There is a particular quality to designs that endure – not simply the ability to withstand the passage of time, but the capacity to remain relevant, to speak to new generations with a distinct yet timeless language. This is the territory has occupied since 1938, when the brand first set out to bring order and beauty to , and environments. Today, that legacy continues to unfold through two compelling new launches – the Perron Pillo Lounge Chair and an expanded palette for the iconic Saarinen Pedestal Collection.
At first glance, these launches might seem to occupy opposite ends of the design spectrum. , created in partnership with designer, creative director and cultural polymath, , is unconventionally playful and contemporary – a stack of oversized pillows that invite you to sink in and linger awhile. Meanwhile, the Saarinen Pedestal Collection represents pure modernism, its sculptural silhouette unchanged since its creation by Eero Saarinen in 1957. Yet, both pieces share a fundamental DNA – the conviction that great design begins with a single, powerful idea. Jonathan Olivares, Knoll’s Senior Vice President of Design concurs: “ products are based on a single, strong idea that drives the entire project.”
For the Pillo collection, the idea is that the pillow itself is a building block – a highly intuitive concept with minimum aesthetic fuss and maximum comfort. A perfect complement to its predecessors – the and the – the Pillo Lounge Chair is ideal for an array of interiors, offering a generous spirit in a more intimate scale. As Perron himself notes, the aim was to preserve the original essence: “You’re fully immersed in the Pillo-ness of the Pillo.” This notion of immersion extends beyond physical comfort to encompass personalisation. Available in a classic fixed or dynamic 360-degree swivel option, the chair’s deliberately simple form becomes a canvas for individual expression through an extensive range of textile options. Perron describes the approach as “a choose your own adventure experience”; an invitation to create a bespoke design that reflects your own aesthetic sensibilities, relaxation needs and contemporary lifestyle.
Moreover, the demonstrates how heritage pieces can be reinvigorated without compromising their original integrity. The introduction of three new finishes – Topo Noir Veneer, Emperador Light Marble, and Modern Clay laminate – allows Saarinen’s purist design to express itself in a fresh, contemporary yet refined manner. The Topo Noir, with its deep black mesmerising grain pattern crafted from reconstituted wood remnants, brings a sustainability mindset to a classic design. Emperador Light Marble adds warmth and delicate light brown veining that complements natural wood tones, while Modern Clay’s innovative soft touch, anti-fingerprint surface addresses the practical demands of high-use environments without sacrificing sophistication.
Of the comprising dining, side, coffee, and lounge tables, Olivares observes: “It’s vital to keep historic collections alive, charged with contemporary energy, capturing the interests and codes of our time.” These new finishes achieve precisely that, allowing clients to encounter Saarinen’s pedestal base with renewed respect – its sculptural simplicity amplified rather than altered by contemporary materials and sustainable techniques. Serving as an ideal canvas for wood, stone and laminate, the elegant round and oval tabletops are transformed and able to interact seamlessly with their surroundings.
Together, these new designs illuminate distinctive and enduring quality – a relational approach that considers colour, material, finish and form, delivering a complete experience of space. Timeless designs with collaborators who shape our cultural zeitgeist, whether through Perron’s unconventional twist on comfort or Saarinen’s timeless form reimagined in new materials. Knoll understands the future of modern design as a dialogue between past and present, form and function, heritage and sustainable innovation. The future is bright, as with the conversation it seems is far from over.
Designers throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Asia can experience this legacy of timeless design and harmonious functionality firsthand. to learn more.
The post appeared first on .
Related Posts
