Header: Taran Wilkhu
Stellar Works, a Japanese furniture brand with an international scope, participated in this year’s 3daysofdesign with a renewed focus. Now targeting hospitality-centred design, the brand’s new installation, titled Omotenashi, maintains the brand’s original East–West approach while presenting this recent thematic shift to the world.
A new venture
Hosted at the Odd Fellow Palace in central Copenhagen and included in the FRAMING exhibition, Omotenashi introduced a combination of new and existing designs united by the Japanese concept from which the installation takes its name: Omotenashi broadly refers to considerate service and careful attention to detail.
This presentation marks a change in how Stellar Works positions itself in the design industry, as they’ve taken on the clear goal of addressing the needs and opportunities within the global hospitality sector. Tony Chambers, who worked with the brand as the installation’s creative director and curator, commented that “the new visual identity is a subtle but meaningful modification. It is softer, warmer and more suggestive of the hand-crafted and bespoke nature of Stellar Works’ oeuvre.”
Part of this shift means returning to what the brand has always done well: working with designers who understand the needs of hospitality spaces. It’s also looking at how its main collection and custom pieces can sit more naturally together, so everything feels part of the same family.
“Stellar Works creates furniture that enhances and elevates the world’s finest hospitality environments. Our updated brand strategy reflects our ongoing commitment to thoughtful design, lasting craftsmanship, and the development of harmonious spaces that inspire connection and reflection.”
Daisuke Hironaka, CEO of Stellar Works
The installation
Omotenashi is set to occupy two rooms of the Odd Fellow Palace, the Blue Room and the Pink Room, each configured as a hospitality setting rather than a conventional showroom. The rooms are set up to reflect different sides of the brand through their arrangement, the materials used, and the overall feel of each space.
The Sake Bar Lounge, created by Space Copenhagen, brings back some of the studio’s earlier designs in new finishes, marking 20 years of working together with Stellar Works. The Sakura Lounge introduces new pieces by Yabu Pushelberg, Alessandro Munge and Layan, each offering their take on hospitality using natural materials and a more pared-back approach to form.
Both rooms were inspired by traditional Japanese practices, such as the tea ceremony and ikebana, but they avoided direct representation in favour of quieter references that supported the overall atmosphere.
The brand is also using the moment to highlight its ongoing work with YKK Group, one of the installation’s sponsors. YKK has contributed recycled materials like POM dowels, custom fabrics, yarns, and zinc parts, which are being tested for possible use in future pieces and interior projects.
