Designing for comfort, Furniture Part II

As designers flock to the world’s largest furniture fair in Milan, nostalgic styles take centrestage in response to guest desires for hotels that feel like home, Designing for comfort, Furniture.

F ollowing this year’s Salone del Mobile, design trends suggest that consumers are seeking comfort and warmth over pareddown styles. Driven largely by the influence of Airbnb and extended-stay accommodation, collections launched across the city leaned towards homeliness by way of organic shapes, low profiles and short legs, with rounded profiles preferred to the more linear designs of previous seasons. The use of colour similarly reflected a growing desire to embody the home-from-home, with warm neutrals and rich accents such as terracotta, burgundy and emerald green replacing minimal palettes. So too did the materials on display, with sumptuous velvets employed as an opulent yet tactile upholstery alternatives, and artisanal fabrics like rattan and wicker able to create a compelling mixture of textures with a raw look and feel. Nostalgic desires have not only blurred the boundaries between commercial and residential styles, but also the spaces in which we live and work. With more travellers than ever using hotel spaces as an office, greater importance is being placed on versatile furniture that is equally as comfortable for laptop use as it is for enjoying a cocktail. Shifting towards flexibility and wellbeing, modular designs and cosy furniture may be the answer to creating fluid environments for work, rest and play.

KETTAL

Vimini

The Vimini collection from Kettal was born from a conversation with Danish designer Nanna Ditzel regarding her Basket chair from the 1950s, and takes its name from the Italian word for wicker. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, the series comprises a dining armchair, sofas and side tables, and combines traditional outdoor braiding with a contemporary aesthetic. Its armchair features a basket with large backrest cushions, as well as a rough wooden frame and wicker elements. www.kettal.com

KNOLL

KN Collection

The work of Piero Lissoni, the KN Collection by Knoll comes in two different versions: the KN01, in which the proportions between seat and shell height, combined with ample measurements, provide a balanced blend of compactness and comfort; and the KN02, a more compact model offered with a headrest and manual reclining mechanism built into the armrest. The configuration can also be completed with a KN03 footrest and a down-padded seat cushion for lower back support. www.knoll.com

RESTORATION HARDWARE

Jakob

Inspired by mid-century European design, the Jakob armchair from Restoration Hardware is crafted from solid oak, and features plank arms sat atop bold inverted V-legs that taper subtly to the ground. The chair and gently curved back are angled and well padded for comfort and tightly upholstered in smooth leather, while a selection of oak finishes are also available. www.restorationhardware.com

DE LA ESPADA

Solo

Paying homage to the iconic Eames Shell Chair, the Solo series from De La Espada transforms the early industrial look into a sophisticated, comfortable seating option for commercial settings. Upholstered by the Portuguese furniture manufacturer and designed by Neri & Hu, the Solo Dining Chair makes use of premium hardwood, and is available in colourways of American black walnut, American white oak and European Ash, while a range of finishes and leather options are also amongst the offer. www.delaespada.com

BLASCO & VILA

Combining craftsmanship with emerging furniture trends, RC from Valencia-based studio Blasco & Vila features a sophisticated design and minimalist structure that avoids superfluous details. Created by Francesc Rifé, the series champions an ergonomic and intentionally simple design, and is offered in different formats including a chair, armchair, stool with and without arms, and a sofa. www.blascovila.com

STELLAR WORKS

Industry

Launched during Milan Design Week as part of an evocative ‘any/ every Where’ installation, the Industry collection from Stellar Works is crafted using a steel frame and upholstered seat characterised by simple and modern lines. Designed by the brand’s Creative Directors Neri & Hu, the utilitarian-inspired series comprises a stackable dining chair, armchair and lounge models, and is suitable for both residential and commercial spaces. www.stellarworks.com

BURGESS

Junea

Designed by Peter Roth, the Junea chair marries comfort with contemporary style, and features 3D-precision knitted upholstery atop mesh that accentuates a contoured aesthetic. Available with six bases and in a variety of colourways, the multifunctional series forms part of Burgess’ wider Smart Qube range, comprising adaptable seating with integrated and wireless connectivity, optional contactless charging and USB ports. www.burgessfurniture.com

sources: Sleeper, July-August 2018.