Red for relaxation

Turning a piece of furniture into a work of art is a great way to create a visual anchor for any living space. But comfort can sometimes be lost in the quest for good looks.

Furniture designer Nolen Niu went for an unusual solution a minimalist take on the classic chaise lounge.

Niu researched the history of the chaise lounge before experimenting with a cantilevered design. The result showcases the person sitting on the chaise, while they feel as if they are floating.

"I imagined this chaise as a place of freedom, with a feeling of floating or levitation," he says. "For me, unless a piece of furniture is comfortable it's just not well designed."

The Zero chaise so named to reflect this feeling of weightlessness started life as a concept piece for the Salone Satellite Milan Furniture Show.

Interest was such that Niu put the chair into production, which meant it had to be strong enough for regular use in people's homes. Other designers were sceptical.

"They said it couldn't be done, so it was very satisfying to prove that it was possible," says Niu. Tests show that the chaise is almost twice as robust as a contemporary dining room chair.

The Zero chaise is available with a leather cover and a polished stainless steel base or a fabric cover with a brushed stainless steel base. Stainless steel was chosen for both options as it is rustproof, can be re-polished, and is harder-wearing than chrome.

Customers can buy the chaise in red or black, or order one in a custom color. Bright colors such as lime green and yellow are proving popular.

Niu is developing a complete furniture collection, with the same principles of comfort and visual impact. All items are manufactured in the United States.

For more details, contact Nolen Niu Inc, 9595 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 900, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, phone (310) 709 0955. Email: info@nolenniu.com, or visit the website: www.nolenniu.com.

Story by: Trendsideas