Design talk: from sketch to the Brock cabinet series

In the world of interior design, everything revolves around inspiration, innovation, and attention to detail. We spoke with our own product designer Stijn about his design of the Brock cabinet series for the latest Spring/Summer collection. This design is produced in our own factory in the Netherlands and is made from responsibly sourced FSC-certified wood. He takes us through his creative process, how the design connects with the theme of brutalism, and what we can expect from him in the future.

1. How did the first idea for the Brock cabinet series come about?

It started with defining a theme. Irene, a stylist at WOOOD, introduced the theme of brutalism for this collection. That immediately appealed to me, because brutalism originally comes from an architectural movement, and I have a strong affinity with architecture. Brutalism is characterized by raw textured materials, angular and geometric shapes, and repeating elements.

In the Brock series, I mainly wanted to put the material at the center, combined with repetitive details. That’s why I worked with ash veneer, because it has a beautiful wood grain that stands out even more after spraying. The side panels and internal dividers are the repeating elements.

2. What customer living need did you have in mind when designing the Brock series?

The freedom to use furniture pieces both individually and in combination with each other. We didn’t only focus on the design, but also on the different assembly options, giving customers the flexibility to assemble and combine each Brock item according to their own taste.

The Brock series offers variety in shape, size, and color. This means every piece in the collection can fit into any living room. Place multiple pieces next to each other and create your own wall with TV units, sideboards, or cabinets.

3. In what kind of spaces and interior styles do you think this design works best?

In many different interior styles. The design isn’t tied to one specific style. It’s timeless, yet dynamic. Thanks to the geometric design, you can beautifully combine it with an organic-shaped sofa. That contrast works especially well.

The series is also suitable for both small city apartments and large living rooms. Because of its modular setup, you can always make it fit—whether you live in a city apartment or a farmhouse in the countryside.

4. What makes the Brock a timeless and unique design that truly fits WOOOD?

That is partly due to the choice of materials. The natural qualities of the ash veneer really come forward in combination with the finish and color. We also deliberately chose not to use handles. Handles are often trend-sensitive and therefore less timeless.

The design is unique because of its powerful, dynamic form. That dynamism is found in small details, such as the slanted side panels and dividers, and the recessed doors. This creates shadow effects, adding a playful touch without becoming too busy. That makes the design timeless, but still very contemporary.

5. Which of your own designs do you have at home – and why that piece?

At home, I have the Basu sideboard. I really love the combination of engineering and design in this piece. The front frame on the door visually continues into the leg, creating a strong interplay of lines.

The Brock series is my new favorite. The brutalism theme perfectly matches my personal taste. After our upcoming renovation, I will definitely add one or more Brock items to our interior.

6. What can we expect from you in the future?

I expect to develop even more new must-have items from our own production, with our FSC-certified wood at the heart of the designs and showcased beautifully. In addition, we will continue optimizing the quality and user-friendliness of our furniture.

With the Brock cabinet series, Stijn shows how architectural inspiration, material choice, and functionality come together in a design that is both powerful and versatile—exactly what WOOOD stands for.