[Maison&Objet] Vernox: Elevating Tableware Through Stainless Steel

The Korea Institute of Design Promotion (KIDP) participates annually in Maison&Objet Paris, the international fair showcasing "decoration, design, and lifestyle" consumer goods. KIDP's Design Korea Exhibition Hall at the event has served as a steppingstone for small and medium-sized businesses with design excellence to reach broader exposure and market opportunities.
This year, KIDP is participating from September 5 to September 9, joined by Korean design businesses showcasing furniture, stationery, tableware, and more. In collaboration with IT Donga, we are introducing 23 design-driven small and medium enterprises participating in Maison&Objet Design Korea.

Vernox’s Diverse Stainless Steel Product Line / Source: Vernox

In kitchenware, stainless steel holds a well-established position due to its exceptional durability, heat resistance, and hygiene comparable to ceramic. Consequently, stainless steel kitchenware is widely used in restaurants and dining establishments, where both aesthetics and durability are crucial, and it is increasingly being adopted for home use.
However, unlike ceramic, wood, or glass, stainless steel can sometimes seem monotonous and feel cold or hard. The tableware brand Vernox is redefining the role of stainless steel in the kitchen, drawing on its 30 years of expertise in specialized metal coating and manufacturing.

The name Vernox combines the French word for green, "vert," with "inox," meaning stainless steel, to reflect its eco-friendly ethos. Its parent company, DSP Co. Ltd., employs Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and Nano Ceramic Coating (NCC) technologies to manufacture architectural materials, automotive parts, elevators, and household products using a roll-to-roll process. PVD coating uses gas in a high-vacuum chamber to apply colors through physical deposition, resulting in a surface that is more durable than non-coated alternatives. Meanwhile, NCC coating applies nano-sized particles to the surface, offering features such as fingerprint resistance, antibacterial properties, and enhanced gloss.

Vernox Half Moon Table Mat / Source: Vernox

Vernox is the kitchen and tableware product line showcasing DSP’s expertise in colored stainless steel. It features a diverse range of categories including table mats, trays, deco plates, and cutlery. At Maison&Objet 2024, Vernox will present various products, including table mats made from stainless steel 304. These table mats are semi-permanent due to the metal's properties and have passed tests for antibacterial, anti-mold, and corrosion resistance, ensuring their safe use.

From a design perspective, Vernox emphasizes minimalist design while achieving a high level of craftsmanship similar to metalwork, with its clean colors and advanced surface treatments. Recently, Vernox has been enhancing its designs by combining metal with various materials, such as wooden cutlery cases and ceramic dish sets. Vernox’s approach focuses on adding vibrant colors and shapes to the otherwise monochrome stainless steel products.

Vernox Deco Plate / Source: Vernox

Since its launch in 2019, Vernox has concentrated on building its brand value within the Korean market. Starting in 2022, the brand has participated in various international exhibitions to explore export opportunities. All products are coated and manufactured in Korea, ensuring exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Recently, Vernox products have been recognized for their design and functionality, and are now used in prestigious locations such as Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Hotel and a renowned hotel in Korea. By the end of this year, Vernox plans to open a pop-up store at Takashimaya Department Store in Japan.

Vernox Hexagonal Soban / Source: Vernox

At this year's Maison&Objet, Vernox will introduce its products to a diverse range of customers, including those in the kitchenware, tableware, hotel supplies, and department store sectors. The brand has consistently positioned itself as a premium stainless steel tableware brand, offering safe and high-quality products through trusted materials and advanced technology. Despite facing competition from numerous low-cost alternatives, Vernox has steadily grown its brand recognition and sales in Korea by focusing on exceptional quality and functionality.

At Maison&Objet 2024, Vernox aims to highlight the quality of Korean stainless steel tableware to a global audience. The brand also plans to launch a pop-up store in Paris, soon, with the goal of establishing itself as a prominent global name in kitchen and tableware.

Nam Si-hyun (sh@itdonga.com)