Gabriel Tan presents debut collection with B&B Italia

(Image credit: Courtesy B&B Italia and Gabriel Tan)

published 13 April 2023

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Singaporean designer Gabriel Tan has created a sophisticated collection of furniture imagined to bring functionality to different spaces of the bedroom. Marking his first collaboration with B&B Italia, Tan’s collection comprises a writing desk, a stool, a bench, a bedside table and a folding screen, and was conceived following the designer’s research into ‘quietness’.

Gabriel Tan collection for B&B Italia writing desk

Gabriel Tan collection for B&B Italia folding screen

‘The bedroom is more than ever becoming a place for reflection, quietude, and rituals,’ says Tan. ‘“Quiet Lines” is a range of bedroom furniture that embraces a paradox: inviting rest and comfort, while awakening the senses.’ The collection is defined by strong graphic silhouettes combining slim structures supporting soft leather surfaces characterised by gentle curves, in a colour and material palette that contributes to the calm visual approach chosen by the designer.

Gabriel Tan collection for B&B Italia bedside table

The choice of materials is also conducive to achieving Tan’s desired quietness: the choice of leather for the objects’ surfaces is both an invitation to a tactile experience and a functional choice.

‘Curved, padded surfaces form a protective layer for us to sit on or display our most precious possessions, bringing tactility and comfort while dampening sound when objects are placed on them,’ Tan explains. ‘Sling-like elements that define the seat, shelf and screen of each piece are offset subtly from the steel frame to give a feeling of lightness. The silhouette of each piece in the collection consists of curved and straight lines, forming iconic and graphic compositions.’

Gabriel Tan collection for B&B Italia bench with shelf below

The collection was driven by circular design principles, as Tan explains: '“Quiet Lines” has been designed to be easily disassembled and separated so that each part can be individually repaired, refinished and reupholstered when needed, thereby reducing waste while extending the product's lifespan.'

B&B Italia, Via Durini 11, Milan

bebitalia.com
gabriel-tan.com

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B&B Italia Salone del Mobile

Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.