x+l is the collaborative practice of Xander Vervoort and Leon van Boxtel, based in both Amsterdam and Venice.
Founded in 1996, x+l studio grew from a shared background in theatre and the visual arts, with an initial focus on interior design. Over the years, the practice has expanded to include photography, advertising, stage design, fashion, and exhibition design.
Alongside commissioned work, x+l develops its own collection of handcrafted objects, produced as unique pieces or in very small editions. The studio's work explores the relationship between material, craftsmanship, and the subtle beauty of the handmade.
"the presence of the human hand is intrinsic to the design."
Since 2018, a selection of x+l designs has been represented by Objet d'Art Galerie in Tokyo, Japan.
That same year, the studio began its collaboration with the artisan collective Phantomhands in Bangalore, India. Together they developed a contemporary furniture collection that complements Phantomhands' handcrafted editions of Pierre Jeanneret's iconic furniture for Chandigarh. The collection continues to evolve and is also available through the online store.
Since November 2025, a curated selection of x+l artwork has been represented by HUM Gallery in Lisbon, Portugal.
The studio remains intentionally small, consisting solely of its two founders. Close collaborations with a trusted network of artisans allow each project to retain its distinctive and personal character.
The works presented in the online store are conceived and made by x+l. They include bespoke furniture, lighting, sculpture, collectible objects, and artworks, with most pieces existing as unique works or in very limited editions.
Every piece bears the traces of its making, embracing nuance, individuality, and the quiet imperfections that give handcrafted objects their enduring character.
More than a place of work, it is a tangible reflection of x+l's design philosophy: personal and intuitive, with a strong emphasis on material, craftsmanship and creation. A workshop where people come to meet.
Here, the small and monastic studio reflects the same sensibility as their work: personal and tactile. It is a silent place to contemplate and focus on art and culture.
The relationship between x+l and Phantom Hands began with a shared appreciation for the Chandigarh furniture collection, developed under Pierre Jeanneret in the 1950s for Chandigarh, India's first planned city after independence.
During a trip to India, x+l visited Phantom Hands, who were producing these iconic pieces in wood and handwoven rattan. They immediately connected through a shared appreciation of craftsmanship, materials and design, and Phantom Hands invited x+l to develop furniture for the collection. What began with a single coffee table gradually evolved into a broader collaboration.
"each piece is made entirely by hand, allowing subtle variations, irregularities and imperfections to remain visible."
While working together, x+l became increasingly aware of the large quantities of teak offcuts left over from the production process. Rather than treating these remnants as waste, they began exploring their potential as a material in their own right. This led first to a room divider made entirely from small leftover pieces, and eventually to a complete furniture collection.
The collection grew organically from a dialogue between material, craftsmanship and design. Each piece is made entirely by hand, allowing subtle variations, irregularities and imperfections to remain visible. These details are not considered flaws, but an integral part of the process—giving every piece its own character, presence and soul.
Work in progress, from the amsterdam studio and our workshop partners.
