ITS OKAY TO STEAL CANDY FROM A BABY, at least when nursery furniture looks this good. For starters, the rounded frame is finished to a stunning shine with five coats of primer and lacquer; throw in other extras such as solid bamboo doors, precision drawer glides and stainless steel legs on the cabinets, and it becomes simply criminal for adults not to requisition a piece (or two) for their own uses.
$895-$2,995, moderntots.com

A HUSBAND & WIFE TEAM, Bryce and Kerry Moore have created a stylish collection honoring another remarkable duo: that of joint 17th century British sovereigns William & Mary. Each chair features front legs that are influenced by the design of that period, although a number of other details are simultaneously at work: note the layered Baltic birch plywood construction, the single stripe of hardwood, and the quaint blend of traditional elements and minimalist design.
$585-$1,078, designpublic.com

DURABLE, WATERPROOF and flexible, high density closed-cell foam is the ideal material for Lian Ng’s placemats and coasters. Each is composed of individual pieces that at first glance appear to be precariously connected; thankfully, the foam’s inherent strength allows each piece to sustain a fair amount of punishment. Two shapes are available: the circles have a feminine/organic touch, while the rotated squares are disheveled and slightly lackadaisical.
$9-$10, plushpod.com

DISCREET YET NOISY, Morten Voss’ Attitude Lounge Chair is comprised of curves which are both soft and aggressively contoured. Morten is part of a new generation of Danish designers who inject fresh appeal (and a bit of humor) into their work. Made from molded foam and upholstered in leather or fabric, the lounge chair is appropriate for both residential and commercial applications.
$2,124, hivemodern.com

DESCRIBED AS ECO-CHIC by the Today Show, these Bamboo Lacquerware Bowls by Bambu are also functional; available in convenient 4.5″, 6″ and 11.5″ flavors, the bowls are waterproof and food-safe thanks to a a natural lacquer finish. Each bowl is hand-coiled, shaped and finished and comes in eight popular and contemporary colors.
$12-$48, branchhome.com

BLU DOT’S Couchoid is ultra clean, with a simple, squared frame and a barely visible chrome-plated base. I particularly like how the armrests are elegantly defined by a simple crease in the seat; sans the angle, they would fade into the couch entirely. Note that the upholstery is made from cow-free, leather-like vinyl; a clean conscience is part of the package as well.
$1,399, designpublic.com

SCREWS hold things together, yet this description (however apt) seems to be insufficient at conveying its importance. Industrial designer Ron Arad brings this simple fastener into focus with the eponymous Screw stool. Made from mirror polished aluminum and satin stainless steel, the chair is a fitting (and gorgeous) monument to its more humble forefathers.
$1,539, unicahome.com

YOU ZIG WHILE I ZAG goes the contrarian’s cliche, although in this case the terms describe the complementary relationship between an awkward dining table and an equally mischievous chair. Called Ziggy and Zaggy and designed by Frank Neulichedl, the collection features beech furniture with acutely angled lines throughout. Living (and eating) on the wild side has never seemed so permissible.
architonic.com

ECOLOGICALLY FLIRTATIOUS, Paola Navone’s Otto platform bed features pressed bamboo veneer stained a sexy shade of chocolate. A plywood frame and adjustable slats are all that comprise this sleek and minimalist piece, although the 79E variant features two angled headboards which seem a bit isolated. The Otto can be a bit austere and not at all intimate, but remains stylish nevertheless.
orangeskin.com

THE MUNDANE just as often insulates as it inspires, the latter being the case for interior designer Lisa Burke and ex-graffiti artist Matt Hazelden. Opulent Louis XV beds, armoires and wingback chairs are irrevocably mutilated with joyful glee. In collaboration with other pop artists, each piece is made to order and is therefore as much about being different as it is about being creative.
burkeandhazelden.co.uk

CHOREOGRAPHY, or dance composition, is the art of making structures in which movement occurs (source: Wikipedia). This is tangibly expressed in the Antani Composition, an Italian dining set with graceful curves that are as sleek and emotive as a flesh-and-blood dancer. Sophisticated and modern, Antani features a multilayered beech, cherry or wenge shell and chromed steel accents.
$989, italy4us.com

LIKE GRACEFUL INCAN TERRACES (or open-pit strip mines, depending on whom you ask), De Sede’s 1025 chair is composed of multiple leather segments which are stacked together like pancakes. Starting with a rectangular base, each step varies in shape and tapers towards the top. Although the jury is still out on the comfort that this chair affords, it definitely is modular and easily allows both solitary and communal seating configurations.
desede.com