A menagerie is defined as a selection of captive animals, most often of exotic or wild origin, that are shown off to the public; an early rendition of the modern-day zoo. For this week's feature, that translates to pieces that owe their source of inspiration to the animal kingdom, whether in name, image, or form. From wings to tails, they excite and intrigue the viewer. Enter the Menagerie and enjoy a look at some of the world's most unique animal-inspired designs.
What is more poetic and elegantly captivating than a bird perched on a branch, flirting, singing, and celebrating life? Designer Umut Yamac created the Perch Light Branch for Moooi to capture the beauty of taking a moment to admire nature.
Also available as a table lamp, chandelier, floor lamp, wall lamp, and smaller branch.
When Isaac Piñeiro, from Nadadora design studio, took on the challenge to come up with a timeless design, a chair that stemmed from the admiration of the slow, stately pace of a tortoise was born. Envious of its long life, inspiration from this enduring animal reared its head.
The idea for the Tortuga Lounge Chair stems from a shell that we can withdraw into, immersing ourselves in a good novel or drifting off to sleep… Its simplicity reflects the tranquility of Nadadora’s ethos, although the choice of textiles can add contrasting exuberance.
The Tortuga collection also includes a pouf and side table.
Drawing inspiration from the largest animal on the planet, the whale, or "ballena" in Spanish, the Baleen Table has a unique slatted design available in multiple sizes, for use as a coffee or side table.
The Butterfly is a comfortable and understated chair with a timber backrest that recalls the wings of its namesake. With its refined upholstery on the seat and backrest and robust timber frame, it has become a favorite for contract projects worldwide.
Also available from De La Espada is the Butterfly Bar Stool.
The Indigo Macaque Carpet is the latest addition to the Extinct Animals carpet collection from Moooi Carpets. The design depicts the indigo macaque's favorite pastime; bathing in the indigo-color hot springs at the foot of the Japanese mountains.
The Delfino Armchair is a significant example of the so-called "organic" furniture which developed in the 1950's and often draws its inspiration from nature, avoiding any imitation. The product is considered a unitary structure without discontinuity; it is composed of a group of shapes which give the body a continual support, thanks to their sinuous lines. The development of this concept resulted in a very decorative chair with a strong personality. With arm like fins and a harmonious, supple body like a dolphin, "Delfino," designed in 1954 by Erberto Carboni for Arflex, took its name from the graceful animal.
The Royce Armchair With Headrest takes flight in a fresh collaboration with Australian designer Nikolai Kotlarczyk. The original avian inspiration behind the design animates the new piece, giving it a distinct sense of character. The simple geometric line is reduced to a bird-like silhouette that appears ready for take-off. Originally shown as a dining chair at Stockholm Furniture Fair in 2018, Nikolai worked with SP01 to develop the concept into an armchair with an enveloping wing shaped design. A sculptural and compact armchair available in two variants, with or without headrest, Royce joins SP01’s elegant collection of character driven designs.
The Royce Armchair is also available without headrest.
The Copper Horse Head from the iconic Rimini Blue series. Decorated with patterned hand engraving on fresh clay and copper metallic enamel. All Bitossi products are made to order by experienced artisans.
Also available is a Copper Horse Figure, and both a Horse Head and Horse Figure in the iconic Rimini Blue glaze.
The High Back Bat Lounge Chair was created with a Scandinavian approach to crafts, where simplicity and functionalism are in the forefront of design. The wide range of upholstery options and different bases allows the Bat Lounge Chair fit well into a variety of public and private interiors. Designed by GamFratesi for Gubi.
The Bat series also includes a low back lounge chair and a dining chair.
Requiring delicate collaboration between man and machine, the bloown series balances chance, timing, and technology.
Each hive begins with a simple ribbon of molten recycled plastic. Requiring quick intervention, the extruded plastic is then inflated and shaped simultaneously. A delicate human touch guides the plastic as it settles into its final form.
This collaboration derives organic forms from mechanical processes. Undulating like running water, the vortex form scatters light in a glittering tangle.
The Up In The Air Table by Viccarbe is a stunning side table for residential and contract use. It is an exercise in minimalism made of a patented environment-friendly resin, with handmade fish swimming inside, no additional decoration necessary. Designed by Ramon Beda and Otto Canalda.
Available in 2 sizes, with 4 options for fish arrangements.
The Menagerie of Extinct Animals Carpet invites you to look closely and discover a lush and richly illustrated world brimming with life. Surrounded by their natural and exotic flora, the Extinct Animals celebrates nature’s diversity, stimulating to stretch the limits of imagination.
To find out how our pieces can enhance your design project, please contact us at 312.329.9000 for Chicago or 212.262.9000 for New York or email [email protected]. Haute Living's design professionals are ready to assist your needs in every aspect of the design process - from conception and technical specification to final delivery and installation.
