The new sofa by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poliform is a modular masterpiece
‘Ernest’ sofa, by Jean-Marie Massaud, for Poliform is among our Salone del Mobile 2024 highlights, featured in May Wallpaper*, on sale 11 April
Clean and contemporary, but also extremely comfortable, the sought-after creations of leading French designer Jean-Marie Massaud take pride of place in the catalogues of all the major Italian furniture brands, and many architectural projects all around the world. Among Massaud’s designs are a variety of armchairs, tables and sofas for Poliform, the Brianza-based company known for its innovative modular systems, sleek kitchens and timeless furniture.
The latest result of their prolific long-term collaboration is the ‘Ernest’ sofa, presented during Salone del Mobile 2024, a low-lying modular piece with a wooden structure covered in cold-foamed expanded polyurethane. With no visible feet, the sofa appears to float above the ground, just like Massaud’s previous ‘Westside’ sofa for the brand (one of the award-winning designer’s now five sofa designs for Poliform). Its upholstered modules can be placed side by side to create the most diverse configurations.
We love its slightly concave seat cushions, which are particularly inviting and soften what is a very simple and geometric design. The key, Massaud has said in the past, are harmonious proportions and ability to stand the test of time – both qualities this sofa has in spades.
Another highlight is the colourful choice of upholstery, which includes a warm olive green. Poliform fabrics often focus on texture, and are made using as many certified natural fibres or recycled materials as possible. And while the pre-cover in cotton canvas and down is fixed securely, the top cover, which is also available in a leather version, is completely removableshould you fancy a change.
Poliform, Piazza Cavour 2, Milan
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Léa Teuscher is a Sub-Editor at Wallpaper*. A former travel writer and production editor, she joined the magazine over a decade ago, and has been sprucing up copy and attempting to write clever headlines ever since. Having spent her childhood hopping between continents and cultures, she’s a fan of all things travel, art and architecture. She has written three Wallpaper* City Guides on Geneva, Strasbourg and Basel.
-
John Cage’s ‘now moments’ inspire Lismore Castle Arts’ group show
Lismore Castle Arts’ ‘Each now, is the time, the space’ takes its title from John Cage, and sees four artists embrace the moment through sculpture and found objects
By Amah-Rose Abrams Published
-
Architects collaborate on geometric extension to radically re-shape a London house
Mediterranean influences, earthy tones and quirky angles abound in this geometric extension and the soaring living spaces of this reconfigured Victorian townhouse
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
‘What a Fantastic Machine’: new film explores the camera, pop culture and human behaviour
Maximilien Van Aertryck and Axel Danielson’s new film, ‘And the King Said, What a Fantastic Machine’, dissects the role of the camera in popular culture
By Zoe Whitfield Published
-
Toiletpaper Apartment debuts in Milan with a 'sophisticated' Alex Prager collaboration
Toiletpaper present 'ToiletAlex PaperPrager' their new unsettling projects on the occasion of Milan Design Week 2024
By Cristina Kiran Piotti Published
-
Japan in Milan: the best of Japanese design at Milan Design Week 2024
Discover the best of Japanese design showcasing innovative designs from terrazzo tables to tree-inspired textiles at Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile 2024
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
The new interior design trends we spotted at Salone del Mobile 2024
These are the interior design trends to look out for in 2024 and beyond, from soft upholstery to conversation pits and low dining
By Rosa Bertoli Published
-
Junya Ishigami designs at Maniera Gallery are as ethereal as his architecture
Junya Ishigami presents new furniture at Maniera Gallery in Belgium (until 31 August 2024), following the series' launch during Milan Design Week
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Maruni's new collections combine Japanese skills with humble functionality
Presented at Salone del Mobile 2024, Maruni's new collections include furniture by the brand's art director Naoto Fukasawa as well as Cecilie Manz and Jasper Morrison
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Waiting room inspo: Inside Studioutte’s cinematic Sala D’Attesa at Milan Design Week
Studioutte’s Sala D’Attesa, staged in Nolo during Milan Design Week 2024, was a scenographic interior merging different design sensibilities
By Laura May Todd Published
-
Time & Style opens two new Milan locations and unveils new projects during Salone del Mobile
Japanese furniture company Time & Style opens two new showrooms while presenting new pieces at Milan Design Week 2024
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Gunjan Gupta’s Indian Tiny Megastore celebrates Indian culture and craft in Milan
During Milan Design Week 2024, Gunjan Gupta's Indian Tiny Megastore curated by Maria Cristina Didero brings Indian culture to the city
By Sujata Burman Published