THOUGHT / FUL: Stellar Works on Quiet Luxury and Hospitality-Led Design
people • brand
Presented during 3 Days of Design as part of the FRAMING exhibition, Stellar Works returns to Copenhagen with THOUGHT / FUL — a new installation exploring hospitality-led design, quiet luxury and contemporary craftsmanship. Staged within the historic Odd Fellow Palace, the presentation brings together new collections by Yabu Pushelberg, Keiji Ashizawa Design and LAYAN Studio alongside refined additions to Space Copenhagen’s Atelier sofa system.
Led by CEO Daisuke Hironaka in collaboration with Space Copenhagen and artistic director Tony Chambers, the installation unfolds through immersive environments shaped by furniture, materiality, scent, sound and atmosphere — reflecting Stellar Works’ evolving approach to experience-driven design.
In conversation with Designeers, Daisuke Hironaka reflects on Japanese craftsmanship, evolving definitions of luxury and why hospitality remains central to the identity of Stellar Works.
Words: designeers
may 2026
WEBSITE: stellarworks.com
INSTAGRAM: @stellarworks_official
DESIGNEERS
THOUGHT / FUL feels like a continuation of the narrative introduced with Omotenashi last year. How has the concept evolved for 2026?
Daisuke Hironaka
As a hospitality-focused furniture brand, we do not see furniture simply as design objects, but as something that shapes how people live, interact and experience a space. Whether at home, while travelling or in the workplace, we continuously ask ourselves what role furniture should play in making people feel truly comfortable.
For us, hospitality is deeply connected to the Japanese concept of Omotenashi - a thoughtful care and consideration for others. THOUGHT / FUL builds upon this idea, translating it into form, atmosphere and experience. That, ultimately, is what thoughtful design means to Stellar Works.
DESIGNEERS
This year’s installation centres around the idea of “quiet luxury”. What does that phrase personally mean to you in the context of hospitality-led design?
Daisuke Hironaka
The meaning of luxury is being redefined today. In the past, it was often associated with wealth, status and outward perception. But we believe the future of luxury will become quieter, more personal and more human.
Rather than something designed to impress others, true luxury is about creating spaces that feel meaningful for ourselves and for the people we care about. Thoughtful design, honest materials and a deeper sensitivity to how people experience time and space - this is where we believe a new form of richness can be found.
That is what quiet luxury means to Stellar Works.
Daisuke Hironaka, CEO of Stellar Works
Ougi Collection by Keiji Ashizawa
DESIGNEERS
Why was it important for Stellar Works to return to the Odd Fellow Palace as part of FRAMING?
Daisuke Hironaka
Odd Fellow Palace has become one of the defining venues of 3 Days of Design, and for us, returning each year allows us to continue evolving and expressing the Stellar Works brand within a setting that feels deeply aligned with our philosophy.
The building carries a strong sense of architectural character and quiet restraint, qualities that naturally resonate with our approach to hospitality-led design and material storytelling. Presenting within this historic environment also creates an ongoing dialogue between past and present, allowing each new installation to build continuity while reflecting the evolving direction of the brand.
DESIGNEERS
The installation is divided into two contrasting spaces, THOUGHT and FUL. What story were you hoping visitors would experience as they moved through the environments?
Daisuke Hironaka
THOUGHT reinterprets our existing collections by Space Copenhagen, encouraging visitors to slow down and experience familiar objects and spaces in a more reflective way.
FUL, meanwhile, introduces new collections by three different designers, expressing a sense of richness, fulfilment and new possibilities for the future direction of Stellar Works.
Together, the two environments create a dialogue between reflection and evolution - between what already exists and what is still emerging.
DESIGNEERS
Was there a particular material, texture or detail that became central to the installation?
Daisuke Hironaka
We paid particular attention to the selection of fabrics and leather throughout the installation. Materials from Kvadrat, JMT Leather and linen textiles by ASTRID were carefully chosen to create a more tactile and sensory experience within the space.
For us, these details play an important role in shaping atmosphere and influencing how people emotionally experience a setting
DESIGNEERS
Hospitality remains central to Stellar Works’ identity. How do you translate ideas such as comfort, care and intuition into spatial design?
Daisuke Hironaka
Beyond the furniture itself, we carefully consider every element of the experience - from scent and sound to uniforms and even the drinks served to guests. For us, hospitality is expressed through these thoughtful details.
Together, they create an environment that feels intuitive, welcoming and emotionally comfortable, allowing visitors to experience the space in a more personal way.
Timothy Upholstery Dining Chair by Yabu Pushelberg
Arden Dining Table by Layan Studio
Bruno Lounge Chair by Layan Studio
“We want Stellar Works to become a platform that continues to explore and present how design in hospitality can positively influence the way people feel, live, and connect with space.”
Daisuke Hironaka
DESIGNEERS
What drew you to collaborating with Keiji Ashizawa Design this year?
Daisuke Hironaka
We were deeply drawn to Keiji Ashizawa’s philosophy of “honest design” and felt a strong resonance with the way he approaches materials, craftsmanship and human experience.
There is a quiet clarity and restraint within his work that aligns closely with the values of Stellar Works, which made the collaboration feel very natural.
DESIGNEeRS
How do you balance Japanese craftsmanship with a more international design language?
Daisuke Hironaka
Japanese craftsmanship represents an incredibly high level of quality and precision. At the same time, it has also become increasingly expensive and less accessible.
At Stellar Works, we are continuously exploring how to bring the spirit and integrity of Japanese craftsmanship to a wider international audience in a way that feels more sustainable, approachable and relevant to contemporary global living.
DESIGNEERS
The installation feels less product-led and more editorial in its composition. Has your experience working with creative figures such as Tony Chambers shifted how the brand communicates design?
Daisuke Hironaka
Yes, very much so. Tony Chambers has helped guide not only the direction we want to pursue as a brand, but also how those ideas can be expressed through a more artistic and editorial form of communication.
Working alongside him, as well as the wider creative community around him, has significantly influenced how we think about presenting Stellar Works and communicating design beyond the product itself.
Arden Dining Table by Layan Studio
Timothy Upholstery Dining Chair by Yabu Pushelberg
DESIGNEeRS
After experiencing THOUGHT / FUL, what do you hope people remember most about Stellar Works?
Daisuke Hironaka
I hope people remember that Stellar Works is not a brand focused on design for the sake of design, but on design for people.
We are not simply creating products; we are trying to create experiences, emotions and ways of living that feel thoughtful, comfortable and deeply human.
DESIGNEERS
Looking beyond furniture, do you see Stellar Works evolving into a broader hospitality or spatial design platform in the future?
Daisuke Hironaka
Yes, we believe that is part of our long-term vision. We see Stellar Works evolving beyond furniture into a broader platform exploring how hospitality-led design can positively shape the way people feel, live and connect with space.
For us, design is not only about objects, but about creating more meaningful and human-centred experiences.
Ougi Collection by Keiji Ashizawa
Photography credits: Matthew Donaldson
