In the endless, unceasing journey of time, we savor the present and dream of the future, but we often find ourselves reminiscing about the past. Nostalgia is a universal theme that resonates with people everywhere. A memory can be sparked by a simple object, a familiar melody, a particular scent, or a specific scene. While we eagerly embrace innovation, we also hold on to the cherished parts of our past, as they offer a comforting and familiar sense of safety and peace.
grado embraces the philosophy that “your home tells your story.” With a keen sense of perception, we craft soulful designs that provide the backdrop for our users’ lives. We believe that “old” doesn’t mean outdated; innovative design can make “old” things shine anew. As nostalgia continues to be a timeless trend, creating nostalgic pieces meets people’s desires and represents a fresh kind of innovation.
Many scientists and researchers have explored the impact of old objects in their respective fields, often connecting it to child psychology and psychoanalysis. Pediatrician and psychoanalyst Donald Winnicott introduced the idea of Transitional Objects—items that provide comfort and security to children during their development, also known as comfort objects. These objects, like a stuffed toy or a blanket, help children feel safe in unfamiliar environments or when falling asleep.
Adults, too, use comfort objects. Examples include robotic pets in nursing homes, stuffed toys for victims in emergency vehicles, and blankets given to disaster survivors by charities. In dental clinics, doctors often offer small toys to ease patient anxiety. Beyond public services and healthcare, the recent popularity of Designer Toys in the creative industry highlights the positive impact that toys can have on mental well-being.
Therefore, inspired by the concepts of nostalgia and Transitional Objects, grado has introduced fresh ideas into our furniture designs. This is evident in our design philosophy and meticulous attention to detail. It is also showcased in our two new releases this August: the Houghton Sofa and the Seahorse Cushion.
The Houghton Sofa strikes a balance between reality and fantasy. Its unique color palette blends a rich chocolate hue with subtle hints of purple. This high-brightness, low-saturation combination creates a nostalgic feel. The sofa’s filling and light-rolled genuine leather enhance this vintage yet modern look, emitting a soft glow that evokes distant dreams and hazy memories. With its streamlined design, premium materials, and ergonomic shape, the Houghton Sofa embodies the classic Bauhaus principle of “form follows function.”
The Seahorse Cushion combines the whimsical design of a plush toy with the comfort of a cushion. Shaped like a seahorse, its curves are tailored to support various body parts, making it perfect as a neck pillow, lumbar support, or pregnancy pillow. The soft, plush white upholstery and playful lines evoke the joy and security of childhood, letting users relive the happiness and comfort of hugging a favorite toy while enjoying the present moment.
In addition to the new releases mentioned above, grado’s mid-century modern items incorporate a vintage aesthetic, reflecting a nostalgic appreciation for classic designs. Many of our cushion series are inspired by the adorable shapes of animals and plants, bringing to mind the warmth of childhood moments spent with family and toys. Notably, the Hug Cushion is designed specifically for children with autism, featuring upholstery with drawings created by autistic children. This thoughtful design aims to raise awareness and foster compassion for the autism community.
The attachment to old objects is, at its core, a quest for a sense of security. grado captures this serene and comforting atmosphere, bringing it to life through our thoughtfully crafted designs.
