Canapé

People might automatically think of a fringed sofa as something traditional - and even grandmotherly - but when you place it in a contemporary context, it becomes something daring, sophisticated, and completely new. It is precisely because of the surprising contrast it can create with sharp-lined rigorous contemporary architecture that makes it a good fit.

We designed the Canape Rouge for our own apartment which we designed with a material palette of rough concrete ceilings and refined polished concrete floors. The sofa itself is a play of contrasts: it has a reduced and sharp minimalist form, but it is upholstered with an opulent silk velvet in three different colors. The fringe adds an unexpected layer of texture and movement and surprise - and even humour. It is a shamelessly decorative element - but its use serves an entirely contemporary purpose. Since the fringe is in the same colour palette as the upholstery, it unifies the horizontal line of the different velvet colours and so it visually holds the three modular pieces together.

Fringes can add softness and movement and lightness to a room - which is a wonderful counterpoint to the clean lines of modern architecture.

The secret to making a fringed sofa look cool - like we have done here - is all in the juxtaposition with something sharp. One should pair it with minimalist forms, raw materials, and clean architectural lines. That way, the fringe becomes a confident, decorative statement - rather than a nostalgic throwback.