Unconventional by design, one Cyprus furniture designer blends minimalism and functionality to tell a story
Design, for Cypriot creative Thalis Nicolaou, is more than form. It is a journey that culminates in objects meant to surprise, inspire and evoke emotion. Ahead of his debut Limassol exhibition, Nicolaou invites audiences to explore design as both a process and an experience.
The exhibition, Sculptural Furniture, which features the evolution of award-winning pieces including the WoodWorm console, offers a glimpse into the making of functional art, sleek, minimal designs that showcase the journey of creation.
The newest addition to the Studio’s collection, the WoodWorm console series, will be unveiled at the exhibition. Other pieces such as Nicolaou’s signature side tables and the sculptural Spot-On light collection will also be exhibited. Following exhibits in Nicosia, New York and Ljubljana, Nicolaou is ready to meet Limassol’s vibrant art scene, and the man behind the art is just as interesting as his pioneering creations.
Nicolaou creates sculptures and furniture that are playful, simplistic, aesthetically pleasing and functional. It is mastering this balance that makes his work fascinating, and its process even more so.
He wants the creative journey to be visible, encouraging users to get hands-on by sometimes playing with the furniture. “This is a deliberate action,” he tells the Cyprus Mail. “Inviting the user to interact, to either assemble or alter the state of a design adds an extra level of physicality and a sense of know-how about the object. Each object and the related interaction related to it hides the story of how it got made, passing on to the user not just an aesthetically pleasing object, but a design experiment where form and function meet. I want the user to get a glimpse of the journey since my philosophy is that design is the journey and the final object is the consequence of the decisions made within the journey.”
This hands-on approach is part of the thinking of the Thalis Nicolaou Studio. A somewhat different approach to the usual ‘see it, like it, buy it’.
“Good design must trigger emotions,” he says. “Emotions are the core ingredient for creating a meaningful engagement with the world we live in. I am always seeking to create something more than just a solution, something more than a perfect composition.”
For Nicolaou, the creative process is tactile and immersive, blending artisanal craftsmanship with digital tools to bring each piece to life. “There’s no way to avoid getting your hands dirty,” he adds, describing a journey that moves from sketches and cardboard prototypes to 3D modelling, mould casting, and wiring. Each design’s smooth, simple appearance belies the complex process that shapes it, making the final product as much a story of creation as an object to admire.
Yet it is not all smooth sailing when making things from scratch in Cyprus, and not just because the market is small. The obstacles are many, Nicolaou admits and he has witnessed many talented product designers shift careers. Difficulty in accessing material and unreliable supplies are common reasons yet the biggest one he says is a lack of professionalism and communication within the sector.
With vast experience abroad, from his Product Design studies in Brighton, music production and sound design in Barcelona to participating in some of the world’s leading furniture and design events, Nicolaou is considered somewhat of a pioneer for his refined blend of minimalism and functionality.
His studio was selected to be one of 67 in the WANTED designers section of the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York, and was invited to join the exclusive Adorno Design and Basic.Space platforms, a high achievement not just for a Cyprus-based studio but any design studio.
Despite these impressive accomplishments, Nicolaou says it is still challenging to operate as a small-scale creative business in Cyprus, both in terms of working in the professional sector and in the public’s understanding of art and design.
“There is a noticeable difference in how Cypriot audiences and those abroad respond to my designs, largely due to the limited exposure in Cyprus to design processes that prioritise originality and innovation. While some individuals in Cyprus appreciate the effort involved in creating something functional from scratch, the general audience is often unfamiliar with the extensive journey behind each product – the months, sometimes years, of development, refinement, and thoughtful design. This isn’t due to a lack of interest but rather reflects the limited local culture around design and innovation, where creativity and originality are not as widely emphasised.”
Design can often be mistaken as a trend or style without acknowledging the deeper story or craftsmanship, Nicolaou explains.
But, the initiatives and efforts being made are plenty, he says, and there is a focus on supporting the young generation of artists and some state funding schemes available. But it takes hard work, dedication and wearing many hats to be creative in Cyprus.
“My goal,” Nicolaou concludes, “is to help cultivate a deeper understanding by highlighting the story behind each design, encouraging audiences to see the skill, thought and creative problem-solving that shapes a product. Viewed in this way, design becomes more than appearance – it becomes a piece of work with purpose, originality, and a soul.” With Sculptural Furniture debuting in Limassol, Nicolaou’s exhibition may inspire a new wave of appreciation for creative innovation across Cyprus.
Sculptural Furniture
Exhibition by Thalis Nicolaou Studio. November 21-27. Morfi Gallery, Limassol. Opening night: 7pm. Opening hours: 10am-1pm and 4pm-7pm. www.thalisnicolaoustudio.com, www.morfi.org. Tel: 96-210092 (Thalis Nicolaou)
