This year at the International Milan Furniture Fair, Casamania, a renowned Italian furniture design company that is already distinguished by its striking and innovative product portfolio, added another head-turning, jaw-dropping, dramatic manifestation of ingenuity and talent. This time, it arrived in the form of the Loop chaise lounge, meticulously crafted by the Dutch designer, Sophie de Vocht.
Our annual trip to the 2011 International Furniture Fair in Milan has sadly come to its conclusion as we landed late last night at JFK Airport. Although some levels of separation anxiety from the world’s designer modern furniture wonderland are hard to ignore, it is exciting to share some snapshots of what this year’s fair represented from the perspective of practical and livable furniture as well as one-of a kind masterpieces.
Jesse Showroom
There is only one logical place where the Valises modern wardrobe by Casamania is meant to be. Fashionistas everywhere, this is your dream come true, a modern storage solution for all your coveted fashion treasures which cooks and niches designed specifically for various wardrobe constituents. Upholstered in recycled leather with authenticity driven contrast stitching details, Valises wardrobe is made like a pile of luggage-inspired elements in different shapes, depths and color hues. A perfect form to frame the chicest of attires, shoes and accessories, Valises is designed by Maarten De Ceulaer to look like you’ve just came home from a trip and haven’t had the time to unpack yet. Valises is available in monocolored white version or in multicolored version in shades of blue, green or beige.
Valises wardrobe by Maarten De Ceulaer for Casamania
Ferruccio Laviani’s Evolution modern dresser for Emmemobili is a crowning jewel for lovers of the eccentric, synchronizing baroque and modern into a powerfully eternal concept with universal appeal. First presented at the 2009 International Furniture Fair in Milan, Evolution is an unabashed embodiment of a journey; from past to present, from embellished to minimalist; from antiquated to avant-garde. It is certainly not a mea-culpa for fusing design styles but rather a celebration of all design aspects formulated into a piece of art that needs very little explanation about its functional and aesthetic relevance.
Evolution dresser by Ferruccio Laviani for Emmemobili
A sneak peek into what the bedrooms of the future will look like really comes down to one common denominator, multimedia. By definition, designed to go above and beyond their originally intended functions, these super techno hyped designer beds can easily occupy the modern bedroom of “tomorrows” and are in fact a multitasker ’s fantasy. By and large designed to maximize the time spent in the bedroom, these beds will make its occupants want to do everything but sleep…from work to entertainment to relaxation, the purpose of these futuristic-tech-loaded islands is to offer all conveniences at hand’s reach and sequentially redefine the role of the bed and the meaning the bedroom space in the 21st century.
Hi Can: short for Hi Fidelity canopy bed was designed by Edoardo Carlino for Hi-interior, a spin-off company of Datamobili. A product that intends to address frenzied lifestyles, HiCan is the starting and the ending point to a busy day, designed to maximize the time spent in the bedroom (which on average amounts to a third of our day) with features like adjustable mattress positions, state of the art sound system, reading and ambient lighting, privacy blinds, built-in PC and full multimedia component with game and entertainment console connected to a projector of the home theater screen. Optional home automation system customized to control smart-home systems which include security, appliances lighting and more. HiCan is the starting and the ending point to a busy day that helps maximize the time spent in the bedroom (which on average amounts to a third of our day).
Somnus Neu: Named after the Roman God of Sleep, is not just a “command center for all your technology”, but a destination in its own right. Including perks like personalized mood lighting controlled for color and intensity, internet connection via touch screens, high definition projector and hidden screen, retractable privacy screens, digital amplifier and five-point internal speakers system that can be connected to any mobile device, Somnus Neu is a platform that integrates all activities and devices that are typically used before falling asleep and after waking up.
Sphere: designed by Karim Rashid for Hollandia International is stamped with designer appeal and features a built-in 32” HD television (optional theater system), champagne holder or both sides of the bed, iPod docking station and surround sound system, LED canopy lighting, exterior vanity mirror and a fully adjustable sleep comfort system that even goes as far as to offer a custom massage.
