JOURNEY
The perception of calm
The Ovata family, created by Stockholm based Note Design Studio, was born from a wish to combine softness and strength in a single design language. Inspired by the broad, curved leaves of the succulent plant from which it takes its name, Ovata is instantly recognisable for its generous, organic shapes that seem to embrace those who encounter them.
This autumn, the family grows once more with the introduction of the Ovata Compact Chair - a versatile addition that carries the same calm presence into smaller and more flexible spaces.
But comfort, as research has shown, is not only experienced through the body - it is also shaped by what we see. Studies in design psychology point to the role of the brain in transforming sensory input into perception, meaning that visual cues can prepare us to feel relaxed even before we sit down. Ovata’s rounded, enveloping silhouettes tap into this instinctive connection, sending subtle signals of ease, safety, and softness that the body then confirms through touch.
This dual dialogue - between eye and body - is central to Note Design Studio’s process. “Tactile elements are crucial,” the designers explain. “When a product appears soft, it must also offer that comfort in use. Ovata embodies this principle - it communicates with both the body and the mind.”
Materiality strengthens this perception. Richly upholstered forms, finely crafted wood, and the natural depth of stone combine to create an authentic and enduring language that carries through the entire family.
“When a product appears soft, it must also offer that comfort in use”
- Note Design Studio
Since its beginning with the Ovata Lounge Chair, the collection has become one of Wendelbo’s most evolving, spanning dining chairs, tables, bar and counter stools - and now the Compact Chair, which extends the family’s characteristic calmness into new contexts, from private homes to more flexible public interiors.
At its heart, Ovata speaks to a longing for calm and care. Its soft curves and embracing silhouettes create a sense of shelter, offering quiet moments of repose, whether in intimate living spaces or in busy hospitality environments that seek to bring the comfort of home into the public sphere.
As Note Design Studio reflects: “Our focus is always on the end user. We want those who encounter our designs to feel cared for, knowing they were at the centre of our creative journey.”
With each new addition, Ovata evolves across typologies while staying true to its DNA: organic curves, deep tactility, and timeless elegance. It is a family of designs that demonstrates how comfort is not only sat in, but also seen and sensed - a dialogue between perception and reality.
Designs by Note Design Studio
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