Brand Stories: Solinfo
Szerző: Solinfo
Category: Design Stories
Post date: 2017.07.25

1990 – Beginnings

Solinfo’s history begins in 1990, in a small lighting technology shop in downtown Budapest. As a partner to craftsmen and electricians, Solinfo in Király utca at the time is, first and foremost, focused on the technical part of things, offering a wide range of lightbulbs, sockets and wires.

2006 – Encounters and meetings

The next chapter of the story starts with a fortunate encounter at the shop. Being like-minded individuals, Krisztián Szetei and Zoltán Orbán hit it off immediately, swiftly setting up a showroom in Kertész utca, which initially still focuses on lighting technology. The years after see Solinfo’s portfolio expand continuously as the company takes on and succeeds in a variety of increasingly large-scale projects.

2009 – First major successes

The two founders are faced with a challenge right out of a Hollywood movie when they have 20 minutes at a meeting in London to convince Tom Dixon representatives that they are indeed the ideal choice for Hungarian distribution. Astonishingly, they succeed after only two days of preparation, and as of 2009 Solinfo becomes the official Hungarian distributor for Tom Dixon products, later also granted exclusive rights for the country.

2013 – Wesselényi utca and Solinfo Café

During one of their walks, Zoli and Krisztián fall instantly in love with a 900 m2, two-storey space in Wesselényi utca, that later becomes a luxury showroom. This is where premium lighting technology becomes intertwined with the distribution of furniture and accessories from top design brands. Also at the same location, Solinfo Café (which also functions as a Tom Dixon Shop) caters to customers looking to have coffee and recharge in a unique environment. As a unique feature, the objects displayed at the Café are available to purchase, but merely getting a cup of coffee already affords visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the atmosphere and experience the premium design furniture, lamps and accessories radiate.

2014 – Solinfo Lighting Embassy

Solinfo’s extensive palette of services is further expanded with the establishment of the Solinfo Lighting Embassy. As Budapest’s only high-end multi-brand lighting design office, Lighting Embassy collaborates with experienced designers and technicians to provide comprehensive lighting design and installation services. In addition to countless private homes, stores and clubs, the company also lists the country’s very best restaurants, offices and hotels among its successful projects

2016 – Solinfo Design Embassy

The Solinfo world is further expanded with the foundation of the Design Embassy, which – in its capacity as agent – is responsible for the domestic and regional distribution of brands such as Panzeri or company-owned MOKO. Solinfo’s partner store, special-concept VITRIN opens on Bartók Béla út, and the Hungarian Design Council gives Solinfo its prestigious Design Management Special Prize.

2017 – Molteni Flagship Store

The Molteni Flagship Store – our latest object of pride and the only one in Hungary – opens with spectacular pieces from the legendary brand, with works from designers such as Gio Ponti, Vincent Van Duysen, Ron Gilad and Rodolfo Dordoni. The carefully designed and fitted showroom oozes special interior design inspiration, from the hall through the living room all the way to the closet and the bedroom. Become part of our story, pay us a visit and experience the wonderful world we have created.

2018 – Vitra Concept Store and Solinfo Shop

A new showroom opens at Solinfo HQ. The Budapest showroom of Swiss design giant Vitra is dreamt up by Alíz Matisz, and offers up practically anything you can imagine, from sophisticated sitting furniture through smart storage solutions all the way to characteristic accessories. In addition to the Vitra collection, the store also has the largest design lamp selection in Budapest on display, with breath-taking lighting solutions from the likes of FLOS, Foscarini, Louis Poulsen or Bocci. Solinfo Shop also opens its doors to the public not long after. The stores places emphasis on stylish accessories, including pieces from Tom Dixon, Native Union, Broste Copenhagen, Hübsch, Klippan, Design Letters and HAY. Solinfo Shop’s full range is now also available to purchase online. In the Solinfo webshop, the most beautiful design objects are just a few clicks away. Shopping becomes simpler and clearer, and you can browse design objects carefully selected by Solinfo experts at your convenience.

2019 – Design Embassy

Solinfo Group’s FF&E services branch, which contributes to realising Hungarian and international interior design projects worth billions in total. Complex design solutions for hotels, restaurants, private clinics, office buildings: design, purchasing and project management in line with client needs.

The Embassy primarily offers assistance in procuring furniture, interior design fixtures and equipment, as well as accessories. We aim to facilitate the work of management by taking over a varied range of tasks relating to the procurement of items, while closely cooperating with designers.

2020 – Roche Bobois Flagship Store

Following a lengthy preparatory phase, Roche Bobois opens its first store in Budapest. Roche Bobois is today considered a world leader in high-end furniture design and distribution. Its collections embody two different, yet complementary worlds; the Les Contemporains collection reflects current trends and modern creativity, while the Les Nouveaux Classiques collection boldly reinvents traditional furniture and adapts it to contemporary style. Both collections represent the French ‘art de vivre’, and combine original designs, high-quality materials and unique know-how. Roche Bobois’ exquisite pieces are now available at the Wesselényi utca store as well.