April - the world of interior design holds its breath. Everyone’s in Milan for Salone del Mobile - THE interiors event.
Brands create huge installations. Immersive experiences showcasing their latest collections. New furniture, lighting, kitchens and bathrooms are about to be revealed.
But in 2020 - CANCELLED! 😱 No glamorous launch parties. No frantic click of cameras. No magazine editors casting a critical eye.
Milan’s in full lockdown due to Coronavirus. The streets are deserted. For the first time in 60 years there’s no Salone, and many brands cancelled their product launches.
But all's not lost. Some couldn’t contain themselves and released their 2020 collections online. Although without publicity from Salone, they’ve slipped under the radar.
So I’ve scoured every brand, found the hidden gems, and created a launch party just for you.
Trumpet fanfare! Here's my edit of the Best Minimal Furniture Designs of the Year.
Armchair
KAY LOUNGE by poliform
The first to make the edit is Kay Lounge from Poliform. Reminiscent of the Barcelona chair, it embodies Bauhaus - stripped back to the essential elements with no unnecessary ornamentation.
Perched on a fine architectural frame, it’s graphic and delicate. The backrest and seat are simple curved rectangles, covered in the softest suede and leather. An interesting fusion of engineered steel with luxury upholstery.
This Italian brand excels at creating elegant, refined furniture. The Kay Lounge is no exception.
The Spanish Chair is an icon. First designed in 1958, the bold lines, wide arm rests and signature buckles look contemporary even today. The solid oak frame reflects the designer’s love of natural materials. It makes the chair feel rustic, but also refined.
In 2020 Fredericia release a limited edition in Deep Red saddle leather. Reflecting the spice, fire and passion of Spain. A nod to its rich equestrian heritage.
The perfect colour to add a punch of warmth and energy to your minimal interior. Get in quick, it’s only available September to December.
The Eave Dining Sofa’s a masterpiece of restraint and refinement. A confident, contemporary reference to 50's design. In essence, two simple shapes - a cylinder and an oblong.
BTW, when you’re next in Copenhagen, be sure to stay at The Audo A collaboration between Menu and Norm Architects, this boutique hotel’s a living showcase of Menu’s entire range.
The 10 guest suites are dressed with the brands furniture, lighting and home accessories. There’s also a café, restaurant, concept store, gallery, co-working and event facilities. An inspiring immersive space.
Crafted from solid oak, the frame of the BM61 embodies minimalism. A slim design, with clean lines, simple shapes and no ornamentation. The essence of a chair.
Combining Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary design, Ritzwell furniture marries East and Western aesthetics.
This year they launch the elegant MO Bridge desk and stool.
The design is simple but the proportions are perfect. Standing on turned wooden legs and upholstered with straps of woven leather, the style has a distinct artisanal feel.
Make way for Androgyne Dining Table. Blending masculine and feminine, the confident crosspiece is softened by the sweeping gentle curve at its centre. A dramatic but elegant silhouette, it’s an example of perfectly executed joinery.
Perfect minimalism - the Basic Table by Nikari. At first glance, a simple top on round legs. But look underneath and you’ll see beautiful joinery connecting the elements.
Constructed from solid oak or ash and finished with natural oil, the Basic table comes with square or oval ends. Rectangular central sections can be added to make it endlessly extendable. Seating 6 . . . to 22!
Wood specialists Nikari, fuse modern design with Finnish craftsmanship. Their studio workshop is powered solely by hydroelectricity, so 100% sustainable. Oil, wax and soap are used to naturally treat the wood. Not only ecological but they age beautifully and can be easily rejuvenated.
My final selection is Nara, a beautiful coffee table resembling a sculpture. Carved from solid hickory, the flowing inner curves and circular top contrast with the square outer legs.
Two sizes, in walnut gold or black elm.
In 2019, Poliform opened a stunning flagship store at 51-61 Wigmore Street, London. 500 square metres over 2 floors, this architectural space envelops you in the Poliform world.
The Salone may’ve been cancelled, along with every other design event, fashion show, and even the Olympics! But many interiors brands are still releasing beautiful designs in 2020.
This is my showcase of the years leading minimal furniture.
In Edit no.2 the party continues! I reveal more hidden gems - the best understated lighting and rugs.
