ITS A SHAME that the Council Aura is designed for commercial applications, as we think its gorgeous minimalist design would be ideally suited for contemporary homes. Particularly stylish is the way the high-gloss lacquered interior seems to float within its wood veneer shell. The assembly is actually held together by angled stainless steel legs, each of which pierces cleanly through the entire credenza.
councildesign.com
ANNE CROOK’S Magazine Holder focuses on displaying periodicals while simultaneously minimizing its own presence. The sleek, rounded front is made from transparent plexiglass, revealing little except for a sliver of oak that both holds the glass and attaches to the wall. These are svelte shelves that stay out of the way: just the way we like it.
$101.70, scandinaviandesigncenter.com
INSTANT FRENCH CAFÉ AMBIANCE is the chief selling point of the Marais AC Chair, first designed by Xavier Pauchard in 1934 and currently available at DWR in gunmetal grey, vermilion or lemon. Made from durable sheet steel, we particularly like the slight surface imperfections that give the chair character. Stackable up to 8 high; in the same style and also available are Stool 18 and Stool 30.
$140-$220, dwr.com
PLAYFULLY PACKAGED, Kestral Collection is at once elegant and childlike, with a compact frame and flared metal legs. The arms literally peel outwards in an open, unpretentious embrace, giving the chairs a welcoming style despite their small stature. Designed by Agati, which uses reforested lumber and reusable packaging materials.
agati.com
IF IT CAN GET OVER (AND UNDER) ITSELF, the curvaceous Kundalini E-Turn actually makes a decent bench. The moebius-like structure is made possible by its lacquered fiberglass construction and advanced 3d modeling. We love its dynamic nature as it undulates and gyrates, thins and thickens like a vibrating string: furniture can’t be narcissistic, but E-Turn comes close (not that we’re complaining).
$3,325, unicahome.com
WE NEVER TIRE OF GEOMETRY, as there is a certain comfort and safety in cold, pre-calculated lines. However, Bart Bettencourt’s minimalist dining collection manages to warm everything up by integrating sustainable bamboo alongside edgy stainless steel. Environmental sustainability and contemporary design are simultaneously cherished by Bettencourt; both the chair and tables utilize non-toxic adhesives and non-VOC Danish Oil.
$1,000-$3,000, vivavi.com
