Blurred Lines

Now more than ever, we are seeing the lines blur within design…a cross pollination of materials, furniture and space utilisation has become noticeable between sectors. Workplaces are moving away from desk based environments and are embracing softer, more homely finishes and third space furniture. Residential developments are looking more like luxury hotels, while hotels are now introducing schemes that resemble communal apartment style spaces. Not to mention that in Tokyo, you can now stay in a hostel that masquerades as a bookshop.

Furniture design is progressing in tandem with this industry change, and in recent years, new furniture trends have been emerging to keep up with this shift. Old classics are being made over with a fresh face and manufacturers are now offering a wider range of finishes. The classic Bertoia Side Chair now comes in a more playful plastic version and last year we wrote about Walter Knoll’s revamp of some mid-century Turkish designs…the Burgaz, Rumi and Fishnet chairs. Not only that, Fritz Hansen also welcomed back the Drop chair after a 50 year hiatus. These pieces could reside happily within a restaurant or hotel setting, or just as easily suit an office, meeting or reception space.

Features such as two tone fabric, metallic, coloured and timber legs are more frequently offered as standard options now, making furniture more flexible than ever. These details are filtering through all sectors of design and have largely been embraced by manufacturers such as FroviNaughtone and Connection. Each boast a wide selection of finishes in their portfolio, creating a smorgasbord of options suitable for application across multiple sectors. Some of the most adaptable ranges available are the Ilk family of chairs (Frovi), the Always selection of chairs and lounges (Naughtone) and the Dixi range, from Connection.

In a move to broaden their appeal in the leisure and hospitality market, Walter Knoll have chosen to forego the recent trend of gold in favour of hand textured brass. Their unique brass pieces were showcased at IMM in Cologne last month with the 369 chair, Joco and Oki occasional tables. Walter Knoll feel that these items provide a warmth that was previously lacking in their collection, making them suitable for residential and hotel applications.

So, whether it’s chairs for an office meeting space, restaurant stools, or lounges for a hotel lobby, the blurred lines of furniture design now make it easier than ever to find just the right piece for any space.

naughtone 2015 New Product Overview

This week a catch up with some recently released product from naughtone: Polly, Always Lounge, Rhyme, Megaped and Dalby.

Naughtone PollyFirst up is the Polly chair. As the name suggests, it features a polypropylene seat shell and furthermore, this is made using 100& recyclable material. As standard, the shell comes in a range of 6 RAL colours; Black, Stone Grey, Salmon Pink, Yellow, Pastel Blue and White. The base comes as a sled or 4 leg in white or chrome as standard and optionally in a RAL colour to match the shell, adding a touch of fun.

Naughtone Always

 

The elegant Always Lounge is an easy form for an easy chair. A careful combination of shapes has created a good looking and comfortable chair. There are 4 base options; 4-leg, 4-star, sled and wooden. The first three options are available in polyester powder coated steel or bright chrome.

Naughtone Rhyme

 

Rhyme is a striking modular landscape product. The range features 5 trapezoidal pieces each with the same footprint to allow easy and creative planning. The modules include a bench and four high back spines, giving it an imposing shape, somewhat reminiscent of a shark!

 

Megaped & DalbyMegaped is an addition to the Ped range. Megaped features a larger base with a wider column allowing for up to 2000mm diameter table tops and also centrally located pop-up power options.

Finally, complimenting the current Fold table range is the new Dalby table which follows the same aesthetic with a timber base.

In common with all of naughtone’s table ranges, Dalby and Megaped are offered in white MFMDF with matching edge band , white MFMDF, Oak and Walnut veneers or Forbo lino all with a reverse chamfered polished MDF edge.

Naughtone