The Rhombus Table Trivets by Melbourne designer Lauren Steller are an elegantly simple diamond-shaped trivet made in Melbourne from recycled aeroplane tyres, new and reconstituted rubber. Heat resistant and surprisingly durable, their tessellating shapes that give rise to endless geometric formations, encouraging playfulness at the dinner table!
‘This is my first product, and it’s been an interesting year of understanding how the product selling game works!’ says Lauren. ‘I’ve really enjoyed the feedback from people making shapes, and how they encourage interaction with all ages’.
Lauren’s strongest design influences stem from her interest in ‘play’, human interaction, and being resourceful. ‘Since starting my own design practice, along the way I have developed a deep interest in the philosophies of human play’ she says. ‘I am very interested in the endless interpretations of interactive objects.’
From these foundations, most of Lauren’s creative output is driven simply by the available materials, and an inherent sense of practicality. ‘I like not to make aesthetics the driving force of my work, I believe aesthetics are a communicator of ideas’ she says.
This year is set to be a big year for Champ – Lauren plans to develop a number of new products to expand her range. ‘I have been stewing on quite a few ideas and I am looking to release more playful, functional products this year’ she says. ‘Lots to do for a one lady show, but it’s very exciting!’
The Rhombus Table Trivets start at $44 for 12 pack, and can be purchased online here, or at stockists including the NGV store, Five Boroughs and Modern Times in Melbourne, Tait Furniture in both Melbourne and Sydney, and Aspects of Kings Park in Perth.
