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Intricate or minimalist, these designs stand out with a creative twist.
Based in Milan, designer and art director Serena Confalonieri works with Italian and international companies on an array of projects. From product and furniture design to textile and graphic design, her work stands out from the crowd with a blend of imaginative concepts and a playful approach to design. Since introducing her first design, the Flamingo rug made for Nodus, Serena Confalonieri has built an impressive portfolio. Her designs include both intricate objects that pay homage to different world cultures, and minimalist furniture designed with a creative twist.
Tan Tan series of tagine bowls for Bitossi Home
Eye-catching objects that are as vibrant as they are practical
In 2016, Serena Confalonieri collaborated with Elena Salmistraro to design the Tan Tan series of tagine bowls for Bitossi Home. The collection celebrates multi-ethnic influences in the world of food. The bowls re-interpret the traditional earthenware vessels with a contemporary design. They feature linear shapes and simple geometric forms as well as vibrant colors and a playful character. Made from polished terracotta, the Tan Tan series brings a touch of brightness to modern kitchens.
Part of the Best of Italy project that promotes Italian artisanal traditions from different areas of the country, Afra is a figurative vase reminiscent of a swimmer’s face. Inspired by both Art Deco illustrations and traditional African masks, the vase features an engraved face. The colored cap doubles as a bowl. For the Afra series, the designer worked with well-known ceramicist Franco Fasan, from the Grottaglie district, Puglia.
A celebration of Bauhaus’ 100th anniversary, Arabesque references the Triadic Ballet dance developed in the German school in the 1920s. In a similar way to the dance’s three geometric shapes and colors, the series boasts eye-catching volumes and bright hues. The intricate designs double as art objects. At the same time, they provide a perfect solution to rejuvenate a space and create a visual symphony between the natural beauty of flowers and the intricacy of the glass sculptures.
Minimalist furniture with a strong character
While minimalist and elegant, the designer’s furniture design projects incorporate bold elements. For example, the Baba armchair for My Home Collection references tribal dresses and their strategic use of color. The armchair features a creative backrest design, with plush padding wrapped in a curved cylinder around a metal support. Likewise, the Ula chair has a distinctive design that plays with the contrast between a thin steel frame and colorful textiles. The curved steel backrest supports a rounded cushion but also curves downward to form the armrests and the front legs. Whether complex or simple, vibrantly colored or featuring subtle hue differences, Serena Confalonieri’s designs have a bold presence in interiors and add an artistic accent to living spaces. Photographs© Andrea Agrati, Massimo Gardone, Andrea Garuti, and Matteo Imbriani.
