Interior design buffs have already noticed: in recent years objects and furnishings with soft, sinuous forms are back in vogue, in typical retro style but also perfect reinterpretations for today’s most modern settings. “Rounded” design has an influence on almost everything, from sofas to carpets, tables to air purifiers. Timeless classics and contemporary creations for a myriad of intriguing ideas.
Happiness and relaxation? It’s entirely an outdoor matter. At least according to the Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola, who for Cassina has (re)interpreted a feature from the gardens of homes in Greenland, creating Trampoline, a theatrical and elegant ‘love bed’ with soft, playful forms, also perfect for terraces. With a structure in stainless steel, cushion set covered in waterproof canvas, handwoven cord (around the base and the back), Trampoline adapts to any outdoor context. In the low sofa version or with a canopy.
For relaxation in the living area nothing beats the iconic Ball Chair by the historic finnish designer Eero Aarnio. Designed in 1963 and also known as the Globe, the chair made its debut at the furniture fair in Cologne three years later, becoming an instant classic of Scandinavian style. Today it is on view in design galleries around the world, and on the sets of films and music videos. In fiberglass covered with high-quality fabrics, it offers 12 color options.
The living zone gets round and also very colorful, with the new monolithic version of the Plinto table by Meridiani (on cover). A form and a name that evoke the Latin plinthus, the architectural part utilized to support columns. Hence a sculptural table in three parts: a monolithic base, a light structure and a top. With this new edition the collection designed by Andrea Parisio in 2015 is even more ‘made to measure’: the monoblock base has three or four legs, while the top comes in various geometric versions and sizes. The colors include the lovely Lacca Lucida Curry seen in the photo.
This living room table is not what it seems, because the Blendie by Lago defies appearances. Though the particular workmanship of the glass top makes it seem like a set of multiple coffee tables, it is actually ‘just’ a single glass surface without seams, welcoming forms with different colors and finishes. The result is (almost) a composition, bringing together different shapes and textures. The XGlass technology boosts the aesthetic entertainment, emphasizing the intersection of the finishes. The upper top can be personalized with five lacquer decorations, also printed on the glass.
But the round tables with a ‘surprise’ don’t stop here. Banks by Diotti.com, for example, is a round table in coated or matte lacquered metal in various hues, which can become a magazine rack, an object caddie or even a handy tray with a practical shaped grip. The style is dictated by minimum bulk and maximum practicality. Its ideal placement is next to the sofa in a modern living room, which takes on greater comfort, lightness and color.
Modern round carpets in bright colors, machine-made with tightly braided yarns, available in various sizes, in a wide range of different motifs and patterns. The material of Aruba by RugVista is polypropylene, a synthetic and ecological fiber, highly resistant to wear and heat. An anti-static material so as not to attract dust, polypropylene – or artificial wool – makes these carpets ideal for people with allergies.
One of the most versatile décor complements, for easy insertion in any space, is undoubtedly the pouf, also a must in its round version. Handy as a place to put things or a place to sit, ottomans decorate space with their essential forms. Twils offers a wide range of motifs and measurements. The one in the photo is called Clove, designed by Silvia Prevedello, also in a monochrome version, available in three different diameters (height 40cm).
Unfortunately the time for resting is far from infinite. For relaxing moments in the living room, a table clock is a must, such as the Cronotime by Alessi – which, obviously, is round. An object sought by collectors, based on the model created by Pio Manzù in 1966 and now reissued for the second time. Simple and playful, this design classic has elegant lines and big characters, with a height of just 8.5 cm.
The Ball Vase by Cooee Design marks the start of a new journey for the Swedish company. Perfectly round and minimalist, it was the first product in the living collection launched in 2015. The ceramic vase has a soft matte surface, which over the years has become an earmark of the brand. Every piece is made and painted by hand, making it unique. It mingles nicely with other products from the collection, such as trays and candleholders.
Just presented by Bang & Olufsen, the new Beosound A1 in the limited DUNE Crafted Edition, by the danish designer Cecilie Manz, is perfectly spherical. The legendary B&O speaker has been (re)created by its original designer using innovative techniques to ensure that every speaker in this limited edition of 100 pieces will be totally original. The pieces are available only at the website of Bang & Olufsen.
Round decorative objects, but there’s more: thanks to its R+D team, Turri has created a product with contemporary design and a technological core. An ornamental but also functional accessory, Air Decor contains a purification system that thanks to a small fan absorbs the air from a room and conveys it into a screened zone, after which it is again released in the space after treatment with a combination of UV rays and selective filters. The device removes pollutants, bacteria, chemical substances or particles of smoke and smog from the air.
