“We try to make products that are simple and functional that will last and last, and we source as much as we can locally. Our new board balm is made from beeswax from a beekeeper in our village and most of our products are made from English Ash bought locally too.” Steve Brüün, founder and designer-maker at Bruun.
Designing with purpose comes naturally to dedicated designer-maker Steve Brüün whose carefully crafted work gives a nod to Scandinavian simplicity. He has always been influenced by Scandi style and believes this has naturally developed because of his Norwegian heritage. Each of his pared-back wooden designs tell a story through the simplistic yet thoughtful detail that breathes joy and delight into everyday household objects.
We had the pleasure of talking to Steve about his passion for his work, his inherited love of baking, and he captures the essence of what Christmas is all about…
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to set up Bruun?
I first trained as a cabinetmaker and for many years now I’ve specialised in designing and making bespoke kitchens and furniture. I guess I’m known locally for my meticulous attention to detail.
I started making gifts for people at birthdays and Christmas and the response was really positive. I also enjoyed making some smaller pieces so we thought we’d start a homeware line for those who embrace considered design and a simple aesthetic.
What does Christmas look like in your house?
In terms of decorating our house at Christmas, we tend to be pretty minimal. Any decorations we have are made of wood, paper or foliage from the garden. We have lots of lights and candles but these may go up before Christmas to help us enjoy the darker months. This all sounds very calm but Christmas is a busy time for us as we are a small family business with two kids so there can be a lot of frenetic energy too!
What childhood traditions do you welcome as part of your festive celebrations?
My mum loved to bake and I guess I have followed in her footsteps. I’ve got Scandinavian heritage so I often lean towards recipes from this region. This Christmas is all about perfecting the Pepparkakor (and you can see the Swedish Ginger Thins recipe by Nordic Kitchen Stories on enki).
Are there any rituals that you put in place to have a more mindful Christmas?
I love winter walks – preferably up a mountain somewhere – it helps the body, mind and soul. I also enjoy cooking for friends and we always have a pre-Christmas Christmas meal with our close friends each year.
As a small business, how do you support conscious shopping and minimal waste?
We try to make products that are simple and functional that will last and last, and we source as much as we can locally. Our new board balm is made from beeswax from a beekeeper in our village and most of our products are made from English Ash bought locally too.
We try to minimise waste in every way we can. We reuse paper and card packaging from our friend who runs a local shop. We try to use every part of the timber we buy. The smallest bits left over will even be used by the kids for their craft projects!
Your products make beautiful gifts, whether someone is buying for others or treating themselves. What joy do you hope people take from your designs?
We hope people enjoy the simplicity, quality, and pared-back nature of what we make.
What are you most looking forward to at Christmas this year?
To be honest, this Christmas will be a bit sad as I lost my wonderful mum earlier this year, but I am still looking forward to slowing down and spending time with my family and friends. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?
Take a look at the full collection of carefully crafted products at Bruun.
Read more interviews with other inspiring designers and craftspeople in enki’s Meet the Maker series.
