Drawn to small stories, Mads Hilbert approaches furnishing a home by asking, “What story does the piece carry with it? What narrative do I place it in? And what story will it tell, the day I no longer need it?” 

 

His approach isn’t about filling a space but instead about selecting pieces that will become part of his narrative. Mads beautifully articulates this philosophy:

 

“The idea of something that endures life’s trials, something that carries your story and can be passed on — perhaps even more valuable than when you first received it. It’s a beautiful thought.” 

 

Mads has a special interest in chairs and stools, and says they remind him of little buildings. He collects them, and when he paints, he almost always uses a stool to sit on, as support for the canvas or a place to rest his tools. 

 

“I like how unassuming stools are. You rarely sit on one for too long or in the same position. They keep you alert and agile — and that’s important when you paint.”