FURNITURE FOR VERSATILITY
FOCUS ON FURNITURE: VERSATILITY, PRACTICALITY & AESTHETIC
Fun fact - Furniture in Italian is called Mobile. ‘Mobile’ derives from ‘Mobilità’, in English ‘Mobility’ meaning the ability to move or be moved freely and easily – makes sense, doesn’t it?
It got me thinking about how this strong concept has changed over the years, influenced by many factors including historical events, artistic movements, and fashion and how it’s now being re imagined, also due to the pandemic.
In fact, especially over the past year our homes have changed, and they had to adapt just like us to sudden changes, new circumstances, and different routines. The simplest example is probably home offices. Many of us turned a room into an office, others already had one and just had to make small adjustments to the layout, others again had to be smart optimising dining and living areas to create nooks and areas to use
Versatility is what you need the most from your furniture and that’s where design can be your best ally!
The greatest goal for me when I design a space is being able to optimise the area, making sure it’s functional to the people who are living the rooms and create an aesthetic cohesion between all elements with a focus on materials, shapes, finishes and textures
I’ve rounded up here a few of my favourite pieces designed by some of the greater masters of our times, that perfectly represent the combination of beauty and versatility plus they move me, which means they artistically say something to me and that makes me happy
LC16 Table by Le Corbusier for Cassina
This table is made of oak and it’s designed to be an ‘all-purpose’ desk. Versatile and functional makes it the perfect desk for adults home offices or kids rooms
LC16 Table by Le Corbusier for Cassina 1957
Maralunga Sofà by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
One of my favourite designers. His work influenced the design industry as we know it and this sofa is the winner of the ‘Compasso D’oro’ in 1979; the most prestigious Italian award recognising excellence in industrial design.
A timeless model still in production today
He often said ‘I could never imagine designing furniture or anything that wouldn’t last long’. What more is to say?!
This piece was designed to combine two functional variations into a single object; a conversational sofa on one hand, and a more relaxing model on the other one.
Two ways of creating your personal space in a room simply adapting to you.
Maralunga Sofà by Vico Magistretti for Cassina
780/783 by Gianfranco Frattini
This is an emblematic piece of the 1960s, an era of optimism and experimentation, when the focus was on functionality. The heights are similar and the diameter changes from 42cm to 61cm.
They can be stacked to create a sculptural effect also adding to its versatility. Beechwood frames and laminate tops, this is still today a very popular side table choice.
780/783 Side tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina
‘Stay’ collection by Neri&Hu for Cassina
What I love about this is how the elegance of shapes and materials is so beautifully combined with practicality, creating a movable piece of furniture that adapts to any room
INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS
WHO IS THE USER?
On this will depend the choice of shape and materials
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE ITEM?
I.e. - Is it mainly decorative or is going to be used daily? – This will affect the material choice again, but also other aspects such as structural characteristics and features and also product quality, therefore brand choice and budget.
INVEST IN QUALITY
If you bring home a considerably designed piece of furniture the product’s life will be almost endless. This doesn’t mean it’s indestructible, but it means you can restore its beauty when the time comes. We always have that shirt that we absolutely love and we never want to separate from, imagine the same with a sofa, that you enjoyed for so many years with your family and your friends, it’s the most comfortable and you have so many memories attached to it, imagine being able to re imagine it, re upholster it, change the colour, the material, and be able to enjoy it for many other years to come!