o u r   o r i g i n

Fred&Juul is short for Federico Minarelli and Julie Janssen. Juul is Dutch and Fred is Italian. We met in Florence where we both studied architecture and then opened an architectural practice, focusing on residential renovations. Our projects would involve designing the architectural space up until the custom furniture, which we came to realize was our true passion. After several gratifying collaborations with local artisans, we decided to dedicate ourselves to what we love most and launched our first furniture collection in 2012.

o u r   p u r p o s e

We design statement pieces that are developed with and then produced by local artisans. We conceive these pieces as functional art, as art has the power to make us notice our surroundings and be present. It is humbling to think of how a piece can evoke emotions and therefore be chosen for a home, to be lived with and looked at in people’s most intimate moments, when it can fill them with awe and inspire to wonder at the world.

o u r   p r o c e s s

The artisans we work with are highly specialized in a specific material which is the foundation of our creative process. We draw inspiration from the material’s possibilities and properties. Guided by architectural sensibility and a love for nature, we explore these until a shape or detail emerges, which we develop until the piece is completely defined. The result is that the shape highlights the material and viceversa, while the detail captures their essence: the mottled, grainy surface of the brass star-shaped Raffaele light; the juxtaposed Oak grains in the marquetry of the chubby Sally table; the intricate cast brass butterflies of the Johnnie sconce; the Travertine’s edges of the Lily credenza that seem to curl; the enchanting effect of the colored translucent Itzel tables overlapping; …

o u r   m i s s i o n

We believe connection is everything. We strive to feel connected to our clients and for them to feel connected to us, not just because we think it’s the most enjoyable way to work, but because it’s the way that gives the best results.