The new LAN collection from interior design studio Neri & Hu was inspired by the indigo color. The designers have taken a big step forward by using indigo blue, ornate and customizable design elements. The LAN project was designed down to the smallest details with beautiful color patterns and minimalist shapes. You can combine the various elements, for example with seating modules and backrests, so that textures, fabrics and patterns can harmonize perfectly with the indigo color. The word “Lan” means “indigo blue” and comes from Chinese. For this reason, the interior designers gave their collection the same name.
The indigo nuance has a special charm
Led by Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu, the Shanghai-based studio is known for giving meaning to its designs. That's exactly what the designers did in the LAN project by incorporating the indigo color with an eye to the past and the future. In China, this color is a traditional design option when it comes to storing jewelry and similar valuables.
Sofa in the popular shade as an accent in the room
The designers combine this tradition with something revolutionaryDesign that resembles a conventional sofafreed from its bulky dimensions. This gives it lightness and mobility, resulting in an elegant and refined space that invites relaxation and is perfect for offices, hotels and other applications.
The LAN project was presented in Milan
The studio presented the design project at the Salone del Mobile in Milan last April and has already won the prestigious NYCxDesign Award in the “Contract: Seating” category. Among the various elements included in the LAN are the original seating module and the backrest. The back resembles the antique looms and pays homage to the original textile works of GAN (Gandiablasco).
The cushions are arranged next to each other on the couch, leaving enough space for a wooden bowl that can serve as a side table. The fact that the cushions and the tray are movable allows different configurations according to your preference. Other design elements in the LAN collection include backless seating and a mobile backrest that can be placed anywhere.
The furniture collection at a glance
The collection redefines the idea of carpet and sofa and combines them into something completely new. You can use a single piece or two and a side table. The purpose is to bring together the manageability and flexibility of modern life inspired by ideas of community. The indigo color also helps bring everything down to earth, explains Lyndon Neri. The Asian approach to home decor is also reflected in the attention to detail. The carpet, for example, is made of pure new wool. The Glaoui weaving technique overlays different layers of hand-knitted geometric motifs.
The realization of the project with the indigo color came slowly. For several years, Neri & Hu have been working side by side with GAN in an ongoing exchange of ideas and materials. Neri compares the concept to the time when China's ancient craftsmen needed to produce artistic objects. In the designer's words, it's not about developing new products every year, but rather making long-lasting, unique pieces that mean something.
Behind this interest in the technical quality of each individual product lies the architectural foundation of the interior design, which influences all the work of the two designers. For this studio it is a matter of a multidisciplinary approach.
