B&B Italia: Modular, Functional, and Fit for The Outdoors

Antonio Citterio brought forth a variety of new pieces including both large and small seats for the home. The new seating arrangement, “Michele Effe,” is a modular sofa that branches off of his first sofa from its original 2012 series. A total of 36 modular elements, including five ottomans and four linear sofas, are all framed in pewter painted finish, adding to the black chrome and bronzed nickel that already exists in the collection. With focus on a lightweight appearance, these furnishings are fit for those who prefer to hide their furniture’s density, and focus on lighter aspects. Citterio also debuted an extension of his Michel collection with “Michel Club,” a high-set lounge seat. Back cushions complemented by a convenient headrest allow for ultimate comfort in both formal and familiar settings. The new “Charlotte” chair consists of an aluminum frame and thick leather cushions, and comes in bottle green, bordeaux, and black.

“The Mirto Collection” offers a contemporary, classic outdoor furniture option for a range of dining tables. Three rectangular and two square models complement the rest of the collection: a console, a bench, and different sized tables. Frames in white or dove grey, or wooden slatted, natural brushed Iroko, complete its elegant look.

Belgian architect and designer Vincent Van Duysen presented his “Oskar” table for more architectural tradition in terms of furnishings. The top of the table’s curves, coupled with the design of its frame, allows for proportional elements and eye-catching materials to shine. Its materials (Cathedral glass that boasts a beautiful light green shade, white Statuarietto marble, black Marquinia marble, and natural wood) all have a lacquered finish and enhance the rectangular and square tables’ appearance. Duysen also introduced his new “Surface” drawer units for storage and functionality, and they are all made up of the same materials from his Oskar table series.

Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa presented his “Papilio Shell” chair and offered the armchair in a few different options. A plastic shell in white, dove, grey, or black is available, as is a padded, upholstered version in an array of fabrics. The tubular oak wood legs allow for sophistication, while the plastic shell allows for stacking.

Patricia Urquiola presented new versions of her collection “Husk,” extending its materials, and its perception. The base is now offered in light, black, grey, or smoked oak wood or aluminum, and can come with or without castors in an array of finishes. Urquiola also introduced the first padded furniture in the B&B Italia Outdoor collection with “Butterfly,” a large, modular arrangement that has an ottoman at its base. Through using a joint system, corner solutions, and front-facing layouts, its large weave pattern and polyethylene fibers allow for a casual, sensible piece. Two finishes—white Carrara Statuarietto marble and thermotreated ash wooden slats—enhance its aluminum frame, and offer something truly unique for the realm of outdoor furniture.