Livingetc Style Awards 2021 winners: Furniture category

As chosen by our judges, Livingetc editor Pip McCormac, Livingetc Editorial Director Sarah Spiteri, Livingetc columnists and interior designers Linda Boronkay and Minnie Kemp and fashion stylist legend Lucinda Chambers, these are the best pieces of furniture you'll want to use in your home now. 

Seating - winner: Pacific Chair by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso 

The rounded, oversized shapes of this cocooning chair by the Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola are enhanced by the use of ultra-soft upholstery including boucle, plush wool or luxurious velvet. Part of the Redondo collection, a continuing collaboration between Patricia and Moroso, it is slightly over-szied, and all the more comforting because of this.  “This piece has really elegant proportions and would make a great accent chair” says Sarah Spiteri.

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Seating - Wise Buy winner: Holi Sofa by Caravane 

The judges were particularly impressed by the shape of Caravane's Holi sofa. At one smart and sharp and slouchy and comfy, it manages to be both formal and family-friendly. The panel awarded it a Wise Buy to make a note of its status as a durable piece that could fit into any scheme.

Available in 60 colours, there is a true versatility to the Holi sofa. Its washed-linen fabric feels casual and comfortable, an ideal family piece. “It’s smart enough to work in a chic drawing room, but friendly enough to have the whole household pile onto it,” says Pip McCormac. 

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Occasional Furniture: Tribeca Tables by Lee Broom 

Launched in Spring 2021, this sculptural series of marble and travertine side and coffee tables are part of the new Penthouse Collection by British designer Lee Broom. There is an interesting interplay of texture here - the marble is smooth and cool, the travertine is rough and almost volcanic. 

Crafted by hand in Italy from solid black silk marble and beige travertine, the designs are inspired by the brutalist architecture and feature cantilever tops that appear to defy gravity. “I have a feeling this piece will never age, it just seems to timeless,” says Pip McCormac.

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Occasional Furniture - Design Icon - winner: Ekero Side Table by Porada

Admittedly this Design Icon is almost brand new, but the Ekero table has a longevity that the judges felt compelled to honour. Designed in 2020, the judges felt this side table deserved Design Icon status for becoming an instant enduring classic. The table's smooth marble base and walnut top feel fresh, exciting, and also, the panel felt, like they had loved them forever already. “I have a feeling this piece will never age, it just seems to timeless,” says Pip McCormac. 

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Dining - winner: The Red Table by De Rosee Sa Architects

The struggle to find a large, extendable dining table in a finish other than wood led the De Rosee Sa studio to design this statement piece. 

Featuring a gloss lacquered tabletop and ribbed timber legs, the table also has a discrete and carefully engineered mechanism that allows different configurations for a flexible and versatile dining experience. 

“This table is amazing, really different” says Lucinda Chambers. “I love the high shine and it would be a such talking point.”

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Storage - winner: Modulor by Rimadesio 

There is a breathtaking beauty to the design of the Modulor collection by Rimadesio. Seamless, smoooth, smart and chic, it's so cleverly created that it elevates any room it is built into. Bespoke units mean the versatile Modulor storage system can be adapted to suit any space, while the sleek wall panelling system integrates seamlessly into the room. 

Equipped with magnetic closing, Modulor is available in 158 finishes with optional internal led lighting. “This is undoubtedly an investment buy but the quality and finish are immaculate” says Sarah Spiteri. 

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Bed - winner: Henrietta Winged Headboard Upholstered Bed by Love Your Home 

Love Your Home has long been our go-to for keenly priced and cleverly made furniture. From curved chairs to comfy sofas, each piece the brand creates looks like it comes from a designer atelier. 

And this striking Henrietta bed is a case in point. It features an elegant, winged headboard and is available in 100 different colours and fabrics with alternative leg options. Henrietta also comes with different leg options and as a storage bed for those low on wardrobe space. 

“It’s an affordable design that you could really make your own with custom fabrics, and the tapered legs are very smart” says Minnie Kemp. 

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