Kullaro: From grand quarries to gentle designs

For Swedish design brand Kullaro, the deep, black diabase rock is at the heart of everything. And although diabase is generally an unexplored material for artists, Kullaro is (and has always been) one of its main advocates, something which can be seen and experienced through its much-loved range of sleek furniture, interior pieces and jewellery inspired by volcanic forces.

A family-owned business with partners Jenni and Andreas Kullaro at the reins, Kullaro is a beautiful depiction of passion and dedication to craft. So much so, the high-quality diabase rock, or ‘black gold’ as some call it, is sourced locally from the nearby quarries and then carefully transformed into extraordinary design pieces in the brand’s workshop.

“It really is the definition of handmade,” explains Vilde, who is part of the Kullaro family and the workshop force. “We chop, shine, polish, brush, blast bush-hammer and flame. And by mixing these techniques, we can end up with very interesting finishes that can be paired with other materials, such as wood and metal,” he adds.

But perhaps the real beauty lies in the contrast of this rough rock being used for unexpected purposes although diabase is generally used in more robust creations such as kitchen counters or even monuments. Kullaro is literally breaking new ground by moulding diabase into stunning pieces that please the eye. In other words, it is all about the juxtaposition of dark, heavy materials creating something light and delicate, like a necklace, vase or candle holder.

The sleek, black stone does make for a great interior touch. It is timeless, versatile, stylish and has the power to change the entire sense of a room. “There is something about diabase being so imperfect in its natural form, yet, once processed, it fits perfectly as a design measure. In my opinion, it really does turn our pieces into conversation starters,” says Vilde.

Although Kullaro is not solely about designing for the art of living (the brand has also been commissioned to create figurines for the prestigious Angel Price Award), the focus always lies on craft and beauty, staying true to the brand vision and, most of all, sharing the love for great design.

Web: www.kullaro.se
Instagram: @kullaro