Behind the Design with Berg & Hindenes
At EFG, we strive to create furniture that endures – both in terms of quality and aesthetics. In close collaboration with our design partners, we continue to push this vision forward. We spoke with Steinar Hindenes, one half of the Bergen-based design duo Berg & Hindenes, about the importance of designing visually sustainable products.
What principles guide your approach to furniture design?
“We aim for simplicity in expression and form, always in relation to the intended function. We grew up immersed in the Scandinavian aesthetic, and that has left a lasting impression. Longevity and sustainability are key principles we incorporate into everything we do. The physical experience of a product must be satisfying and give the user a positive impression – but visual appeal is just as important. Some people choose a piece of furniture purely because they love how it looks, so it must withstand the test of time through the eyes as well!”
What are the biggest challenges in designing furniture that is both aesthetically and environmentally sustainable?
“Being honest in our material choices, while keeping production, usage, reuse and recycling in mind. A product that embraces those values will naturally come across as aesthetically pleasing too.”
Mingle is a modular system offering nearly endless possibilities through its three versions: Standard, Lounge, and High.
Which of the products you’ve designed for EFG are you most proud of?
“That’s a tough one – every product has its own journey and its own story. Each one teaches you something, helps you grow, and becomes something you get attached to. We’ve worked with EFG for many years now, and we’ve really come to understand the company’s culture and the people we work with. Together, we become a team – and that mutual understanding makes the collaboration smoother and faster.”
What are the most important steps in your creative process?
“It often starts as a thought or an idea, which then becomes a line, a sketch, and eventually a form. That form evolves into a mock-up with testing and refinements along the way. The prototyping process continues with the manufacturer until the final product is ready.”
Reco unites Scandinavian form with modern function through soft lines, subtle detailing, and timeless design.
Which materials are inspiring you most at the moment?
“Warm, natural materials that humans have lived with for thousands of years – like wool and wood – will always remain valuable. Wood is self-generating and renewable, and if we manage our forests well, we have an outstanding material to work with for the future. We’ll see new composite materials emerge, and aluminium is growing in relevance too, due to its strong potential for recycling.”
How do you see workplace furniture evolving over the next decade?
“Technological developments will shape how we furnish and use the spaces we inhabit – whether that’s at home or in public environments.”
About Berg & Hindenes: The Norwegian design studio Berg & Hindenes is led by Anders Berg and Steinar Hindenes – both deeply rooted in the Scandinavian design tradition and known for their innovative contributions to the office furniture segment.
Steinar Hindenes studied at the Bergen Academy of Art and Design and has taken part in a number of prestigious collaborations with leading Nordic manufacturers. Anders Berg holds a master’s degree in design from Bergen’s School of Art and Design and has extensive experience in furniture production. Together, the duo create functional and aesthetically refined products with a distinct Scandinavian identity.
Awards and Recognition: Several of Berg & Hindenes’ designs have been selected for official showcases of Norwegian design – including international exhibitions, Norwegian embassies, and the Norwegian Prime Minister’s residence.
Key Products for EFG: Reco, Mingle, and Woods
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