We learned something new today, so perhaps you will, too: The acronym for the colors of the rainbow in Norwegian is ROGGBIF, which Oslo-based Studio Sløyd has used to title its new collection of stools, as multi-colored and joyful as you’d expect from such a moniker. Comprising 24 different playful shapes, each is designed to explore applications of a newly created dyed wood technique, which founders Herman Ødegaard, Mikkel Jøraandstad, and Tim Knutsen — who decided to work together as students during a late-night karaoke session (extremely relatable) — have been developing over the past couple of years. “Rather than starting with a shape or form, we turned our usual process on its head for this project, experimenting our way to a new material,” says the trio. 

They describe the material as “through-colored” birch, which is intended to be more hardwearing than wood simply coated with a top layer of dye. “The color penetrates all throughout the wood, making it a sustainable option for colored wood furniture,” Studio Sløyd explains. The first ROGGBIF stool and stepladder made using the dyed wood were designed for, and showcased at, the always-exciting Norwegian Presence exhibition in Milan last year. Their desaturated colored surfaces are connected via overlapping joints, where contrasting hues intentionally meet one another. For the extended collection, the studio has expanded significantly on this concept, using homemade machinery, candy-colored checkerboard patterns, striped steam-bent elements, and inlaid dots to further highlight the potential of the material. 

This is Studio Sløyd’s second full collection, following a range of minimalist pine furniture that the trio debuted in 2021, and several one-off objects, limited series, and commissions for production that came between. The studio’s signature has emerged as a roguish combination of typical Scandi design sensibilities and an inventive approach to form-making. The ROGGBIF Stools were on show this month at Oslo’s Sorgenfri Gallery, and while we would have taken as many as we could physically carry away with us, the show sold out within the first hour. Definitely ones to watch.