives largely from the knowledge of the people who create our lighting and furniture, drawing on their years of wisdom and experience and their love of and dedication to craftsmanship.




Left: The Etna Side Table in Forest Brown finish. Individually hammered and hand-formed, the plaster finish is textured to resemble tree bark, and the top is hand-sculpted for an organic appearance. Right: With rose leaves twining through a textured frame, the Appian Lantern resembles a piece of naturalistic sculpture. Available in two sizes and either Antique Gold or White Plaster finish.



What is the secret of your fine finishes? 

We use a lot of plaster, one of the most versatile and adaptable mediums for sculpture. Our craftsmen paint the plaster directly onto our designs in layers with a brush, then meticulously sculpt and sand it repeatedly to get the desired shape and form. The material can be left in its natural state for a more organic look or painted over to match the specific color palette of a room or interior style. 



What made you want to be a designer?

There have been so many influences on me including experiences from my travels, art I have seen, people I've met, and my cultural heritage. Then there is the simple fact that I come from a family of artisans. I studied marketing initially although I have never worked directly in that field. Inspired by my family and by a desire to design something of my own, something different, I ended up founding the Benediko company. 



What was your best business decision?

I have been lucky enough to find some very talented artisans to help realize the vision of the company, people who are not only brilliant at what they do but who have a real understanding of my design language. Without their considerable expertise, experience, commitment, and love for their craft, we would be just another interiors company.



The spare and striking sculptural carved forms of the Monter Pendant and Linea No. 2 Console Table give these pieces a distinctly contemporary feel, while their velvety plaster finish exudes Old World richness. The Linea Console Table is shown in Black topped with marble; also available in Bronze and a creamy travertine top. The Monter Pendant is shown in Bronze finish with Copper inside and is available in several additional finishes.



What does a workday look like for you? 

Busy! I oversee all aspects of the business. But mostly I am always studying, always absorbing, and always looking at design, art, and architecture for ideas and inspiration for our handcrafted design pieces.



How would you describe your design sensibility? 

A quest for beauty is the lantern that guides my design process and inspiration. 



What inspires you as a designer?

My work is inspired by emotion — whatever moves me. Books inspire me, artworks and people inspire me. Whether it’s an object, a place, or just a color that really speaks to me — that’s the essence of my work. 




Left: The Galba Wall Sconce comes in two sizes and is fully customizable, including the texture of the shade. Right: The Etna Wall Sconce shown in Antique Gold, also available in Forest Brown. The linen lampshade is included, in a choice of white or natural linen.



What are your most popular designs?

One of our best-selling designs is the Galba Wall Sconce. It really catches the eye with its dramatic and distinctive form as well as the soft ambient light it provides. The Etna Lamps are another customer favorite — truly unique pieces that bring a touch of nature into your home with their organic design. Everything in the Linear Collection has also got a lot of interest, but most especially the mirrors. I believe their popularity lies in their sculptural nature and the artistry behind their construction, which makes each piece stand out in any interior.



Does your work connect with any historical references? 

I take a lot of inspiration from the past, especially Greek and Egyptian antiquities, as well as objects and images from the Renaissance and 20th-century Art Deco. I reinterpret elements from these historical sources for my shapes and finishes. 



Can you give me an example? 


Historic images inspired contemporary designs for Benediko lighting. Above: The Isis Wall Sconce and its ancient Egyptian mythological inspiration, the sacred boat of Isis, goddess of the sea. Below: Gothic cathedral ceiling architecture inspired the design of the Veris Chandelier.


The Isis series is based on a reinterpretation of both contemporary artworks and ancient Egyptian mythology. The inspiration for the shape of the Isis Lamp comes from the unusual horseshoe form of the sacred boat belonging to the Egyptian goddess Isis. The Isis Wall Sconce, a kind of abstract sculpture made of plaster over metal, also takes inspiration from this same source. The Veris Plaster Chandelier draws inspiration from the intricate beauty of decorative architectural elements adorning church ceilings. 



How do you begin the design process? 

I always carry a notebook with me and to quickly sketch anything that inspires me. This notebook is an essential part of my creative process, allowing me to capture and revisit my thoughts at any moment. To bring an idea to life I then continue sketching in search of the right balance, the right shape, the right proportions. The elements emerge naturally from the interplay of design, material, and function. My process begins with visualizing the object within a space, which means I imagine what it will bring to a setting, and how it will create atmosphere and comfort to envelop the viewer and transcend simple decor. 





Handcrafting a Calla Lily Wall Light. Each piece is hand cut, individually hammered, hand formed, then meticulously sculpted and sanded repeatedly to make objects of surreal beauty.



What is special about working with metal?

It is the ideal material because it adapts with elegance and ease to any interior. Tough and long-lasting, and yet infinitely malleable, it is suitable for solid pieces as well as for delicate art objects. 



Tell us about some of the interior design projects and commissions you have worked on recently.

We frequently receive commissions for custom-made pieces. Recently, however, we crafted a larger version of the Veris Chandelier for a private client, designed specifically for a foyer. This project allowed us to showcase the design on a more dramatic scale.



Are there other designers whose work you admire?

I have a real admiration for the work of Bruno Romeda. I’m drawn to how he takes simple, geometric shapes and turns them into something powerful and timeless. His use of natural materials like bronze and wood highlights their beauty without adding anything unnecessary. This has influenced me to focus on creating designs that are  simple and meaningful. 




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