FARO BED

Designer Leo Stolte on the FARO Bed

The idea for the FARO Bed came to me during several visits to the Barberini Museum in Potsdam, a place that deeply inspires me. Not least because I grew up in Potsdam before moving back to Berlin a few years ago. The exhibition of landscape paintings by Edvard Munch moved me profoundly. His sensitive portrayal of human emotions and his fascination with nature are overwhelming. Munch's works, which convey a balance between clarity and emotional depth, inspired me to design a bed that can express similarly layered emotions. I wanted the proportions and design of the FARO Bed to unfold the same calm and grace that one experiences when gazing at a landscape painting for a long time. That feeling was exactly what I aimed to capture.

In developing the FARO Bed, my focus was on the harmonious connection between aesthetics and functionality. The lines and surfaces follow the golden ratio—a principle known in art and architecture for its natural proportions and harmonious effect. This concept not only gives the design visual beauty but also a sense of calm and balance. This is something I personally need when I want to unwind from the day in the evening. A central design element is the low overall height of the bed. This intentional design choice fosters a sense of openness in the room. The reduced height also conveys a special connection to the earth and symbolically to nature. It was also very important to me to include a storage surface or step at the foot of the bed. I wanted to create a place where you can put cherished items that remain close to you at night—whether it's an inspiring book, a small keepsake from travels, or dried lavender blossoms. A "step" between day and night, creating a clear transition. This gives the design a very unconventional moment, like a detail in a painting that adds to the overall visual appeal. When it came to material, my immediate choice was solid wood. No other material offers such timeless beauty and warmth. It conveys a natural clarity that helps me leave the day behind. The wood comes from sustainable forestry and can be sanded and waxed over the years—an object made to last for generations. Each frame of the FARO Bed is handcrafted to ensure the highest quality and precision. I believe that working with our hands also imparts a soul and energy to the object. "FARO" is not just a random name; it is derived from the word "lighthouse" and symbolizes, for me, the light and clarity that sometimes eludes us at night when we get lost in our thoughts. The FARO Bed is my invitation to immerse yourself in the harmony and emotional depth that so impressed me in landscape painting. It is my vision of a space that, both aesthetically and functionally, conveys a sense of security and peace.