The Best Furniture, Lighting and Homeware of 2024

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As someone who has spent countless hours poring over design catalogues and furniture stores, I must say that 2024 was truly a remarkable year for innovative and sustainable designs. The Buzzing Bee table by Giles Tettey Nartey stood out to me as an exceptional piece, not just for its functional beauty, but also because it pays homage to traditional West African practices while reimagining them in a modern context.

The Stedelijk chair by Sabine Marcelis, on the other hand, caught my eye with its sleek and timeless design, made entirely from aluminum. As someone who appreciates simplicity and minimalism, I can’t help but be drawn to the seamless elegance of this piece.

One project that particularly resonated with me was UPS – Under Pressure Solutions by ECAL. As a long-time advocate for sustainable design practices, it was heartening to see students coming together to create furniture using shape memory materials, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of the industry.

Lastly, I must mention the Record storage collection by USM and Symbol. As an avid collector of vinyl records, I found this collaboration to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing – a perfect blend of form and function.

To wrap things up, let’s just say that if my living room was a museum, these designs would definitely have pride of place in its hallowed halls. And hey, maybe one day I’ll even be able to afford them! (Just kidding, I know I’m still saving up for that IKEA Malm dresser…)

Design seems to be attracting an ever-growing audience, and 2024 has been no exception.

In simpler terms, Jesse Lee, the creator of Basic.Space, stated during a talk at the Business of Fashion Voices conference that “design has replaced luxury as the trendy aspect in fashion,” and that traditional luxury fashion no longer holds the same allure.

It’s clear that Lee’s involvement is tied to this industry, but when you consider the major design events spanning the year, brands in fields such as fashion, technology, and automotives have been significantly more numerous than those specifically in furniture.

For the moment, let’s enjoy our top picks from the past year; we can speculate about 2025, but for now, it remains to be seen.

Tension Trolley
Gustav Winsth for Lammhults

For some time now, we’ve been keeping an eye on Winsth. However, it was during Stockholm Design week this year that he truly caught our attention. It was his debut piece for Lammhults that made a splash on their vibrant orange stand. This design immediately stood out from the rest. Drawing inspiration from the shapes of today and tomorrow, Winsth referenced the slim lines of our modern gadgets as well as classic designs from Lammhults’ archives.

Limited Edition LC14 Tabouret Cabanon
Cassina & Bottega Veneta

At Bottega Veneta’s FW24 show, I found myself captivated by rows upon rows of my favorite Cassina LC14 Tabouret Cabanon stools. These weren’t just any replicas though; they were unique renditions of a timeless design, originally conceptualized in 1952 by Le Corbusier for his seaside cabin on the French Riviera.

For this special collaboration with the Le Corbusier Foundation, the Italian label breathed new life into an iconic piece of furniture. In line with Matthieu Blazy’s creative vision, they employed a searing method reminiscent of a traditional Japanese technique, accentuating the intricate patterns in the wood grain.

Kinetic incense burner
Andu Masebo

At the inaugural event of Matter & Shape, a fresh design forum in central Paris, Masebo unveiled several kinetic pieces. Characteristic of his style, these designs marry industrial processes with elegant shapes, such as the rough metal base contrasting with the polished red accents. Since they move, they spread the fragrance from the stick throughout the space quite generously. It’s visually appealing and aromatically pleasant.

Wire stool
Verner Panton, &Tradition

Following in the footsteps of Verner Panton’s family lineage, &Tradition reintroduces the “Wire Stool” – originally designed by the Danish artist in 1981. This versatile, stackable stool serves not only as a seating option but also as a side table. Whether displayed as a decorative piece or gathered around a table for use, it exudes an attractive appeal. “The Wire Stool was one of my father’s favorite designs,” notes Carin, Verner Panton’s daughter. “He admired its intriguing duality – a design that unites delicate transparency with robust structure and refined aesthetics.

Pillo sofa
Willo Perron & Knoll

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share my excitement about the unique collaboration between Knoll and Willo Perron that has resulted in a sofa reminiscent of a towering pile of oversized pillows. The brand emphasizes that it’s not just a surface to perch upon, but rather a space meant for comfortable seating – “Designed to be sat in, not on.” They further describe the piece as a cozy haven, a refuge of sorts.

What makes this sofa even more appealing is its modular nature. Each element can be customized based on the size and shape of your living space. And to top it off, you have a variety of textiles and leathers to choose from for the upholstery. This flexibility allows me, as well as other enthusiasts like myself, to create a sofa that truly reflects our personal style and preferences.

Superwire Lamp
Formafantasma & Flos

The SuperWire lamp, showcased at Milan’s Palazzo Visconti, is a product of a prolonged partnership between Formafantasma and the brand’s R&D team. Its minimalistic design, reminiscent of 20th-century glass artisans, hides a complex manufacturing process. The designers have innovated an entirely novel light source, characterized by thinness, flatness, and flexibility, which emits a gentle glow from the ‘straws’ within the lamp.

Boucherouite rugs
Stüssy and Nina Mohammad

Stüssy has teamed up again with The Artisan Project, an assemblage headed by Palestinian-American textile artist Nina Mohammad, for another series of boucherouite rugs. This time around, Mohammad drew inspiration from ancestral rug designs, art, old graphics, and the splendor of nature – incorporating images of aerial landscapes, bodies of water, and the intricate details of plants.

For this partnership, Stüssy’s design team repurposed vintage T-shirts from their collection and wool sourced from the Atlas Mountains to craft the rugs. The Ain Leuh Cooperative in Morocco then wove these pieces using traditional methods.

Experiment Chair
Yrjö Kukkapuro for Hem

In 1984, Yrjö Kukkapuro introduced his iconic Experiment Chair, a piece that has since become synonymous with his career’s essence. Today, Swedish brand Hem is reintroducing this masterpiece to the market, collaborating closely with both Kukkapuro and his daughter, Isa Kukkapuro-Enbom, to ensure the revived chair maintains the original intent. The Experiment Chair stands out for its unique armrests, a design element meticulously crafted by Kukkapuro to create a striking contrast against the chair’s otherwise minimalist form.

BYAKORRE Shelving
Niels Gammelgaard for IKEA

As a design enthusiast myself, I must say that the BYAKORRE (or GUIDE) shelves have certainly made a lasting impression on me. Having spent countless hours scouring vintage reselling sites for unique and innovative pieces, I can confidently say that this design by Niels Gammelgaard has become one of my favorites.

The sleek, industrial aesthetic appeals to my love for minimalism, while the multicolored edging on one side adds a playful touch that speaks to my more whimsical side. What I find truly captivating about this piece is its versatility; it allows me to easily switch up the mood in my home by simply rearranging the shelves to suit my current preferences. Whether I’m feeling bold and want to showcase a vibrant color palette, or prefer something more subdued and understated, this shelf can accommodate my ever-changing design whims.

As someone who values customization in design, I appreciate that the BYAKORRE shelves are designed with flexibility in mind. Niels Gammelgaard’s innovative approach to design has certainly put him on my radar as a designer to watch, and I eagerly await his future creations.

Hug Bed
Kouros Maghsoudi

Initially presented during a solo exhibition in Mexico, Maghsoudi’s Hug Bed has recently been revealed with a “Satin White” tone. The plump structure, made from high-gloss fiberglass, encases the mattress, with every side gently bending to cradle the sleeper. As the designer describes, the Hug Bed is designed for various scenarios: solitary use, romantic encounters, or even large gatherings, catering to all desires. The bed’s shape was inspired by fashion, particularly streetwear.

Limited edition Sacco
Bottega Veneta & Zanotta

When designing the Bottega Veneta SS25 collection, Mathieu Blazy envisioned a collection of chairs inspired by various animals rather than just using them momentarily on a runway. Each design was based on the Zanotta Sacco, which was first introduced in 1968 as an upscale version of the ordinary bean bag. At the show, 60 animal-themed chairs were displayed, each one featuring different animals such as dogs, pandas, rabbits, ladybirds, snakes, birds, chickens, dinosaurs, otters, elephants, cats, foxes, bears, horses, and whales in various colorways. The challenge lies in finding space to accommodate them all.

Set Lamp
Jamie Wolfond & Muuto

As a designer with a passion for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing pieces, I find Jamie Wolfond’s Set Lamp to be a truly innovative design that caters to both form and function. Coming from my own background in industrial design, I appreciate how this lamp draws inspiration from production methods while maintaining a sleek, modern look.

The adjustable shade is a feature that I find particularly intriguing, as it allows the user to customize the angle of the light according to their needs. This versatility is not only practical but also adds a sense of personalization that can enhance any space.

In addition, the upside-down shade and indirect glow create a subtle yet bright ambiance, making it perfect for both work and relaxation. I believe this design element adds depth and intrigue to the lamp’s overall aesthetic.

Lastly, I admire Jamie Wolfond’s perspective on the social aspect of adjustable lighting. In my experience, having the ability to create one’s own “zone” within a larger space can foster a sense of individuality and autonomy, which is an essential element in any well-designed environment. Overall, I highly recommend the Set Lamp for anyone seeking a versatile and stylish lighting solution that caters to their unique needs and preferences.

Mystic Garden lamps
Veronika Sedlmair and Brynjar Sigurðarson

Created by the German-Icelandic team Veronika Sedlmair and Brynjar Sigurðarson, this mushroom-inspired lighting collection is known as “Mystic Garden”. This collection features a unique blend of vibrant hues and ethereal shapes. Each piece in the collection is carefully crafted by skilled glassblowers, despite their seemingly simple appearance. The creation process takes place at Cirva, an international research center for glass and visual arts located in Marseille, France, and involves an intricate and immersive procedure. Interestingly, the colors and patterns on these lamps change when turned on or off, transitioning from bold shades to soft pastels, resembling a transformation from vivid artwork to delicate paintings.

Flap chair
Chamar

This year at Design Miami, the Flap chair from Chamar Studio based in Mumbai was adored by Rihanna. Made from recycled rubber, it takes on a striking red sculptural form. The studio’s founder, Sudheer Rajbhar, collaborates with local leather artisans in Bombay to mold their expertise onto this unique material, a partnership rooted in the Dalit community of Dharavi, one of India’s largest slums in Mumbai. The creation process involves placing a thin layer of mesh between two rubber sheets to shape the sturdy form, and applying pigments to achieve the bold colors.

Recycled fabric sofas
Vetsak & Aspesi

During Milan Design Week, Vetsak collaborated with the Italian fashion label Aspesi to adorn their sofas with reclaimed clothing. The debut line consisted of three sofas, complete with accompanying blankets, stuffed animals, and pillow sets. The vibrant hues of Aspesi’s nylon parachute puffer jackets are evident throughout the entire collection, including vivid popsicle shades, military green, various blues, grays, pinks, and blacks.

Communion table
Giles Tettey Nartey

During the London Design Festival in September, Giles Tettey Nartey’s “Communion” table exhibit was displayed at the V&A museum. This collection of tables, chairs, and tools are specifically designed for preparing and enjoying the West African dish, fufu. Each part of the table plays a unique role in the preparation and consumption process of this traditional dish. To the designer, it’s not just a practical object, but an instrument that helps facilitate a performance. As he explained, “The work aims to redefine and revitalize the traditional Ghanaian practice of pounding cassava and plantain using mortar (woduro) and pestle (woma) as a communal activity where numerous individuals can collectively participate.

Flasher Lamp
Studio Elementaires

The “Flasher” lamp designed by Studio Elementaires draws influence from both nightclubs and amusement parks. Although its shape is reminiscent of stage spotlights, its functioning is rooted in the concepts of rhythm, repetition, and motion that are typical of lively light performances, as explained by the Belgian studio, established in 2013 by Apolline Couverchel and Gauthier Haziza.

Stedelijk chair
Sabine Marcelis

Dutch designer Sabine Marcelis has seen a productive period over the years, but it wasn’t until 2024 that she unveiled her debut chair. This creation was commissioned by the Stedelijk Museum, and Sabine adapted her signature minimalist aesthetic into a sleek, lightweight design made exclusively from 100% aluminum. The project’s requirements emphasized functionality and timelessness, as the museum planned to place the piece in its newly-opened public entrance area, which underwent a redesign by Paul Cournet last Fall.

Record storage
USM & Symbol

In 2024, one of our most cherished collaborations from USM was the partnership with audio brand Symbol. This collaboration produced a collection we adored last year, which comprises a vinyl storage cabinet, a display cabinet for vinyl, a stand for records, and a mobile record cart. Each piece is designed using USM’s modular system – an assembly of steel tubes and panels joined by connecting balls.

UPS – Under Pressure Solutions
ECAL

Each year, ECAL – the École cantonale d’art de Lausanne – unveils captivating projects at Salone. This time around, their students collaborated to present “UPS – Under Pressure Solutions” – an innovative research project that explores ways to lessen the environmental footprint of the furniture industry by employing shape memory materials. The outcomes were visually stunning, with the design of the exhibition earning it a spot on the list of top exhibits for 2024.

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2025-01-01 00:57