Founded in 2021 by Ciaran Custance and Sophie Lavis, Återvinna channels a poetic union of craft and conscience, living up to its Swedish translation: to recycle, break down or reuse. From their Adelaide studio, the duo weave Scandinavian sensibility with material reverence, creating enduring furniture from reclaimed timbers and eco-finished surfaces. 

Custance’s joinery finesse meets Lavis’s intuitive eye, yielding forms that feel both ancient and alive. Återvinna is a meditation on permanence, where each piece carries the quiet weight of intention, memory and care.

Australia Design Review asked the duo to share the objects that reflect their values of restraint, intelligence and craftsmanship, reminding us that design doesn’t need to be complex to be impactful.

Wishbone Chair (CH24) – Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn (1949)

The iconic Wishbone Chair by Hans Wegner is a symbol of Danish design. Sculptural, refined and effortlessly elegant, its simplicity speaks to the timeless appeal of Scandinavian craftsmanship. For us, it’s the perfect chair. A balance of form and function that mirrors our values of restraint, material integrity and longevity in design.

PH5 Pendant Light – Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen (1958)

Designed by Poul Henningsen in 1958, the PH5 Pendant combines function and artistry in a way that still feels relevant today. Its layered shades were engineered to eliminate glare and create soft, even light – a design solution that is both practical and sculpturally beautiful. We’re drawn to its quiet intelligence, a characteristic we aspire to in our own designs.

Johansen Table – Mads K. Johansen (2009)

The Johansen Table beautifully merges traditional Scandinavian design with modern craftsmanship. We’re drawn to its clean, intersecting lines, which give the piece a strong sense of structure and elegance. The way it balances contemporary design with classic form resonates deeply with us, as we aim to reinterpret these timeless principles in our own work.

CH25 Lounge Chair – Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn (1950)

The CH25 Lounge Chair, designed by Hans J. Wegner in 1950, pairs a simple, distinctive form with woven paper cord. It takes a skilled craftsperson 10 hours and 400 metres of paper cord to weave the seat and backrest by hand – a process visible in the intricate pattern on both sides. We’re drawn to that level of care. It reflects our own belief that time and technique are what give a piece its lasting presence.

AV06 Bank of Drawers – Arne Vodder (1950s–60s)

The AV06 Bank of Drawers is understated yet distinctive, with a soft asymmetry that gives it character. Its simplicity is beautifully resolved, but it’s the quiet detail that stands out. It reinforces our belief that thoughtful design can be both practical and approachable, with a timeless beauty that can seamlessly integrate into any space.

Model U-56 ‘President’ Sideboard – Hans J. Wegner (1950s)

The U-56 ‘Presidents’ Sideboard reflects everything we admire about Wegner’s work. It’s practical, beautifully made and quietly refined. The sliding tambour doors and minimal detailing give it a strong, grounded presence. It reminds us that design doesn’t need to be complex to be impactful –a philosophy that we’re always looking to achieve in our work.

Related: Read more Designer Selects here.