MONA Modern

Contemporary Lighting & Accessories

Explore my journey in founding and leading MONA Modern, a design-driven brand where modern aesthetics meet artisanal craftsmanship. From concept to production, I directed every stage of product development, crafting lighting and accessories that elevate everyday living.

Industrial Design

Lighting Design

Aesthetics

Craftsmanship

Sustainability

CAD

PROJECT

OVERVIEW

As the Founder and Lead Designer of MONA Modern, I created a design brand that blends contemporary aesthetics with timeless craftsmanship.


I led the entire product development lifecycle, from initial ideation to final production, building a product line of modern lighting and accessories that reflect a deep respect for materials, detail, and emotional connection in design.


Each product was more than an object; it was an experience; handmade, emotionally resonant, and crafted to transform the way people interact with their spaces.

⚡ ROLE

Founder
Product Designer

👥 TEAM

▫ 1 Designer
▫ 6 Craftspeople
▫ 1 Photographer
▫ 2 Local Suppliers
🧰 TOOLS

▫ Sketching & Concept Boards
▫ Rhino, SolidWorks
▫ KeyShot (Rendering)
▫ Illustrator, (Branding)
▫ Hands-on Prototyping & Material Tests

📆 TIMELINE


▫ Ongoing Brand (Founded in 2019)
▫ Design & Production: 2020
▫ Full-Time

DESIGN

PROCESS

Design Philosophy

🔹 Material First – I started each project by engaging with raw materials; wood, glass, metal, letting their natural characteristics inform form and function.


🔹 Emotional Utility – Every object was designed to serve not only a function but also to evoke a feeling; calm, curiosity, or delight.


🔹 Craft & Connection – I collaborated with local artisans to preserve traditional methods while injecting modern minimalism.


🔹 Lifestyle Integration – Products were made to fit into real homes, with simple elegance and long-lasting quality.

From Vision to Reality

🔹 Concept Creation
Initial moodboards and sketches explored how light, material, and mood interact. I experimented with visual storytelling to ground the collection in a distinct emotional palette.

🔹 Prototyping
Rapid mock-ups and material trials — including wood turning, hand-finishing, and various joint techniques — allowed for testing structure, light diffusion, and tactile qualities.

🔹 3D Modeling & Rendering
Final forms were modeled using Rhino and rendered in KeyShot to evaluate detail, light behavior, and finishes in real-world scenarios.

🔹 Production Coordination
I worked closely with artisans to ensure production met design intent, quality standards, and sustainable practices. Finishes, tolerances, and packaging were all tailored for premium appeal.

A Vision of Functional Elegance

As the brand founder, I also oversaw identity development, web presence, photography, and customer experience:


🔸 Visual Identity & Art Direction – Defined the look and feel of MONA Modern with a refined, Scandinavian-inspired minimalism.
🔸 E-commerce & Launch – Built the online store and led product launches via social media and email campaigns.
🔸 Customer Experience – Crafted personalized product pages, finish selection guides, and responsive customer service.

A Legacy of Light & Form

MONA Modern isn’t just a brand ; it’s a platform I built to celebrate handmade beauty, sustainable craftsmanship, and emotional design. From pendant lights that softly define a room to sculptural accessories that invite touch and interaction, every product was made to live beautifully and last meaningfully.


“When design is made to delight — aesthetically, functionally, emotionally — something magical happens.”



📸 Scroll to Explore the Collection

Experience the lighting and accessories I designed through high-resolution images and detailed close-ups. See how craftsmanship and modern design converge to bring warmth and clarity to contemporary interiors.

Mush - Lamp // Black

Mush - Lamp // White

Link - Task Light

Loop - Task Light + Wireless Charger

Mini - Pendant Light

Interested in connecting?

Let’s talk projects, collaborations, or anything design!

Experience
7+ Years
Awards
6
Projects
100+
Coffee
1000+

Copyright 2025 by Seth Unlu