INTERIOR DESIGN - A Vibrant International Furniture

The Bug Bed, designed by Paola Navone for Poliform.

ON A CLOUD

High-end Italian furniture manufacturer Poliform unveiled the Bug bed at the Milan Furniture Fair earlier this year. Designed by Paola Navone, it’s meant to conjure the feeling of sleeping on a cloud. The Bug bed is available with removable fabric or leather upholstery through Poliform | Sagart Studio in DC.

The Macassar Ebony furniture collection by Andrew Muggleton.

EXOTIC WOOD

British designer Andrew Muggleton bends and shapes exotic woods to create his contemporary furnishings, as evidenced by his recent Macassar Ebony collection with its distinctive wood grain of black and brown stripes. Here, pieces of Macassar ebony fit together without glue to form the Interlocking Console; stainless steel at one end supports a three-quarter-inch thick glass top.

The Tazia chair by Pascal Mourgue for Ligne Roset.

ISLAMIC COOL

Taking his inspiration from North African Islamic cultures, Pascal Mourgue designed the Tazia chair for Ligne Roset of France. This contoured stool features a curved, natural or ebony-stained oak back. It’s available in a wide selection of fabrics and colors, along with a matching polyester ottoman.

Indian designer Satyendra Pakhal?s Fish Chair for Cappellini.

SOMETHING FISHY

Created in 2005 by Indian designer Satyendra Pakhalè, Cappellini’s whimsical Fish Chair has become such a popular item that the Italian company joined forces with Disney in 2010 to produce 99 limited edition Fish Chairs in kid-friendly patterns. Made of eco-friendly plastic, the chair is still available in other colors through Contemporaria in DC. 

ANCIENT TREASURE

British artisan Adrian Swinstead uses ancient trees—some as old as 8,000 years—to create his furniture designs. Among other wood materials, he culls his pieces from bog oak, preserved underground for millennia in unique, low-oxygen conditions. Swinstead seasons his wood finds for up to four years before carving. Pictured here, a cabinet made with the African wood afrormosia, rippled sycamore and bog oak.

SOFA STYLE

Made by The Leather Collection, the Veneto sofa is versatile, with a headrest and back that can be adjusted for comfort. Shown here in soft lavender leather, it’s available in 50 colors and grades at Contemporary Concepts Furniture in Rockville, Maryland. 

GAME TIME

The Fusiontable from Belgium-based Saluc is a slate-topped pool table that doubles as a sleek dining table on a steel frame with adjustable legs. Wood-veneer panels conceal game accoutrements. The nylon stretch pockets enlarge to hold the balls, then flatten out again when empty. Matching benches can be stashed under the table when not in use. Available through Posh!, Inc., in Vienna, Virginia.

FASHION FORWARD

Fashion icon Jean Paul Gaultier has partnered with France’s Roche Bobois to commemorate the furniture company’s 50th anniversary. The result: Jean Paul Gaultier Pour Roche Bobois Paris, a home collection that reflects the designer’s edgy sensibility. Pictured here, the Paravent bed with an upholstered headboard and acrylic panels in anodized aluminum.

BUTTERFLY BEAUTY

Designed by the venerable English furniture company George Smith, the handcrafted Butterfly Chair offers a traditional silhouette with contemporary flair. Available in a choice of 37 fabrics, leathers and kilims at J. Lambeth & Company in DC.

A TASTE OF INDIAAt home in a contemporary or classical environment, the Silver Coin Ram’s Head Chair by Sona Design is handcrafted in India. Twin ram’s heads on the chair back and intricate embossed floral detail lends this ornate chair an exotic flair. Available through Skynear & Company in DC. skynearonline.com

The Silver Coin Ram's Head Chair by Sona Design, available through Skynear & Company.

George Smith's Butterfly Chair, available from J. Lambeth & Company.

The Paravent bed, from Jean Paul Gaultier's new collection for Roche Bobois.

The Fusiontable from Belgium-based Saluc is both pool table and dining table in one.

Made by the Leather Collection, the Veneto sofa is available through Contemporary Concepts Furniture.

A piece of furniture made from bog oak by designer Adrian Swinstead.