The first winner of the “Innovation of the Year” prize, Wouter Myny has designed the SecretAir – The discrete home office sideboard to cope with the current need of “Home Office” as well as the general increase of having a working desk at home, without having a spare room.

This piece of furniture originates from the need to have a home office integrated into the living room. The annoyance of an untidy desk messing up a living room and the constant reminder of the work to be done started the process of finding a better solution.

The design brief was simple: High-end home office solution which is comfortable and practical during working hours, invisible after work. Should be able to produce in series and not take to much space.

The product is an innovative solution where known technology is integrated to make the best of both worlds: working and living. With “SecretAir” you can work efficiently at a fully equipped office desk in your living room during the day. When the working day is over and on weekends, the office is effortlessly transformed into a nice sideboard, bringing back the tranquil atmosphere of home.

Manually open the sideboard middle door. By levering the lower panel, the rest of the plates follow in a discrete groove on each side of the door. When completely open, the door locks safely in a snap position. The small lid is fixated with a magnet on both insides of the two front panels.

By pressing the up/down-button (physical button or in the app), two electrical, synchronized actuators are activated. Adjust the height of the table to your preferred sit position. Sketching needs a different height then PC work. Children can do homework on their preferred height. Just add a comfortable chair and enjoy your work, studies or hobby.

In the end of the working day, simply lower the desk and close the doors.

“SecretAir is a project developed besides daytime work. It has great potential. I would like to bring the product to the market in cooperation with a furniture company. Further development of an entire product family is also of interest” said Wouter Myny. More information available on his website.

Los Angeles, CA – The prestigious SIT Furniture Design Award is pleased to reveal the SIT 2020 Winners in professionals’ and students’ categories.

SIT Furniture Design Award ™️ was created to recognize the efforts of talented international furniture designers, Interior Designer and Interior decorators that use furniture in their space design. The SIT Award celebrates creativity and shares furniture designers’ innovative vision with the world.

The SIT Award Jury board members evaluated all submissions from 53 countries, based not only on the highest of current Furniture design standards and trends but also seeking out truly visionary Interior designers showcasing creativity and innovation.

As we struggle this year with an unprecedented challenge, it’s important to showcase designer’s strategic thinking and imagination that goes into making great Furniture. While reorganizing our lives from home and changing life long habits, Interior Designers have a major role in redefining “private” versus “working spaces” and adapting furniture.” Said Hossein Farmani, adding that “industrial designers help in improving our daily life; therefore, their efforts should be recognized.”

𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: Sage by David Rockwell for Benchmark by Rockwell Group

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: Country Garden Nantong Riverbank Sales Office by Vanpin Architecture Design

𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: SecretAir – The discrete home office sideboard by Wouter Myny

𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫: MEMORIA Chair by Sergio Sesmero Vázquez

𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫: Le Fer Plat V by Crystal Martin

Congratulations to all 2020 winners!

The prestigious SIT Furniture Design Award is pleased to reveal the SIT 2020 Winners in professionals’ and students’ categories.

SIT Furniture Design Award ™️ was created to recognize the efforts of talented international furniture designers, Interior Designer, and Interior decorators that use furniture in their space design. The SIT Award celebrates creativity and shares furniture designers’ innovative vision with the world.

The SIT Award Jury board members evaluated all submissions from 53 countries, based not only on the highest of current Furniture design standards and trends but also seeking out truly visionary Interior designers showcasing creativity and innovation.

As we struggle this year with an unprecedented challenge, it’s important to showcase designer’s strategic thinking and imagination that goes into making great Furniture. While reorganizing our lives from home and changing life long habits, Interior Designers have a major role in redefining “private” versus “working spaces” and adapting furniture.” Said Hossein Farmani, adding that “industrial designers help in improving our daily life; therefore, their efforts should be recognized.”

The 5 Grands winner will be revealed at the online Winners Celebration on Saturday 24th of April, broadcast on social media at 3 PM UTC.

Congratulations to all SIT 2020 winners!

The 1st Annual SIT Furniture Design Award winners celebration will be streamed online at 3:00PM (UTC/GMT) on Saturday, April 24th.

SIT Furniture Design Award ™️ was created to recognize the efforts of talented international furniture designers, Interior Designers and Interior decorators that use furniture in their space design. The SIT Award celebrates creativity and shares furniture designers’ innovative vision with the world.

Due to the extreme circumstances of COVID-19, the Board of SIT Award decided to host an online event; to congratulate the winners, showcase a selection of winning works and reveal the Grand Winners:

  • Furniture Design of the Year
  • Interior Design of the Year
  • Innovation of the Year
  • Emerging Furniture Designer of the Year
  • Emerging Interior Designer of the year

The event will be streamed online via Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Join the 1st Annual SIT Furniture Design Award winners celebration which will be streamed online at 3:00PM (UTC/GMT) on Saturday, April 24th.

We will be congratulating the winners, showcasing a selection of winning works, and revealing the Grand Winners: Furniture Design of the Year, Interior Design of the Year, Innovation of the Year, Emerging Furniture Designer of the Year, Emerging Interior Designer of the year

The event will be streamed online via Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Give your furniture design the recognition it deserved, SIT Awards is pleased to present the official “Certificate of Achievement” given to SIT Winners and Honorable Mentions.

The SIT Furniture design Award Trophy will be given to the Five Grand Winners yearly:

  • Furniture Product Design of the Year – Professional
  • Furniture Design of the Year – Professional
  • Innovation Center Winner of the Year – Professional
  • Emerging Furniture Product Design of the Year – Student
  • Emerging Furniture Design of the Year – Student

All winners & honorable mentions will receive a certificate of Achievement and SIT Winner Seal as well as be featured on the SIT winner online directory and benefit from the all-year-round media coverage.

Amazing networking opportunities will be available at the winner’s celebration evening which takes place every second year. More information on ST Award benefits here.

The fundamentals of interior design will never change as they are what brings the elements together into a cohesive, definable, and aesthetically pleasing visual medium.

Some people do have that innate talent of transforming a room into a jaw-dropping interior space. Bringing in mixes and matches of great finds from thrift stores and even from bargain home depot shops, these talented people can bring together the elements into a stunning and tasteful interior.

Although there’s no magic when it comes to interior design, instead, it’s how one makes use of these basic principles. Much like professional designers, where following these fundamentals are paramount in creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces.

  1. Harmony. According to Francis D.K. Ching, author of Interior Design Illustrated, “harmony creates a feeling of wholeness. It is usually achieved when the parts complement each other in a way where they have something in common”.

But, note that creating harmony doesn’t mean designing without variety. There should be a balance between the two to create a vibrant and cohesive interior design.

A worth-mentioning type of harmony in interior design is color: Color Harmony. A room’s color or hue is probably the first thing we notice in a room and as a universal language that can convey a myriad of emotions and meanings. As an essential and fundamental principle and the element of interior design, it can affect the overall look of a room. As bright and neutral colors bounce off light, it can make a room look seem larger while dark hues, on the other hand, can make a room cozier and smaller.

  1. Creating a balance of elements in interior design means there is a harmonious coming-together of elements, such as shape, color, pattern, and texture. With a unified and with just the right qualities and amount of each basic element you should be able to create a visually comfortable and pleasing overall look.

Ways to Create Balance: Symmetrical Balance. Usually has a focal point. It is where assigning a central point where elements are used similarly to each side. This is demonstrated on one-point perspectives in painting and visual graphics. Asymmetrical Balance. Unlike symmetrical, the form, color, and other basic elements may not be duplicated, but instead, use different elements but still have the same perceived weight or intensity. This still achieves balance from the center point.

  1. This fundamental in interior design is sometimes ignored or sometimes overlooked which can affect the overall design. The scale is how the basic elements relate to one another and the users in terms of size and scale. For instance, a ceiling-high window can look overwhelming as a backdrop for a loveseat with no other adjacent elements. To create an effective and proportional scale, always design for the users. Take note, scale differs from proportion, where refers to the size of the parts of an object in relation to other parts of the same object.
  1. Rhythm. Like music, moving interior design can be created through the basic elements of rhythm. This can be achieved through the repetition of color, patterns, and forms. This creates continuity and flow of design elements through space.

For instance, for a Savanah themed interior, you can use leaf-patterned wallpaper with green shades. Taking a cue from this pattern, you can choose to have similar leaf prints on your throw rugs or even on your sofa covers. Add sculptural vases with avocado green hues on reddish wood oak center tables and embellish the ceiling with black chrome-plated drop pendants to finish the look.

  1. This fundamental principle is probably the most commonly used if not overly emphasized in many interior designs. That’s because the juxtaposition of elements has always provided excitement in designing interiors.

Contrast is an essential aspect of creating designed spaces. In an interior designer’s book, contrast is an effective way to emphasize a focal point or how to showcase, say sculptural furniture. Repetition and similarity can be blunt, and with contrast, it can make elements pop.

 

Even the best successful designers do break the rules when it comes to principles of design. But, if ever they do so, typically, a commendable quality is at stake. Unless you have gained extensive experience in interior design, it is still best to follow these fundamentals. If you’re ready, then you may bend a rule or two!

 

Choosing to work at home has never been rewarding, with the advent of internet technology the possibilities are endless.

For employees who have transitioned from working at the office to being a home-based employee, getting into the mood to work can be difficult, especially if you have limited space in your home. Kids running around, dogs barking, and other distracting occurrences in your home can affect your productivity. The great thing is that you can transform your home office into a conducive and inspiring workspace with simple decorative items. Adding ornamental items not only help you become functional but can also induce creativity and interest with the look and feel of your home office.

Key Design Features:

Whatever reason you choose to have a home office, working at home is still basically “working”. For this reason, you will need to set up a corner or space in your home that will encourage you to not slack off, be productive, and free from destructions.

Look for the Right Spot. Squeezing an office space in a living area can be challenging, especially for tight spaces.

Choose an area with the most minimal household or neighborhood noise. It would also save you energy bills to have good daylighting but without the glare all throughout the day.

For homes with generous spaces, you can choose an unused den, attic, a porch, or an extended room to your garden or lawn. Meanwhile, for tighter spaces, you can choose down below a flight of stairs or just any corner of a room but you’ll need high dividers and screens to create privacy.

Create Privacy. Defining your work area from your living space helps you get focused and organized.

Sliding panels are a good choice for both large and small spaces. If you have the budget, choose a sturdy framing for frosted glass or acrylic sheets to hold unto.

Foldable dividers, drop-down curtains, and high shelving are for cheaper options.

Provide Ample Storage. Know how much storage you need. You can choose open storage, that’s if you’re more of the organized type, But if you have less time in keeping your stuff tidy an enclosed storage will work better for you.

Choosing Home Office Furniture. Since most work today is paperless, a simple desk for a laptop and a comfortable chair is adequate enough. Though, if your space allows you, you can place a side desk for taking notes, or for placing a vase of flowers or décor to pump up your office area.

Collapsible desk and chair as well as shelves on wheels can be great options when you’re still trying to look for that right spot on your home.

Purchase a lazy Susan Organizer to organize smaller office items such as pens.

Whatever furniture you choose make sure they’re comfortable to use. Chairs and desks should be ergonomically designed so you don’t need to slouch or hunch when working on your laptop. Adjustable chairs and tables should be high on your checklist.

Selecting the Perfect Color Scheme. Choose a color scheme that you’re comfortable with but if unsure, you should select colors that won’t drizzle your work energy. Colors such as red and tangerine are perfect colors to pump up your desk area. If bright colors are too much for you, the blues and green hues might suit you better.

For those who really don’t see vibrant colors on their palettes, the sleek gray black and brass combo might be a perfect choice for you. The color scheme will work perfectly with industrially made furniture.

If you have furniture or an interesting piece of artwork in your home office, then work around it as well for your color scheme.

Reduce Household Noise. Eliminate if not dampen the noise by installing sound buffering or acoustic panels. Installing soundproof tiles works well in apartments and other shared residences.

Create an Inviting Space. Like any day in the office, a workstation near your home can be a tempting time to get listless. You may need to update your office abode look to make it more inspiring by adding a few touches.

Start by choosing a comfortable chair. You can either select the typically adjustable office armchair or opt for an unconventional version such as an egg-shaped office chair.

If you have a limited view outside, then painting your walls with leaf patterns can be a visual delight. Wall decals such as flowers and text prints can also add a playful atmosphere to your personal office space.

Hang on some framed pictures or quotations on your walls to add motivation.

 

Due to a younger workforce today, many of these technology-savvy employees are well-equipped in going home office. In addition, working at home seems more comfortable and productive compared to a 9 to 5 office job. Moreover, the growing numbers of affected in the pandemic continue to rise making online work more attractive than ever before.

An office at home spells out safety, more time for the family, and a chance to have an atmosphere conducive for creativity.

 

 

 

SIT Furniture Design Award™ exists to recognize, celebrate, and promote brilliant international Furniture Designers, Brands, Manufacturers, Emerging talents as well as

Visionaries enhancing our daily life with innovation.

SIT Furniture Design Awards gives 5 winning titles per year:

      • Furniture Product Design of the Year
      • Designer of the Year
      • Digital Innovation Center Winner
      • Emerging Furniture Product Design of the Year
      • Emerging Designer of the Year

 

The familiar cityscape is teemed by bustling sounds of busy streets, with sights of people scurrying through throngs of similarly preoccupied folks. But, amidst the urban strife are open public spaces that offer a breather from this ballyhoo and animated scenes. These free and open areas, more importantly, provide new pathways of interaction and the sense of community among combinations of various people.

Outdoor furniture used in these public spaces is a crucial element, as it can influence how users perceive and react to space. The outdoor furniture, just like the lighting, landscape, utilities, and other design elements, when strategically designed can create a positive impact on the usage of space. Though, unlike any other design elements in a public space, outdoor furniture offers a direct physical experience and sense of a place.

Every so often, it can be challenging on how to design elements, such as furniture into a public area, that is to achieve its designated purpose and create a space for a variety of users. More so, to strategically create a cohesive design that can endure and adapt to the future generation of users.

6 Questions to Ask when Designing Outdoor Furniture

Let us further understand the role of outdoor furniture in public spaces by answering these major questions.

  1. What is the Purpose of Public Space?

For a sound design for public furniture, one must first identify and define the type of public space. It can be a park, mall, a memorial place, community garden, or playground, each has its criteria and target users.

For instance, blue spaces with ports, marinas, rivers, and open-air streams that will need comfortable seating and safely located to appreciate the scenic views. Meanwhile, urban thinks capes are targeted for young children that will need outdoor furniture that can match whimsical and bold forms and color.

  1. Who Are the Users and Stakeholders of the Space?

Concerning the first question, the user is the foundation to build your design idea. Know the people who often visit a particular public space and at the same time, those who don’t and know the reason.

Identifying the current desired patterns of use will help the furniture’s effectivity and public space used as a whole.

Quality outdoor furniture can be costly, so knowing how much stakeholders or the community is willing to spend should be identified at the onset of a project.

  1. How People Use Space?

Before selecting the design and number of furniture to be placed, it is necessary to understand how people use the space and its purpose. For public parks, for instance, know how to encourage active outdoor use and what is sufficient. Research is needed to analyze the varying factors for different groups of individuals.

  1. How to Involve the Community into the Design?

Proactively engaging the community is one of the most effective strategies to create a sound design for a variety of users. Knowing community opinions from the very people to use the space is crucial, especially when you need to build a public park.

Getting varying opinions from different people from the community is challenging, but a worthwhile move to achieve an engaging, informative, and inspiring space for everyone. The sense of belonging and bringing people together are great advantages in involving the community.

  1. What Makes a Great Outdoor Furniture?

Generally, furniture to be used in public spaces should be comfortable, durable, resistant, functional, and easy to maintain. Ideally, public furniture should also be cohesive with the existing theme and goal of the space. An eco-labeled furniture is also a great option for public use as these are safe for human health and the environment.

  1. What are the Trends in Outdoor Furniture?

New York’s Street Smart Furniture is a good example of how technology can enhance the experience of its users. The system is targeted for the elderly and people with disabilities where they can control and adjust the smart furniture through their smartphones. After registering to the app, anyone can control the intensity of the street lights, ask for audio information, where extra places are to the site, and more depending on the setting.

Parks are great equalizers, as they help bring together various people together. Striking conversations and relationships brought about the activities encouraged in the commonplace. With design elements such as furniture, these become links and guides on how people should utilize a space. Its effectivity depends highly on the design strategies, thinking, and principles of its designers.

 

 

 

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.