At Design Miami 2025, Kohler unveiled Pearlized—a new iridescent finish developed through its MakerSpace program in collaboration with artist David Franklin. To introduce it, the brand tapped designer and artist Harry Nuriev, founder of Crosby Studios, to create an installation that brings Pearlized to life. The result was not just a simple surface treatment; it was a multi-sensory universe.
At the fair’s booth, X-08, Nuriev’s environment surrounded the debuting Pearlized Derring Carillon Artist Editions sink with shifting light, reflective metal, water, sound, and scent—an atmosphere that mirrored the finish’s luminous qualities. Inspired by Franklin’s experimental ceramic works and Kohler’s commitment to artist-led innovation, the installation transforms the technical brilliance of the new finish into a narrative about materiality, motion, and perception.
Kohler Taps Harry Nuriev
Courtesy of Kohler.
Courtesy of Kohler.
The collaboration sits at the intersection of three distinct points: Franklin’s exploratory practice; Kohler’s century-plus legacy of design experimentation, and Crosby Studios’s experiential approach to spatial storytelling. Together, they channel Design Miami’s 2025 theme, “Make.Believe,” inviting visitors to step inside a world where surfaces ripple, color shifts, and everyday objects become portals.
Nuriev shared with Whitewall how he translated Pearlized into an immersive world, the creative dialogue between artist and brand, and what it means to create a moment of calm within the bustling energy of Miami Art Week.
Debuting a Multi-Sensory Environment
Courtesy of Kohler.
WHITEWALL: For this year’s MakerSpace collaboration between Kohler and artist David Franklin at Design Miami, Pearlized, you created an immersive installation. What inspired the details of this space? How did you approach it with both the artist’s and brand’s DNA in mind?
HARRY NURIEV: The center of attention for me was the pearlized finish of the Kohler’s sink, inspired by David’s fish. I wanted to tell a story and transport you to a different place—where you not only see the concept, but also feel and hear it. That’s how the moving gradient ceiling, reflective metal walls, water, sound, and scent all came together in this space. In creating the concept, we made sure to balance Kohler’s DNA, David’s artistic world, and the immersive narrative Crosby Studios is known for, so the installation felt true to all three.
WW: When you received information about the collaboration, did you learn anything about the KOHLER or Franklin’s craft, process, or materiality that informed decisions about your installation?
HN: I was inspired by the iridescence of the sink—how the color shifted depending on the angle and the lighting. That became a key reference point, and the concept was designed to feel as though the entire room was pearlized: soft, shifting, and multidimensional. The shape of the sink influenced the circular floor plan, and the ripples on its surface inspired elements that resemble the movement of water throughout the space.
Kohler’s Presentation at Design Miami 2025
Courtesy of Kohler.
WW: The presentation will be hosted at Design Miami, which is a global stage for experimentation and cross-disciplinary talent. How did the fair’s context influence your scale, narrative, or material selection?
HN: The enclosed space plays a big role. It allows us to fully dissociate the visitor from the rest of the environment and create a world of its own. Design Miami is always full of energy, movement, and stimulation, so we wanted our installation to offer a moment of contrast: tranquility, calmness, and immersion.
Courtesy of Kohler.
Courtesy of Kohler.
WW: Kohler collaborations often merge innovation with artistic perspectives. What excites you most about working with the brand on this project?
HN: Kohler gives such great opportunities for creativity, and what excites me most is the freedom they offer and the level of professionalism they bring to the craft. The result is always a true blend of innovation and artistry—something that feels both beautifully made and conceptually strong.
WW: How will you be enjoying this year’s edition of Art Week in Miami?
HN: It’s such a perfect time to escape the cold Paris and step into the magic of Miami. I’m enjoying the sun, the energy, and the chance to reconnect with so many inspiring people.
Courtesy of Kohler.
