Five remarkable designer sofas

Innovative seat design: from sculptural to modular

The sofa helps define the character of the living space. With its shape, material and placement, it sets the tone, both functionally and aesthetically. No piece of furniture is so present and versatile. And behind every design: a thoughtful designer's vision. We highlight five remarkable sofas and their designers. From geometric to organic, modular to iconically reinvented: the contemporary sofa is as versatile as it is outspoken. Comfort and character go hand in hand, with a clear focus on shape expression and flexibility.

Acerbis - Trench by Philippe Malouin

Trench by Acerbis reinterprets classic seating with new proportions and a distinctly sculptural design language. The seat and backrest form one flowing curve, creating both visual simplicity and excellent seating comfort. The sofa appears light and almost floating, thanks to the base with legs set at right angles to the frame. Also striking are the armrests: optionally fixed or as separate elements that can be freely positioned. 

Design: Philippe Malouin is a British-Canadian designer known for his functional designs with a distinctly sculptural character. His work balances between rigid geometry and tactile softness, with a focus on material research and form experimentation.

Bonaldo - Brik by Martina and Massimo Castagna

Hard as stone? Anything but. The name Brik refers to a building block as a symbol of modular design. This range includes a central element, a corner module, a footstool and an armchair - all with a soft, inviting look. The composition follows a typical 1980s logic: the modules can be placed freely next to each other, breaking away from rigid, formal arrangements. Brik is available with upholstery in fabric or leather.

Design: Martina and Massimo Castagna form a special design duo: father and daughter who enhance each other's creativity. Their collaboration combines years of experience with a fresh perspective, resulting in surprisingly balanced designs.

Character & Cassina - GB Lounge by Gijs Bakker 

Good design defies time. So does this sofa, designed in 1972 by Gijs Bakker and today another special present in the range of Scandinavian character. The design is in se one piece of foam folded at a 90° angle and secured in a metal skeleton. The addition of subtle legs makes the chair float slightly above the ground, a clever update without compromising its visual purity. 

Design: Gijs Bakker is a leading Dutch industrial designer and co-founder of Droog Design. Bakker has already produced design icons, from jewellery to furniture. His work is rightly included in design collections of numerous museums worldwide.   

Desalto - Unlimited by Francesco Rota

The name Unlimited was not chosen by chance: this modular sofa offers endless combinations and creative freedom. The powerful, graphic lines refer to the minimalism Desalto is known for, but translated into soft and inviting seating. The carefully balanced volumes exude visual tranquillity, while the comfort is surprisingly generous. 

Design: Francesco Rota, established name in interior and product design, born in 1966 in Milan and active as an independent designer since 1998. In 2023, he was also appointed art director of Desalto.

Living Divani - Gala by David Lopez Quincoces

The elegance of curves is the starting point of Living Divani's Gala sofa. Available as single seat and sofas in various sizes and designs. The design has a generous seat depth of 62 centimetres, inviting relaxation. The upholstery is available in fabric or leather and easily removable thanks to zips and Velcro. 

Design: David Lopez Quincoces is a Spanish designer based in Milan, known for his sober and elegant design language. His work balances between sleek minimalism and warm sophistication, with an eye for detail and material.