benjamin hubert: cradle lounge chair + net tables for moroso

Benjamin Hubert, a London-based designer, collaborated with Italian brand Moroso to create the Talma lounge chair, a piece of furniture designed to be both compact and innovative. The chair's name, 'Talma,' references a type of cloak, which reflects its design aesthetic: it appears to be wrapped in a padded textile, much like a body would be enveloped by a cloak. This aesthetic choice is integral to the chair's construction and its environmental considerations. Beneath the distinctive padded exterior lies a lightweight metal frame. This construction method aligns with the design studio's objective of reducing the material usage, weight, and overall cost typically associated with the traditional manufacturing of upholstered chairs. The frame is crafted using CNC-shaped steel, and integrated upholstery straps provide essential support. This approach allows for a significant reduction in the amount of polyurethane foam required for cushioning, thereby contributing to a lower carbon footprint for the product. The custom-made textile used for the chair's padded cover was developed through a collaboration with Innofa. This textile is specifically designed to incorporate padding directly, eliminating the need for extensive additional foam. The cover is meticulously secured to the chair's frame using strategically placed zippers and two fastenings located at the front of the chair. This fastening system not only ensures the cover remains in place but also contributes to the chair's neat and tailored appearance. The Talma lounge chair represents a design that prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and environmental responsibility. By utilizing a minimal metal frame and an integrated padded textile cover, Benjamin Hubert and Moroso have developed a lounge chair that is not only visually striking but also mindful of its material impact. The design showcases an innovative approach to furniture construction, where the outer layer is not merely decorative but functionally essential in providing comfort and structural integrity while reducing the overall environmental footprint. #LoungeChair #BenjaminHubert #Moroso #FurnitureDesign #SustainableDesign #ProductDesign #InteriorDesign #ModernFurniture

Benjamin Hubert, a London-based designer, has expanded his Talma collection for Italian brand Moroso by introducing a stackable dining chair. This new addition features removable covers, aligning with the aesthetic of his existing Talma lounge chair and reinforcing the collection's core concept of "fashion for furniture." The name "Talma" is inspired by a type of sleeveless cloak, which directly reflects the design's emphasis on textile coverings. The Talma dining chair is characterized by its padded fabric cover, which functions as both the seat and backrest, enveloping a minimalist metal frame. This cover is crafted from a quilted fabric with leather trim, a material developed in collaboration with Dutch textile brand Innofa. The design allows the cover to be easily slipped over a CNC-formed steel frame, with zips securing it in place. This modular approach highlights the chair's adaptability and offers practicality for maintenance and aesthetic changes. The chair's structure incorporates a rounded back and subtly angled sides, contributing to its modern and inviting appearance. It is available in two configurations: with or without armrests, providing versatility to suit various interior needs and user preferences. The introduction of the dining chair follows the success of the Talma lounge chair, which was first unveiled at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile furniture fair in Milan the previous year, where the dining chair also made its debut. Both pieces showcase Hubert's vision of furniture that can be 'dressed' or customized, akin to clothing. This collection by Benjamin Hubert and Moroso exemplifies a trend in furniture design where textiles play a crucial role not only in comfort but also in defining the object's form and style. The removable covers offer functional benefits, such as ease of cleaning and the ability to update the chair's look, while also providing a unique design language that sets the Talma collection apart. The collaboration with Innofa underscores the importance of specialized textile development in achieving the desired aesthetic and tactile qualities. #BenjaminHubert #Moroso #TalmaCollection #DiningChair #FurnitureDesign #MilanDesignWeek #TextileDesign #ProductDesign #InteriorDesign

The article highlights the work of London designer Benjamin Hubert, focusing on his innovative approach to seating design, particularly as showcased during Milan Design Week 2013. Hubert's design philosophy is characterized by a "materials-driven, process-led, industrial design approach," which prioritizes research into materials and construction methods to create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable products. Three specific lounge chairs are featured: Cradle, Talma, and Membrane. Each chair demonstrates Hubert's unique methodology and commitment to reducing material usage and environmental impact. Cradle is a lounge chair that merges the characteristics of a net-structured hammock with a conventional upholstered lounge chair. Its design leverages a custom-made cut pattern in a non-elastic textile to achieve a three-dimensional form, providing comfortable support while visually and physically minimizing the product's weight and cost. The structure consists of a metal frame supporting this textile, which cradles an upholstered seat block. This innovation allows for efficient material use and a distinctive aesthetic. Talma, another compact lounge chair, takes its name from a type of cloak, reflecting its construction where a softly padded textile is wrapped around a lightweight metal framework. This design mirrors how a cloak envelops the body, and the studio's research aimed to reduce the material, weight, and cost associated with traditional upholstered chairs. Talma utilizes a CNC-shaped steel framework that defines the chair's form and incorporates integrated upholstery straps for support. A custom-made textile, developed in collaboration with Innofa, with integrated padding, is wrapped around this framework and secured with zips and fastenings. This construction significantly reduces the amount of polyurethane foam typically found in armchairs, thereby lowering the product's carbon footprint. Membrane is a lounge chair notable for its extremely light weight, at just 3kg. It features a lightweight steel and aluminum framework combined with a stretched 3D woven textile mesh. The design draws inspiration from the construction of tents and sports products, specifically focusing on space frames and stretched textiles. A CNC-shaped stainless steel and aluminum framework forms the chair's structure, which is then enveloped in a 3D woven textile with integrated padding. This type of construction and material choice is more commonly seen in the sporting goods industry. Similar to Talma, the cover is attached to the framework using zips and fastenings, allowing Membrane to minimize the use of polyurethane foam and consequently reduce its environmental impact. Benjamin Hubert, born in 1984, leads a team of industrial designers working across various sectors, including furniture, lighting, consumer goods, architectural installations, and art direction. His studio has received numerous accolades, including the Design of the Year (British Design Awards 2010), Best Product (100% Design/Blueprint Awards 2009), Homes and Gardens Young Designer of the Year (Design Classic Awards 2010), EDIDA International Young Designer of the Year 2010, the A+W Audi Mentorpreis 2012, and the winning commission for the Poltrona Frau Centenary armchair. These awards underscore his significant contributions and innovative approach to contemporary design. #BenjaminHubert #IndustrialDesign #FurnitureDesign #LoungeChair #MilanDesignWeek2013 #SustainableDesign #ProductInnovation #MaterialResearch #ContemporaryDesign

Andreu World, an international furniture brand, has introduced the Giro Soft, a modular sofa system developed in collaboration with Swiss-Argentinian designer Alfredo Häberli. This launch is highlighted in an exclusive video interview where Häberli discusses the product's conceptualization and design process. The Giro Soft system features slender upholstered seats that are modular, allowing them to be connected to form larger sofas, catering to various spatial and personal needs. The design incorporates interchangeable legs, contributing to its adaptability and architectural aesthetic. The collaboration between Häberli and Andreu World began prior to the global pandemic, characterized by a shared vision and a hands-on approach to prototyping. Häberli emphasized their collaborative process, noting that initial sketches quickly progressed to 1:1 scale prototypes, which he considered crucial for a designer. The sofa's name, "Giro Soft," is derived from the Italian word "giro," meaning "curved," reflecting the system's design elements. These include various seating modules with straight edges, rounded ends, and curves at 90-degree or 45-degree angles, offering versatility in configuration. A key design philosophy behind Giro Soft was to create a reconfigurable system that could adapt to user requirements, both in terms of space and ergonomics. Häberli stated that the sofa is designed to be extremely comfortable for sitting, working, or relaxing. The collection also includes practical additions such as an optional swivelling table that can be integrated between seating modules. For public spaces, a power outlet can be incorporated into the end of a seating unit, enhancing its functionality. The leg designs for Giro Soft were carefully considered for both their structural integrity and aesthetic contribution. Options include sledge-like supports made from solid ash wood and injected aluminium frames available in matt, polished, white, or black finishes. Häberli described the base of the product as "very architectonic," with legs designed to minimize material use and create a lighter, "flying" appearance. He initially envisioned using materials that would blend with the floor to achieve a transparent, architectural effect, eventually settling on wood for its aesthetic qualities. Häberli conceptualized Giro Soft for use in larger spaces, where it could function as an architectural element to divide areas, much like a screen or partition. He envisioned its application in diverse environments such as hotels, airports, offices, and semi-public spaces. Despite being designed before the COVID-19 pandemic, Häberli suggested that Giro Soft is well-suited for a post-pandemic world. Its design allows for easy cleaning and provides ample distance between users, meeting critical requirements for future office and public environments. Furthermore, Häberli noted the pandemic's influence on domestic furniture demand, with a growing need for comfortable yet functional items for home offices, underscoring Giro Soft's relevance in evolving living and working conditions. #ModularSofa #FurnitureDesign #AndreuWorld #AlfredoHaberli #OfficeFurniture #PublicSpaceDesign #ContemporaryDesign #ErgonomicDesign #InteriorDesign

French designer Clément Brazille has reinterpreted Harry Bertoia's classic Wire Chair, transforming its metallic mesh structure into a canvas for a new, comfortable knitted upholstery. This redesign, named the “Bertoia Loom Chair,” moves beyond mere aesthetics by enhancing the chair's comfort through the integration of various textile materials. Brazille's approach involves weaving strips of corduroy, linen, cashmere wool, and cotton through the chair's original wire framework, adding significant texture and a unique visual appeal. The intention behind this reinvention is to make the iconic 1952 design more inviting and comfortable for sitting, a quality that Brazille emphasizes. He describes the process as dressing each chair with "noble fabric," making each piece unique and customizable. The weaving technique not only introduces new textures and colors but also directly addresses the ergonomic aspects, aiming to provide a softer and more pleasant seating experience compared to the original wire design. The concept has also been expanded to include Bertoia's Diamond Chair, suggesting the versatility of this knitted upholstery method across different Bertoia designs. This project represents a contemporary reinterpretation of a mid-century modern classic, blending industrial design with textile artistry to create a piece that is both visually striking and functionally improved. The designer's website offers further details on his work. This endeavor follows a trend of redesigning iconic furniture, much like a previous high-tech carbon fiber redesign of the Eames sofa, indicating a continuing interest in modernizing and enhancing classic pieces. #BertoiaChair #ClémentBrazille #FurnitureDesign #KnittedUpholstery #ClassicRedesign #TextileArt #InteriorDesign #ModernFurniture #DesignInnovation

This article details a reviewer's experience with Habitat's Morris & Co. collection, specifically focusing on the Merton Sunflower armchair. The collection, which launched in September, expertly combines classic Morris & Co. patterns with furniture pieces inspired by the Arts & Crafts movement. The Merton Sunflower armchair, featuring one of William Morris' nature-inspired designs in a cream and grey colorway, quickly sold out within a month, alongside the Canterbury armchair. After a patient wait, the reviewer successfully acquired the Merton Sunflower armchair, integrating it into their living room seating arrangement. The armchair, priced at £500, is described as a significant investment but is also highlighted as the most affordable patterned armchair of its kind on the market, with the reviewer noting the difficulty in finding comparable alternatives during its unavailability. The Merton Sunflower armchair is characterized as impressively sized with a solid oak frame and a pocket-sprung seat, providing a firm yet comfortable surface ideal for reading. Its design is considered accessible, effortlessly blending into various living room color schemes. The article suggests that the armchair is a perfect complementary piece to a sofa, effectively increasing seating capacity in a living room. For those on a tighter budget, the Canterbury Oak Armchair, priced at £290, is presented as an appealing alternative. This chair boasts a solid oak construction with distinctive details such as flattened spindles and an upholstered seat featuring a pattern. The reviewer expresses pleasant surprise at the authentic Arts & Crafts feel of the Canterbury armchair when viewed in person, predicting its status as a future classic. Beyond the armchairs, the article explores other items from the Morris & Co. collection that have caught the reviewer's attention. These include the Habitat Morris & Co. Pimpernel Quilted Throw, which features a beloved Morris & Co. pattern with print block edging that pays homage to the original hand-printed techniques. Another highlighted item is the Habitat X Morris & Co. Blackthorn Green Ceramic Lamp, praised for its sophisticated appearance that belies its £60 price tag for a ceramic base and shade. Lastly, the Habitat X Morris & Co. Sunflower Woodblock Cushion is recommended for those who appreciate the Merton Sunflower armchair's aesthetic but lack the space for a full armchair, offering a way to incorporate the same iconic pattern into their home. The reviewer concludes by commending Habitat's Morris & Co. collection as one of the best on the market and expresses an eagerness to acquire more pieces from the range. #MorrisAndCo #Habitat #Armchair #HomeDecor #LivingRoom #Furniture #InteriorDesign #ArtsAndCrafts #Homeware

Mizetto, a Swedish design brand, has introduced Cargo, a new modular seating system designed for public spaces. The creation of Cargo fulfills a long-held ambition for Mizetto's co-founder, Richard Muskala, who acknowledged the challenging process of bringing a sofa concept to fruition. The design, executed by the Kalmar-based studio ADDI, also responsible for Mizetto's Lumber bench, draws inspiration from cargo packages, influencing both its name and aesthetic. This inspiration highlights principles of compactness, flexibility, and intelligent construction, crucial for adaptable furniture in diverse public environments. The Cargo system comprises three primary elements: the Pouf, a basic ottoman; the Level, a seat with a backrest; and the Corner, an ottoman featuring two backrests. Each component is constructed from molded polyurethane foam, upholstered in either fabric or leather, and mounted on a base made of plywood and chipboard. A discreet connector beneath each piece facilitates seamless assembly, enabling numerous configurations. The design's geometric foundation, rooted in the cube, is elevated by the incorporation of visible tension straps, available in matching fabric or jacquard nylon, which add a distinctive graphic detail. For enhanced functionality, a small tray table can be integrated between cushions, securing into place to provide a stable surface. This modularity allows Cargo to seamlessly fit into various public settings, including open-plan offices, lobbies, libraries, and cultural centers. Karl-Magnus Lillqvist Sjöberg, a product designer at ADDI, describes Cargo as more than just furniture, viewing it as a tool for spatial organization. Mizetto maintains a strong commitment to sustainability, sourcing materials locally from suppliers situated near its Kalmar factory. The upholstery is attached with Velcro, simplifying removal for repairs, refreshing, or replacement, which significantly extends the product's lifespan and reduces waste. Malin Muskala, co-founder of Mizetto, emphasizes that this feature allows fabric swaps to be conducted on-site, a major advantage for sustainability, particularly for internationally exported products. Furthermore, the molded padding is designed for durability and detaches cleanly from the frame without glue, reinforcing Cargo's robust and long-lasting design philosophy. Cargo's innovative design challenges conventional notions of sofa functionality and form. Lillqvist Sjöberg explains that the project was driven by a curiosity to explore the potential evolution of a simple volume into something more profound—a piece that both defines and opens up space. The system is engineered to accommodate dynamic environments, serving not only as seating but also as an instrument for shaping human interaction, movement, and congregation within offices, libraries, lobbies, and other communal areas. The flexible and sculptural nature of Cargo allows it to adapt effortlessly to varying demands, accommodating both large groups and individual users without compromising on space efficiency or aesthetic appeal. #Mizetto #ModularSeating #PublicSpaceDesign #ADDIStudio #SustainableFurniture #InteriorDesign #OfficeFurniture #FlexibleSeating #FurnitureDesign

The 101 Chair, designed by Maarten Baas for Lensvelt, features distinctive amorphous backrests with a hand-drawn aesthetic, offering a customizable and versatile seating solution. Initially unveiled at the Salone del Mobile in 2017, this chair quickly gained recognition for being the Dutch designer's inaugural mass-produced item. Its design philosophy centers on creating chairs that appear individually hand-drawn, adding a unique and surprising element to each piece. The chair's enduring popularity has led to the expansion of the 101 Chair family, which now includes various models to suit different needs and preferences. These variations encompass chairs with stackable frames, making them practical for spaces requiring flexible arrangements, and options with or without armrests for enhanced comfort and aesthetic choice. Furthermore, the collection has evolved to include high and low barstool versions, broadening its application across different settings, from casual dining areas to commercial bar environments. A key aspect of the 101 Chair's customizability lies in its eight distinctive backrest designs, each evocative of loose, hand-drawn human faces. This artistic approach ensures that every chair possesses a unique character, preventing a monotonous or mass-produced appearance. Complementing these artistic backrests are 14 upholstery options available for both the backrests and the cushioned seats, allowing for extensive personalization in terms of color, texture, and material. For the structural elements, customers can select between a metallic or an oak frame, providing further opportunities to match the chair with existing decor or to create a specific interior design mood. The metallic frame offers a sleek, modern look, while the oak frame provides a warmer, more natural aesthetic. This combination of design elements allows the 101 Chair to integrate seamlessly into diverse interior styles, from contemporary minimalist to more traditional or eclectic settings. The collaboration between Maarten Baas and Lensvelt marked a significant milestone, as Lensvelt was instrumental in bringing Baas's vision for a mass-produced, yet individually characterized, product to fruition. This partnership has proven highly successful, with the 101 Chair series becoming one of Lensvelt's bestsellers within three years of its initial launch. The chairs' ability to combine the charm of a handmade item with the practicality and accessibility of a mass-produced product has resonated strongly with consumers and designers alike. In summary, the 101 Chair represents a fusion of artistic expression and functional design, offering a customizable and aesthetically pleasing seating solution. Its distinctive hand-drawn backrests, diverse material options, and practical variations make it a celebrated piece in modern furniture design, demonstrating the successful collaboration between a visionary designer and a reputable brand. #MaartenBaas #Lensvelt #101Chair #FurnitureDesign #CustomizableSeating #ModernFurniture #InteriorDesign #ProductDesign

Copenhagen-based designer Thomas Bentzen has created a wooden lounge chair for the Danish brand Muuto, embodying a traditional Scandinavian aesthetic. This new Cover Lounge Chair is an extension of the brand's existing Cover Chair series, which Bentzen also designed. Unlike many lounging chairs that feature extensive fabric upholstery for a softer feel, the Cover Lounge Chair maintains a minimalist wooden frame, similar to the original all-wood Cover Chair. The chair is constructed with a robust beech wood frame and features a broad, rounded backrest made from form-pressed veneer. This backrest extends downwards to form the armrests, a design choice intended to enhance comfort and create an inviting appearance. Bentzen articulated that the concept of an all-wood lounge chair is an archetypal element within both Danish and broader Scandinavian design traditions. This approach is rooted in the belief that significant comfort can be achieved from a simple wooden chair, along with a light and open aesthetic, a principle that has been central to Scandinavian design since the 1950s. Bentzen's objective was to develop a comfortable wooden lounging design that simultaneously felt modern, timeless, and deeply connected to Scandinavian craftsmanship traditions. While sharing the overarching aesthetic with the regular Cover Chair, the lounge version offers a more relaxed appeal. It incorporates a more solid base and a taller backrest to provide enhanced comfort and a more substantial visual presence. The design process involved careful balancing of contrasting elements, aiming for a piece that is both solid and comfortable, yet also open and airy in its overall expression. The upholstered seat, according to Bentzen, contributes to an understated comfort, allowing users freedom of movement and versatility in seating positions. Despite its broad backrest, the lounge chair is designed to occupy minimal space within a room. Its intended use spans various social environments, including private residences, professional workspaces, lobbies, and co-working areas. The Cover Lounge Chair is available in several finishes: black, light grey, or natural oak, with consumers having the option to select an upholstered seat in either textile or leather. Thomas Bentzen is recognized for his authentic Danish design approach, as demonstrated in previous collaborations with Muuto, such as the fluted steel sideboard. This earlier creation blended traditional Scandinavian aesthetics with industrial influences, warming the cooler steel components with solid oak elements. The Cover Lounge Chair continues this design philosophy, emphasizing natural materials, functional simplicity, and a refined aesthetic. #ThomasBentzen #Muuto #CoverLoungeChair #ScandinavianDesign #WoodenFurniture #ModernFurniture #DanishDesign #InteriorDesign #LoungeChair

Designers Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent have released their sixth and favorite furniture collection for Living Spaces, characterized by its rooted simplicity and texture. Brent considers this 43-piece assortment the truest reflection of his personal aesthetic. The collection draws inspiration from various coastal towns the couple has visited, from Long Island to Portugal, yet deliberately avoids a overtly "beachy" aesthetic, emphasizing contrast through different design eras, colors, and textures to achieve a coastal feel. This new fall 2023 collection is now available both in Living Spaces stores and online, offering free shipping. Among the standout items in the collection, the Otto accent chair is already proving to be a popular choice. Another notable piece is the Voyage hexagonal marble coffee table, which Berkus highlights for its versatility in layering and nesting. He observes a trend in using multiple coffee tables, such as stone pedestals alongside a round table. Although the Voyage coffee table is a single unit, its design facilitates creating layered looks or a honeycomb arrangement in larger rooms by placing three together. Brent mentions that he and Berkus are influenced by designers like Angelo Mangiarotti and Gae Aulenti, who experimented with diverse coffee table silhouettes. The Porto bed is another key item, featuring a full linen upholstery and a 57-inch-tall headboard, designed for a cocooning effect. Berkus emphasizes the timeless appeal of a fully upholstered bed, noting its adaptability with accessories like textiles draped over the headboard or vintage lamps. A practical feature of the Porto bed, priced at $1,595, is a large storage drawer spanning the width of the footboard, ideal for seasonal clothing. This integrated storage addresses the common issue of limited space in smaller living environments, as Brent points out that the front of a bed often offers more available room than the sides. Finally, the collection includes the Voyage nightstands, which integrate modern technology with two USB ports. These nightstands allow users to charge electronic devices overnight, ensuring they wake up to fully powered phones. This thoughtful inclusion addresses contemporary needs, combining aesthetic appeal with functional utility. Overall, the collection aims to blend sophisticated design with practical solutions for modern living spaces, reflecting the designers' evolving aesthetic and understanding of home furnishing needs. #NateBerkus #JeremiahBrent #LivingSpaces #FurnitureCollection #HomeDesign #UpholsteredBed #CoffeeTable #Nightstands #StorageSolutions

Herman Miller has collaborated with German industrial designer Stefan Diez to introduce their inaugural nesting chair, named the Fuld Nesting Chair. This seating solution is engineered to optimize space utilization, featuring a design that allows for efficient storage when not in use. A key aspect of its functionality includes flip-up seats and specialized wall-saving legs, meticulously designed to prevent the seat-back from making contact with and potentially damaging walls. The Fuld Nesting Chair incorporates innovative design and manufacturing principles aimed at reducing environmental impact. Its construction utilizes a pioneering one-piece frame and tubular arms, a method chosen to minimize material waste during the production process. Further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, the chair incorporates a unique 3D Knit textile. This fabric is composed of 50 percent post-consumer recycled content and is precisely knitted to the chair's specific dimensions, eliminating excess material and fabric waste. Functionality is also a central theme in the chair's design, particularly concerning user comfort and adaptability. The backrest of the Fuld Nesting Chair is engineered with a degree of flexibility, allowing it to adapt to the user's posture and movements, thereby enhancing comfort. This design feature underscores a focus on ergonomic considerations in addition to space-saving and sustainable manufacturing. Stefan Diez provided insights into the development process by sharing a series of prototyping photographs on his personal website. These images offer a behind-the-scenes look at the various stages of the chair's evolution, from initial concepts to refined models. The prototyping phase likely involved extensive testing and modifications to achieve the desired balance of form, function, and sustainability. The Fuld Nesting Chair represents a notable addition to Herman Miller’s product line, showcasing advancements in furniture design that address both practical user needs and environmental responsibility. #IndustrialDesign #FurnitureDesign #NestingChair #HermanMiller #StefanDiez #SpaceSaving #SustainableDesign #Prototyping #ErgonomicDesign

Burrow, a direct-to-consumer furniture company popular with Millennials, has expanded its Bento and Serif table lines to include new benches and credenzas. These additions are designed to enhance transitional spaces within the home, providing both elegant accents and practical storage solutions. Stephen Kuhl, Burrow’s CEO and cofounder, emphasizes that these new pieces are both functional and personality-filled. The collection features four new items, available in Serif or Bento styles with customizable modern finishes, crafted to complement a wide array of interior designs. The new offerings address various home needs. A bench can serve as open storage at the foot of a bed, a space-saving room divider with extra seating, or a discreet way to conceal Wi-Fi routers and TV cables. The designs draw inspiration from classic midcentury aesthetics. The Bento Credenza, priced at $775, features a clean, modern silhouette and is available in walnut or oak wood finishes. Customers can choose between hairpin or straight legs. The Serif Credenza, priced at $875, offers a taller profile with metal accents and adjustable interior shelves, accommodating TVs up to 65 inches diagonally. Its flip doors are available in wood or white, and it can also be customized with hairpin or straight legs. For seating and storage, the Serif Bench is available for $375. Its classic design and low height allow it to function as a reading nook accent, an entryway catch-all, a window seat, or even a durable, open storage coffee table. It comes in precision-milled walnut or oak wood with brass or black metal accents. The Bento Bench, priced at $395, extends the Bento Collection’s signature style. It features customizable hairpin or straight legs and a durable fabric cushion in crushed gravel. Burrow highlights several customer benefits, including fast, free shipping and an easy assembly process. The new benches and credenzas can be put together in under 15 minutes without the need for additional tools. These versatile furniture pieces are intended to provide functional and stylish solutions for various areas of the home, from entryways to living rooms and bedrooms, fulfilling needs such as seating, storage, and organization. #BurrowFurniture #HomeDecor #ModernFurniture #Benches #Credenzas #AffordableFurniture #HomeStorage #MidcenturyDesign

The Cesca chair, originally designed by Marcel Breuer in 1928 and named after his daughter Francesca, has experienced a notable resurgence in popularity, appearing frequently on social media and in contemporary homes. Despite its current trend status, the chair has maintained a beloved design aesthetic for over nine decades, suggesting it is more of a timeless classic than a fleeting trend. Its enduring appeal lies in its unique blend of natural and industrial elements, featuring a cane rattan seat and back supported by a distinctive tubular steel frame, a design innovation inspired by bicycle construction. This duality contributes significantly to its classic and versatile nature. A key factor in the Cesca chair's widespread availability and accessibility is that Marcel Breuer never patented its design. While he collaborated with specific manufacturers, such as Knoll, which has produced the chair since 1968 and remains the sole licensed retailer, the absence of a patent allowed other brands to adapt and produce their versions. This has made the chair attainable across various price points, from under $50 at thrift stores and eBay to around $500 from antique vendors. A brand-new, licensed version from Knoll can cost approximately $1,700, offering options for different budgets and preferences regarding authenticity. Historically, Breuer's original design was one of the first mass-produced chairs, ensuring continuous production since its inception. Today, the Cesca chair seamlessly integrates into diverse interior design styles, ranging from minimalist and bohemian to mid-century and industrial. Its versatility is further enhanced by the current rising trend of cane rattan, a natural material that provides comfort in an increasingly technological world. This trend has also contributed to the revival of other cane furniture, like the Jeanneret chair. The Cesca chair stands out as one of the most widely available and consistently sought-after furniture pieces by design enthusiasts globally. Its remarkable ability to combine hand craftsmanship with machine-made structures in a perfectly poetic manner continues to captivate furniture lovers even after 92 years. The article provides purchasing options for those interested in acquiring a Cesca chair, categorizing them by investment (Knoll for authenticity), affordability (Breuer-inspired versions), vintage options (restored '80s models), and antique selections (durable '70s creations with added comfort features). #CescaChair #MarcelBreuer #FurnitureDesign #InteriorDesign #CaneRattan #MidCenturyModern #DesignTrends #ClassicFurniture #HomeDecor

The article introduces 'Hug,' a new high-backed sofa designed by Pearson Lloyd for furniture brand Cozmo, which launched at London Design Festival 2025. The designers, Luke Pearson and Tom Lloyd, are RDI-certified and bring 28 years of experience in creating ergonomically sound and comfortable products, from office chairs to airline seats. Cozmo founder Jacob Peres specifically sought out Pearson Lloyd for their expertise in comfort, aiming to address the oversight of high-back designs in contemporary, design-led furniture. Peres noted that while low, slim profiles are often easier to achieve with appealing proportions, they wanted to tackle the challenge of a high-back sofa that offers a sense of being 'held.' The design process for 'Hug' began unconventionally, not with drawings, but on the workshop floor in July 2024. Pearson and Lloyd presented a 'Frankenstein-like' wooden structure with moving parts, emphasizing a tactile and physical approach to comfort. Tom Lloyd explained that traditional sketching often focuses on aesthetics, materials, or construction, but for 'Hug,' the primary focus was the physical experience of comfort. This involved extensive exploration of foams, fabrics, posture, and ergonomics, which are challenging to convey through two-dimensional drawings. The designers aimed for the sofa's appearance to directly reflect its comfort, likening the process to tailoring a beautiful coat, where comfort is an intrinsic part of the design from the outset, not an afterthought. As the design evolved, full-scale mock-ups provided immediate feedback on ergonomics. The key to 'Hug’s' embrace-like feel lies in its significantly higher back compared to other contemporary upholstery, designed to cradle the back, neck, and head. An exaggerated lumbar support is integrated into the back, a feature that profoundly influenced the entire design direction. Peres highlighted that comfort was intended to be visibly communicated through the sofa's proportions, posture, and even the way the textile drapes over feathers, suggesting comfort before one even sits down. The sofa’s structure combines a webbed steel frame with varying densities of foam, memory foam, and a feather quilt to achieve a perfect balance of support and softness. The fabric treatment for 'Hug' departs from traditional tight upholstery; it is handled in a looser, freer manner, giving it the appearance of clothing draped over a body. This design choice also offers practical benefits, making it easier for customers to remove covers for cleaning or replacement. During the London Design Festival, 'Hug' is being showcased at an exhibition titled 'Comfort Lab' in Shoreditch’s Wax Building. This exhibition meticulously documents Pearson Lloyd’s research, design, and development journey, featuring early scale models and full-size prototypes. Cozmo has also produced a film illustrating the process. The 'Comfort Lab' offers visitors a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at the extensive work and research involved in creating the sofa, and allows them to personally experience its comfort. Peres concluded that the project demonstrated how a focused brief and genuine creative exploration can lead to remarkable achievements, emphasizing that comfort and design are mutually informative and exciting when integrated effectively. #SofaDesign #FurnitureDesign #LondonDesignFestival #ProductDesign #Ergonomics #InteriorDesign #ComfortLab #PearsonLloyd #Cozmo #HighBackedSofa

The chair, an object of utility and design, has undergone continuous reinvention throughout history, evolving from ancient status symbols to modern ergonomic solutions. Initially, chairs, specifically folding stools, served as portable symbols of dignity for royalty and religious figures. The Industrial Revolution marked a pivotal shift, introducing new technologies and materials that dramatically broadened the scope of chair design, transitioning from Jugendstil and Arts and Crafts styles to the sleek cantilever designs of the Bauhaus movement. Today, the diversity of chairs is immense, catering to various needs, including specialized designs like gaming chairs, which reflect contemporary leisure trends. While folding and stacking chairs are prevalent for their practicality, the dining side chair, an armless seat with a straight back, is considered among the most common. The COVID-19 pandemic also saw a resurgence in the popularity of classic office chairs, highlighting the increasing importance of ergonomics in modern chair design due as professions became more computer-based. The evolution of modern chair design is largely a narrative of material innovation. Designers have continuously explored and utilized low-cost materials such as plywood, steel, aluminum, and plastic to revolutionize seating. Tubular steel emerged in the 1920s, followed by bent plywood in the 1930s to 1950s, and plastic in the 1960s. A contemporary focus in furniture manufacturing is sustainability, with designers incorporating waste and upcycling into their products. An example is a chair acquired by the Vitra Design Museum, constructed from decommissioned army chair parts by the Tunisian collective El Warcha Design Studio. Notable contemporary designers include Gunjan Gupta, an Indian designer whose Old Bori Throne chair uses everyday objects like jute bags, and Jomo Tariku, an Ethiopian American artist and industrial designer inspired by traditional African aesthetics, whose work has been featured in major exhibitions and films. Digital artist Andrés Reisinger is also recognized for his sculptural Hortensia chair, which exists in both virtual and physical realms. The article then details 23 influential chair designs that have shaped the industry. These include Finn Juhl's iconic 45 Chair, Thomas Lee's Adirondack Chair, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona Chair, Michael Thonet's Bentwood Chair (No. 14), the 17th-century Bergère Chair, Mart Stam's Cantilever Chair, the elongated Chaise Longue, the traditional Chesterfield Chair, the 19th-century Club Chair, the portable Director’s Chair, Charles and Ray Eames’s Eames Lounge Chair, Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair, Philippe Starck’s Ghost Chair, the historical Ladderback Chair, the intricately carved Ming Chair, the tranquil Rocking Chair, Faye Toogood’s Roly-Poly Chair, Verner Panton’s Stacking Chair, Eero Saarinen’s Tulip Chair, the sturdy Windsor Chair, the enveloping Wingback Chair, Hans Wegner’s Wishbone Chair, and Eero Saarinen’s Womb Chair. Each of these chairs represents a significant moment in design history, showcasing innovations in form, material, and cultural impact. #ChairDesign #FurnitureHistory #ModernDesign #InteriorDesign #DesignIcons #Ergonomics #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalDigest #HomeFurnishings

Layer, a design agency founded by Benjamin Hubert, has collaborated with the American startup Cat Person to introduce a collection of modular furniture specifically designed for cats. This innovative line aims to cater to the evolving needs of cats as they grow, while also appealing to the aesthetic preferences of modern pet owners, particularly millennials living in urban areas. The collaboration stemmed from research indicating that a significant portion (35%) of US pet owners are millennials residing in cities, highlighting a market segment potentially underserved by contemporary, well-designed pet accessories. The collection features two primary products: the Mesa Bowl and the Canopy Bed. Both items are characterized by their minimalist, contemporary design and modular functionality, allowing for customization through mix-and-match colors. The objective was to create pet accessories that seamlessly integrate into a modern home environment and are visually appealing enough to be showcased, even on social media. The Mesa Bowl is a modular feeding station composed of a durable, non-BPA plastic bowl and a sculptural stand, all resting on a semi-rigid plastic placemat for easy cleaning. A key design consideration for the shallow bowl was to prevent "whisker fatigue" in cats, a discomfort caused when their whiskers repeatedly brush against the sides of conventional food or water containers. The accompanying stand offers adaptability, allowing the bowl to be placed directly on the tray for kittens or elevated on the stand for adult cats, ensuring comfortable feeding postures and accommodating their growth. The design draws inspiration from high-end homeware, ensuring the feeding station complements the owner's interior decor. The Canopy Bed is an adaptable three-in-one cat bed designed to accommodate cats' varying moods and extensive sleeping habits. Recognizing that cats sleep up to 17 hours daily, with kittens and older cats requiring even more rest, the bed was engineered for flexibility. It includes a detachable, cone-shaped element that provides an enclosed, secure space when desired. This element can be folded down to half its height for a less enclosed feel or removed entirely to create an open bed. The bed features a circular memory foam cushion, shaped to mimic a cat's natural curled sleeping position, and the detachable cover is made from felted PET material chosen for its durability and resistance to scratching. Both the Mesa Bowl and Canopy Bed are available in three distinct color palettes: Jungle, Tundra, and Savanna. This collection represents a thoughtful approach to pet product design, combining ergonomic considerations for feline comfort with a sophisticated aesthetic that meets the demands of contemporary home interiors. Layer, established in 2011 (rebranded in 2015), has a history of working with notable brands like Bang & Olufsen and Airbus. Cat Person, founded in March 2020 by Jimmy Wu and Lambert Wang, is also behind the shaving company Harry's, indicating a strategic entry into the pet care market with design-led solutions. #ModularFurniture #CatFurniture #PetAccessories #ModernDesign #LayerDesign #CatPerson #BenjaminHubert #ProductDesign