Thoughts On Seating.

A chair for me is that object I always like to admire the aesthetics, comfort and texture. I buy a chair as if I’m buying a bottle of wine (just bought three last Saturday, chairs I mean).
Of course I end up with more chairs in the house than any other furniture piece, but then it gives me an excuse to use them for other purposes than to seat people on, and I must say this is one of the things I love to do with objects: to give them different functions.
Try to stack one on the wall pretending it’s a bookshelve – it’s really interesting engagement, I must say. Well, I have one!

This is the type of sketches I would love to draw.

Where I took these photos, there was a very nice food for thought text to go with the display, which I’m going to quote. Hope you find it interesting as much as I do.

“A chair, described as simply as possible, is an object that people use to sit in. Over the centuries, though, we have learned that the “common chair” serves far more complex purposes than than just providing seating for people.”

“There is, for example, the long tradition of thrones, ranging from relatively simple to grand in their design, whose effect is determined by their symbolic power. Today, however, when a chair for everyday use is monumentalized in a museum display and transformed into a celebrated “star”, we ask ourselves if it is important as a utilitarian item or as a work of art.”

“This applies particularly in cases where the chair articulates a truly unique combination of technical innovation and design expertise. Fantasy and humour, with which designers also approach the everyday object time and again.”

“As objects that are representative of their era, chairs generate images in our mind’s eye that inspire us not to judge them on the basis of how comfortable they actually are. After all, they have a very varied history, which is reflected in the acceptance they have gained (…)”

“So what do we expect from a good chair? What should it provide, what should it represent?”
Text by Dr. Thomas Schriefers - Cologne, Germany.





Now that I’m thinking about my work, I realized I’ve never designer a chair. Only armchairs and sofas. I’ll post soon an armchair I’ve designed many years ago in leather and stainless steel.

Two Different Chairs but both very beautiful.
Marcel Wanders
Michael Young @ Dezeen

Art installation with chairs.
Wallpaper Chair Arch Installation 1
Wallpaper Chair Arch Installation 2

Ligne Roset @ imm cologne, Germany.

This is my last post on imm 2010. I have to say that I already miss researching on my photography archives, photographing art installations, to put mood boards together with ideas to style your space or to talk about other spaces within spaces.
Nevertheless I have more to post about my trip to Cologne, but I’ll find another opportunity to do it, rather sooner than later. Keep in touch.

Ligne Roset’s stand was really well styled. The space dragged me in. Very slick, quite smart yet inviting.

This French brand was founded in 1860 by Antoine Roset, quite well known for its collaborations with contemporary designers. Check Dezeen to read about the sofa launched by LR designed by Paris designer Inga Sempé.

Very well balanced spot.

I like the idea the surroundings are mirrored on those little niches on the wall. It expresses lots of movement.

The table’s shade is quite Piet Mondrian’s abstract art. Very nice.



They look like windows, don’t they?

For a more conservative style.

Interlübke @ imm Cologne, Germany.

Interlübke’s display was my favorite at imm. I don’t think I have too much to say, as their design and style is pretty obvious in these photographs.

There’s so much movement in these cabinets. Plus, they can be used in the bedroom, bathroom, living room or even kitchen – basically anywhere you wish. I love when a furniture brand is this versatile.





My favorite space.

(I just thought my polka dots shirt styles pretty nicely the space)



The chandelier above the table are candle sticks in a wire: how inspiring!

I’m not the type of person that likes lights on the furniture, but I have to say this cabinet has changed completely my preconception about it. The yellow light on a white and navy background is perfect, if perfection exists.

It would be lovely if someone could translate this poem for me.

Another opportunity I’ll post more photos about this space. It is TOO beautiful NOT to share.

“No one person is like another and no person's home is like anyone else's, so why shouldn't the same principle apply to furniture? That's why we created our interlübke system from thousands of individual parts which are put together to create individual and distinctive pieces of furniture. We can also deliver them in practically any colour, so the only thing that interlübke's one-of-a-kind furniture products share is their uniqueness.” – company’s philosophy.

Moroso @ imm cologne, Germany.

Honestly, I don’t know what to say about Moroso. Everything they release I want. Not that would have my flat or any other project totally styled with it, as for me a space should be a mélange of objects, colours and smells, but there is no “thing” without the “uau” factor. Enjoy the images as much as I do and let me know what Moroso transmits to you.

Relaxed vibe - it's exactly what Moroso transmits to me.

Fergana by Patricia Urquiola (one of the world designers I would love to work with).

I would love to see these tables piled up with books.

“A major new product for the contract range is by Gordon Guillaumier.”

“FreeFlow's elegant curves form a modular upholstered seating range designed principally for large spaces. Its straight and curved elements permit great flexibility in creating seating arrangements for waiting rooms, relaxation areas or dining rooms.”

If you’re looking for FreeFlow, contact European Design Centre at the Contract Sales Department.

Cappellini @ imm cologne, Germany.

There are brands in the furniture market that I believe everyone finds something to relate to. Cappellini is one of them. Whether is colour, form or materials there’s always something we would like to have in that space, space within space or other space. Enjoy the celebration of colour and form, because function at Cappellini has a different meaning.

A chair is a chair. Its function is to settle down whomever needs to be settle down (is this proper English?). For me what makes a chair standing out from each other is its aesthetics. This one in particular shouted out laud to me “have a seat” – and I did. It’s so comfortable, inviting and (of course) so stylish that now it’s on my furniture wishing list.
A spatial design tip if I may: this is the right chair to have in cold spaces like the dentist waiting room, by the accountant desk or maybe in the attorneys meeting room.

This is another example of great design. I can assure you that this is a super comfortable chair, designed by Nendo (one of my favorite architecture and design practice in the world).

Triple Style It @ imm Cologne, Germany.

A few years ago it was quite trendy to have the same item repeated twice: two console tables against the wall, two lamps on the same corner and sometimes two rugs around the same sofa. At imm it was quite visible a few high-end brands treble the same object on the same spot. On the following 3 articles you can see orange as the centre colour as well as 3 armchairs, 3 floor lamps and 3 ceiling lamp. Have you used the same technique lately?

Cassina @ imm Cologne, Germany.

Cassina's display was all about this massive floating sofa. Quite severe lines, yet very charming. Unfortunately I don’t have many more photos as my camera's battery died and I had to photograph with my mobile.

I find this photo so powerful - straight light lines, dark round shapes...

Dark walls have been the signature for almost all chic and timeless furniture brands. I wonder what’s going to be presented in April at the Milan fair.


Apparently orange’s having a comeback. Check Colour Me Happy for more insight on it.

You can find the brand at European Design Centre in London.

Poltrona Frau @ imm Cologne, Germany.

Poltrona Frau had one of the smallest spaces at imm as far as my memory recalls. Nevertheless it was a very inviting space, as their design is always very classy with a contemporary touch.


Orange - symbol of heath and wealth.


The “buttons sofa” is that icon everyone should have at home – living room, home office, walking closet, hall or even in a nice white French style bathroom. It’s indeed on my wishing list for many many years. It’s like the Birkini by Hermès - a must have classic.

Gervasoni @ imm Cologne, Germany.

Gervasoni’s collection presented at imm was pretty well designed – sophisticated and timeless yet relaxed. Even though dark colours like black and chocolate brown are part of the colour scheme it looked quite summery. The orange really brighten it up and the handwoven giant calamus gives that chic touch any space in the French Riviera or a balcony in Venice would shout for.

These consistent white touches all over the space balance so nicely this style.

The oversize knitting footstools and shelter look alike walls really created a nice environment.

No doubts this is the right furniture to have in a second house, and I’m not sure if because of the colours or scenario, it would look perfect either by the sea or even on the mountain.



The eclectic set of chairs marries very well the relaxed style approach.




This chair is such a reference to me. Quite popular design in the 70's back in Portugal: I remember to seat (very often) in, what we used to call, the yellow cone, as it was painted in bright yellow.

European Design Centre represents Gervasoni Contract in case you are planning to include it in one of your interior design projects.

Minotti @ imm Cologne, Germany.

Last Friday I had the pleasure and opportunity to visit imm in Cologne for a couple of days. Interesting fair to visit, though I have to say I was expecting to see many other bigger names in there.
Nevertheless there are a few furniture brands I would like to outline for their elegance, colour and design concept.

Starting with Minotti, as it is one of my high-end favorite brands.


The most beautiful, elegant and very delicate display was by Minotti. Dark walls outlining the sofas design, leathers looking as they are silk, colour details, reflective surfaces and beautiful shiny lacquers. Hope you like what you see.









This table is so elegant. It is as if the glass is floating.



Detail. Detail. Detail. It is all about elegant details.

The way the surrounds reflect on the shinny surfaces is just beautiful.

Perfect sofa layout for your home cinema.




See you in Milan.

Visit Minotti London at Margaret Street – you’re going to definitely love it.