Hugues Chevalier Leave it to two of Louis Vuitton’s great-grandsons to
turn a small carriage trade company into an international high-end furniture
retailer. Since the company was transformed 15 years ago, Hugues Chevalier has
become known for its 1930s/’40s design aesthetic with a sexy modern approach to
style and materials. “The inspiration for the collection goes back to the
Bauhaus of the 1920s, which was really the modernist inspiration that led to
much of the design of the ’30s and ’40s,” says David Meitus, Hugues Chevalier
U.S. president of sales. “We also tend to use a lot of sycamore, which has
become a staple in the collection and is known for its density, weight and
appealing cross grain.” Originally designed by Wiebe Vos in 1930, the updated
version of the Wiebe chair has an Art Deco presence and a modern personality.
Though compact in size, the juxtaposition of smooth curves and leather with
lean, straight lines makes the Wiebe chair stunning from any angle.
(Click image to enlarge)
Hugues Chevalier/Studium
212.486.1811
Idea Space Design
“Most of our clients don’t have a lot of time to shop,”
says design partner/owner Stefano Joannides. “They toss us their keys and tell
us to take care of it.” Since it opened in 1997, Idea Space Design has been
catering to clients who want original pieces and custom design. The Yano daybed
($6,400 for queen size) was originally intended for a small space. “Our client
was knocking out a bedroom to create more everyday open living space, but still
wanted somewhere for guests to sleep,” explains Joannides. “The daybed looks
great as a sofa or chaise during the day, but can also be used as a regular
queen-size bed. I even made sure that standard queen-size sheets can fit, and I
added shelves underneath to double as nightstands.” The design team, comprising
Stefano and his twin, Christos, along with their partner Dale Monchamp, strives
to create romantic pieces based on simple design principles. “We never want the
furniture to overpower the essence of the room it is in,” says Stefano. “Great
design should complement and enhance the space, never dominate it.” (Click image to enlarge)
Idea Space Design
310.360.7140
www.ideaspacedesign.com
Gary Hutton
“What I love most about designing furniture for my own
collection is not having to make compromises,” says designer Gary Hutton. “I had
originally designed the Library chair for a client who was the chairman of a
biotech firm, and when I decided to put it into my furniture line, I was able to
modify it to make it more my own.” While Hutton may update or modify a few
occasional pieces he has done for clients, he tends to create completely
original pieces for his own collection. “I’m not really into reproductions. They
just aren’t my thing,” he says. “For my own line, I want to explore my own ideas
and do what will be contemporary for a while. What I’m trying to do is extend
the longevity of my designs so they won’t have a limited life span.” Handcrafted
from exotic woods such as Macassar ebony, birch or zebrawood, the clean-lined
Library chair is constructed with the same technology that Charles and Ray Eames
used to achieve the shape of their bent plywood chairs. “The layers are bent in
a vacuum, so you end up with a solid 1-inch-thick piece of veneered wood
with a continuous line,” explains Hutton. While each chair is made to order and
can be customized ($6,075 plus fabric, to the trade), Hutton recommends that the
down cushion be covered in mohair velvet. “It’s a highly underused yet
superluxurious fabric,” he says. “Not only is it quite durable and takes
abrasion really well, it also feels amazing to sit on.” (Click image to enlarge)
Gary Hutton Design
415.626.2180
www.garyhuttondesign.com
Roche-Bobois
If you haven’t checked out Roche-Bobois since the
1980s, it might be time to give the company another look. With Vladimir Kagan
contributing new designs, the Les Contemporains collection is anything but stuck
in the past. Modular pieces and asymmetrical curvilinear lines dominate the
Comète sofa, while vibrant colors and unexpected versatility are evidence of
Kagan’s presence, making it especially appropriate for anyone who appreciates
attention to detail and haute couture eccentricity. Setting a benchmark for
design, the entire Les Contemporains collection has been created around the
philosophy that bold and innovative furniture reflecting modern lifestyles is
always fresh, current and in demand. Kagan’s sinuous shapes made him popular
with clients Marilyn Monroe and Walt Disney, but his ability to combine exotic
fantasy with everyday practicality has made him eternally hip enough to provide
seating for all of Gucci’s 360 stores. (Click image to enlarge)
Roche-Bobois
310.274.6520
www.rochebobois.com
Morten Monberg
The contemporary design of the Pelican chair from
1940 by acclaimed Danish architect/ designer Finn Juhl is perhaps the perfect
blend of whimsy and sophistication. The combination of spontaneously playful
curves and traditional sleek leather are characteristic of Juhl’s style. One of
the leaders in Danish modern furniture, Juhl is known for spicing up traditional
design with his flair for the unexpected. Proportioned to be large enough to
lounge in (the seat is 30 inches deep and 33 inches wide), the Pelican chair
($3,900 to $4,400), with its plush leather cushioning and ergonomic design, is
proof that simple refined style transcends time. (Click image to enlarge)
Morten Monberg
609.397.7066
www.morten-monberg.com
