PATRICIA Urquiola’s intense creativity carries with it an underlying tone of femininity that is refreshing in an industry that continues to be dominated by men. Her Lowland platform bed is a revelation with organic, curved lines and soft padding throughout; this is the way all beds should be. The plywood frame seems to float inches from the ground, but closer examination reveals PVC padded stainless steel feet for a subtle finishing touch.
moroso.it

SHIN and Tomoko Azumi’s hm30 series of seats may be blocky but are by no means unwieldy. Generous curves flow naturally from the backrest into the feet, while foam upholstery is both inviting yet true to form. Available in loveseat and sofa versions, the hm30 also includes an ottoman whose top is flush with the chairs; this allows it to serve as an integral building block to create larger seating arrangements.
www.hitchmylius.co.uk

UGLY duckling it is not; “odd” duckling is perhaps the more appropriate name for Philippe Starck’s Royalton Chair (1991). This is a chair that is composed of both classic lines and unconventional design cues, the strongest of which is its exceptionally wide back; from a frontal view the chair more resembles a one-armed ottoman pushed up against an upholstered wall. Seemingly mismatched pearwood back feet and cast polished aluminum front feet complete this fundamentally unbalanced yet strangely beautiful chair.
$4,227, unicahome.com

STINGRAYS are graceful oceanic creatures with wing-like fins that allow them to slowly glide through the water; Thomas Pedersen’s Stingray Chair emulates that relaxing motion with rounded sleds for rocking (stingray in Danish is rokke, which also means “to rock”). A smooth, organic shape comfortably wraps around the occupant in a manner similar to a seashell, making an irresistible case for lazy lounging.
$2,250, nova68.com

KARIM Rashid continues to demonstrate his penchant for gorgeous, slightly off-centered work (previously featured here) with the Eolo Wine Cooler and Eros Wine Bucket. The wine bucket in particular features a crumpled base that appears to melt into the tabletop; both are sensuously shaped in stainless steel with a tilted motif that begs for attention.
$95, conranusa.com

EVEN the high-back version of the hm85 chair is essentially low-backed, with a sleek, aerodynamic profile: the wide stance, horizontal “air intake” and engineered curves are attributes generally found on a race car. The high resilience PU-foam is flame retardant and is supported by either a swiveling base or chromed legs, with optional matching side tables and ottomans.
hitchmylius.co.uk

MODULAR seating systems for the public are generally staid affairs and arrange their occupants in uniform, stately rows. The hm83 bench by Simon Pengelly turns this arrangement on its ear with a three-pronged design that can exist just as easily alone as it can with others, often forming interesting mathematically-inspired shapes in the process. The open seating arrangement encourages friendly and casual interactions–something that the world definitely needs.
hitchmylius.co.uk

ALTHOUGH light travels most efficiently in a vacuum, it is perhaps best appreciated when traversing a medium. Tokujin Yoshioka’s Tofu lamp is just such a medium, although not soy-based as the name implies but acrylic. Tofu is simplicity at its best: an aluminum lightsource is all that mars its otherwise simple and clean design, made with a delicate cutting process that would make its gastronomic brethren proud.
$560, nova68.com

JAMES Harris’ Plybowl is origami reincarnated in a permanent wood body, with symmetric and geometric properties that make it as stylish as it is functional. It is not only perfect for tabletop display but also packs neatly away for storage: composed of two interlocking pieces, Plybowl can be separated and then nested to conserve space.
$135, theworkshop.co.uk

ELEGANT modernism is LA-based Vioski’s guiding philosophy and is often paired with the well-weathered hands of Yglesias Woodwork. The Shea II Console is a classic modernist piece with straight edges and perfect corners; a metal undercarriage adds a splash of color but the star of the show is the beautifully grained Macassar ebony. Finished in satin, the piece exudes a warm, yet subtle glow suitable for sophisticated residences.
vioski.com

CORREALISM was coined by Frederick Kiesler (1890-1965) as the continual interaction between man and his environments, whether natural or technological. His Correalistic Instrument and Rocker (1942) meld man-made design with organic form and sport irregular, often dramatic curves. These multipurpose pieces can serve as chairs in one instant and tables in the next; the Instrument alone promises 18 possible uses.
bene.com

FRANCO Albini’s Fiorenza lounge chair (1952) is reminiscent of a pilot’s seat, with bolstered sides and cantilevered armrests that seem to envelop the occupant. Plenty of support around the lumbar region makes this a comfortable chair, suitable for extended periods of relaxation. An x-shaped beechwood frame adds to an already distinctive profile; wrapped in fabric, leather, or alcantara, the chair transcends utility and enters the realm of conversation pieces.
m2lcollection.com