Erika Hardman hung around in the corporate world as a recruiter, but when she began working alongside her partner Liam in their furnishings studio, she understood that it was not just a profession but a calling. “I would get up thinking about brand-new possibilities,” she says. “That’s when it really clicked for me. When something starts running through you like that, you understand it’s where your energy belongs.”
Originally established in Berlin in 2012, Hardman Style is now based in Brooklyn. Hardman, the business’s innovative director, entered her role gradually. She remained curious and ended up being more associated with the different elements of the procedure, from forming preliminary ideas to building the brand.
Photo: Agathe Karsenti Customers treasure the customized hardwood pieces specified by tidy lines and sculptural kinds. When Hardman gets an impression in her mind, she generally writes down some quick notes, not all of that make sense in the beginning. Then she gathers recommendations and screenshots of architecture, natural materials, and travel locations to put on a physical or digital mood board.
Hardman finds that this early phase of a project is the most flexible, and the chances feel limitless. She goes over and filters a style repeatedly till it eventually moves from paper to solid item.
The partnership with Liam is still rewarding, even though it takes place every day. “Design has ended up being such a huge part of our daily life that we sometimes discover ourselves standing in the middle of the street with a measuring tape, discussing percentages or sketching,” she adds. “Some of the very best ideas appear in those unexpected moments.”
Today, Erika Hardman joins us for Friday Five!
Image: Liam Hardman 1. My Pet Dogs Mio & Lue My pet dogs are a consistent reminder of energy and determination. Their enjoyment for the tiniest things– a walk, a toy, a spot of sunlight– is grounding. Enjoying their curiosity every day is remarkably inspiring. They bring delight and immediacy to life in such a way that’s tough to ignore.
Picture: Ian Patterson 2. Sauna & Cold Plunge Sauna and cold plunge have actually become a weekly ritual for me. I’m drawn to the architecture of spaces like Othership, with warm wood interiors, soft light, and minimal surfaces. The contrast in between heat and cold clears my often-busy mind. I always leave sensation calmer and more focused.
Picture: Erika Hardman 3. Architectural Shoes I’m drawn to objects where the structure shows up. Particular shoes can feel almost like a created object in its own right. Maison Margiela approaches this through geometry, balance, and subtle details– the trapezoidal heel on a few of their pumps feels almost architectural. Brand names like NEOUS explore similar ideas also, treating footwear from a more sculptural point of view.
Photo: Erika Hardman 4. The California Desert The California desert has a way of blocking out the noise of the world. The vastness and peaceful reset my mind nearly quickly. I’m always drawn to its restraint– muted colors, dry air, and significant light. There’s a simplicity to it that feels almost elemental. It’s very little, raw, and deeply motivating to me.
Image: Erika Hardman 5. Music is a constant buddy in both my work and life. I tend to gravitate towards electronic music– particularly when I’m working. It produces a stable atmosphere without being disruptive and assists me focus for long stretches. The ideal track can totally shift the state of mind of an area or a minute.
Functions by Hardman Style’s co-owner and Creative Director Erika Hardman:
Image: Andryi Bezuglov LÜNA The LÜNA bed continues the subtractive design language presented in the LÜNA collection– softened edges, rounded transitions, and a restrained shape. Sitting low to the ground, the style stresses percentage and spatial calm. The curved headboard is shaped from strong wood boards signed up with to protect continuity of grain.
Picture: Andryi Bezuglov LELA draws from Danish chair style, concentrating on proportion and comfort. Curved wood armrests and tapered legs produce a peaceful sculptural form, while the upholstered seat adds softness. The chair is created for long events around the 
table. Picture: Andryi Bezuglov KAT Table KAT centers around a strong structural base that offers the table a clear architectural presence. The central column keeps the footprint compact while leaving the surrounding area open for chairs. It’s an easy form that balances stability with a sense of lightness.
Picture: Andryi Bezuglov ARLEN checks out circular types and softened geometry. The streaming shapes of the tables and carefully rounded edges produce a friendly presence that works conveniently in numerous interiors. The design mixes Scandinavian warmth with modernist clarity.
Image: Andryi Bezuglov LULU Sofa The LULU Couch pairs soft upholstery with an easy exposed wood frame. Its curved lines and generous percentages develop a welcoming place to relax while keeping the overall form visually light. The style balances warmth with a clear structural expression.
Anna Zappia is a New York City-based writer and editor with an enthusiasm for textiles, and she can frequently be found at a fashion exhibit or shopping for more books. Anna composes the Friday Five column, along with industrial material.