Designing for comfort, Furniture Part IV

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 Part IV.

Following 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.

GERVASONI
Nuvola

Characterised by its unique swollen shape, the Nuvola armchair from Gervasoni is upholstered with polyurethane foam and covered by a goose down and polyester fibre quilting. The lounge chair features a removable cover, while the Nuvola 05 model is created with reduced dimensions of 80x90cm to satisfy the desire for comfort whilst providing a furniture solution for smaller hospitality spaces. www.gervasoni1882.it

UHS 

Table Place Chairs 

Designed for use in social, communal and co-working spaces, the Co-Create Table from UHS’ Table Place Chairs range features interchangeable surface and frame components, affording a level of versatility. Available in four standard top and leg frame models, and with a number of added extras including cable management, power modules, charging points and fixed lighting, the collection marries design for the digital age with authentic materials. www.uhs-group.com

ECLECTIC 

Sinu 

The Sinu collection from Eclectic comprises an ergonomically functional chair crafted from pure materials rather than acrylic to ensure minimum environmental impact. The series features a sculpted wooden shell in finishes of walnut, oak and maple, which is wrapped in leather for increased durability, while its metal base is available in pedestal, prong and office versions – the latter encompassing castors and a heavy duty lift mechanism in chrome. www.eclecticcontract.com

BENCHMARK 

Gleda 

Crafted in solid oak with intricate brass details and relaxed upholstery Gleda from Benchmark has been designed by Space Copenhagen and fuses refined aesthetics with craftsmanship. Taking its name from Welsh and Icelandic origins, the series comprises a lounge chair, dining chair, lounge and side tables, and is available in natural, grey aged or ebonised finishes – which are created through a traditional technique using iron oxide and vinegar that reacts with tannin in the oak. www.benchmarkfurniture.com

EMECO 

1 Inch Reclaimed 

Designed by Jasper Morrison, the 1 Inch Reclaimed series from Emeco features a simple shape and the refined uniformity of a single material. Made with 90% industrial waste – consisting of 75% polypropylene and 15% wood fibre – the one-piece mono-block stackable chair is designed to meet the demands of high-flow environments, and comes in eight colours: Bordeaux, blue, sand, brown, dark grey, green, light grey and ochre red. www.emeco.net

PEDRALI 

Tribeca 

Taking inspiration from classic patio chairs in steel and woven materials, the Tribeca collection has been fashioned by Mandelli Pagliarulo and combines a steel frame with the elasticity of a profile in vertically woven plastic. Revisiting traditional design styles with a contemporary twist, the series is offered in multiple colourways including pink, white and terracotta. www.pedrali.it

PIAVAL 

Earl 

The Earl range from Piaval is constructed entirely from solid curved beech wood, and hides complex woodworking skill in its simple aesthetic. Designed by London-based furniture designer Daniel Rous in collaboration with Fabrica, Earl comprises a chair, armchair and barstool, and is marked by a harmoniously curved backrest. The stackable collection is available in a natural finish, which brings out a wood grain aesthetic, as well as a wider range of colours. www.piaval.it

JC HOSPITALITY 

Asian Fusion Entertainment 

Combining traditional techniques with modern visuals, JC Hospitality has created the smoky black and gold Asian Fusion Entertainment cabinet. Displaying detail-oriented craftsmanship, the series features a silver leaf base with hand painted relief of cranes and nature, and is coated with layers of a yellow-tinted lacquer to create a faux gilded effect. The cabinet is also designed to conceal electronics and only requires a singular built in remote eye to function. www.jc-hospitality.com

ANDRIANNA SHAMARIS 

Made in New York 

Designed, developed and produced at the brand’s studio in Sumatra, the French Polished Dining Table from Andrianna Shamaris features a ‘C’ style hammered bronze base and legs, as well as a cherry wood top that has been hand-finished with a French polish and stained espresso. Launched as part of the Made in New York collection, the dining table has a lead-time of six to eight weeks, and its base and top are customisable in both stain and size. www.andriannashamarisinc.com

CURTIS FURNITURE 

DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House 

Curtis Furniture has designed casegoods for the guestrooms at DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House in Bristol, supplying double wardrobes, a sink basin with solid timber legs and desks with pull out tea tray shelves. The contract furniture specialist also crafted the king headboards, which feature custom upholstered padding, stitch detailing and LED lighting. www.curtisfurniture.co.uk

FREIFRAU 

Romy 

Romy, designed by Patrick Frey and available in chair, easy chair and barstool models, was envisioned to work effectively both as part of a public space grouping or as an individual statement. The flexible back can adapt to fit various seating positions, while the design draws influence from classic cocktail chairs. Romy is available in shades of beige, blue and royal purple. www.freifrau.eu

sources: Sleeper, July-August 2018

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