The stool is often unassuming and somewhat forgotten; tucked away in a corner, it serves a purpose. Three design studios have reinvented this classic, making it easily adaptable, complex, and innovative. What do we mean by the word "stool"? A seat without a back or armrests, intended to be practical and pragmatic, or derivatives such as bar stools and poufs. The trends accompanying this market convey values of sustainability, creativity, technological innovation, and functionality. Some are taking advantage of market stability to improve the use of this classic.
The new materials
MVE-Collection is a Paris-based design studio that challenges the conventions of the furniture market. It uses exceptional materials and unique craftsmanship, driven by avant-garde creativity. From recycled aluminum and local wood to natural fibers, MVE-Collection explores all the opportunities the design sector can seize to adapt to the evolving trends of the contemporary world. Brick is a street material, highly durable and very easy to work with. It is well-suited to the construction industry. The terracotta color and its raw aesthetic evoke notions of time and an almost archaic tradition, far removed from the idea of innovation and modernity. Yet, the studio has created a collection entirely dedicated to brick, with designs constrained by its inherent form. Its stools bring character to a living space thanks to their distinctive design and unconventional texture, which break with the traditional image of this type of seating.
A new way of looking at the stool
Adrian Bursell and Siri Svedborg are two designers drawn to experimentation. Their latest collection of furniture and lighting, Pine CrayonThe collection is made entirely of wood. So far, so normal! But as you get closer to the pieces, the pattern becomes clearer: the repetitive lines that color them are drawn using wax crayons. The rhythmic movement of the hand creates a unique pattern of random and experimental details. Far from an industrial approach to furniture design, the two designers emphasize storytelling and the artisanal value of the creative process. They blur the lines between the noble principles of craftsmanship and the quality of a simple, imprecise, and random hand gesture. They draw inspiration from traditional Swedish folk art. allmoge, which consists of using very accessible tools and materials: glue, paint, egg tempera and oils, to personalize objects and furniture.
Everything for the community
Founded in 2014, the design studio Spacon embraces an experimental and human dimension in the creation of its design objects. Their primary aim is to support a holistic approach that merges storytelling with functionality for results that benefit society. Their style is imbued with a popular and inclusive culture, as Spacon pushes the boundaries of the furniture and design industry by creating products that adapt to their environments. A multidisciplinary team champions collaborative work to master every aspect of a living space and/or a practical object. Their latest bench ADP Bench It consists of four individual seats that swivel as desired. Inspired by a height-adjustable drummer's stool, this bench integrates perfectly into public spaces. It can be configured to suit the owner's needs: 4 seats, 2 seats and 2 tables, 3 seats and 1 table… The variety of combinations allows it to meet a wide range of requirements.
The design market is saturated with objects made from conventional materials. To discover new opportunities and experiences, some designers and design studios are playing with the concept of storytelling, new materials, and a unique creative process.
