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
-
Highlights from the transporting Cruise 2026 showsThe Cruise 2026 season began yesterday with a Chanel show at Lake Como, heralding the start of a series of jet-setting, destination runway shows from fashion’s biggest houses
-
Behind the design of national pavilions in Venice: three studios to knowDesigning the British, Swiss and Mexican national pavilions at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 are three outstanding studios to know before you go
-
Premium patisserie Naya is Mayfair’s latest sweet spotHeritage meets opulence at Naya bakery in Mayfair, London. With interiors by India Hicks and Anna Goulandris, the patisserie looks good enough to eat
-
Tokyo design studio We+ transforms microalgae into coloursCould microalgae be the sustainable pigment of the future? A Japanese research project investigates
-
Delvis (Un)Limited turns a Brera shopfront into a live-in design installationWhat happens when collectible design becomes part of a live performance? The Theatre of Things, curated by Joseph Grima and Valentina Ciuffi, invited designers to live with their work – and let the public look in
-
Naoto Fukasawa sparks children’s imaginations with play sculpturesThe Japanese designer creates an intuitive series of bold play sculptures, designed to spark children’s desire to play without thinking
-
Inside the Shakti Design Residency, taking Indian craftsmanship to Alcova 2025The new initiative pairs emerging talents with some of India’s most prestigious ateliers, resulting in intricately crafted designs, as seen at Alcova 2025 in Milan
-
Faye Toogood comes up roses at Milan Design Week 2025Japanese ceramics specialist Noritake’s design collection blossoms with a bold floral series by Faye Toogood
-
6:AM create a spellbinding Murano glass showcase in Milan’s abandoned public shower stallsWith its first solo exhibition, ‘Two-Fold Silence’, 6:AM unveils an enchanting Murano glass installation beneath Piscina Cozzi
-
Dimoremilano and Loro Piana channel 1970s cinema in decadent Milan displayAt Milan Design Week 2025, Dimorestudio has directed and staged an immersive, film-inspired installation to present new furniture and decor for Loro Piana
-
In Milan, MoscaPartners presents a poetic exploration of ‘migration’Alongside immersive work by Byoung Cho, MoscaPartners’ Milan Design Week 2025 display features an accessible exhibition path designed for visually impaired visitors
