BelarteSTUDIO, co-founded by Anna and Fredrik Appelqvist and renowned for its innovative wall murals, collaborated with Sebastian Dollinger, creative director of Robert Talbott, to bring a unique fusion of interiors and menswear aesthetics to life. BelarteSTUDIO’s signature style, which merges Scandinavian simplicity with vibrant international influences, complements Dollinger’s expertise in refined, modern menswear. Together, they created a collection that embodies a lifestyle of beauty and innovation, transforming spaces and redefining classic elegance through their combined vision. Anna, the studio’s creative force, and Fredrik, a strategic and resourceful doer, crafted BelarteSTUDIO’s designs as sustainable art expressions. With Dollinger’s two decades in fashion and dedication to quality, this collaboration bridges art and fashion, offering a unique spatial experience that challenges the conventional. See this incredible collection in today’s Maker Monday.
Anna and Fredrik Appelqvist
Anna and Fredrik AppelqvistAndrew Joseph: What design trends do you think will be popular in the coming years?
We believe the future of design will focus on creating personalized homes that reflect individuality and make people feel truly comfortable. Longevity will be key, with trends like wallpaper that will last you years and years are becoming more popular. The real trend will be staying true to yourself, designing environments where you can feel good, and embracing that everyone likes different things.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
We stay creative and inspired by keeping an open mind and looking in all directions. We find opportunities in unusual combinations, not just focusing on interiors but also drawing inspiration from art, fashion, and our broad interest in design. We are driven by curiosity, always asking, “What happens when you mix this with that?” Our passion keeps us energized, and creative meetings with others, like Sebastian Dollinger, spark fresh ideas. Design has so much to offer, and we love exploring it all.
A geometric patterned wall mural, inspired by colorful tiles. With calm yet whimsical colors in burgundy and green hues, the design manages to instill a feeling of stillness while still making a bold statement.
AJ: How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
Incorporating sustainability into our designs comes naturally as we focus on long-term, personalized spaces rather than chasing trends. We believe in creating wall murals that reflect your individual style and stand the test of time. Like our commitment to longevity within the design space, we prioritize materials and processes that support durability and eco-friendly practices. By embracing sustainability at every step, we ensure you find designs that resonate with you personally while caring for the planet.
AJ: What is the most important skill for a successful designer?
The most important skill for a successful designer is a combination of curiosity and open-mindedness. It’s essential to stay true to your vision and believe in your work, regardless of others’ opinions. Consistency and passion are key—you live and breathe design, picking up ideas in everyday moments and refining them. Credibility comes from doing what you do well. It’s also important to collaborate effectively with a team of creative minds, balancing individual ideas with collective innovation.
Sebastian Dollinger
Sebastian DollingerAJ: What is the most important element in a successful interior design?
It’s creating something that either solves a problem or stirs the senses. If you manage to combine the two, you’re a genius.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
Applying your mind to something you haven’t done before usually helps. You naturally draw on your experience to bring something new out of yourself. If it’s something you’ve done before, self-evolution typically takes it one step further from the last product or project.
AJ: Can you tell us about a specific moment in your career that made you feel accomplished?
Being able to collaborate with The Beatles and seeing my name in the same news articles was pretty cool.
Drawing inspiration from the world of fashion, the Contemporary Stripe wall mural showcases rich, dark multicolor satin stripes with a hand-painted touch.
AJ: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
Being in factories and meeting experts in their respective fields—that is for sure the best part of my job. Just to listen and take it in. Or perhaps the moment you know you came up with something pretty great, and you have no clue where it came from, it just came to you… always quite a weird and wonderful feeling.
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