Multifunctional furnishings for a hybrid home

Tonelli Marcell-5 header

Marcell, Tonelli Design

Tables that turn into desktops, partitions that transform rooms, desks and beds that appear from wall compartments - spaces are becoming fluid, accommodating the post-Covid habits that mean that our homes now have to cater to a new multiplicity of functions.

Transformable, multifunctional furnishings, suitable for hybrid homes in which the space is both domestic and work-related – the pandemic has accelerated this trend, with demand possibly previously informed by lack of space, small and multitasking houses, now driven by smart working and our new post-Covid habits. Firms are adjusting, working on tabletop partitions and sound-absorbing pouffes, and collapsible coffee tables that can be hung on the wall. They’ve come up with stools with integrated tabletops, beds and desks that unfold from wall spaces, room dividers, and cabinets that look minimal but once open reveal a hidden world, with cubbyholes everywhere for storing the fluid universe we are currently navigating.

Clei, Tonale 281 Power

A dual-function transformable system incorporating a tilting sofa and cushioned movement, and vertical fold-away double bed with patented press-folded slatted base and automatic flattening.

Clei Mews21 - Tonale 281 + Wally Office

Tonale 281 + Wally Office, Clei

 

Acerbis, Florian

Originally designed by Vico Magistretti in 1989 and now remastered, this small multi-level table, built on a structure inspired by a broom handle, folds completely flat in order to be wall-hung. In ash with a brass mechanism.

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Florian, Vico Magistretti for Acerbis. Ph. credits Lorenzo Cappellini Baio

 

Caimi Brevetti, Snowpouf

Designed by Paola Navone, this comfortable seat is easy to carry around thanks to its simple loop handle. It is upholstered in Snowsound Fiber, a special, sound-absorbing fabric patented by Caimi, applied to a shell made of a wood-based material and soft polyester.

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Snowpouf, Caimi Brevetti

 

Giorgetti, Houdini

A cabinet designed by Roberto Lazzeroni: “The aim was to create a cabinet that would have a fluid place in the home. It is a piece that defies all classification. It’s not a sideboard, nor a  container, nor a mobile bar: it’s all of these things put together.”

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Houdini, Giorgetti

 

Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, NYNY

This  container unit signed by storagemilano is defined by the asymmetrical superposition of geometric volumes on a metal wall support – they enclose drawers and two spaces with doors, the lower one also doubles up as a desk.

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NYNY, Thonet

 

LaCividina, Node+

Designed by Ben van Berkel / UNStudio, this system of padded pieces creates space for a variety of functions – the divider panels provide seclusion; the arm rests, backrests and cushions allow for more relaxed sitting positions; the desk becomes a worktop; the small tables provide additional support, not least for computers.