Room by Room – the Perriand Refolo Bench

This week, Room by Room with FormFire Glassworks takes a look at a gorgeous modular seating bench by a oft-forgotton icon of the Modern movement, Charlotte Perrriand.

Charlotte Perriand was an integral part of the modern scene in the 50s, collaborating with such greats as Le Corbusier and Jean Prouvé. Perriand was a furniture designer and architect in her own right, and created this gorgeous, malleable system called the Refolo. Based on a slat bench system, upholstered armrests, seating cushions and backrests are added and connected through the slats as desired, allowing for a multitude of possible configurations. One of my favorite looks is shown here, as the base bench becomes an integrated side table. The base is available in natural or dark-stained oak in three lengths, and cushions are sold separately to suit your personal configuration. Distributed by Cassina, this piece from 1953 is a stunning example of modern design.

The clean lines basic forms of this seating system require that the materials used are of high quality, and that was my inspiration for today’s handmade picks. Walnut plywood shows off its amazing grain pattern in an ampersand decor piece which can sit in a shelf system or hang on a wall. Squat stoneware vases beg to be touched, while a hand-printed canvas pillow adds a graphic edge. A felt and leather sleeve is the perfect laptop accessory, while walnut and powder-coated metal make the everyday tissue box a piece of art.

Next week I will choose a new iconic piece and give you my picks for accessorizing your modern home.