We chat with WantedDesign Launch Pad winner, Lani Adeoye about her Talking Tables and where she goes from here.

We were proud to be a sponsor of WantedDesign’s Launch Pad this year. The Launch Pad at WantedDesign was full of awesome talent from around the world and the jury (jury, which consisted of Katie Stamaris, Director of Product Development, Design Within Reach; David Trubridge; Jack Schreur, Chief Executive Officer, FLOS USA and myself) had a tough time deciding on the winners. This year, there were two winners: One in furniture/decor and one in lighting.
For furniture/decor, we chose Studio Lani, a Brooklyn-based studio run by Lani Adeoye. After being raised in Nigeria, she landed in NYC by way of Canada, and studied design at Parsons. Her work megs craft and heritage with modern design in multifunctional products, building on her experience both being a globetrotter, and a problem-solving management & IT consultant. Her Talking Tables collection derive their form and essence from iconic West African musical instruments like the Talking Drum. Hand-welded steel, turned wood and woven leather unite to create these sculptural and elegant pieces. Versatile in nature, the Talking Tables serve as side tables, decorative lighting, storage, and it?s top can be used as a tray. The Talking Tables can be customized in a variety of finishes and colors.

We talked to her a bit about her work:
What influences the forms you?re using in your work"
I?m nat...