At B&B Italia, design extensions to their sofa and armchair range were key to the collection. The Charles by Antonio Citterio, the Metropolitan Relax by Jeffrey Bernett and Patricia Urquiola’s already iconic Tufty-Time 20 that celebrates two decades, all adopted a focus on comfort and sustainability (following in the steps of the Camaleonda), plus details to make each piece both softer and higher. It was a theme this year that saw many brands updating favourites by adding more comfort and flexibility. 

'From a commercial perspective,’ says Clarke, ‘the Cocùn sofa and the re-imagining of the Charles sofa's modularity was a very strong direction for B&B Italia.’

The Cocùn designed by Antonio Citterio is designed to embrace the body in various positions and configurations, ‘naturally adapting to spaces and people,’ Citterio remarked. ‘It’s not just a modular sofa; it’s a system that encourages socialising and relaxation.’

 It was a direction echoed by Adrian Preman, a senior stylist at Paul Conrad Architects. 'Sofas in organic shapes and scalable modular design are becoming increasingly popular.' he remarked. 'We’re seeing more large-footprint sofas that offer versatile functionality, including curved modules, double-sided seating, and even low-seated lounge-style dining configurations.'

This year Italian brand Acerbis presented new designs by Philippe Malouin, a British-Canadian designer whose sculptural approach introduced a new design language, overlaid by their Remasters collection that continues to reveal the brand’s extensive back catalogue. Re-releasing the Palla armchair by Claudio Salocchi first presented at the eighth edition of the Salone del Mobile in Milan, its deconstructed sphere embraced the design curiosity of the ‘60s and was the perfect balance of function and aesthetics. While Malouin’s Trench with its sculpted form and suspended structure reinterpreted the concept of upholstered seating. ‘Its pure, almost ancestral form exudes a sculptural presence,’ remarked Malouin, while it also achieved exceptional comfort and visual lightness.

At Edra, the collection was all about re-imagining their favourite sofa ranges through fabrics. With no new products this year, the brand invested their effort developing exclusive fabrics that elevated key designs. Under the direction of textile designer Monica Mazzei, the theme was gemstones, and as Evans remarked, ‘The new range is like a tapestry of textures.' The three textiles were inspired by nature and include Every Stone, an outdoor fabric with a texture like natural marble; Gems, an illuminated yarn that gleams like precious stones; and Glossy Matt that blends the softness of chenille with the tactility of pure wool bouclé. 'The depth and sparkle is phenomenal,' adds Evans. 'That commitment from a creative design point of view goes right down to the manufacturing and constant creativity at such a high level.’