Leonardo Cappellini: Honoring Imperfection in Sustainable Wood Design
- May 21
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 13
Leonardo Cappellini speaks with us about his approach to design, wood limited-edition objects shaped by time and texture, and the quiet philosophy that shapes his work. This interview explores the values and methods behind his process as a champion of sustainable wood design and Italian designer known for authentic Italian craftsmanship.
How did your journey into sustainable wood design and craftsmanship begin?
My path began with an innate curiosity for wood. Even during high school, I was making small objects, but it was during my university years studying Design in Florence that I discovered woodturning. That was a revelation: the wood took shape in my hands through a process that felt almost meditative. From that moment on, I devoted all my time to perfecting the craft until it became my profession.
What are your favorite materials to work with, and why?
I love solid wood—especially local and reclaimed varieties. I’m drawn to species rich in history, like walnut and olive, which carry the traces of time and nature. Wood is a living material; it changes, moves, reacts to its environment. It’s this ongoing dialogue that fascinates me.
Is there a philosophy or inspiration that guides your work?
My philosophy is rooted in respect for nature and an acceptance of imperfection. I don’t seek geometric perfection. Instead, I highlight the unique characteristics of each piece of wood, letting its story come through in knots, grain patterns, and natural voids. I’m inspired by nature and archaic forms—always trying to strike a balance between tradition and contemporaneity.
Is there a piece you feel especially connected to? What’s its story?
One piece I’m particularly attached to is the Ibuki Vase, which came out of a collaboration with Japanese designer Yusuke Taguchi. The project combines my work in turning with the symbolic element of the spiral—a sign of growth and transformation. (Image below). It represents a meeting of different cultures and philosophies, united by a shared sensitivity to material and time.
“I work with wood shaped by time and place, revealing forms that carry the quiet memory of nature and the beauty of imperfection.”
What does it mean to you to create in small batches or limited editions?
It means honoring the creative process and the raw material. Each piece is unique because each piece of wood is unrepeatable. Working in small series allows me to focus on details, to leave room for experimentation, and to ensure that each work has its own soul.
How do you hope your work is perceived by those who welcome it into their homes?
I hope it’s seen not just as an object, but as a fragment of nature and time. Each piece carries the story of the wood it came from—its transformation, its journey. I hope those who live with it can feel that connection, appreciate its materiality, and be inspired by its quiet but powerful presence.
