Danny Kaplan, of , and founder Vince Patti first met at the start of 2023, quickly learning that they share an appreciation for ancient, traditional techniques and 20th-century design icons. The came along soon after Kaplan approached Patti with a sketch for a bed that combined Patti’s woodworking with a hinged-screen floating wood headboard and geometric jewel-tone tile detailing created by Kaplan. Originally intended for Kaplan’s own home, the bed’s design process revealed that Kaplan’s vision, partnered with Patti’s woodworking talent, could produce a more substantial commercial collection.
“Danny’s refined concept for his bed aligned with my personal goal of creating ornamental furniture that will stand the test of time, and as we worked together, it became clear that our collaboration could extend beyond a single piece,” says Patti.
Collaborative meetings followed, fusing Kaplan’s drawings with Patti’s feedback as they both experimented with shapes and lines until they were satisfied. The collection’s five pieces were then modeled in CAD before buildout, with the results paying homage to eclectic, decorative design while pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship and the definition of collaboration.
Overall, Delf, with the name acting as a nod to the Dutch word for dig or mine, was inspired by diverse influences, such as Vallauris tiles and pottery; 20th-century Art Deco and Bauhaus motifs; and the ancient origins of the timber frame buildings of East Asia. Each wood piece in Delf features intricate dug-out elements by Patti that support and showcase Kaplan’s ceramic inlay detailing.
The complete Delf Collection includes the Paravent Bed, Talisman Side Table, Clover Side Table, and Brion Chair. One of the bedside tables is round, featuring decorative, sturdy ceramic legs, while the other is triangular, reminiscent of traditional Chinese wooden buildings. The triangular accent can also be found at the base of the armchair, referencing the work of postmodern Italian architect Tobia Scarpa. The circle cutout in the seat is evocative of the the Brion Tomb burial ground, which was designed by Tobia’s father, Carlo Scarpa.
“The fusion of our technical abilities – Vince providing his woodworking expertise and myself contributing the ceramic craftsmanship – has resulted in a collection that we’re excited to share with the world,” says Kaplan. “Working with Vince felt so natural, and we’ve formed a great friendship. The triumph of collaborating with someone whose aesthetic vision you admire and one who understands yours is both rare and satisfying.”
To learn more about the Delf collection, visit .
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