Amthal Karim – Head of Design at Furniture And Choice – shares her monthly overview of on-trend styles and interior looks currently inspiring furniture buyers.
Modular sofas were the highlight in seating innovation at Milan Design week last month. While it mayseem that luxury goods and sustainability are top of the list for Gen Z customers, the evidence shows that in fact it’s long-lasting practicality at a reasonable cost that appeals. So, whether renting or purchasing, the rise in popularity of modular sofas is being driven by strong demand for multi-functional, adaptable furniture — and of course style.
The modular sofa has notably evolved since originating in the 1970s. Gone are the uncomfortable boxy arms, dated padded sections, high back and corduroy upholstery. Today the appeal of modern designs is more about combining architectural interest, visual appeal and form. Contemporary modulars deliver on visual aesthetics and the ability to adapt a seating arrangement in minutes. Sinuous curves combine with low-slung backs to create fat, cosy shapes that are super comfortable — enveloping the body — it’s no longer about sitting on the sofa, it’s about lounging in it.
Inspired by a combination of trends, high-end sofa designers are now taking modular sofas to the next level. Tufting is big news — timeless upholstery reinvented with exaggerated bubble-shapes reminiscent of the 1970s. And the return of raw materials in furniture design has given way to sofas inlaid with wooden accents, or entire floating platforms for cushions to sit on so tables can be built seamlessly into the frame.
These contemporary modular sofas adapt and exaggerate the best features of recent design. For example, the traditional L-shape sofa has been augmented with multiple chaises so that everyone can put their feet up — modular sofas are so often now seen in fashionable cinema room seating. This adaptability has led to new formats such as u-shapes, and the introduction of curved sections have allowed customers to create linear or semi-circular arrangements — unique personalisation of their interior space.
Undoubtedly, the modular sofa revival re-imagines every element of its original 1970s counterpart in the best way. It seems that Gen Z customers really know what they want, and that’s design that doesn’t just look good but also enhances their lifestyle.
