Michelle Junne's Living Room Edit

From Decorex to PAD, were it not for the pandemic, October would have been high-season for London’s top furniture and design shows. Not to be defeated, all round London tastemaker and founder of the lifestyle brand Almost Essential, Michelle Junne, selects 5 pieces from LOT's catalogue to provide you with some living room inspiration. 

1. “Nido” chair from Estudio Persona

"This is the type of chair that I would love to tuck in the corner of my living room, beside a floor lamp and sit and read for hours or listen to vinyls. It's certainly something that looks straight out of the swinging 60s!" says Michelle.

A unique piece of design, this Nido chair is the result of playing with the juxtaposition of shapes. The egg-like shape of the leather-upholstered wood seat nesting in the cross-shaped solid wood frame, gives it the name Nido, meaning nest in Spanish. The Nido’s strong lines of the base in white oak brings style and stability without sacrificing comfort in the contrasting rounder shape of the soft leather seat.  

2.  Frog Chair by Piero Lissoni

"What an iconic piece of furniture. If only I had a veranda to sit out on this in the summertime with a gimlet resting in my hand. Bliss!" says Michelle.

The Frog is an iconic product designed in 1995 by Piero Lissoni and considered the pioneer of low, wide seats and a new, more relaxed way to live. Its harmonious proportions and sense of understated luxury are the distinguishing elements of Living Divani, a dynamic Italian family run business.

The Italian born architect, Piero Lissoni established himself as one of most notable names is contemporary design for his clean, Industrial aesthetics. His approach begins from a humanistic vision that, for him, is the only one that would make sense to a true designer no matter the medium. The Frog chair, low to the ground with wide legs to support its generous seat and slightly reclined back, offers an inviting place to unwind. 

3.  Florence Knoll Leather Bench Seat

"I know so many Almost Essential customers, who would love this piece in their homes. It's a very versatile piece of furniture and Knoll is such an iconic brand - you always know you're getting quality." says Michelle.

This is a lovely example of the the design classic Knoll “Florence” leather bench. Like so many of her ground breaking designs that became the gold standard for the industry, Florence Knoll’s 1954 lounge collection has made its way into the pantheon of modern classics. The Knoll Studio logo and Florence Knoll’s signature are stamped into the base of the frame to guarantee authenticity. It can be used as a bench, ottoman or coffee table.

4.  “Kate” Sofa from Fest Amsterdam

"I chose this purely for the colour. I grew up in France and this shade evokes so many fond childhood memories of the holidays along the Côte d'Azur." says Michelle.

A lovely yellow wool made to order Kate sofa by Fest Amsterdam. Barely used and covered in yellow wool Kvardrat fabric with a beech frame.

5. Charles Sofa (Antonio Citerrio for B&B Italia)

"Without doubt this is a statement piece. I would definetly have it reupholstred, perhaps in a soft blush colour to contrast against one of the darker walls in my house. Tempting indeed." says Michelle.

The name, Charles is a tribute to 50’s and 60’s design and gains its name from legendary designer Charles Eames who created some of the most popular designs during the mid-twentieth century. The Charles sofa was designed and created in 1997 by Italian architect and designer Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia and is universally known as the protagonist of modern lifestyle.

Charles is B&B Italia’s best-seller, and rightfully so. This contemporary sofa features a distinctive lightness, both from its body and chrome inverted “L”- shaped feet. The body is crafted from B&B Italia’s signature tubular steel internal frame which is covered in comforting flexible cold shaped polyurethane foam. This body is then blanketed with B&B Italia’s stylish and luxurious fabrics or leathers, but if you’d like this item upholstered in a custom fabric then LOT can have this arranged for you.

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We'd like to thank Michelle for creating her edit of our LOTs this month. Her brand, Almost Essential acts as an online blackbook directory to London's best and most trusted products and services, just when you need them. We love what she's doing and reccomend you go take a look.