Modernism in interior design was ushered in as a response to previous décor. The movement called attention to form and utility, focusing more in reductionist style than to ornate aesthetics. Mass-production and innovations in material use allowed designers to see design in a whole new way. One such innovation was the discovery of bent plywood. After bonding thin strips of wood together, steam can be applied to allow the material to become more malleable, eliminating the need for multiple joints. From this came the cantilevered chair, as seen below.
An example of a cantilever chair, this one designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
Cantilever design. Image courtesy of Thonet.
Our French Modernist Armchair, as seen below, applies the bentwood technique and cantilever form. It is designed from the Vibo chair, originally created by Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet in the 1940s. The duo was noted for creating pieces from native leaves and wood. Our version is woven with durable abaca rope on mahogany slats.
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Catherine-Alexa Rountree
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Christine Kipp