The Dwell 24: Harold

In 2015, when designers and roommates Reed Hansuld and Joel Seigle founded Harold (each has a grandfather by that name), they began by creating clever household items that could offer customers good design at affordable prices: a sculptural brass corkscrew, a leather wall-mounted catchall, and a U-shaped key chain. But as Harold grew, Hansuld and Seigle began branching out into higher-end items, too, like well-crafted walnut tables and elegant modern mirrors.

Their Bend table, a finalist for this year’s NYCxDesign Best in Show award, features an oval-shaped surface that has the appearance of being punched out of a larger piece of timber. Like many of us in recent months, the designers found themselves baking an inordinate amount of bread. Which, for Harold, means even more ideas: "Perhaps a modern-designed sourdough tool kit ready in time for the holiday season," Seigle hints.

Learn why Seigle treasures a vintage waffle iron and Hansuld will never let go of his moon photos— plus read more of their responses to our Q&A—below.

Hometowns: 

Elgin, IL —Seigle 

Toronto, Ontario, Canada —Hansuld

Describe what you make in 140 characters. Our studio, Harold, makes a range of furniture and products with a focus on functionality and user experience with a modern aesthetic.

What's the last thing you designed? 

2020 has been a very unexpected year—the last thing I designed was a protest sign. —Seigle 

Well, I recently moved into a new apartment, so very function driven things, like shelving, dish racks, etc. —Hansuld

Do you have a daily creative ritual? 

Everyday I stop and take a moment to watch the sunset over the Manhattan skyline. This short, transitional time acts as a creative recharge. The unique beauty of colors and shapes is thought provoking inspiration only nature can provide. —Seigle 

We try to go out onto the pier in Red Hook, where our studio is located, and watch the sunset everyday. There is something mesmerizing about watching the sun dip away from the day that has always proven to be a good time to reflect. —Hansuld