b'like clockworkSome people were born with design nous. Aucklandropesandhardwearingtrestletopsmadewith designer Nikolai Sorensen is one of them. Hes taken afunctionality in mind. Above: Nikolais simple product as old as timethe clockand given itI found at my age that I wanted quality designsegment clocks are a simple and stylish makeover that draws the eye. pieces but couldnt afford them, says Nikolai. Wewashed with Resene A plywood dodecagon with slices of washed colour,decided to strip back all the fluff and frills of the designcolours, including each clock is so much more than a timekeeper. Theand materials to make it more affordable. When it(from left) Resene sharp design reminds us of the segments of a cleanlycomes down to it, Mike and I share the same designMorning Glory, Resene sliced orangemade more so when Nikolai uses aethic:productsneedtohavecleanlines,beClementine Orange wash of Resene Clementine Orange from the Reseneuncomplicated and, most importantly, be practical.and Resene Sublime.Karen Walker Paints collection.The pair is constantly prototyping new ideas, and it Nikolai majored in product design for his designtakes months before they test it on the market. Their degree at AUT University, and worked part-time atfocus on lower priced product with higher design value design store Essenze at its (now closed) Parnell store.has garnered Trestle Union a loyal following for thoseResene SurroundedbyworksoftopNewZealandartists,decorating home offices and small business fitouts. Clementine Orange Nikolai realised that the products instore, as well asBut back to those beautiful clocks. Nikolai enjoysResene Morning Glory beautiful, were also manageable to produce. He alsotaking custom orders from clients, letting them chooseResene noticed a gap in the market for functional wall art. Hetheir colours and the number of painted segments.Sublimegot to work.Im really big on co-creationwith their input, I Not long after, Nikolais segment clocks caught thehope to help our buyers feel more connected to ourResene Triple eyeofAUTUniversitypeerMikeGrobelny.Theypieces.Black Whitecollaborated on product design and in 2012 startedThe clocks are available from The Object Room in furniture design company Trestle Union. Aucklandandwww.nikolaisorensen.co.nz.Alsosee Their pieces are affordable and practical, but stillthe www.trestleunion.co.nz for Nikolais other designswordsLeigh Stocktonstylish: they include sturdy trestle legs with colouredand ventures.pictureBryce Carlton39'