‘Nomads’ by USM Haller and Olaf Hajek
We got the chance to return to USM Haller’s London showroom, this time to explore Nomads, a new installation by German-based illustrator, artist, designer and author Olaf Hajek.
Transforming both the showroom and its windows, Hajek reimagines the space through a series of domestic settings, bringing together USM’s modular furniture, hand-painted artwork, textiles, lighting and carefully selected objects. The installation looks at how furniture can exist within a home, not only in terms of its practical function but also as part of a wider interior scheme.
The project is organised around four distinct environments: work, relax, sleep and lounge. Each setting demonstrates a different application of the USM modular system, showing how its components can be adapted to suit different spaces and everyday needs. From workspaces to areas designed for rest, the installation explores the flexibility of the system while presenting the furniture in a more expressive, decorative context.
USM’s modular furniture has long been recognised for its geometric forms, chrome connections and clean, architectural lines. At the heart of Nomads is the contrast between this established design language and Hajek’s more colourful, detailed approach. His hand-painted work introduces a different visual character to the showroom, drawing on themes of nature, folklore and historical storytelling.
Rather than keeping the furniture within a minimal setting, Hajek places it alongside richly patterned surfaces, artwork and decorative objects. The combination creates an interesting relationship between the structured forms of the furniture and the more organic shapes and patterns surrounding it. Each element contributes to the overall space while allowing the USM system to remain a central part of the installation.
An important part of this approach is the collaboration with Christopher Farr Cloth, the textile and wallcovering brand that produces Hajek’s designs for interiors. Three of his patterns feature throughout the installation: Trees of Wonder, Dancing Vines and Dancing Parade. Inspired by nature and populated with imaginative characters, the designs bring together surreal imagery, folklore and references to historical tales.
These patterns extend across the walls and fabrics, adding colour and texture to the four domestic settings. Alongside the textiles, hand-painted lamps and complementary art pieces help connect the different elements of each room. The result is an interior where furniture, artwork and materials are considered together, rather than as separate parts of the design.
The installation also highlights the versatility of USM’s modular system. Its adaptability allows the same underlying structure to serve different purposes, while the surrounding materials and objects influence how it is experienced within each setting. By introducing Hajek’s artwork and Christopher Farr Cloth’s textiles, Nomads demonstrates how a familiar furniture system can take on a different character depending on the environment in which it is placed.
There is also an interesting balance between the functional and decorative aspects of the project. USM’s furniture is designed around modularity and practical use, while Hajek’s patterns and artwork introduce a more expressive visual layer. Bringing these together offers a different perspective on how modular furniture can be incorporated into domestic interiors, moving between storage, furniture and a more prominent role within the overall design of a room.
Nomads launched on 14 October during Frieze London and will remain on display at USM Haller’s London showroom in Marylebone until December. The installation provides an opportunity to experience the USM system in a different context, with four distinct spaces demonstrating how furniture, textiles, artwork and lighting can work together within the home.
