Neom studio.
About
“A lifelong obsession with design and utility, evolved into a mission to craft sustainable furniture where every line tells a story of intent.”
Challenge the norm, challenge the form.
This is not just a slogan; it is our primary directive. It is a lens through which we view not only design but the very way we live.
Society often lures us into the comfort of the acceptable — a safe, stagnant place where we create only what is expected and repeat what has already been done. To break this cycle, we must intentionally challenge what is considered “normal”. We choose to look at every aspect of design with a fresh, almost naive gaze, stripping away assumptions to find the questions that are truly worth answering.
What does this mean for our furniture? It means rejecting the industry’s reliance on hidden shortcuts.While conventional methods hide construction behind metal or plastic fasteners, we celebrate the structural truth of our material.Our innovation lies in a design principle that entirely eliminates the need for artificial hardware. Our joints are not concealed; they are a visible, essential part of the aesthetic, celebrating traditional craftsmanship through a modern, architectural language.
How it started
Where a lifelong fascination finds its form.
For as long as I can remember, I have been sketching, building, and deconstructing the world around me. My fascination with design and architecture didn't begin with a lecture; it was fueled long before formal studies by a deep-rooted admiration for the masters of form — from the functional ingenuity of Niko Kralj to the visionary spirit of the Eamses. What began as a childhood spark has since grown into an inextinguishable flame for crafting furniture that is as intriguing as it is sustainable.
"I believe that intriguing design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a whisper of possibility, a puzzle begging to be solved, a form that challenges function in a way that sparks curiosity."
NEOM Studio is a journey, not a destination.
I see my work as a quiet, ongoing conversation with form and material. I’m simply following a lifelong curiosity, trying to solve the puzzles that any given material presents. I’d love to share these discoveries with you — through furniture that carries a whisper of possibility and simply feels at home in your world.
Domen Gumzej, founder of NEOM Studio
The mission
sustainable design for a lasting future
The Seed of Design
Visionary roots, organic growth, enduring form.
We believe that every great object begins with a single spark of inspiration—a seed of design that holds the potential for something enduring. For us, this process is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about nurturing an idea through the lens of functionality, sustainability, and the life it will lead in your home.
We carefully cultivate these concepts, allowing them to grow organically from a simple sketch into a complex structural reality. By respecting the natural properties of the material and the needs of a modern space, we ensure that every design “sprout” evolves into a piece that is both innovative and timeless—a literal growth from a thought into a functional heirloom.
Selected Plywood
Engineered by nature, chosen for strength, finished with care.
We believe that the foundation of any lasting piece of furniture lies in the integrity of its material. We chose plywood not only for its clean, modern aesthetics but for its remarkable character—it is a material that combines natural beauty with superior structural stability.
This choice allows us to push the boundaries of design, creating complex joinery that remains steadfast and reliable over time. Sourced from responsibly managed forests, our plywood is the perfect bridge between engineering performance and environmental respect, ensuring that every piece is as strong as the values it was built upon.
Eco-Conscious Production
Smarter production, hand-refined soul, minimal waste.
We believe that a truly beautiful piece of furniture should be as kind to the planet as it is to your home. Our process is built on a practical approach to sustainability, balancing modern production technologies with traditional handcrafting to ensure every sheet of plywood and every drop of oil is used with maximum efficiency and minimal waste.
The machines provide the precision, but the human element provides the soul. Once the precision cutting is done, each component is individually sanded and treated with natural oils in our local studio. By focusing on local production and honest, toxin-free materials, we ensure a production cycle that respects both the craftsman and the environment.
Natural Oil & Earth Pigments
Traditional protection, earth-sourced depth, built to breathe.
The final step in our process is where the wood truly comes to life through a marriage of earth and oil. Colour at NEOM is never synthetic; it is a gift from the earth, created using natural mineral pigments that harmonize with the birch grain rather than masking it. To protect this organic beauty, we apply a traditional combination of natural hard oil and linseed oil varnish, avoiding plastic-like synthetic lacquers that trap the wood’s texture.
This treatment isn’t just a surface coating—the pigments provide a lightfast depth of color, while the oils penetrate deep into the fibres to strengthen and protect the wood from within. This creates a durable, breathable, and skin-friendly finish that allows the natural warmth of the birch to shine. By using these pure, plant-based materials, we ensure your furniture remains easy to maintain while contributing to a healthy, toxin-free atmosphere that ages gracefully in your home.
Enduring Quality
Honest materials, refined by hand, built to last.
We believe that furniture should be a constant for the years to come—a steady companion through life’s moments, not a disposable commodity. Our commitment begins with our material: birch plywood, renowned for its exceptional strength and durability, delivering outstanding structural resilience.
However, the true value of our pieces stems from a thoughtful design that bridges engineering with timeless aesthetics, and craftsmanship, where every detail is refined with care. This harmony of superior materials, innovative design, and hand-finishing ensures that whichever piece you choose, it becomes a precious heirloom, passed down from one generation to the next
A Vision for the Future
Transparent values, innovative craft, conscious future.
We envision a future where design and sustainability are seamlessly intertwined. Transparency, the use of natural materials, and a commitment to a greener future are the core values that guide every decision we make. By embracing new technologies and exploring cutting-edge techniques, we constantly push our boundaries to create furniture that not only looks beautiful but also respects the planet we share.
Our goal is to inspire a generation of conscious living, where the objects we bring into our homes reflect a deeper respect for craftsmanship and the environment. We believe that by choosing better, we can create a lasting impact that extends far beyond the walls of our studio.
Intentional Craftsmanship
Intentional design, patient hands, restless refinement.
We believe that true quality is measured in hours, not minutes. From the initial design sketches to the final touch of the craftsman’s hand, we embrace the luxury of patience. Every curve and joint is the result of a deliberate process where nothing is rushed—neither the mind that envisions the design nor the material that takes its own time to settle and breathe.
This patient approach is felt in every detail, even those hidden from view. By honoring the time required for careful assembly and multi-stage hand-finishing, we create a surface that is as honest as it is refined. We don’t chase a static perfection; we pursue a level of refinement that evolves with every piece—a restless dedication to craft that ensures your furniture is built to be cherished for a lifetime.
Made in Slovenia
Slovenian roots, local heart, global vision.
Our story is rooted in Slovenia, a land where woodworking is a way of life. With every design, we try to honor a heritage of craftsmanship that values patience, precision, and a deep respect for the material.
By keeping our production local, we maintain a close, personal connection to every component, ensuring that the heart of our woodworking is felt in every joint and surface we create. It is our way of staying grounded while offering a modern, global perspective on design.
We don't cut corners, we just cut beautiful furniture. Responsibly.