Dietiker is a Switzerland company with a rich tradition in furniture manufacturing that began in 1878. Over its history, Dietiker has introduced many innovative designs to the market through designers that include Edliff Bandixen, Bruno Ray, and Burkhard Vogtherr. Featured here is the Relounge designed by Greutmann Bolzern. This chair received the Gold Award at IIDEX/NeoCon, Canada's largest design exposition event. Everything about this chair has purpose, with no wasted materials or space. The streamlined cushioning coupled with the sleek metal frame make this chair a winner.
This chaise lounge from Bonaldo combines the best elements of a chair into one streamlined design. This piece can be used as a rocking chair or as a normal place to sit. The human body often wants to sit still and relax and at other times gently sway in a restorative manner. I find the unique design of the Swing Plus by Jochem Hoffmann refreshing in that he is able to combine both elements into this dynamic chaise lounge. Typically, a chaise offers no movement possibilities at all whereas a recliner, or more conventional chair, often does. Imagine letting that nervous energy slip away after a difficult day of work, and later that weekend settling down for an afternoon nap. Italian furniture manufacturer Bonaldo offers the Swing Plus in fabric or leather models. The frame comes in chromium plated or painted steel accompanied by wooden armrests.
It seems that a lot of furniture companies are getting really creative and making convertible products. For the consumer this is perfect, it's like getting two items for the price of one. The Line from Italian manufacturer Bonaldo easily transitions from a chair to a chaise lounge with a simple movement. I really like the light look that makes a very modern statement with a minimal amount of structure. Designer Stefan Heiliger made the Line to be compatible with the accessory table that slips under the chaise lounge keeping your favorite beverage or book at arms length. Bonaldo has been a cutting edge leader of Italian furniture and design since 1936 and today takes full advantage of the modern materials available. Some of the well known designers who have worked with Bonaldo include Ron Arad and Karim Rashid, Mauro Lipparini, Toshiyuki Kita and Denis Santachiara, D'Urbino and Lomazzi and the list and awesome furniture designs goes on...
It never ceases to amaze me how the most innovative designs can be so simple. The Innovation C by Swedish manufacturer Bla Station is really an impressive yet simple modern chair that is perfect for a laptop or a cup of coffee and a good book. Designer Fredrik Mattsson gave this little gem a stainless steel column, a swivel seat, and a selection of soothing colors that really compliment the eye catching style. A seemingly delicate shape is reinforced by a steel and wood inner frame rounded off with molded polyurethane foam covered with fabric. Accessories include a return swivel and small table that slips on to the top of the frame shown here. Bla Station has a progressive philosophy stating, "Life is all about the choices you make - about the difference between what you do and what you choose to leave undone. We have chosen to manufacture the kind of furniture we ourselves like". This belief has resulted in a "fun" line of furniture including benches, tables, sofas, and easy chairs that are very appealing to the eye and functional at the same time.
You may have seen my article on the Lockheed Lounge by designer Marc Newson and the astronomical price it fetched in an auction at Christies, $1.5 million to be exact. Well Marc's other well know creation, the Felt Chair from Cappellini (1989) has been cemented as a modern day classic produced in a variety of materials for a most versatile seat. The production covers chairs made in leather, felt, and fiberglass in various colors with a single leg in polished aluminum. This modern chair can be used indoors or outdoors for the most stylish patio furniture on the block. Recently a leather prototype popped up for sale in Paris at a price of $870K infuriating Newson who explained "the Felt Chair is still in production at a modest $3684 from UnicaHome". He further added " I feel sorry for anyone who would pay that much for a prototype especially one that I never authorized." 67x106xh.86 cm
