Material Stories
Detractors of minimalism often decry the cold, impersonal nature of the style. However, when executed intelligently, minimalist designs can be surprisingly expressive. The furniture collections of Milan-based architect cum designer Niko Koronis is a case in point.
Material is the starting point of Niko Koronis' designs. From marble and travertine to aluminium and resin, the designer explores the strengths and limitations of each material and creates the forms which highlight the beauty within them.
The Sfogliato and Piegato collections feature solid blocks of Carrara marble carved into dining and occasional tables, each with a corner playfully turned up or shifted aside, as if the top sheet of a memo block is about to be torn off.
The Gradini collection of side tables are made of blocks of green-blue resin, their monumental architectural shapes in stark contrast to the delicate luminescence of the material.
The Hey Gio side tables / stools, also in resin, are bold and dynamic with their slices of colour, whilst the Strata collection of aluminium coffee and side tables, with their multiple layers on show, are quietly contemplative.
This reverence of material is perhaps best shown in the NRT series of side tables. These are made of single blocks of Belgian black marble, partly left in its natural rock-like state and partly polished to a high gloss. Beauty in nature, and also beauty in human creation. Who said minimalism is not expressive?
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Product Inspiration
Make a strong, sculptural impact with furniture in unusual materials and shapes, such as the Kite lounge chair from Stellar Works, the Monochrome console from Boca do Lobo and the Bonnie & Clyde coffee table from Dooq.
We love the Dune suspension light from LZF, with its unusual combination of wood veneer and glass. The Tropicana from Houtique features the unusual application of cane work in a suspension light. We also like the Scraplight Denny from Graypants, with its innovative use of recycled cardboard as the key material.
For accessories with interesting use of material try the Concrete Cloud shelf from Lyon Beton, the Pepe marble mirror from Menu and the brassy Florida bowl from Ghidini 1961.
