these cute creatures are made out of recycled paper

For those new to Lenzi, how would you describe your brand? Eszter: Lenzi is a graphic and interior designer duo who create decorative objects from recycled materials. Our main focus is combining happy colours and funky patterns, as well as introducing unique sculpture-like forms into the world of everyday objects.
Can you tell us a bit about Lenzi and how you started? Eszter: We met at an interior design studio, as we were both working there at the time. We loved working and spending time together, so when Bianka decided to quit after a few years, we wanted to find a hobby together so we were forced to meet, haha! We decided to have a vintage furniture upcycling workshop in Bianka’s mum’s basement, where we met every Thursday. A few weeks later we transformed our creativity into smaller decor pieces, and that's how the idea of Lenzi came to life.
Can you walk us through your creative process? Eszter: We're always trying new materials and ways to create; we believe that as artists it's our duty not to stick to habits. We always have a new idea for something that we want to try. It's a trial and error process, but that's okay because this is the part that we truly enjoy! Creativity comes from very random places, and it's also good that we can bounce these ideas off each other.

What role does sustainability play in your work? Eszter: Our goal was to create something new from things that already exist. Showing people how they can turn an old, unloved object into a new, personal one is the purpose of our workshops in the studio. The fact that our material is made of recycled paper, and that we can use this paste and put it on anything so it becomes something new, feels really rewarding.
Why do you like using recycled materials to make your objects? Eszter: Our material is very unique and versatile. We can create basically any shape, form, and size that we want, we don't need any special equipment to make it, and paper is a resource that is virtually unlimited. It's easy to source – there is plenty of used paper in offices that would otherwise go to landfill. We can literally put this mixture on any old furniture as well, making new items like a standing lamp, a coffee table, or a cute decor vase.

Tell us about your gorgeous studio! Eszter: The studio is a project that we're always working on; we're changing things as we go, probably because we use this space to test our ideas! We've done all of the renovation ourselves – plastering the walls, painting the floor tiles, laying down PVC, etc. Everything was our own idea and design. It's a space that feels really special to us, and we love spending our everyday life here. The furniture is sourced second-hand; we've had people donate items, and the brown vintage velvet chairs were in my parents’ weekend house that nobody used, so I’m really happy they have a new life here in the studio, haha. As a bonus, they always remind me of my mum every time I look at them, which is so nice!

What’s the most rewarding part of making by hand? Eszter: Since every single product is unique and made by us, it's lovely to experience when someone approaches us at a market and not only compliments our designs but also buys something that we made with our hands! It's amazing!
Do you have a favourite object you’ve designed? Bianka: One of the plant pots called Jürgen, which has a strong personality.
Eszter: I haven't finished it yet, but it has to be the big funky floor lamp!

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far? Eszter: Hmm…it's always changing, as we only started this company not even two years ago, so probably it's always the most current event! Last year was our first Budapest Design Week, which was awesome, but getting into Yófélehely, which sells our products alongside other local artists’ work – was pretty amazing as well. This year it's definitely being able to open our studio, and right now we're pretty proud of this interview to be honest!
How do you see Lenzi evolving in the future? Bianka: I'm dreaming about a creative hub where lots of people come regularly to create, meet up and have a fun time. Teaching kids and adults about art is also something I'd really like to do in the future.
Eszter: I really enjoy workshops as well, but my ultimate goal is to have bigger projects, maybe abroad as well. Me being an interior designer and Bianka a graphic artist, I feel like we have the potential to combine everything together, having a strong background to work on larger objects and tackle multiple aspects of a project at the same time.

Follow Lenzi on Instagram (@lenzistudio) to keep up to date with their cute, sustainable creations.