Waves.STUDIO: SUSTAINABILITY AS A WAY OF THINKING

At Waves.STUDIO sustainability is more than just a word. It’s a way of thinking and creating using bio-based resin, a material produced with a lower carbon footprint than traditional resin. It is partly made from biological resources such as plants and microorganisms, and also incorporates third-generation plastic. This type of plastic is no longer recyclable and would otherwise be destroyed. There is no energy used in the creation of the works; instead, the material is allowed to harden naturally at its own pace. This means that each piece is formed naturally rather than accelerating the process with heat.

”For us, it’s about thoughtfulness, patience, and honesty at every stage of the process. We know that no one can be completely sustainable, but we can take responsibility, ask questions, and constantly seek better solutions. We hope that Waves.STUDIO can help shift the conversation about sustainability in art and design, not only through material choices, but by inspiring a slower pace, intentional creation, and production with lasting value in mind.” – Emilie & Kasper, founders of Waves.STUDIO

With a profound artistic vision that champions the creation of sculptural pieces from innovative bio-based resin, Emilie seeks to inspire individuals to personalize their living spaces in meaningful ways. Her career started unexpectedly while furnishing her new home in Copenhagen, revealing a deep dissatisfaction with the lack of warmth and individuality in available decor. This awakening has blossomed into an artistic path, offering handcrafted creations that not only elevate aesthetically but also resonate emotionally with those who inhabit the spaces they adorn.

At Waves.STUDIO, the emphasis is placed on the transformative power of art to instill a sense of identity and reflection within one’s environment. Emilie’s commitment to sustainability is not just a trend but an integral part of her creative process, deeply rooted in her values and ethical standards. By utilizing bio-based resin—a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional materials—she showcases the potential of art to align with responsible practices. Each piece is a testament to her belief that art should be made with intention, reflecting not only harmonious design but also a support for the planet. In our exclusive interview, we explore Emilie’s artistic philosophy, her challenges and triumphs in merging creativity with sustainability, and how she hopes to inspire a broader conversation about mindful consumption and slow decorating:

Emilie, welcome to Trend Privé Magazine you mentioned wanting to create inspiring works of art that allow for personalizing interior design. Can you elaborate on the artistic vision that drives your designs at Waves Studio? How do you believe personalized art can enhance an individual’s living space?

Thank you so much for having me! My vision is to create sculptural pieces that feel personal and unique. That’s why I chose an alternative material instead of traditional glass or ceramics — I wanted to craft a work of art that invite a sense of curiosity into space. I believe art has the power to elevate a room, there’s only one that looks exactly like that piece you have, and art says a lot about one’s style and values.

Handcrafted décor holds a different kind of energy — you can almost sense the time and care that’s been poured into the piece, that’s the warm and energy that really creates a form of debt into space. That’s what drives me at Waves.STUDIO to offer art that not only complements interior spaces, but also connects emotionally with the people who live in them. But it’s also totally okay if people just like the organic shape and are intrigued by the material, when I create a new piece I always imagine if I personally would have that artwork in my own space, before presenting. It’s the feeling when you spot something in a store and you just know that you have to have that object, it’s a special feeling and when you know, you just know, I want to have that feeling with all of my artworks, if I don’t then it just wont make the cut.

Your experience began while furnishing your new home in Copenhagen, which led you to discover resin designs. Can you recount that experience and explain how it influenced your passion for this material? What qualities of resin captivated you, and how do they manifest in your products today?

I couldn’t quite find sculptural pieces that felt both warm and timeless, I’m not into fast trends, I don’t care if the object isn’t “in style” at the moment, I buy the things I like and feel drawn to. All of our paintings are something I created, so I thought that maybe I could just make a sculpture or an object myself. So I started experimenting with different materials. That’s when I came across resin. I was fascinated by its ability to interact with light and that it could capture both depth and softness in a single material. Later, I discovered the beauty and versatility of bio-based resin — a more sustainable alternative — and how it could bend and shape in ways that would be too fragile with glass. It opened a new world of creative possibilities. So when I proposed the business opportunity to my partner Kasper, he was on board and is now the finance guy in the company while I get to be the creative one. I hope to inspire others to explore alternative materials in their spaces, as it adds depth and spark interesting conversations about design and craftsmanship. Another advantage of resin is that It’s very lightweight, which also reduces fuel consumption during transportation — a small but meaningful step toward more mindful consumption.

You highlight the unique properties of bio-based resin, which is more environmentally friendly than traditional resin. Could you explain what bio-based materials are and how their use supports your commitment to sustainability in your artistic process?

The majority of Bio-based resin is derived from plant based raw materials and third-generation waste, such as plastics that can no longer be recycled. It offers the same strength and durability as traditional resin — but with a significantly smaller environmental footprint in the production. Choosing bio-based resin allows me to align my creative practice with my values, making sure sustainability isn’t just a concept or afterthought, but something embedded in the product from the very beginning. It is produced in France, with all ingredients sourced within Europe, and the company is a family owned business — ensuring transparency, quality, and a lower impact on the environment throughout the supply chain.

You’ve chosen not to use any forms of energy in your production process, allowing materials to harden naturally. What motivated this decision, and how do you believe this approach impacts the final products and the environment?

I decided early on not to use any energy sources to speed up the production process. Each piece is left to harden naturally at room temperature. This decision came from a desire to slow down, embrace imperfection, and let each sculpture form in its own rhythm. It reduces our energy use, of course, but it also results in more organic and unique surface patterns — which I find really beautiful and unique. You can almost see how the material has interacted with the pigment in the hardening phase, which is a look into the creation.

Waves Studio prioritizes working with suppliers and partners across Europe who share similar ethical values. Why is it important for you to establish these partnerships, and how do they play a role in maintaining the integrity of your sustainable production practices?

Collaboration is key. We work with European suppliers and partners who share our values — from ethical working conditions to low-waste packaging. These partnerships help us stay transparent and grounded in our mission. It also creates a supply chain that feels more human, and less industrial, which is important to me as both a designer and a founder.

You’ve taken a strong stance against overconsumption and mass production, especially regarding sales events like Black Friday. Can you elaborate on your philosophy regarding consumerism and how it shapes the business practices at Waves.STUDIO?

We’ve chosen not to participate in sales events like Black Friday because we believe that meaningful art should never be reduced to fast consumerism. Our philosophy is rooted in slow decorating — encouraging people to make more intentional choices and surround themselves with pieces that truly resonate with them, rather than chasing short-lived trends. When someone invests in a piece from Waves.STUDIO, I want it to be because it speaks to them on a personal level — not because it was offered at a heavy discount. We believe this mindful approach helps create more emotional connections to the spaces we live in, and ultimately leads to more sustainable consumption.

As you envision the future of Waves Studio, what additional steps do you hope to take to continue fostering artistic expression while also prioritizing environmental responsibility? How do you plan to evolve your offerings to reflect this dual commitment?

Looking ahead, I want to continue exploring the balance between aesthetics and ethics creating beautiful work that doesn’t compromise on values. I’m excited to work with innovative materials and develop pieces that are both visually intriguing and able to complement a space in ways no other interior object can. There is still a lot of ideas I haven’t had time to explore further, and we just launched our lampshades, which is different from something that has been a major project, but I’m really happy with the results. My goal is for Waves.STUDIO not just to follow trends, but to lead with intention — and to inspire others in the industry to think more consciously about design and production. I’m currently collaborating with an inspiring client who truly sees the potential in bio-based resin, and I look forward to sharing more about that project soon. I hope to pursue more of these kinds of collaborations, as I’m constantly learning from incredibly talented people. These exchanges are not only enriching but will also help push the boundaries of what’s possible in future designs.

Reflecting on your career as both a founder and a designer, what have been the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of integrating artistic design with sustainable practices? How do these experiences shape your outlook for the future of Waves Studio?

The most challenging part has been navigating the technical limitations of the material while maintaining a high design standard — but that’s also where the real magic happens. I’ve learned that constraints often lead to innovation. All materials come with their own set of challenges, and while it can be frustrating, it’s also what makes our work truly unique. Not everyone can or would want to work this way, and I think that’s what sets us apart. These experiences have also shaped my perspective on pricing and production. We could easily speed up our process by several days by applying heat during curing — but we’ve made a conscious decision not to, because it would compromise our environmental values. Choosing the slower, more intentional path in a competitive market isn’t always easy, but it’s what allows us to stay true to our vision.

A note to your future self + our future Planet.

Looking ahead, I want to continue building a brand that stands for thoughtful design and responsible production. I hope to deepen my understanding of sustainable practices, collaborate with like-minded creatives, and expand our collections in ways that remain true to our values. My vision is for Waves.STUDIO to grow slowly and intentionally — with purpose rather than pressure — and to continue creating pieces that feel meaningful, both for the people who make them and the people who live with them.