The interior design chair crusade

This is something that I had observed during my years studying Interior Design, and I had come to the conclusion that there is this weird connection between interior designers and chairs. You read that right! Not wall colours or textiles (which is stereotypical if you ask me) but chairs - designer chairs.

source: wix

During my second year at University I had gotten the hang of designing interiors and had some knowledge about famous chairs from lectures and previous experiences (dabbled into product design at college). So this subject was even taught during university which is a weird subject to study, nevertheless it was never explained why it was important to know designers and these famous chairs.

I once even had an interview for a job at a designer furniture store and the interviewee had asked detailed questions about which year and material some of the pieces in the room where made out of. I was asked precisely which decade and country the piece was made in. For a student, part-time possible employee they were scary questions but I managed to almost nail each question. This was only because I myself had developed a weird fascination with designer chairs. Why? I guess you could say I never imagined furniture to be designer before. If you’re not „in” the designer world you never really gave thought to the idea that furniture can be designer. All you hear about is Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Apple and Samsung all that boring overrated stuff. Whatever. This is in my opinion something that had a bit more thought. Designer furniture resembles a new era, innovation and a connection to the past. Everyone knows that anything that has a connection to the past holds sentimental value. This is exactly he reason why there is an obsession with these designer chairs. They are extremely unique and had been unique for their era and now people crusade for this furniture.

source: unsplash K. Mitch Hodge

Now we know chairs play an important role in setting new design eras in the design world. At least they once played. Each famous chair had been an icon in innovation using new materials and methods of manufacturing. Such as:

Wassily chair (1925) by Marcel Breuer knoll.com $2558 :

Tulip chair (1955) by Eero Saarinen knoll.com $1648:

Barcelona Chair (1929) by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe knoll.com $6479:

Eames Lounge Chair (1956) by Charles and Ray Eames dwr.com $5520.75:

Panton Chair (1960s) by Verner Panton vitra.com $1880:

Louis Ghost Chair (2002) by Philippe Starck dwr.com $465:

Wiggle Side Chair (1970s) by Frank Gehry moma.org $1230:

Pelican Chair (1940) by Finn Juhl dwr.com $9995:

information source: housebeautiful.com

Considering the prices it seems insane but when you look at the date the chair was designed it all makes sense. Design seems like it is such a futuristic and present topic but it really gains all its inspiration from the past. People were not only worried about war during these times bit created masterpieces which can be such a staple piece in a designer home or anyone a bit crazier about interior design. It is still just a chair which probably won’t even be used (considering the price) but a nice replica will do if you aren’t looking for a copy paste interior.

I think the new „chair” will be lighting. Electricity is far more accessible than it was in the 1920’s - 1960’s. Today everything is electronic. But designers which I guess you can call some of them but mostly companies are starting to produce innovative lighting that I predict will definitely be of value in the future. Lighting today is hugely important in an interior and can tie the whole design together.

Here are some lighting fixtures I find pretty iconic and in almost every design lately:

Vertigo pendant light by Constance Guisset petitefriture.com £955:

ORB circular black gyroscope pendant by David Hunt Lighting designerlightingcompany.co.uk £1200:

CHATSWORTH decorative eight light arctic white ceiling pendant cluster by David Hunt Lighting designerlightingcompany.co.uk £492:

SUN large recycled s-light ceiling pendant by Graypants designerlightingcompany.co.uk £1957.25:

LARGE 5 Light Ceiling Ceiling Pendant Cluster Copper by Tom Dixon designerlightingcompany.co.uk £2,705:

Most if these are already expensive today but one in particular I feel can be revolutionary. This is something that is totally different than any other lighting we know.

Nanoleaf elements smart lighting by Nanoleaf nanoleaf.me £199:

.This lighting in particular just fascinates me. This whole company as well. I'm planning on buying myself a set for my birthday just because I am so obsessed with this lighting. Can I predict the future? I guess we’ll see but can you agree? Could lighting be the new “chair obsession”?