Piet Hein

Piet Hein: Just a few, maybe 2 kilometers, from the boys school, we have a former Phillips factory that has been converted into an artist’s workshop, store and restaurant: Piet Hein Eek.  From what I understand, Piet is the first of many Eindhoven artists to build a successful career and spawn his business from an old factory.  You could almost say he started the trend. 

Eindhoven, and their Design Academy, is rooted in progressive design, as they had to rebuild practically everything after WWII.  It is also the home of Phillips, as in Frits Phillips.  Known for their technology and electronics, Phillips is now more successful as a Healthcare company, though you see their products everywhere.  Phillips, up until this year, was the sponsor of the local football (soccer team) PSV. 

History aside, Piet Hein has managed to take scrap materials and turn them into highly coveted pieces of furniture.  Among other things, he collaborates with artisans around the world and sells many Fair Trade pieces in his store, as well as cult favorites, like Aesop. 

Piet Hein for Ikea:

He is so big, that IKEA has asked him to do a line!!  And he is right in my backyard!!  I am pretty sure I have seen him in his shop, manning the cash register.  I found myself there this afternoon, after a pilates class at school… (okay, and carrot cake and espresso) in the bakery attached to the store.  Take a look at the offerings!!

I am coveting the wooden bowls.  Take a look at his Facebook page!!