Vasevoll
In this interview, Helene Knorr, founder of VASEVOLL, shares her passion for design, sustainability, and the timeless elegance of her creations. From her home in Northern Germany, Helene invites us into the world of PE-Rattan vases that blend modern aesthetics with classic inspiration. Learn about the story behind VASEVOLL, the inspiration drawn from Italian Renaissance art, and Helene’s commitment to creating sustainable and enduring products. Discover how her love for flowers and her passion for design come together to create truly unique and captivating pieces.
Hello Helene, how are you today? Could you introduce yourself?
Moin (hello), as we say in the North! My name is Helene Knorr, and I am the designer and owner of VASEVOLL. I live in Northern Germany, where the weather is often gray and cold. That’s why I place a lot of importance on creating a cozy and beautiful home, surrounded by harmonious decorations and seasonal flowers. I love to adorn our large, historic manor house with new interior designs and decorations. My inspiration often comes from my travels, and especially Italy, with its rich cultural heritage, has always had a deep influence on me.
VASEVOLL’s story seems to have blossomed from a personal project. Can you elaborate on how your experience with your partner’s company and your travels to Italy, particularly museums like the Uffizi Gallery, sparked the initial idea for VASEVOLL?
In my husband’s factory, where he has been producing traditional German beach chairs called Strandkorb in German for over 20 years, I became familiar with PE-Rattan. It’s a material that is both durable and perfect for the harsh Northern climate. On my trips to Italy, especially to Florence, I was deeply inspired by the Renaissance art and architecture. In museums like the Uffizi, I admired the classic vases and statues made from marble and stone. Initially, I decorated our home with antique statues and vases, but over time, I realized the interior needed a more modern touch. That’s when I started introducing modern pieces, and the idea for vases on pedestals made from PE-Rattan was born. These lightweight, easy-to-care-for vases replaced the heavy marble busts and vases in our home. Soon after, friends and acquaintances began requesting similar pieces, and that’s when I decided to bring VASEVOLL to the world.
What specifically about Renaissance art resonated with you, and how did you translate those elements into a contemporary design using PE-Rattan?
The Renaissance period inspires me deeply because it marked the beginning of artistic freedom in form and expression. Before that, art often carried religious connotations or was commissioned by kings or clergy. But in the Renaissance, for the first time, merchants and artists could create art freely, exploring new forms and ideas. The Medici family played a crucial role in financially supporting artists, leading to the creation of many masterpieces that continue to inspire us today. In this era, pedestals became popular for displaying vases and busts, drawing from ancient column designs. I loved the idea of placing a vase on a pedestal to give it prominence, which is why my PE-Rattan vases also sit atop a rattan pedestal, reinforced with metal for stability.
The name VASEVOLL beautifully combines the idea of a vase reaching its full potential when filled. What role do flowers play in your design philosophy, and how do you see them complementing your PE-Rattan creations?
The name VASEVOLL comes from the German words “Vase” and “voll” (full), representing the idea that a vase only reaches its full beauty when filled with flowers. Flowers have always played an important role in my life. As a child, I spent countless hours in my grandmother’s beautiful dahlia garden in Kazakhstan, a place where flowers were scarce due to the dry climate. My German grandmother managed to create a lush garden there, and that memory stuck with me. Years later, I recreated her dahlia garden on our estate in Northern Germany, and we have since added an English rose garden. I always cut flowers from our own garden to fill the vases, mixing fresh flowers with high-quality silk flowers to make the arrangements last longer. We collaborate with SILK-Ka, a renowned manufacturer of lifelike silk flowers. The colors of the vases are chosen to complement the natural hues of the flowers, using soft, organic tones like greens, beige, and deep reds. The vase and pedestal blend naturally into the environment, creating a harmonious effect.
Can you talk about the design process for VASEVOLL creations? How do you balance the inspiration from classical forms with a modern aesthetic?
When designing VASEVOLL pieces, it’s important for me to merge the classical forms of the Renaissance with a contemporary look. The vases and pedestals made from PE-Rattan exude a lightness that works both indoors and outdoors. Since the pieces are handmade, there are often small, natural imperfections, such as slight tilts in the pedestal, which I embrace. Nature itself isn’t perfectly straight—tree trunks, for instance, have natural bends. This balance between relaxed imperfection and striving for quality is key in my production process.
VASEVOLL offers a sustainable approach through the use of PE-Rattan. Can you elaborate on your commitment to sustainability in design and production?
Sustainability, for me, is primarily about longevity. A product that lasts for many years is more sustainable than one that needs constant replacement. PE-Rattan is extremely durable and designed to withstand tough weather conditions. While there is ongoing debate about the sustainability of raw materials like polyethylene—since its production involves carbon emissions—I believe PE-Rattan is a better alternative to natural rattan, which involves deforestation. The key to sustainability is using products that last, and my vases are designed to endure for many years.
VASEVOLL draws inspiration from your garden at the Heuerstubben estate. How does this natural environment influence your design direction and future collections?
Living in the countryside, surrounded by nature and wide-open spaces, provides me with constant inspiration. Our garden, filled with vibrant flowers and the vastness of the Northern German landscape, serves as a muse for my designs. It’s the perfect setting to dream up new ideas and experiment with different forms and colors. I’m sure that this environment will continue to inspire many future collections.
What are your hopes and aspirations for VASEVOLL? Where do you see the brand evolving in the design landscape?
My vision for VASEVOLL is to see our vases decorating the finest hotels and restaurants around the world in the next five years, filled with artistic floral creations by talented florists. I’ve noticed a growing trend in event design, where wedding venues are being transformed into breathtaking, immersive environments. It would be a dream come true for VASEVOLL to be part of these magical worlds. Our Medici-inspired vases, with their blend of timelessness and modernity, fit into any style because they already carry a harmonious contrast within their design. The only question is which color best complements the décor, but not the shape—it’s universal. By the way, we have patented our PE-Rattan design.
Beyond the current product range, are there any other design ideas or collaborations you're excited to explore with VASEVOLL?
I love collaborating with creative minds and am always open to new partnerships. There are many exciting ideas in the pipeline, though I can’t reveal too much just yet. Let’s just say, I’m looking forward to exploring new fusions and projects.
VASEVOLL - @vasevoll @heleneknorr @hs_heritage
www.vasevoll.de