Over the past year, there has been an emerging trend prevalent throughout the world in contemporary furniture design. Designers appear to be retreating from the minimalist aesthetics that have dominated the industry for so long, in favour of soft, nostalgic designs and inviting textures.
An elegant design with clean lines, enjoy the Rail Sofa designed by Manzoni & Tapinassi for Arketipo. A distinctive double edged seam runs around the whole structure and armrests, resembling the double lines of rail tracks. In store now at Contempo Perth.
A gorgeous modern take on a classic piece the Windsor by Manzoni & Tapinassi for Arketipo. Timber structure and leather upholstery. In-store now.
In an era dominated by technology and fast paced progression, turbulence and uncertainty, it’s understandable that designers are opting for more ‘comfortable’ aesthetics. We build our homes as retreats, filling them with items that nurture our memories, passions and needs. It’s the only environment we can control and as individuals we are able to curate a domain that reflects our unique notion of warmth and safety. It’s therefore no surprise that designers and consumers alike are welcoming softer pieces that echo trends and values of a previous time.
Come home to Alice designed by Luca Scacchetti for Contempo, Italy. Timber frame with fabric or leather upholstery.
In a backlash against the hard edges and uniformity of minimalist designs, designers are trending towards creating rich, dynamic, tactile characteristics in furniture. In recent collections we’ve seen a myriad of colours from soft neutrals to friendly brights and sweet pastels. Collections of natural materials such as soft sandblasted leather, woods, rope and woven details are also hitting showrooms and living rooms across the world. These designs carry a feeling of humanity and authenticity, drawing inspiration from 19th century drawing room furnishings, industrial/warehouse themes, art deco and mid century modern.
Regardless of the world outside, in our homes, we can seek refuge in comfortable pieces, reminiscent of perhaps safer times - forsaking the hard decisive edges of contemporary minimalism.
Curvy, soft and elegant. Tuliss for Desiree, designed by Jai Jalan, is the perfect answer to comfort and aesthetics.
Alessandro Busana’s bold, modern designs embody simplicity, versatility and functionality. Busana was born in 1977, in the historically rich city of Padua, Italy. He graduated from the Italian School of Design in 1999 and has since worked with prominent and prestigious brands such as Alfa Romeo and Pedrali.
Alessandro Busana
Ever changing, Busana attends international specialisation workshops around the globe such as ‘The New Italian Design 2007/2010,’ ‘Nazionale Italiana Design,’ ‘Openhouse,’ Wonderful Water World,’ and ‘Made in China’ to further develop his passion and unique flair for creating contemporary, elegant furniture.
Busana works both collaboratively and individually to constantly explore and experiment with the notion of products and spaces. In 2009 he founded Hole Design, a research and concept development agency which boasts a dynamic portfolio.
His most recent work for Pedrali includes PLUS and the Laja Chair. The Laja Chair is a sleek, modern design constructed of crossed elastic belts covered with polyurethane foam, a steel frame and die-cast aluminium legs. Now in-store at Contempo.
Laja chair by Pedrali. Designed by Alessandro Busana.
Designer seating transforms ordinary rooms into extraordinary spaces. Choosing chairs and stools that accent a space not only provides functional seating but also adds interest and depth to your room’s design.
Here are a few styling tips from our in-store experts:
