Meet the Founders of Aurorabelle: Petter Wilke and Jenny Karlsson
We meet the founders of Aurorabelle, Petter Wilke and Jenny Karlsson, at their workshop in the open landscapes of Skåne, Sweden. Here, in the heart of the countryside, something unique is being created—modern, sleek, and sustainable interior decor, crafted with advanced 3D printing. We sit down with them to talk about technology, design, and why they chose to manufacture their products on demand rather than mass-produce them.
“We Wanted to Create Something Timeless and Sustainable”
Petter, you have a background in physics and engineering. How did the idea for Aurorabelle come about?
– I have always been fascinated by innovation and the ability to create something new. When I realized what 3D printing could do for interior design, it felt like an obvious choice. We wanted to create something timeless and sustainable, yet also exclusive and innovative, says Petter.
Jenny, what drew you to co-found Aurorabelle?
– I’ve always had an eye for aesthetics and quality. For me, design isn’t just about how something looks—it’s about the feeling it creates in a space. When we first discussed the idea of 3D-printed decor, we quickly realized that we could create something truly unique. This technology allows us to produce intricate shapes and details that would otherwise be difficult and costly to manufacture, all while doing so in a sustainable way, Jenny explains.
“We Only Produce What is Ordered”
You manufacture your products on demand, meaning only when a customer places an order. Why did you choose this model?
– We wanted to avoid overproduction and minimize waste. Traditional mass production often results in large stockpiles of products that may never sell. We do the opposite—we only produce what is actually needed. This means that each product is unique and made specifically for the person who orders it, Petter explains.
– It also makes us more flexible, Jenny adds. We can quickly adapt designs, test new ideas, and create custom orders without having to invest in large production runs. That’s a huge advantage, both for us and for the customer, she says.
“3D Printing Gives Us Creative Freedom”
What does the manufacturing process look like?
– Everything starts digitally. Our products are designed in a 3D program, where we fine-tune shapes and details down to a hundredth of a millimeter. The design is then sent to our 3D printers, which build the product layer by layer. This allows us to create complex forms that would be difficult or impossible to manufacture with traditional methods, says Petter.
– And since we work digitally, we can easily adjust and optimize designs as needed. If we see an opportunity to improve a product, we can implement the changes immediately. That’s something that’s hard to do in traditional manufacturing, where designs are often locked in after costly molds and tools have been made, Jenny continues.
“Our Products Are Both Sustainable and Luxurious”
You use PLA for your products. Why did you choose this material?
– PLA is a bio-based material made from renewable resources like cornstarch and sugarcane, Petter explains. It’s lightweight, durable, and environmentally friendly. We want our products to be sustainable without compromising on quality or aesthetics, he says.
– It also has a very refined surface, which gives our products an exclusive feel. Many people assume that 3D-printed decor looks plasticky, but that’s not the case at all. Our production technique creates a matte, elegant finish that fits perfectly in modern homes, says Jenny.
“When You Buy From Us, You Get Something Unique”
You manufacture your products in Sweden. Why was that important to you?
– We want full control over quality while also supporting Swedish production. It also means shorter transport distances and a lower environmental impact. Many companies choose to manufacture abroad to cut costs, but we believe in investing in local production, says Petter.
– And we’ve noticed that our customers appreciate it. When you buy a product from us, you know that it’s made with care, that it hasn’t been sitting in a warehouse for months, and that it was created specifically for you. That makes the experience more personal, Jenny adds.
“We Believe the Future of Interior Design is Personalized”
What do you see for the future of 3D-printed decor?
– We believe more and more people will want unique products tailored to their style and needs. 3D printing makes it possible to create custom designs without it being expensive or complicated, says Petter.
– It’s also a more sustainable manufacturing method. We believe the future of interior design will focus more on quality and individuality rather than mass production and fleeting trends, Jenny adds.
– And one of our biggest visions is that we want everyone to be able to afford high-quality, modern, and luxurious interior decor. Through our on-demand production, we make it possible to offer stylish and sustainable products without them having to cost a fortune. We think that’s something everyone deserves, Petter explains.
Finally—if you had to describe Aurorabelle in three words, what would they be?
– Innovative, sleek, sustainable, says Petter.
– I agree! And I might add… timeless, Jenny concludes.