2026 | Professional

French Design Awards Gold Winner

TODMO GRINDER

Entrant

NILAN INTERNATIONAL COMPANY LIMITED

Category

Product Design - Kitchen Accessories / Appliances

Client's Name

Country / Region

Hong Kong SAR

The grinder transcends the single-function limitations of traditional kitchen tools by integrating everyday seasoning with the art of ambient lighting. It combines practical utility with spatial aesthetics, offering a unique design that elevates a common kitchen utensil. Crafted from natural wood, metal, and marble, the grinder features a minimalist cylindrical form, with a warm, tactile surface that enhances the user experience. A concealed soft light strip beneath the grinding cap is its defining feature, gently illuminating the material textures and the surrounding countertop, creating a calming light-and-shadow atmosphere.
Rooted in Scandinavian minimalism and Japanese-Nordic aesthetics, the design harmonizes clean lines, neutral tones, and refined craftsmanship. This blend achieves a seamless balance of functionality and aesthetics, embodying Nordic design’s practicality and Japanese design’s subtlety. Inspired by modern indoor indirect lighting, the grinder incorporates architectural-grade concealed light strips, turning the circular halo into a delicate spatial accent.
The matte black or soft white top creates a sculptural focal point, contrasting with the organic warmth and texture of the natural oak body. This balance of materials and visuals elevates the grinder beyond a simple kitchen tool, transforming it into an object that enhances both function and ambiance. The light not only assists with precise seasoning but also serves as ambient lighting for the countertop, reshaping the kitchen space into a more sensory, aesthetically enriched environment.
Sustainably designed, the product uses durable, natural materials and a minimalist structure to minimize material consumption and extend its lifespan. The design emphasizes timeless simplicity, creating a product that breaks conventional boundaries by merging utility, beauty, and emotional value. This innovative approach injects a sense of atmosphere into daily household items, embodying a design philosophy that balances functionality with sensory experience.

Credits

Chief Designer
Mikael Berlin
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