After a year of isolation, we’re all eager to see the world again. These finely crafted furnishings allow you to circumnavigate the globe when it comes to design—without ever packing your suitcase.
Bollicosa Nautilus by Cassina
If you crave time beside a body of water, check out these lights from the Italian design firm Cassina. The sculptural, dramatically proportioned pieces evoke fishermans’ nets and buoys. The artisan-blown glass spheres hanging inside the ropes have stony, bubbly surfaces that evoke the mysteries of the deep. Price upon request. For inquires, or to purchase, visit arksf.com and dzineliving.com for San Francisco and luminaire.com for Chicago.
The Stress Lighting Collection by Ohad Benit
Sometimes a little “stress” can be good—as in this lighting collection, in which brass artfully hugs glass, so appears as if a bubble is about to burst. Realized by an Israeli design firm, these unusual lamps come in various heights or as pendants. Made to order from $1,100. Available exclusively at baboosf.com.
Kida by Stephen Burks for Dedon
The Kida hanging basket lounge chair is the work of Stephen Burks, who was the first American—and first African-American—designer to work with Europe’s major design houses, beginning two decades ago. Now he specializes in partnering with artisans around the globe, such as the master weavers in the Philippines who worked on the Kida. Accompanied by a generous cushion, the Kida is the perfect place to catch up on summer readers, take a nap or simply enjoy the summer breeze. Price upon request. Find a Dedon showroom here.
Pearlescent Seashell Encrusted Side Tables by Andrew Fisher for The Fisher Weisman Collection
After buying and renovating an 18th–century home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Andrew Fisher and Jeffry Weisman began designing handcrafted furniture, accessories and lighting to be made by the master craftspeople in the region. These richly textured side tables were inspired by the city’s Baroque architecture gems, incorporating encrusted seashells, gold leaf finish and antique mirrored tops. The result is a truly unusual blend of glamor and soul. Price upon request. Available at hewn.com in San Francisco and at hollandandsherry.com in Chicago.
Kimono Lounge Chair by Thomas Pheasant for McGuire
This chair, by the internationally renowned, Washington, D.C.-based designer Thomas Pheasant, was inspired by a pre-pandemic trip to Japan, where he fell in love with traditional Japanese clothing. This chair is a modern, streamlined interpretation of the kimono: The back of the chair combines white oak veneer frame and cane, with faceted blossoms, also made of oak. The feet are textured brass. Price upon request. Visit mcguirefurniture.com, or find a location here.
This article originally appeared on spacesmag.com.
How to Help:
For design lovers who want to give back, consider attending the San Francisco Decorator Showcase, which is accessible virtually through summer 2021. Since 1977, the showcase has raised over $17 million to benefit the San Francisco University High School financial aid program. This event continues to allow hundreds of deserving Bay Area students access to a world-class college preparatory education.
More from Better:
- The Modern Eco-Warriors: A Fundraiser for SeaLegacy
- 15 Cool Products You’d Never Guess are Made from Recycled Plastic
- Vaccinated and Ready for Summer: 20 Products That Will Make Reuniting That Much Sweeter
Lisa Boquiren is an architecture and design aficionada who provides brand strategy for creative businesses. She has overseen rebranding initiatives at EHDD Architects and the San Francisco Design Center, and she creates convergent conversations on A+D, and presents, at the American Institute of Architects’ San Francisco and Los Angeles chapters. Photo by Thomas Heinser
