At the end of each year, Dezeen, the esteemed online architecture, interiors, and design magazine honors those companies and individuals who excelled in a variety of design-related endeavors throughout the year. They include architecture projects, sustainability projects, furniture design, and interior projects, among others. In the category of Seating Design of the Year 2021, Dezeen declared Fay Toogood for Hem Design Studio to be the winner for her Puffy Lounge Chair. Featuring a detachable cushion that drapes over its back and arms, the Puffy Lounge Chair offers an interesting juxtaposition between the fat, plump draping cushion and the chair’s tubular steel frame, which in stark contrast, is hard-lined and strong. The simple frame is inspired by stark, classic modernist design, while the sumptuous quilt-like upholstery envelopes and cushions, providing what could be viewed as a comforting cocoon of sorts.
British designer Faye Toogood worked with the design team at Swedish furniture brand, Hem, to develop the Puffy Lounge Chair. Supported by a canvas sling and fixed to the frame using six hooks, the upholstery is detachable, making it easy to refurbish and reupholster, thereby extending the chair’s lifespan. Nearly all components of the Puffy Lounge Chair can be disassembled by hand save for the rivets, which can be removed using common tools. Buyers can purchase the chair with upholstery in several colors that are 97 percent pure new wool and 3 percent nylon or with Scandanavian Sand or Black grain leather. The Puffy Lounge Chair frame is available in powder-coated or sand-blasted steel finishes.
For another example of Modernist design, check out the KnollStudio Classic MB Lounge Chair.