Trend Spotting: Quilted Upholstery

Works by Inga Sempe, The Bouroullec Bro. Phillip Stark and LEGO

Cologne 2010, has seen the revealing of  the ‘Ruche’ sofa, for French Interior Design group Ligne Roset.  Created by Inga Sempe, the sofa features a simple wooden base, covered with a fitted quilted blanket acting as upholstery.

This innovative new design creates an ambiance of simplicity and luxury, by using the most basic elements of a typical sofa structure and combining it with the decadence of quilting.  This concept brings to mind a certain trend emerging in the design and furniture market: quilting.

This type of sumptuous upholstery is discussed in the Financial Times article by Nicole Swengley ‘Quilty Pleasures’ regarding the comfort and beauty derived from quilted furniture.  She explains that new furniture designs can gain a sense luxury and decadence from quilted upholstery, and can be seen emerging from many designers’ new work such as the Bourroullec Bros. for Established and Sons and Phillipe Starck for Driade.  

Designers most likely are drawn to quilted surfaces for the geometric and contemporary aesthetics, as well as functionality and comfort.  No longer is Mum and Nan’s favorite past time a thing of the past.

For more information please visit www.ft.com to read  Nicole Swengley’s full article.