COLOURFUL MINDS:
Simone Smelt
Meet Simone Smelt — designer of sculptural objects and future-forward furniture, Amsterdam resident, graduate of the Design Academy Eindhoven, and Product Designer for FÉST.
At home with her boyfriend, she surrounds herself with quirky, unexpected, and wonderfully unique objects — a reflection of the playful yet thoughtful approach she brings to our collections.
At FÉST, Simone creates pieces that sit between furniture and sculpture: tactile, minimal, and unapologetically expressive. Her work embraces mono-materiality and circular design principles — not as limits, but as poetic frameworks that guide how our pieces come to life in spaces.
This/that
Kit bistro table in Butter Yellow or Chrome
Daylight or evening light
Working from the office or home
Uma or Plateau coffee table
Brown or burgundy
Festival or going out
Dress up or dress down
Summer or winter
Fashion or interior
Salone del Mobile or Maison & Objet
Hong Kong or copenhagen (both)
Online or offline inspiration
Fashion magazine or coffee table book
What does the AW25 collection bring?
'For this collection, we wanted to work with warm, rich materials that have real character. Think dark walnut, deep red and a warm yellow tone — colours that instantly bring atmosphere to a space. Rich shades pair perfectly with fresher, lighter tones like lilac or soft pink. This way, you create depth and a playful balance.'
'In this collection, it’s not just about how a product looks — it’s about how it feels. The rich textures, soft materials and subtle details give each piece, and the interior as a whole, its own personality.'
How did the AW25 collection come to life?
'For AW25 we took a close look at what we already have. Which designs we still love and what we wanted to carry into the next step. Some pieces were already favourites, but we wanted to make them even richer. We did this by pairing them with deeper colours, more luxurious fabrics and layered textures. This way we refined the collection and truly brought it to life.'
'The inspiration for this collection lies in texture, material and colour. But most of all in the feeling a piece evokes. It’s about the experience — how something looks, but also how it feels.'
Colour or texture?
'If you asked me to choose between colour or texture, there’s no way I could answer that. The combination of the two is what makes things truly interesting. That’s where furniture really gains its character.'
What role does colour play?
'For me, colour is almost the most important element — not just in interiors. It’s a way to express yourself and your personality. Colour also tells a story about the time we live in. Think of 2020: everything was beige and grey. Now, maybe the first shade that comes to mind is a fresh lime green.'
'In an interior, colour is essential. It’s how you add your own twist and personality to a space. It says a lot about who you are. Colour is your secret weapon. It gives your home character and shows who you are.'
How do you use colour?
'As a designer, I use colour to make a product stronger and more beautiful. The shape defines the design, but colour is what truly brings it to life. It creates the vibe and the atmosphere of the final piece.'
What's your favourite colour?
'Right now, I’m really into moody tones: dark, warm colours that bring depth and calmness. Maybe it’s connected to the times we’re living in. The world feels a bit heavier these days.'
'My favourite colour? Honestly, every colour. It changes almost every season. The colour I can’t stand right now might be my new favourite next season. At the moment, I’m obsessed with chocolate brown, especially paired with butter yellow. I’m also loving pistachio green. And I have a feeling mint might become my next big crush.'
What impact does colour have on our mood?
'When you walk into a room full of colour, you feel it instantly. Colour has the power to influence your mood. It can make you feel happier, lighter and more energetic. Without colour, a space misses something essential. It affects not just your eyes, but your mind and heart. For me, colour isn’t just a detail — it’s something people truly need around them.'
What does colour represent for FÉST?
'Colour is a huge part of our identity at FÉST. In every collection, we make sure to include accessible tones for those who prefer a calmer palette. But we also love to show that bold, vibrant colours don’t have to be scary. For us, it’s all about balance — and the joy of daring to choose colour.'
We work with talented product designers. Newcomers & oldtimers. Big names & talented freshmen.