Interior Design Fair
Budapest Sportarena
2025. S/EPTEMBER 19-20-21.
Explore the most exciting corners of the Hungarian design scene at this year’s S/ALON BUDAPEST!
Our Hello Hungarian Design exhibition will once again showcase the latest creations of more than 40 Hungarian designers across four installations. This year’s collections are curated by interior designer Vanda Karácsonyi, who brings together functional objects and decorative accessories – furniture, textiles, lamps, ceramics – crafted by Hungarian designers and artists with a concept that is more personal and immersive than ever before.
The Hello Hungarian Design exhibition is realized this year with the support of the MVM Paks Nuclear Power Plant’s Újra!Alkotó Energia program. In the introduction to our article, Vanda Karácsonyi shares insights about the concept, followed by an exploration of the promising designers and brands featured in the installations. Join us on this journey!
The Memories from the Future design concept merges the traditions of the past with the technological innovations of the present.
The essence of this concept is to create compositions that simultaneously reflect the heritage of bygone eras and the possibilities offered by modern technology. The central idea revolves around the simultaneous presence of different timeframes, evoking a feeling as if we are looking at photographs from the future.
The objects and spaces of this concept blend traditional craftsmanship, materials, and forms with contemporary technologies, resulting in a timeless design that is both nostalgic and futuristic. This fusion is not only aesthetically intriguing but also carries deeper meaning, as it connects the memories of the past with the possibilities of the present and the visions of the future.
A large number of talented artists applied, each with unique ideas, material usage, and concepts characterizing their work. The goal is to place these inherently communicative objects side by side in such a way that they, together, amplify each other and reveal new meanings. Through the merging of these diverse worlds, spaces are created where the natural processes of growth and transformation are manifested.
When defining the themes for the four installations, my goal was to demonstrate how objects can be interpreted in different settings. Therefore, I designed interior details that are fundamentally different from one another and reflect scenes of life that most of us can relate to in some way.
The advancement of technology continuously provides new options for artists to experiment. As the range of tools expands, it often – but not necessarily – leads to the abandonment of traditional techniques. It is more beneficial to view these innovations as tools that can enrich artistic expression rather than as paths that must be mastered.
I find the rapid pace of change in the design world incredibly exciting – the evolving trends year by year and how certain manufacturers or creators renew themselves under the influence of these trends, incorporating them into their own narratives. I am particularly fascinated by spaces that tell stories about their users, thoughtfully incorporating specific objects with purpose. I believe these transitions – the coexistence of inherited and newly formed characteristics – reflect the human experience, creating an evolving, harmonious unity between the environment and its inhabitants.
The evolution of design opens up new paths and opportunities; it not only seeks solutions to existing problems but also creatively shapes the future. The task of designers is to go beyond conventions and offer solutions that open up new perspectives. Technological advancements and design are closely intertwined, as new technologies provide designers with opportunities to create innovative solutions, while design, in turn, generates new demands on technology.
This interaction results in continuous, dynamic development, where one cannot exist without the other; technology and design together shape the world of the future.
Creators and brands of Hello Hungarian Design 2024: Kata Ágoston, Virág Albert, Henriett Barabás, Imre Bárczi (Meander), Fülöp Bechtold, Anna Cserba, Péter Danczkay (Oleant), Panka Fehérvári, Veronika Füzes, Éva Gulácsi (EVAANNA), Orsolya Hacker, Réka Huszlicska (SOUTERRAIN), Ida Stone, Norbert Juhász (komok), Socowoo (Lehel Juhos), Studio Font, Sára Kele (sarakele studio), Tamás Kerekes (Kerekes Furniture), Anna Fanni Koroknay, Boldizsár Lukácsi, Ádám Miklósi (Co and Collect), Dóra Molnár (Fészek Részek), Levente Mosolygó, Lili Pataki, Plydesign, Rebeka Rácz, Erika Rejka, Eszter Révész (Dreaming Threads), Bence Sárkány (Sárkány Bence Furniture), Melinda Soltész, Apol Temesi (SoundWool), Blanka Timári, Berta Ujváry, VUUV Works, Bettina Wolf.
Kata Ágoston is a ceramic artist, interior designer, and decorator driven by her passion for clay and spatial creation. Her favorite technique is high temperature wood firing, and she constantly experiments with new methods. Her work is characterized by a blend of uniqueness, quality, functionality, and durability. In her studio, she regularly conducts clay and art therapy workshops for both children and adults.
Blum & Wolf is a design brand known for creating unique, sculptural lighting fixtures. Their pieces go beyond mere functionality to become visual elements that enhance a space’s atmosphere and character. Defined by their clever folds that blend form and function, Blum & Wolf lights bring a touch of magic and inspiration to any home.
Henriett Barabás graduated in 2024 with a degree in design from the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design. After over a decade of working as a model worldwide, her experiences in the fashion industry and diverse cultures greatly influenced her approach to design. During her studies, she experimented with materials, leading to several realized projects, such as the IKO fountain and her steel chairs, LOOP and KARTON. In 2024, she shared her insights alongside renowned creators at the W Hotel Budapest Design Exchange event.
Henriett Barabás
Imre Bárczi creates home decor ceramics that blend the spirit of "old" Europe with the forms of ancient Carpathian Basin cultures, reinterpreted in a modern context. His rustic pieces suit both modern and traditional spaces, offering aesthetic value while also serving as decorative and meditative elements with deeper meanings. In July 2024, his Aszkosz ceramic was showcased at the HU24 EU exhibition in the Council of Europe building in Belgium, marking Hungary’s presidency of the EU Council.
Fülöp Bechtold is a master’s student at the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design. After earning a design degree from the University of Sopron, he studied sculpture in Naples. His work has been exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest and Ateneo Veneto in Venice. In his glass art, he explores the beauty of chance and imperfection, creating a dialogue between artistic intent and the unpredictable, fragile nature of glass.
Anna Cserba graduated in 2021 from the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design and later worked as a furniture designer in Denmark. Inspired by the environment, functional needs, and personal connections, her design philosophy centers on sustainability, creating timeless, emotionally rich pieces meant to be passed down through generations. Her style is marked by simplicity and distinctive, expressive details.
Oleant lighting fixtures are not just functional elements but also works of art. Combining astronomy and engineering, they create unique lights that perfectly illuminate any space. Inspired by the sun, stars, and eclipses, their handcrafted lamps are tailored to clients’ needs, transforming light sources into embodiments of individual visions.
Panka Fehérvári earned her master’s degree in design from the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design in 2024, having previously graduated in product design from BME. Influenced by various cultures, eras, and her travels across Europe, her design approach is diverse. In 2024, she contributed to the Borz Kováts Sándor exhibition at the Design Museum Brussels and exhibited at the Stockholm Furniture Fair. Her work explores material nature and technical possibilities to ensure that forms reflect the unique qualities of the materials used.
Veronika Füzes creates unique solid wood furniture, combining various threads and weaving techniques. A carpenter since 2018, her passion for wood dates back to childhood. Over the past 20 years, she has mastered various craft techniques, with a particular fascination for the diversity of threads. By merging woodworking with weaving techniques, she designs modern yet traditional minimalist furniture, including chairs, stools, and benches. Her selection of threads ranges from natural materials like rush and hemp to contemporary options such as Danish paper cord and paracord.
EVAANNA is a domestic metalworking brand founded by Éva Anna Gulácsi in 2023, integrating art into everyday objects. The debut collection features solid brass and bronze furniture handles, door knobs, and wall hooks. Inspired by the human touch, the Pinch collection offers soft forms and organic surfaces that provide a gentle sensory experience while ensuring durability. The sandcasting technique creates an intriguing texture, making each piece unique.
Orsolya Hacker sees the potential in ceramics to connect people and emotions. Her brand, OHO Ceramics, aims to create unique, timeless pieces that reflect a harmony of craftsmanship and innovation, appealing to all ages. Her work evokes deep emotions through the patterns and textures of her ceramics.
SOUTERRAIN, founded by Réka Huszlicska, is a ceramic and home decor project that has been a part of Budapest’s design and small business scene for four years. During the first wave of the coronavirus, Réka dedicated her free time to bringing long-planned designs to life. In 2020, she established the LUNO ceramic studio, which has become a daily part of her routine. In 2024, she completed her master’s degree in design at the Budapest Metropolitan University.
IDA STONE is a domestic interior design brand offering unique limestone furniture that combines timeless elegance with the raw beauty of nature. Representing modern home styling, their range—from side tables to coffee tables—provides sustainable luxury and refined aesthetics. The IDA STONE workshop blends the elegance of limestone with contemporary design playfulness, aiming to popularize this exceptional material and create furniture that is both practical and artistic.
Komok is a collaborative furniture brand founded by architects, specializing in timeless, limited-edition, and unique pieces. The brand partners with designers and workshops to create sustainable, functional, and simple objects. Their close connection with architecture influences their design approach, focusing on structural and technical details while balancing practical functionality with high-quality aesthetics.
SOCOWOO is a creative collaboration between János Néző, owner of the Nezozen acrylic stone workshop, and industrial designer Lehel Juhos. The brand combines their expertise in innovative product development and advanced manufacturing technologies. Their high-quality furniture is suitable for both residential and communal environments and offers solutions for custom projects, especially utilizing solid surface materials.
STUDIO FONT is characterized by clean lines and maximalist functionality. The brand creates geometric home accessories and small furniture that resemble abstract art installations. Their designs draw from constructivist art and architecture, seeking the poetic beauty in everyday objects. Combining manual and machine techniques, they blend artisanal uniqueness with the advantages of mass production. Their goal is to create sustainable, long-lasting products, such as the PALM and MARMO collections, which are crafted from black marble waste as part of their commitment to sustainable design.
Sarakele creates exciting yet timeless minimalist objects and interiors with a focus on sustainability. Kele Sára’s innovative approach extends beyond forms to materials and manufacturing methods, aiming to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary, innovative solutions. Emphasizing localization, she encourages manufacturers to consider environmental impact and community effects.
Tamás Kerekes crafts unique, high-quality solid wood furniture. He often combines wood with modern materials and is not afraid to use vibrant colors in his designs.
Anna Fanni Koroknay is known for her playful, striking color palettes and abstract forms. She draws inspiration from the present moment: although she plans her compositions in advance, the final design often evolves during the rug-making process. Her rugs are frequently inspired by nature, such as the shape of a pothole or a puddle. She began working independently with tufted techniques in the spring of 2023 and is continually seeking opportunities to gain more professional experience.
Boldizsár Lukácsi, the youngest member of an artistic family, grew up in harmony with both classical and contemporary arts. After learning sculptural skills primarily from his internationally renowned father, László Lukácsi, he began developing his own artistic vision. His work explores the attraction and interaction of contrasts. The soft curves formed from sharp glass surfaces reflect the emotional complexity of human situations.
Co and Collect, founded by three-time Red Dot winner Ádám Miklósi, specializes in desk accessories. Key pieces in their product line include the 3X3 and 2X2 cable organizers. Inspired by the charging cable wrapped around a throat lozenge in his backpack, Miklósi blends playful randomness with aesthetic and user-friendly design.
Dóra Molnár, a product designer and engineer at Fészek Részek, is making her debut at the exhibition this year. Her goal is to create practical solutions that benefit people while prioritizing environmental sustainability.
Levente Mosolygó is a recent graduate from the Győri Széchenyi István Design Campus. His BA thesis focused on creating an open-source, 3D-printable lamp using open design and design modding tools. The tri-angle Ikea Frekvens hack is fully 3D-printable and uses the Ikea Frekvens LED, with animation capabilities enabled by the Feather M0. This approach to design modding and open design aims to reduce environmental impacts associated with manufacturing, shipping, and packaging.
Júlia Néma, a visual artist, porcelain and ceramic designer, is known for her work that seamlessly blends art, design, and craftsmanship in a unique and harmonious way. Her studio is the first and only one in the country where artworks, architectural ceramics, and functional objects are professionally created in a high-temperature, wood-fired kiln. For years, Júlia Néma has been dedicated to researching and utilizing local, domestic materials; she collects clays, soil, rocks, and minerals from natural sources and incorporates them into her sustainable design and artistic practice. These materials are versatilely integrated into her tableware, wall art, and sculptures.
Lilipataki offers furniture designed to enhance and cozy up living spaces with a natural touch. Each piece is meticulously crafted from carefully selected materials. Designer Lili Pataki aims to create high-quality furniture that stands out on an international level.
Tamás Babits founded Plydesign in 2014 with the goal of leveraging family business expertise to create a high-quality design collection. The brand continues to enhance quality of life through the fusion of technology and materials, while supporting young designers and strengthening the Hungarian wood and design industry. Over the years, their range has effectively met the needs of commercial, residential, and office interior design.
Rebeka Rácz is a self-taught ceramic artist working at the intersection of design and art. Her pieces serve both as sculptures and functional objects. She employs the ancient technique of coil building, intentionally showcasing the marks of the crafting process and the irregularities of hand application, highlighted by colorful glazes. Her concept challenges conventions and pushes boundaries, continually raising new questions. Her work has been exhibited and sold globally.
Erika Rejka began exploring objects made from pure, fundamental shapes during her university studies. Her work represents a fusion of design and craft, characterized by simple, minimalist forms, distinctive colors, and unconventional shapes. She creates functional items, home accessories, and autonomous porcelain pieces. Her work is featured in both domestic and international collections.
Eszter Révész DLA textile artist and founder of the Dreaming Threads textile design studio, aims to connect people with their cultural heritage through design. Her interior textiles are both artistic and functional, with each piece telling a unique story. Eszter revitalizes traditions with her distinctive design vision, incorporating fresh colors and exciting textures into contemporary interiors. The studio also offers bespoke design services for private clients and interior designers.
Bence Sárkány designs unique solid wood furniture that blends comfort and functionality to create timeless pieces. This year, he presents a new collection of his Pudding stool series, crafted from sturdy oak to ensure stability and durability. The stools feature gently rounded forms, offering a sleek, modern, and welcoming look. Additionally, he introduces the Orja sculpture, inspired by a previous chair design and crafted with over 12,000 cuts using a special technique. This piece highlights the relativity of time and explores the balance between functional and display objects.
Glassflow offers unique luxury glass products, including reflective wall panels, illuminated glass objects, and glass artworks. Founded by designer Melinda Soltész, recipient of the BKIK Hungarian Craft Master Award, the brand features modular panel systems and custom pieces tailored to client specifications. Some products are made from recycled glass, with a focus on reusing manufacturing byproducts as well.
Apol Temesi graduated in textile design from Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design in 2014 and earned his DLA degree from the MOME Doctoral School in spring 2022. His research focuses on restorative, resource-centric design, with particular attention to the use of regional wool residues. His innovative wool acoustic panels won an award at the Climate-KIC Accelerator program in 2018, and he was a Moholy-Nagy László Design Fellow in 2019. He also received an award at the Climate-KIC Retrofit international climate innovation competition in 2020. Temesi is the founder of SoundWOOL, which won the BIG SEE Product Design Award in 2022.
Timári Blanka earned her master’s degree in industrial design from Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design in 2023. Her work centers on playfulness and humor, showcased in her intricately crafted pieces. Known for her precision, she has also worked on props and set designs for films and TV series. Her Mundane conceptual collection features everyday objects that prioritize thoughtfulness over functionality, presented in humorous and absurd forms.
The designer works with small-batch home textiles and unique pieces. Her work blends functionality with aesthetics, aiming to bring joy and playfulness into homes. Her designs feature woven structures, architectural elements, and childhood inspirations, using colors, shapes, and textures to evoke feelings of security and nostalgia.
VUUV Works, a collaboration of designers and craftsmen including Lébényi Anna, Mészáros Liliána, Kunos Eszter, Oszvald Lilla, Pattantyús Orsolya, Nagy Ádám János, Kovács Tibor, Köpf Jenő, and Fekete Viktor, creates limited-edition, unique furniture and home accessories. The products focus on sustainability and ethical work practices, featuring environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes. In 2024, VUUV Works will introduce new techniques, such as laser-cut inlays and brass accents, in their latest pieces. At SALON BUDAPEST, their showcased works will include local rush weaving, turned wood connectors, and eclectic wood patterns.
Bettina Wolf is a fashion and textile designer who combines skills in graphics, metalwork, industrial design, and fashion design. After studying metalwork in high school, she earned a degree in industrial design from Sopron and a master’s degree from the Budapest Metropolitan University. Her work is known for meticulous craftsmanship, blending functional and aesthetic values. Her awards include the Hungarian Design Award Special Prize (2016) and the Moholy-Nagy Design Scholarship (2022). She is currently participating in the MMA Artistic Scholarship Program.
Don’t miss the chance to experience the vibrant world of the local design scene firsthand at this year’s S/ALON BUDAPEST interior design exhibition, taking place from September 20-22 at the Budapest Arena! In the meantime, join us on Facebook and Instagram for inspiring content! And to avoid long lines, be sure to purchase your tickets online in advance here.
