Welcome to Lokl Design Market! Enjoy creative and unique design, and support local designers with buying their hand made products!
Welcome to Lokl Design Market! Enjoy creative and unique design, and support local designers with buying their hand made products!
Dinko and Nikola are the dynamic duo behind Nappo Design, a brand dedicated to transforming houses into homes with innovative 3D printed decorations. As young engineers, their journey began with a simple passion for creating and a vision to add a personal touch to any space. Initially focused on vases, their goal is to expand their range to include a variety of interior decorations. Alongside managing marketing, business development, and attending fairs, they’re having a blast every step of the way. If you’re looking for unique, tech-savvy, and chic decor, you’ve come to the right place.
Their story started with a love for creating unique items using a 3D printer. After printing a bunch of fun items like 3D Pokemons and superheroes, they wanted to create something that brought actual aesthetics to their homes. The satisfaction of seeing their creations praised by people they admired sparked their entrepreneurial spirit. They realized they were onto something special and decided to pursue this path seriously.
Dinko and Nikola’s background as mechanical engineers played a crucial role in their journey. Meeting at university, they were fascinated by the potential of 3D printing. Dinko, in particular, took numerous courses in additive manufacturing. They began making various items for friends—from car cup holders to crypto mining rig components. This journey from classmates to business partners allowed them to blend their technical expertise with their entrepreneurial dreams, turning creative ideas into reality.
The pivotal moment came when they were remodeling their apartments and couldn’t find unique decor that truly spoke to them. Turning to their trusty 3D printer, they created some vases that matched their vision. The positive feedback from friends and family was overwhelming, and they thought, “Why not share the love?” That’s how Nappo Design was born.
Inspiration for their unique vase designs comes from various sources. Sometimes it’s a vision sketched on paper, a spark from Instagram or Pinterest, or just pure luck playing with commands in Blender. The creative process usually starts with an idea sparked by a gap in their product line. They then design, sketch, and try out different versions in Blender. After finalizing a design, they conduct opinion tests among trusted friends and family, optimize the design for 3D printing, and ensure it meets their quality standards through rigorous tests for watertightness, mechanical wear, and sun exposure. Once the design passes all tests, it’s ready to be shown to the world.
Balancing creativity and functionality is key to their design process. They start with imaginative concepts inspired by art and nature but always keep practicality in mind. Each vase is designed to be both a unique piece of art and a functional item. This balance often requires trade-offs, leading them to discard designs that aren’t 3D-printable or functional.
Shifting from 3D printing as a hobby to a business was a significant challenge. Additionally, managing the reliability of 3D printers and creating engaging social media content took more time than expected. However, Dinko and Nikola learned and grew with each challenge. They planned for a certain percentage of failed prints and scheduled social media content creation. The heartfelt praise from their customers and the realization that people were willing to pay for their creations kept them motivated.
The most rewarding aspect of their journey has been receiving heartfelt praise from their customers. Knowing that their designs resonate with others and add a special touch to their homes is incredibly fulfilling.
One of the biggest advantages of 3D printing is the unique texture and character it gives their vases through visible additive layers. This allows them to experiment with complex designs, customize pieces, and maintain high precision and efficiency. Prototyping is also easy, letting them see the actual look on the same machine.
They use Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) for their 3D printing process, extruding thermoplastic filaments layer by layer. By fine-tuning print settings like layer height, print speed, and infill density, and enhancing the finish and functionality through post-processing steps like sealing, they create detailed, high-quality home decorations.
For their vases, Dinko and Nikola use PETG filaments due to their strength, reliability, and eco-friendliness. Sustainability is a core value in their work and material selection. They focus on minimizing waste, recycling leftover materials, and producing items on demand to reduce excess inventory. Their goal is to eventually manufacture exclusively from recycled plastics.
Customers typically use Nappo Design vases to add a stylish touch to their home decor, showcasing fresh flowers or serving as art pieces. Some have creatively used them as lamp bases or kitchen utensil containers. Positive feedback highlights the unique aesthetic appeal, quality craftsmanship, and attention to detail of their vases, elevating home decor and becoming conversation pieces.
Looking ahead, Dinko and Nikola plan to expand B2B partnerships, reach more customers, and decorate public places like restaurants and bars. They’ll develop new vases and start manufacturing lamps. The future of 3D printing in home decor is promising, offering unprecedented customization and personalization. They foresee a trend towards using 3D printing for functional furniture pieces and architectural elements, promoting eco-friendly and innovative solutions.
Their favorite design is their first vase, Artemida, which led to the design of another vase, Kaliopa. Its accidental creation proved that the design alone could make a successful product. They advise those interested in 3D printed design to master 3D modeling software, start with simple projects, engage with online communities, and embrace patience and persistence.
Reflecting on their journey, they wouldn’t change anything. Mistakes are opportunities for growth and improvement, essential to their development.
You can purchase Nappo Design’s work online at Lokl under their store page, on their web shop or on their Instagram, as well as in the physical store TakeMeHome in Zagreb.
Dinko and Nikola’s journey has been a rewarding blend of creativity and technical exploration. Each piece reflects their commitment to quality, sustainability, and personalized design. They’re excited to continue pushing boundaries in 3D printed decor and invite you to join them on this creative journey.
