Designer Monica Armani is unique with her ability to combine her family, work and environment in an amazing way, which also inspires her designer furniture and ideas. Learn more about their world and creative designs.
1. The design.
Her entry into the world of design coincides with the launch of the Monica Armani brand. The year is 1998. The focus isProject 1,in the catalog since 2006B & B Italia. “It was the table I had always dreamed of but hadn’t designed yet.” Created for a private client, the table sets the beginning for an organizational system for the kitchen with shelves, table tops and chairs, and later expands and includes the garden (with tables andThe bench), the bathroom, also computer desks and coffee tables. The common characteristics are: simplicity, elegance and flexibility.
2. The team.“Design is in our family and the studio – part of the house. Luka, my husband, and I work together. Our children Marcelo and Mariana are also with us. Work and family life are intertwined. We argue and correct each other. When it comes to technology, the law is usually on Luke’s side, but when it comes to details, I win.” And breaks to gather new strength? The time with the children. But also our little escapes to North Africa in search of endless horizons and absolute silence. “
3. Your idea for a bathroom. I like the idea of a black bathroom. That was my philosophy when developing the systemPianura for Boffi.Wood paneling, backlit shelves, hanging sink, a few inches from the wall and such a feeling of floating objects. A wall mirror and cupboards complete the interior.
4. Your favorite room.“The living room, thanks to the wonderful view of the courtyard and the greenery. We live on the ground floor of a small building that we designed several years ago. When I want to relax, I sit on Arne Jacobsen's famous Egg Chair. I also turn on Davide Groppi's Goodmorningchina table lamp - a thin stand and a huge balloon made of pink paper. Magical effect.”
Tred bookshelf
5. In the beginning there was space.Monica Armani's house has no doors, only partitions. In this regard, she designed her first bookcase for Moroso – “Tred Shelf”. Simple open shelves, vertical elements covered in fabric. Three different lengths of shelves. The connection offers many possibilities for combinations. And another detail, no need to mount next to the wall.
6. The good teachers.Undoubtedly in first place is my father. An architect who has had many projects and always with a distinctive finesse. We worked together for ten years. I owe him my attention to detail and the belief that it is never so small as to be overlooked. Also the belief that time makes ideas clearer. Among the biggest names in design – the eternal American couple Charles and Ray Eames. A piece of furniture that is iconic to her, the Eames lounge chair. “I wish I had designed it,” she says with a smile.
WGS partition
7. The art of hospitality.“When we invite guests over for dinner, I set the table with a dark gray linen tablecloth and lace in the middle. The dishes made of Chinese porcelain, silver or steel cutlery from Muji and large glasses for water and wine. I also decorate with ivy in the napkins, candles and glass cake stands that I have been collecting for years. I can't resist them. Like a new pair of shoes with stunning high heels.
WGS green stools
8. The textures.I like the strict style, even in the pattern. As well as the simplicity and simplicity of the black and white combination. I designed a new porcelain stoneware collection for Mutina in these colors. Its name is Bark and is reminiscent of wood bark. When selecting fabrics, Monica is always looking for the balance between material and purism. “I love the linen, but also the felt I experimented with for the upholstery of the WGS stool for Galloti & Radice.
LEM for Coro
9. Preferred material.The stainless steel. Like the projectLEM, a collection of tables and chairs forCoro. Something new is the possibility of changing the upholstery of the seats, thanks to an innovative clip system.
Wafer Chair
10. The exception. Wafer. The wooden chair for Molteni & C. Clean and strong lines. But this time the material is solid wood, reinterpreted thanks to techniques from car construction. The backrest and seat are padded.
white kitchen for Efeti
To the website ofMonica Armani