Though most well-known for their line of chic eyewear, Belgian designer Hoet has also made several successful forays into the world of furniture design. Above: the minimalist BITI and TI chairs first made their debut at the Interior Design Fair in Kortrijk. Both feature clean lines and body-fitting plywood frames.

The Fold table and stool are made from aluminum and are outdoor and indoor friendly. Trapezoidal legs meet at the top along a conspicuous seam; in the case of the stools, the legs are angled to form a slight valley in the middle. A matte finish with beveled edges gives the Fold help to soften the otherwise straightforward and severe lines.

The Infinite Chair’s curvaceous, looping body is literally poetry (as described on the Hoet website): “undulating as a female body, rhythmic and dynamic.” Made from powder coated aluminum plates, Infinite is a two-dimensional architectural diagram brought to life, with intersecting planes and a hollow frame. Minimal padding is available in the form of a vinyl cushion that flows and nearly disappears into the surface.

Similar to the Infinite Chair, the Puzzle Chair and Table have distinctly two-dimensional properties. Formed by a series of laser-cut aluminum plates arranged in a grid, Puzzle possesses a solid profile when viewed from an angle but certain sections nearly disappear when viewed from orthogonal directions. Note that the chairs come with a leather cushion (not seen) to prevent sitters from developing a “grill butt”.

Some of Hoet’s most interesting work is with mirrors; above: the organic Margriet and Twist mirrors are somewhat alien in appearance with mirrors suspended in a black frame (made from either plastic or aluminum). Margriet is both a decorative flower/mirror and a fruit bowl, while the twist mirror comes with two mirrors at perpendicular angles along curved arms. For more information, visit the Hoet website link below.
hoet.be

Tjep is best described as unusual furniture by an equally unusual pair of designers. On one hand you have Frank Tjepkema, who designed a toilet for astronauts at age 4. The other part of the duo is Janneke Hooymans, who crafted treehouses for children at age 8. Although both are now well into their 30s, Frank and Janneke still exhibit a childlike enthusiasm and curiosity in their work. Above: Table Accident is the “controlled collision of 7 tables” and is working metaphor that symbolizes the different perspectives of individuals in a meeting.

The Chair of Textures is as rich in motivations as it is in detail: designed to directly contrast with purely economical and functional design, this metal chair is laser cut with patterns that include flames, butterflies and flowers. Heterogeneity and dynamism is the ultimate goal here, and it largely succeeds in creating a chair that is overflowing with nuances.

The XXL Chair speaks volumes of Tjep’s abilities to quickly shift from one foot to the other, literally: this organic, almost animal-like chair is designed to make a humorous statement about today’s “super-sized mentality”. Fat-like folds lay atop each other, with a beautiful floral tattoo on a decidedly ugly surface.

My favorite work by far is the Shock Proof collection; while damaged decor is normally sent straight to the trash can, the discarded state actually makes a far more interesting statement. An internal polyurethane rubber layer normally ensures watertightness, but in this case helps to keep the shattered pieces together. As with all of Tjep’s pieces, visual impact is their forte and symbolism is always available if you’re willing to look a bit deeper.
tjep.com

Sarah Finn is a German designer who specializes in working amazingly intricate patterns into wood. Although originally apprenticed as a furniture maker, her primary focus now is on tableware and lighting. Above: Olion and Drachenbaum are olive wood pendant, wall and table lamps with beautiful laser-cut patterns. In the case of Olion the patterns only come to life when turned on but disappear when turned off, while Drachenbaum features detailed floral patterns around the fringe.

“Light and living” is how Sarah prefaces the product section of her website; although the “light” likely refers to the Olion lamps featured above, it’s also an appropriate description for her tableware. Above: lightly-colored solid oak, elm and maple trivets and bowls each feature successively smaller concentric pieces speak to a simpler way of living.

Although probably the least glamorous of table accessories, Sarah gives the coaster and candle holders their fair dues. A coral-shaped version (coaster, candleholder) features a complex and abstract network of branches and is fairly sturdy despite its fragile appearance, while a more conservative variant consists of internal laser-cutouts on stained maple.

image credit: design*sponge

Even napkin rings and placemats get the royal treatment: the napkin rings feature stars and s-cut incisions and small tabs to lock them in place and can be easily flattened for storage, while amazingly detailed floral edgework on wood veneer placemats embellish meals like never before. For more Sarah Finn products, visit any of the stores listed below; we have also provided a link to her personal homepage which provides a bird’s eye view of her works.
aplusrstore.com
hygge-life.co.uk
mossonline.com (type “sarah finn” into the search box at left)
sarah-finn.de

Opened in 2005, La Brea Avenue’s Vioski showroom (photo credit: Apartment Therapy) is a bit of retro mixed in with contemporary; the result is stylish furniture with an emphasis on comfort. Above: the ground-hugging Mitosi Sectional is a somewhat odd-shaped piece but is actually designed to be mixed and matched with other sections. In all, nine distinct configurations are available, with the ultimate configuration being a closed pentagonal ring.

Like the Mitosi, the Tribeca and Sotto coffee tables are low-slung pieces with modular features. The Sotto is reminiscent of a modern prefab structure with a cantilevered “garage” at one end; it is seen here in richly grained zebrawood but is available in multiple wood species. Meanwhile, the tiered Tribeca is coldly modern with a burnished stainless steel frame and interlocking sections that can actually be moved and rearranged to fit your decor.

The Chicago and Palms chairs both feature classic lines and button-tufting: this is definitely for those of us with retro-modern decorating aspirations. The Chicago Sofa, Single Back and Double Back seats are the more subtle of the two types, with round, bolstered armrests and modern chromed legs. The Palms Chairs (available in leather or fabric) are slightly more flamboyant with welcoming, outward angled lines. Both of these chairs pair well with the Mies van der Rohe-inspired Metro Bench, which features a crossed solid walnut base topped with padded, button-tufted leather seat.

My favorite Vioski pieces are their beds; all of them rest on platforms but possess their own distinct style. For minimalist slumbering, the Manhattan Bed features an extremely low-profile padded headboard composed of wide, flat cushions which also serves as an impromptu storage space. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Dade Bed; a extra-thick padded headboard with button tufted gives an air of opulence and comfort. Somewhere in between is the Parvaz Bed; the sleek platform hovers only inches from the floor, while its architecturally inspired headboard towers above the sleep area.
vioski.com

As a fourth generation Vancouverite in a city that is itself barely 150 years old, Brent Comber is definitely a rarity. Vancouver also traces its origins to the lumber industry (specifically the Hastings Mill), so it is entirely appropriate that he makes his living from woodworking. Most of Brent’s pieces are reclaimed or recycled, so his work is not only about honoring the Pacific Northwest’s history but preserving it for future generations.

The overarching theme in Brent’s work is a blending of the urban and natural worlds; above: Originals is a collection of sculpted geometric shapes against natural wood, most of which incorporate slight curves that heighten the sophistication of the pieces. I particularly like the way that the subtle curvature helps to elegantly accentuate the grain of the wood (as opposed to the more savage and primal pieces of chista).

Quad is similarly geometric and a bit more functional as it also serves as a table base. The base features four piece segmentation with a slight twist at the top for added drama. Available in Douglas fir and red cedar with multiple finishes, I definitely prefer it in black with a square glass top (it’s recommended you supply your own).

Both the Alder and Shattered collections reveal beautiful patterns no matter what direction you view them from. The Alder collection is composed of alder rounds, while Shattered is formed from tightly packed shards of wood. In both collections, the relatively ordinary external geometries contrast sharply with the chaotic and fragmented realities within. Psychoanalysis aside: Brent Comber’s work is something I’d love to see in my own home; his website is below if you feel similarly inclined.
brentcomber.com

I have the sneaking suspicion that the crew over at Finland-based Tunto Design doesn’t always take itself seriously, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. While Tunto’s work has the polished hallmark of a quality manufacturer, there is also an unmistakably hip and homegrown urban vibe that permeates their product line.

Above: the Skede is a chair with the deck of a skateboard for a backrest (similar to Vitamin’s Powder Seat, which we featured here). The deck is supplied by Control Skateboards, but is optional: if you’d like to use your own skateboard, Tunto will supply the necessary instructions and screws so you can do the mounting yourself.

Although Keinu resembles the Skede in form, its function is completely different: I’d have to say Keinu is the first swing we’ve featured here at PadStyle. The seat is made from slightly bent layered birchwood, and even includes 5 meters of rope. While five basic colors are available, Keinu really comes to life when screenprinted with one of three graphic designs.

M3 is another fairly basic piece that resembles a banker’s box. The M3 is in fact a birch plywood seat that comes with handles and a removable lid for storage. Similar to the Keinu, this rudimentary seat is really shines when decorated with illustrations and patterns (the result of collaborations with more than half a dozen artists).

What I found the most interesting was the artwork on Tunto’s Kukka table. These floral patterns (by Finnish artist Jani Tolin) bear more than a passing resemblance to Patricia Urquiola’s Damasco table (featured here), enough so for me to wonder whether Jani also collaborated with Patricia or if this is an amazing coincidence. All questions aside, the Kukka and the more rectangular Vuokko table are definitely more “traditional” contemporary works from Tunto, but stylish nevertheless.
tunto.com

Michiel van der Kley is a relatively young designer, both in terms of age and experience, yet has worked with numerous European designers including Artifort, Soft Line and Van Esch. One of his best known creations is the I-Con Desk, winner of the “best of the best” category at the 100%design furniture fair in Rotterdam in 2006. This beautiful minimalist desk is wrapped in white Corian with a dark, contrasting walnut center, and is perched on stainless steel legs. One version even doubles as a computer, with an LCD screen, speakers, bluetooth and Wi-Fi all integrated into the frame–this is somewhat apt considering the smoothly rounded edges have faint overtones of iPod.

The Bingo Pouf has also been particularly well received; this attractive and highly versatile polyurethane foam mattress can also be folded up to serve as an ottoman, side table, or stool. An included bentwood tray helps further underscores its multifunctional nature. Structurally speaking, the high density foam provides ample support while the durable wool/synthetic upholstery enhances durability.

van der Kley’s approach to seating is essential minimalism mixed with just enough comfort. His Conco chairs are comparable to a heavily eroded pebble; even the seams are reduced to a bare minimum, with a knot at the top to hold the fabric together, and a point at the bottom for the base to meet the seat. The Bird Chair is an interesting contemporary sofa which curves back on itself, while the more transitional Seven series features a rectangular silhouette that contrasts with a gently rounded seatback.

The Chase series of coat stands and coat hangers are both highly functional but drastically different in terms of appearance. The Chase W is curvy and hollowed out, essentially hiding the hangers and minimizing its visual profile. The floor-mounted model takes the opposite tack with an attention-getting tripod design and dagger-like legs.

Similar to the I-Con desks, Michiel’s Sumo dining table is topped with Corian and is a minimalist’s delight. Integrated but removable trays with circular depressions eliminate the need for plates, while a separate set of featureless trays can be inserted during work time to form a flat surface. Despite his relatively young age, van der Kley has an impressive design portfolio; we hope for (and expect) to hear much more about him in the near future.
michielvanderkley.nl

Finnish designer Eero Aarnio is a man whose works likely need no introduction: his iconic Ball Chair is easily one of the most recognizable chairs in modern design. Despite being designed in 1963, this fiberglass chair is permanently anachronistic: it continues to seem like something you’d see in the not-too-distant future. Even more futuristic (and undoubtedly swank) is the Bubble variant which hangs from the ceiling and is made out of clear acrylic with a chromed steel trim.

The Keinu rocking chair is a labor of love; although Eero’s first draft was created in 1983, it took another twenty years before he would allow a more refined version to see production. A product of two decades and two centuries, the chair’s chrome frame is decidedly retro with an ebullient, circular shape (note the small ball stop–yes, it’s that round!), while the seat is somewhat more contemporary and is upholstered in tightly wrapped leather.

Eero clearly loves to have fun with his work; his Double Bubble Lamp (at top, apparently being worshiped by Ball Chairs) is youthful yet grandiose. Available in three sizes, the largest version stands nearly four feet tall, with all sizes being powered by two light sources in the bubbles and one in the leg.

From oversized fiberglass screw tables (1991) and the racing-inspired Formula Chair (1998) to his Focus Chairs (2002) and playful TIPI birds (2002), Eero shows no signs of slowing down. A creative yet playful force of nature in his own right, Aarnio’s overriding philosophy is best summarized by a quote about his fanciful Pony Chair: “It’s quite simply a lovely piece that brings a smile to my face. Hope it brings one to yours too.”
eeroaarnio.com

“In order to make a real contribution to one’s times, one must remain curious and engaged.” So begins the introductory flash animation on the website of Dakota Jackson, a design-driven American company whose pieces definitely border on the curious side of things. Above: I was immediately drawn to the Ke-zu collection, with designs that bear a strong resemblance to the lines of a classic 1950s Detroit automobile. The curvaceous silhouettes and tapered legs are most pronounced on the Ke-zu Chaise, but the sofa, loveseat and chairs also carry similar features, if in a more subdued fashion.

The Bump Collection is all about curves, even more so than the Ke-zu line. The chairs in particular feature a reclined seat rest that dips right where it meets the seat back; yesterday’s readers may remember this same design cue in Bruno Fattorini’s ARJ series of chairs. Bentwood legs warmly contrast with an otherwise minimalist color palette (white + metal), giving the Bump collection a comfortable yet sophisticated appearance.

The T-Bird Series takes the opposite approach with a clearly modernist architecture. Dark, triangular bases, steel tension cables and aluminum mallets are minimally topped with smoked glass: only those with the most severe and serious of personalities need apply. The bases themselves are lacquered and scored on certain edges, giving the entire line an almost alien appeal.

Dakota Jackson’s Calliope, Big Sleep and Arc Series all strike me as a bit cartoonish. This is perhaps due to the way that the furniture starts small at the bottom and then inevitably flares out at the top. Note: although the images above are all monochrome, custom finishes are available. Similar to the work of Lorin Marsh, art deco and retro/modern influences abound through all three of these series, and throughout Dakota Jackson’s furniture as a whole.
dakotajackson.com

Bruno Fattorini is not only one of the leading designers at MDF Italia, but has served as president of the manufacturer since 1992. In addition to implementing a more dynamic and innovative business strategy, Fattorini is also clearly a disciple of the minimalist school of design. Above: the bare-bones Desk Extra features a perfectly flat top, made possible by a patented tensioning device. The tabletop comes in either tempered glass, high-pressure melamine laminate or ceramic panels, while the frame and legs are made from aluminum.

Fattorini’s aluminum bed follows the same minimalist aesthetic of the Desk Extra, with a purely rectangular anodized frame. Even the headboard option remains minimalist, with your choice of a 57cm or 78cm version; the shorter headboard is so short that it is nearly flush with the bed when a mattress is installed.

With the widespread adoption of LCD and Plasma TV screens, Italia’s Television Panel system is a sleek and stylish alternative to traditional TV stands. Two wall panels comprise the system, with optional shelves and open cabinets for storage. The best feature of the system: as long as your TV is 10cm in depth or less, it can be flush-mounted with the wall panels–visual integration at its best.

The ARJ series of chairs all feature a low seat back and a tastefully curved design over a steel frame cold-foamed with PU rubbers. These bubble-shaped chairs are available with a variety of options including casters, swiveling and open seat backs. Equipped with a fixed ottoman/pouf which matches the upward tilt of the seat rest, the ARJ becomes a lounge chair, perfect for relaxing days spent in front of the TV or fireplace.

There isn’t a whole lot to say about the JILL table; a low-slung wenge coffee table, perhaps the most interesting features are the curved chromium-plated steel legs. Taken as a whole, however, JILL is subtle and sophisticated–in other words, a classic example of Bruno Fattorini and MDF Italia’s minimalist appeal.
mdfitalia.it

2Jane Co. is named after the Greenwich Village address of owner Roxie Mae, who regarded the once-Bohemian enclave as “a direct route to life’s inspired possibilities”. Although no longer a resident, a progressive vibe is embodied in much of the imported goods soled on Roxie’s website. Above: UK-based Innermost Homeware’s ghostly vases and clocks mix contemporary design with ornate etchings. Yee-Ling Wan’s glass Fantome Clock also includes a mirrored backing that effectively double its depth, while the GHOST Candelabra and Vase are formed from intersecting planes of etched acrylic.

WelMadeProducts hails from the other side of the globe in Hong Kong, and features intricate patterns that are neither Asian nor European. Most of their tableware takes the form of wiry black scrolls against pure white bone china, but their serveware and a limited number of dinner and dessert plates are decorated with frosted etchings over clear glass.

Polly George’s Mr. and Mrs. Jones are two porcelain heads (one male, one female) that regularly adorn a drinkware collection that includes teapots, mugs and cups. If this sounds strange to you, that’s because it is–the inanimate couple forms everything from the top of teapot lids to the middle of juicers. Perhaps most disturbing is the use of the heads on the rims of mugs: for left handers, this means gazing back at a disembodied head while sipping coffee.

Also by Polly George is the Butterfly & Rose Collection. The human heads are replaced by much more conventional butterflies and roses, making for a beautiful (as opposed to macabre) collection of mugs, jugs and vases.

Lastly we have the Lehti Trays, which start at an astounding $800–but as part of the permanent collections of New York’s MoMA and London’s V&A, rightly so. These trays maintain a lightweight presence with hundreds of intersecting veins and a myriad cutouts, but are amazingly made from metal. I’m not sure how it maintains its structural integrity, but each piece definitely holds its own as a tabletop centerpiece.
2jane.com

Aton has been making the rounds on sites such as Core77 and Notcot, with good reason: their lighting is an innovative fusion of negative space, organic design, and functionality. Above: photographs from the Candela Light Art Show at the CUBE Gallery in Ottawa, where Aton won The People’s Choice Award in September 2006.

The primary material used in Aton’s lighting is white earthenware clay, which is left unglazed. Intricate patterns resembling branches and cellular structures help to create amazing interactions between the the clay and the light sources within. Above: the Table model stands between 19″ and 10″ in height (Tall and Short models), while the much taller Floor model is over 4 feet tall and sits on aluminum feet for added stability.

A two man team, Aton’s Muhammad Moussa and Rick Shean each have their own roles. Rick designs the sturdy maple wood bases, while Muhammad pushes the clay to its structural limits. Above: don’t let Horizontal’s 15′ length fool you – at nearly 8 feet in height, this is a fairly tall piece as well. Triple light sources help to disperse light through its cavernous interior, making for spectacular shadows along the ceiling and adjacent walls.

The Mini and Candle are relatively modest lamps for those of us who prefer something more manageable for our end tables and nightstands. Mini uses a 10-watt low voltage light source and is exactly 1 foot in height, and features a contemporary style with squared edges and a sleek maple base. Candle is definitely the more effeminate and free flowing of the two, with a cylindrical design, rounded, loopy cutouts and a freer-flowing top edge. The Candle also usurps the traditional wood base for a clay one, and is “powered” by 3 candle tea lights for more romantic lighting effects.
aton.ca