While chairs are an integral part of home interiors, finding statement furniture like accent chairs can also be intimidating. Their bold shapes, colors and patterns can be a challenge to incorporate into existing decor. However, a well-chosen piece can make an impact – consider Ashish Shah’s Naga chair, which is inspired by French-American artist Louise Bourgeois’s ‘Maman’ sculpture and the intricate wild palm tree used by tribes in Nagaland. takes inspiration from the cloak; Rooshad Shriff’s embroidered designs on wood; Or the whimsical creations of the Haas brothers consisting of ‘monstrous’ pieces with claws and antennae. If you’ve been toying with the idea of investing in one, here are some options that might convince you to take the leap without venturing too far out of left field.
dior
Miss Dior by Philippe Starck
Earlier this year, Dior collaborated with Philippe Starck for the first time for the Salone del Mobile fair – to reinterpret the fashion maison’s iconic medallion chair. Inspired by the “passion du minimum” and the desire to create an eternal chair, the French architect and designer stripped it down to its simplest form, emphasizing its unique curves. In black chromium, pink copper, and gold, Miss Dior has three designs: one with a single armrest, another with two, and a third with only the seat and rounded back. dior dot com
Zara Home
Vincent Van Deusen x Zara Home
Another fresh (and ongoing) collaboration, this one features the Belgian architect and designer creating a range of furniture, lamps and rugs for the Spanish brand. The first collection—and the first accessible one (her pieces are usually part of luxury brands)—draws inspiration from Van Deusen’s 30-year career and her Antwerp homes with its strong lines, geometric patterns, and natural materials. Like these lounge chairs with their play of textures between the saddle leather weave and the oak frame. The timeless piece, which will develop a beautiful patina over time, is also available in an all-black wood and leather option. zarahome.com
studio killab
chair of
This multidisciplinary design studio on the outskirts of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, is working to revive Kashmir’s craft industry through creative design interventions – from furniture and lighting to customizable chicken coops (you can Read that correctly; they want to save this vanishing staple of cashmere )home). Is ethically handcrafted and embodies its principles of sustainable and biodegradable materials. Woven with willow wicker on a bent metal frame, it’s minimalist and features a stackable design. Kilab.in
curio dart
Meditation Lounge Chair
The two-year-old multidisciplinary studio founded by designer Jenny Majmudar, who works between Gujarat and the US, aims to bring sustainable design to the bespoke world. Working with reclaimed teak wood, her latest Bēsō collection uses hand-woven cane to add drama. We pick the Dhyana, with its tall back and contrasting upholstery. curiodart.com
Scarlet Splendor
dolce armchair
Mateo Sibic’s ongoing collaboration with the Kolkata-based design studio has produced another gem. The Italian designer is known for his anthropomorphic shape and his love of infusing humor into his luxury pieces – can you spot a monkey’s face in this chair? The handcrafted single seater sofa is upholstered in plush black-pink jacquard fabric from Dedar Milano. With matte finished brass legs, it’s “ideal for playful lacing” as the luxury brand puts it. scarletplunder.com
phantom hand
Kangaroo Chair
With a promise of design-driven furniture, the Bengaluru-based outfit has several re-editions of modernist classics. Like this low kangaroo chair, there are two parallel Z-shaped assemblies that form the leg and back frame, and natural rattan cane is hand-woven. Originally designed by Swiss architect Pierre Jeanneret in the 1950s, its simple, modern aesthetic has kept it relevant through the decades. phantomhands.in
sir studio
Tankan Chair
This lounge chair is an experiment in dualism. The ‘stroke’ of its curves is reminiscent of vintage wrought iron outdoor furniture, but the design has been restrained and given a contemporary update with bright leather seat leather with hand-stitched seams and teak wood arms . Hammered into shape by a local blacksmith, it’s a tactile piece and a bold statement maker. www.sar-studio.com
Geoffrey Bawa Chairs
Sri Lankan architects were so meticulous in their approach to design that the placement of every utensil, painting and chair was deliberate. They designed or adapted existing forms of seating to fit their various spaces. Now, thanks to the Geoffrey Bawa Trust, you can buy chairs made according to Bawa’s original specifications. Each piece will also come with a certificate of authenticity. www.geoffreybawa.com/furniture
surya.kumar@thehindu.co.in