Flote + Opus Give a Modern Edge to Group Seating

Comfort and high design collide in Hightower’s new Flote and Opus seating collections. Both are distinct and delightful with contemporary yet timeless aesthetics and the shared feeling of being embraced.

Flote brings the support, comfort, and easy relaxation of a pool float to its sofa and lounge. The team at Hightower went through extensive prototyping during the design phase to create that just-right sit. The Flote Sofa features a generous seat that’s large enough to seat three adults comfortably, making it a great fit for a group setting, whether that’s in a commercial or residential setting. Both the Flote Sofa and Flote Lounge bring a sense of lightness to users, with their curves, extended lumbar support, and inspired details making both easy to love.

Make Flote your own with unique seam and finish options. With the choice of an oversized welt, chunky zipper, or classic double-needle stitch, the collection can be customized to suit any space on the spectrum, from traditional to trendy.

Opus is Hightower’s contemporary take on the classic club chair that’s as comfortable as it is beautiful. Minimal and versatile, its seating can provide a sense of seclusion with its small footprint. The collection includes a chair and a lounge chair, both with a metal frame and upholstered seat and back.

Both designs feature a slender frame that adds a visual lightness, and either can be utilized in a conference room or at a dining table, complementing any aesthetic while doing so. Opus allows the rest of the space’s design choices shine while providing a classic yet modern edge. Choose from numerous finish options to make this collection work in spaces of all uses and sizes.

Bring together Opus’ simple style by taking advantage of optional contrasting fabrics on the back and seat, as well as custom frame colors. Whether it’s monochrome or high contrast, this collection makes it work and looks good doing it.

To learn more about Flote or Opus seating, visit hightoweraccess.com.

Vipp Goes Outdoors With the New Open-Air Collection

There’s something new this spring at Vipp, the brand’s first outdoor furniture collection – Open-Air – has been released! Like its name, the design of the furniture visually depicts the lightness and soft shapes of durable materials that are meant to be used outdoors. The collection includes a chair, a dining table, a lounge chair, lounge tables, and sofas that pull directly from Vipp’s refined indoor furniture pieces. Open-Air matches the same durable craftsmanship, timeless design, and attention to detail that can be found throughout the brand’s history of molded metal.

The collection is characterized by strong, lightweight grey powder-coated aluminum. The strong silhouette created is then complemented with rattan, teak, and outdoor-friendly textiles. Details in teak will naturally age to a soft grey with time, fitting in well with the existing neutral palette. The seats are filled with quick-dry foam and covered in an Italian Ten Stars yarn textile that is water and UV resistant.

To learn more about the Open-Air collection, visit vipp.com.

Rietveld Originals x HAY Relaunch the Crate Outdoor Collection

The latest addition to HAY’s offerings is the relaunched Crate Collection, designed by Gerrit Rietveld in 1934. Today, along with Rietveld Originals, the brand has released their take on the original. Based on Rietveld’s Crate Chair, the whole of the collection is distinguished by wide planks and a low silhouette.

“The Crate Chair is a wonderful example of a product designed by an architect who was seeking harmony between architecture and interior,” said Rolf Hay, co-founder of HAY. “It’s hard to imagine something which is closer to our core design values, because it was really Rietveld’s mission to create a super cool, affordable, open-source furniture range for everybody – taking an incredibly democratic approach to design, which of course fits HAY extremely well.”

The Crate Collection includes a lounge chair, dining chair, coffee table, and a side table that feature a strong yet simple aesthetic that’s appealing to many styles. Each piece of furniture stays true to Rietveld’s vision of embodying the idea of affordable, comfortable furniture that’s both beautiful and accommodating.

Made of solid pine wood and treated with a durable, water-based lacquer, the Crate Collection works well indoors and outdoors. Easy to assemble, it’s also made to last, and is offered in a select range of colors including Black, White, Iron Red, and London Fog. Both chairs can be fitted with seat and back cushions in different colors and textiles for enhanced comfort.

Titus Darley, Director of Rietveld Originals, shared: “Rietveld’s conscious use of material forms and his aim to design furniture for the masses is very suitable for today’s generation. With the relaunch of the Crate series we actually are able to fulfill Rietveld’s dream almost 90 years after it was designed.”

To learn more about the Crate Collection, visit hay.com.

This post contains affiliate links, so if you make a purchase from an affiliate link, we earn a commission. Thanks for supporting Design Milk!

Listen to the KBIS 2023 DMM Talks Lounge Panels Online

We came, we saw, and we talked. A lot. Seeing the newest products and innovations at KBIS 2023 did not fail to impress, and we’re already looking forward to what’s to come in 2024. Our DMM Talks Lounge, put on in partnership with Modenus Media, was packed every day. Attendees enjoyed panels on everything from creative collaboration to the rise of generational living. If you weren’t able to attend the show, or too busy to sit in on the discussions, you can now listen to all of the conversations on the KBIS website.

Click here to listen

 

We also want to thank the sponsors that helped make the DMM Talks Lounge possible:
Signature Kitchen Suite
Wellborn Cabinet
Fisher & Paykel
nobilia
Moen

Muuto Collaborates With 3 Designers for Spring 2023

Muuto’s Scandinavian designs are recognized for their aesthetics, functionality, craftsmanship, and expression. Rooted in tradition, the brand also continues to expand their offerings with fresh ambition and perspectives as they push forward. Spring 2023 newcomers that are soon to be released include thoughtful product collaborations with Normal Studio, Sylvain Willenz, and Johan van Hengel. The Wrap Lounge Chair, Couple Coffee Table, and Ease Portable Lamp bring with them clean lines and small details that will long be appreciated.

“Designing the Wrap Lounge Chair, we had the image of a lounge chair with a soft blanket simply draped around its ample silhouette in mind, playing with models and prototypes to find a fluid way of incarnating this idea,” said Paris-based Normal Studio of the design. “We were driven by the idea of creating a really snug chair with an enveloping feel and generous proportions that don’t feel chunky. A highly comfortable lounge chair with lots of personality.”

With a duvet-like covering that wraps around the shell, there’s no other word that comes to mind aside from comfort. The loose-fitting upholstery required extensive research and development, taken on by both Muuto and Normal Studio to solve. A light steel frame takes away from this perceived bulk by adding support that’s visually light for a sculptural aesthetic that balances intention and happenstance. There are no rules on how to use the Wrap Lounge Chair, sit or lay on its generous shape however you wish to read, relax, and more.

Inspired by the traditional tile table, “The Couple Coffee Table was born out of my research into this traditional and essential piece of furniture,” said designer Sylvain Willenz. “I wanted to come up with a new yet subtle take on its materials and typology. I was inspired by the materiality of fired earth-like brick and terracotta, finding that a beautiful synergy occurs when it is combined with wood.”

Bringing together FSC-certified wood and tactile ceramic stone, a hard, dense clay that can be compared to Bone China. You have the option of two table top tiles: a plain surface and a sculptural wave. Choose one or the other, or mix them for a truly tactile piece. The Couple Coffee Table is available in three sizes, from a small one-tile to the large coffee table.

The Brussels-based furniture, lighting, and product designer went on to say, “Thanks to these materials, their finishes, and fine design details, Couple Coffee Table subtly merges a familiar piece of furniture with forward-thinking features.”

The Ease Portable Lamp, created in collaboration with Dutch designer Johan van Hengel, transforms the traditional table lamp into one that’s sized to go wherever you do. It has a small footprint, yet gives off a lot of light by using a high-quality, dimmable, no-glare illumination that features three levels.

“I wanted the Ease Portable Lamp to have a remarkable quality of light, striking a versatile balance between atmospheric and functional light – after all, that is the wonderful thing about a portable lamp – you can bring a distinct ambience to literally anywhere,” shared van Hengel. “I landed on the idea of the top and bottom gently touching, softly meeting each other… This feature allows a large surface to emit light, while the flared bottom firmly stabilizes it.” The lamp’s barely flared bottom makes the base easier to grab hold of, while adding even more character.

The Ease Portable Lamp can be used in many spaces, in many ways: the bedside, a reading nook, home office, on a restaurant table, in a co-working space, or within a library.

To learn more about Muuto’s new spring 2023 releases, visit muuto.com.

ONSEN Wins Wallpaper* Design Award for Best Outdoor Lounge

“The ONSEN collection is very simple and blends well with diverse architectural spaces. We developed it with the intention of transmitting calm, like Japanese architecture. We are inspired by rationality, by geometry, and elemental shapes that do not need heavy ornamentation,” said designers Francesco Meda and David Quincoces.

When Wallpaper* announced their 2023 Design Awards winners, Gandiablasco’s ONSEN came out on top in the “Best Outdoor Lounge” category. The iconic collection is lightweight, practical, and cozy – all things Wallpaper* considers when choosing ideal outdoor furniture. Smart decisions were made throughout the series’ design that features calm, clean, refined lines borrowed from elements of Japanese architecture.

ONSEN’s materials are chosen just as carefully, with efforts taken to maintain their natural properties. The structure of each piece is constructed from uncoated stainless-steel tubes, with the rest of the design employing repetitive vinyl straps resembling leather. Highly resistant and functional, the collection wraps up with two low coffee tables using the same steel. For their surfaces there’s a choice between thermos-lacquered aluminum – Gandiablasco’s flagship material – or iroko wood slats.

To learn more about Onsen, visit gandiablasco.com.

Blue Unites Marc Newson’s Exhibit at the Gagosian

Renowned contemporary designer Marc Newson creates some truly groundbreaking work, including the limited-edition furniture that’s currently on exhibit at the Gagosian in Paris. Exploring form and medium, Newson tests what classic materials are capable of through the use of advanced fabrication. Through this experimentation, he brings together the past and present. In this exhibition, the uniting quality throughout is the color blue.

“Design is about improving things and about looking to the future, pushing the technology forward. For me, as a designer, it is a great opportunity to improve on what is already out there, to simplify, beautify, and technologically improve,” Newson said of his approach.

The exhibition at the Gagosian features five pieces of Newson’s work, the most impactful of which might be the “White and Blue Lounge” and the “Cloisonné White and Blue Chair” (both 2022). The two pieces of seating show off the designer’s masterful use of shape and surface, their copper structures decorated with white and blue cloisonné in Newson’s signature circle and molecular “orgone.” It’s exciting to see a technique traditionally used for smaller pieces taking on something of this scale. Artisans in Beijing apply cloisins to the forms, inlay the enamel, then fire each piece up to 12 times in custom-made kilns.

Solid cast glass makes up the seat and base of “Blue Glass Chair” (2017). Blue on top and uncolored on the bottom, the two quarter-spheres mirror each other in position. The uncolored base manages to absorb and reflect some of the blue that lives above it. With this chair Newson continues to push the material further, requiring a month-long process spent in a large glass oven to complete.

Newson’s “Extruded Ribbon Console” (2022) is carved from a single piece of Azul Macaubas stone. This approach highlights its striated azure tones, while also creating a pleasing amount of negative space. First conceived as a flat curvilinear shape, it’s been brought into three dimensions that further define its form.

Finally, there’s “Clear Surfboard” (2017), a prototype created for surfer Garrett McNamara. The aluminum design provides more stability than a conventional fiberglass board and features a light geometric pattern on its surface.

To learn more about Marc Newson’s exhibit at the Gagosian, visit gagosian.com.

The Design Milk X Modenus Talks Lounge Returns to KBIS 2023

The Design Milk X Modenus Talks Lounge, also known as the #dmmtalks Lounge, is back at KBIS with a schedule that’s jam-packed full of presentations and conversations covering design business, social media, and trends. Also returning are the popular BrandTalks that give exhibitors an opportunity to speak about the vision and mission behind their brands, as well as introduce audiences to new products and innovations. We’re excited to dig into these hot topics at the Kitchen & Bath Design Show January 31st to February 2nd, 2023 in Las Vegas with our partner, Modenus. If you’re not already signed up to attend the show, you can register here. Check out what’s in store for the Lounge located in the North Hall at N1577 below!

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31

9:15 AM
KBIS Newbie Kickoff: What Not To Miss at KBIS 2023 – RSVP HERE

KBIS 2023 is a big show, and we invite you to start your experience in the #dmmtalks lounge to learn about major show highlights, cool new pavilions and exhibits, and VIP opportunities for you to benefit from as influencers.

Presenters: Modenus Media CEO, Veronika Miller + Principal at White Good, Sherry Qualls

Sponsored by Signature Kitchen Suite

10:30 AM
The Design – Build Collaboration: Pitfalls, Processes, and Profits – RSVP HERE

The relationship between the designer, builder, and the client is critical to the success of every design build project and communication is at the heart of every successful relationship. Join LuAnn Nigara as she moderates a rock star line up to discuss best practices between designers and builders.

Moderator: LuAnn Nigara, Keynote Speaker, Author + Podcast Host at The Well Designed Business

Panelists: Brad Leavitt, President AFT Construction, Susan + Paul Kadilak, Owners Kadilak Homes + Hosts Renovation Rekindle

Sponsored by Signature Kitchen Suite

12:00 PM
Efficiency is Beautiful: Essential Automation for Design Firms – RSVP for Lunch

If you’re saying or doing anything repeatedly, there’s a potential opportunity for automation. Learn how to implement key automation – for marketing, sales, and operations – and sleep well knowing the work is getting done.
• 3 categories of automation that are useful to almost any design firm
• What can be automated… and what can’t? How to quickly tell the difference
• How to actually make it happen – from tech to internal process

Presenter: Nicole Heymer, Owner + Creative Director Glory and Brand

Sponsored by Signature Kitchen Suite

1:30 PM
BrandTalks: Wellborn – Meet The Brand

Each 15 minute presentation is followed by an opportunity to ask your most pressing questions and meet company leadership face-to-face.

Sponsored + Presented by Wellborn Cabinet

2:00 PM
BrandTalks – Fisher & Paykel: Kitchen Perfection – RSVP HERE

Learn about Fisher & Paykel’s design philosophy and their latest initiatives around sustainability, the connected home, and Kitchen Perfection. Each 15 minute presentation is followed by an opportunity to ask your most pressing questions and meet company leadership face-to-face.

Sponsored + Presented by Fisher & Paykel

3:00 PM
Behind the Curtain with Claire Jefford: Pricing Projects: Disclosing Design Fees & Deliverables – RSVP HERE

Posting a pretty picture on Instagram is one thing, but the actual process and documentation created for implementing a client project is something no one really shows you. And whether designers are charging an hourly or a flat fee to their clients, how do they come up with these numbers? Here you’ll get a rare peek ‘Behind the Curtain’ of Kitchen and Bathroom projects by well-established designers. We’ll be reviewing three custom projects, sharing details of the scope of work, design proposals, presentation slides, and fee structure.

Moderator: Principal at Claire Jefford Inc. and Interior Design Business Coach

Panelists: Jennifer Stoner, Principal Jennifer Stoner Interiors, Sheri Bruneau, Principal Sheri Bruneau Interior Design

 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1

9:15 AM
Influencer Breakfast: Top Tips For Maximizing New Ideal Client Acquisition While Avoiding Social Media Burnout – RSVP HERE

Do you find yourself feeling burnt out being on social media? Attend this one hour talk with Leslie Carothers, founder of Savour Partnership and the #designwealthcommunity on Facebook, and get her top tips on proven strategies for new ideal client acquisition – while minimizing the time you spend online.

Presenter: Leslie Carothers, Principal Savour Partnership

Sponsored by nobilia

10:30 AM
Diversifying Income Streams by Creating New Profit Centers – RSVP HERE

Increase the bottom line with new profit centers found within your existing business infrastructure. Diversifying your services, adding new products, and finding hidden revenue is the best way to hedge against any downturns in the marketplace. We are creatives folks! Let’s get creative with not only what we can offer our existing clients but appeal to new prospects too by getting them engaged with your brand even if they are not currently in the market for a larger ticket sale. Success these days is often defined one client at a time.

Presenter: Cheryl Clendenon, Principal In Detail Creative Group

Sponsored by nobilia

12:00 PM
Creative Collaboration for Diversifying Your Design Business – RSVP for Lunch

Navigate today’s working challenges by creating collaborations to diversify your design business. We’ll discuss how aligning with kitchen and bath retailers and skilled tradespeople can build powerful relationships that could create significant revenue streams.

Presenter: Wendy Glaister, Principal Wendy Glaister Interiors

Sponsored by nobilia

1:30 PM
BOSS Academy Roundtable with Claire Jefford – Establishing Trust with Clients: Solid Relationships are Everything – RSVP HERE

When clients aren’t fully invested in you and your design ideas, it’s because there is a lack of trust. The best clients are the ones who fully trust you, don’t push back on your fees and design ideas, nor do they demand changes to your contract. The sooner you can successfully establish trust, the more enjoyable the design experience is for everybody – including your trades and staff. Here we’ll share actionable items, starting with a well-thought-out website and various touch points throughout the working relationship to ensure you only work with clients who value you as a respected Interior Design BOSS.

Moderator: Claire Jefford, Principal at Claire Jefford Inc. + Interior Design Business Coach

Panelists: Nicole Heymer, Owner + Creative Director Glory, Ariana Lovato, Owner + Principal Honeycomb Home Design

3:00 PM
BrandTalks – Moen: Around the Globe to Your Kitchen – RSVP HERE

Go behind-the-scenes with Principal Industrial Designer Jessica Birchfield to explore how firsthand trendspotting and research informs the design of Moen products. Uncover the style inspiration that led to their latest kitchen faucets, including the use of unique materials and industrial-inspired elements.

Sponsored + Presented by Moen

3:30 PM
Happy Hour – The Rise of Multi-Generational Living – RSVP HERE

Between the pandemic and anxieties of inflation and an uncertain economy, many are making the practical choice to combine households. But what does this mean for home design? Join us to learn more about how flexibility, accessibility, and a balance of private and common spaces must be considered to support the well-being of all who occupy a home – and how to support these needs in a way that still allows for beautiful design.

Moderator: Pamela McNally, SVP Marketing + Digital NKBA

Panelists: Sydney Marshman, Occupational Therapist and CEO Happy At Home Consulting, Patti Carpenter, Trend Forecaster + Principal Carpenter + Company, Danielle DeBoe Harper, Senior Creative Style Manager Moen,
Jessica Birchfield, Principal Industrial Designer Fortune Brands

Sponsored by Moen

 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2

9:15 AM
BrandTalks : NKBA Design Bites – Behind the Scenes

10:30 AM
Designhounds Influencer Meetup – RSVP HERE

You see them everywhere at KBIS, Modenus Media’s Designhounds have been scouring trade shows around the world in search of best in class design trends and innovations since 2011. Join us for Donuts + Coffee to learn what it takes to be a Designhound and what’s next for the network of over 700 design influencers that have joined the ranks of the most successful design influencer program in our industry.

If you’d like to attend the show, you can register here.