A Perspective of Design Trends - FURNITURE


FURNITURE




FUNCTION
Chameleon
A tendency for furniture to evolve and change beyond predefined, stable functions. Nomadic and flexible lifestyles lead to the development of objects that mutate and can be transformed for different purposes into a variety of shapes and appearances.
Lys, designed by Marco Acerbis, produced by Acerbis
Roller cushion that transforms a bed into a sofa. Fits various sizes of bed. Armrests in steel and aluminium. Rich standard range of covers available.

Cabriolet, designed by Paolo Ulian, produced by FontanaArte Arredo
The top of the small table can be raised, transforming it into a seat. A simple and original concept by this young Tuscan designer.

O-by-O, designed by Giovanni Levanti, produced by Campeggi


FORM
Linear
Beyond minimalism, designers are still exploring cool and clear forms, driven by a desire to achieve a refined lightness through simple, refreshing compositions. Rigorously rejecting decorative intricacies, these designs stand out through their honest simplicity.
Legnoletto, designed by Alfredo Häberli, produced by Alias
A sober structure invented by this promising young designer. Modular components rest on cross rails. Head pieces come in four sizes.

Note, designed by Piero Lissoni, produced by Cassina
Set of low tables in brilliant lacquered wood, white or black. Hidden castors. A taller bridging element can either be placed above the lower units or used separately.

Novella, designed by Pierre Charpin, produced by Nomade
Elegant wall and floor bookshelves. Slim vertical separators in anodised aluminium rest on a medium density fibreboard structure. A synthesis of clear, functional shapes.

Room Divider, designed by Studioata, produced by Pierantonio Bonacina
Wooden vertical slats with spherical ceiling and floor connectors that allow for orientation as well as horizontal displacement. The subtle interplay of light and shadow is an ode to light and to vision itself.

Landscape, designed by Jeffrey Bernet, produced by B&B Italia
Graceful chaise longue on a nickel-plated, metal frame. The head rest can be fixed magnetically in various positions. Segmented felt or leather covers available. The sewn border pattern conveys a sense of lightness and elegance.
Oval
The reappearance of the Seventies, strongly recalling themes and vivid colours of this period. Designs that demonstrate the spiritual affinity and powerful resonance of contemporary design with concepts from the recent past.
Brick, designed by E. & R. Bouroullec, produced by Cappellini
A library based on the idea of a honeycomb, built in polystyrene and finished with a surface of white, opaque fibreglass. Books are held in place by red, metallic stabilisers.

Chains, designed by Mario Cananzi, produced by Sawaya & Moroni
This bright, cheerful seat uses the oval both as a structural and decorative element. The long, circular loop of the back is amusingly startling.

Rive Droite, designed by Patrick Norguet for Emilio Pucci, produced by Cappellini
For his debut as an editor of design furniture, the eminent stylist Emilio Pucci involved designer Patrick Norguet and manufacturer Cappellini in the production of this refreshing sofa set. The elegantly rounded structure is beautifully matched to the motifs and colours which are Pucci's own. Flower designs are applied to leather covers and geometric patterns to velvet and cotton fabrics.
Organic
The fascination of intricate organic themes is strong, despite the contrasting tendency towards clear-cut, geometric minimalism. A young generation of designers is now
exploring the rich world of natural forms, testifying to their searching minds, energy and spontaneity.
Org, designed by Fabio Novembre, produced by Cappellini
A witty table with 170 cord feet, of which six are rigid and load-bearing. The top is in extra-light glass.

Glacier, designed by Zaha Hadid, produced by Sawaya & Moroni
Glaciers and eternal snow inspired this sensual, five meter long seat made in laminated, painted wood. Zaha Hadid bravely displays her disdain for the use of abstract geometric concepts in her furniture designs.



MATERIAL
Designers aspire to creative liberation and release from material constraints. This aspiration leads them to experiment with a wide range of materials and treatments. They may exalt the essential character of natural wood but they may also seek the eclectic opportunities offered by a variety of innovative material technologies.
Natural
Bloomington, designed by Terry Dwan, produced by Riva 1920
A charming sitting and sleeping place for the children's room: a cot that transforms into a small sofa, by simply removing one of the uprights. Natural wood finished with non-toxic varnish

Limite Collection, designed by Franco Poli, produced by Pizzitutti / Matteograssi.
Watertight leather vases. Each vase is made out of a single, self-supporting strip of leather wound around the shape in a spiral pattern. Laser generated irregular patterning.

Papel, designed by Ferdinando & Humberto Campana, produced by Edra
An unconventional but happy marriage of materials: leather-covered cardboard on a light steel frame. The clarity of this design connects to nature in a very special way.

Panarea, designed by Rodolfo Dordoni, produced by Flou
An enticing bed available in natural wood or stained wengé. Cushions and head piece with removable covers.
Technological
Jelly Slice, designed by Philippe Starck, produced by Driade
Table featuring a steel structure and glass top covered with a thin cushion layer of Technogel. The glass top is painted in an acid yellow colour, modulated by the translucent gel cushion.

Voyager, designed by Gaby Fois Dorell, produced by Saporiti Italia
This piece makes an innovative use of Technogel, a material originally employed in the medical field and here applied to enhance comfort.

Anemone, designed by Fernando & Humberto Campana, produced by Flou
A new item that complements the well-known line of seating products developed by these imaginative Brazilian designers. An object that breaks with all established concepts of free-standing panels.
Materials in Organic Form
Dafne, designed by Fabiano Trabucchi, produced by Pierantonio Bonacina
Striking metamorphosis between upper and lower sections of this organic piece . The rattan seat suggests a blooming flower, whereas the lines of the supporting steel structure recall a rudimentary palmate form.



COLOUR
No Colour
The reduction or even total absence of colour induces an enhanced alertness to materials and shapes.
Small Nothing, designed by Philippe Starck, produced by Driade Aleph
An ethereal bed, whose design relies entirely on simple lines. Feet in transparent rubber or fluorescent yellow. Pure white cover.

Syto, designed by Studio Kayros, produced by Poliform
Light shelving system, handsome in its stark simplicity. The frame structure is bravely displayed. Shelves come in various materials and can be readily displaced.

Formentera, designed by Paola Navone, produced by Orizzonti
Fully within the tradition of Orizzonti creations, this bed evokes a sense of well-being through its elegant simplicity and the superb quality of its materials. Head piece with removable, white linen covers.

Stone of Glass, designed by Laudani & Romanelli, produced by Oluce
Fascinating revelation of Murano glass craftsmanship, this lamp is sculpted into the most natural of forms: a stone. The opal white, acid-treated glass diffuses a light that gently caresses the eyes.

Groundpiece, designed by Antonio Citterio, produced by Flexform
Seating set whose soft and comfortable cushions contrast with a rigorously geometrical structure. A clever interplay of solidity and gentleness.
Hypercolour
The use of sometimes shockingly bright, saturated colours recalls the times of pop art and evokes vitality, sensuousness and power.
Elysée, designed by Christophe Pillet, produced by Edra
Square, modular seating using strong colour contrast. Wooden structure with polyurethane upholstery. Textile covers with designs by Ken Scott.

Air-Armchair, designed by Jasper Morrison, produced by Magis
This stackable polypropylene / fibreglass chair is a sequel to the existing Air-Chair, with an added armrest. It can be used outdoors as well a indoors.

Whity, designed by Daniele Lo Scalzo Moscheri & Massimo Cavana
Series of stackable chairs for private and public use. Structure in chrome plated or painted metal. Seat in multi-layered wood, optionally covered in leather.

Foglio, designed by Benedini Associati, produced by Agape