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A taste of Italy in Naomi Ōsaka’s executive office

Naomi Ōsaka, the record-breaking Japanese professional tennis player, chose the Jera Italian executive desk by LAS Mobili for her office in California.

After being selected as “Newcomer of the Year” by the Women’s Tennis Association in 2016, Naomi Ōsaka won her first WTA tour in 2018. She became the world’s No. 1 ranked player in women’s tennis following her Grand Slam wins at the 2018 U.S. Open and the 2019 Australian Open. She also was the first Asian player to reach this top ranking.
Her serve was clocked at 125 miles (201 km) per hour, one of the fastest serves ever recorded in the women’s game. She was the 16th woman to have won four Grand Slam singles championships.

La Mercanti sales team worked with Deborah Haylock, Business Manager at Savitsky, Satin, Bacon & Bucci, to find the best options and finishes to match Naomi’s office and arrange delivery and installation.

The colour combination they chose is the brown ash wooden finish and grey faux leather. The contrast between the dark thick top and the bottom panels upholstered in light grey makes the office look elegant and impressive at the same time.
The L-shape desk includes a monolithic return on the right side with a wide storage space equipped with two doors and two drawers. Moreover, we added a black rectangular grommet for wire management and a grey faux leather insert on the desktop to match the open modesty panel and legs.

The Jera collection is characterized by thick and impressive surfaces, alternating different volumes and materials. The desktop comes in a lot of finishes: grey elm, brown ash and bali walnut that can be combined with two different faux leather options namely anthracite and grey.
The characteristic design of the Jera executive office desk brings out the impressiveness of straight and thick shapes. This collection, composed of desks, meeting and coffee tables, wall modular cabinets, sofas, executive and meeting chairs, is the best option for modern executive offices and dynamic environments.

La Mercanti was delighted to furnish Naomi Ōsaka’s office!

Salone del Mobile 2022: many innovations for the contract sector and not only

At the beginning of June, took place in Milan the most awaited event in the world of design furniture: the 60th edition of the Salone del Mobile. After the stop due to the pandemic, it was a first step towards a new normality. For the return as a live event, the turnout was beyond expectations, a sign of quality, commitment, cohesion and a great desire to come together and get going again.

The Milan Design Week is the most important international showcase, an event that has always highlighted quality, innovation, beauty and sustainability: key words for industry professionals. As Maria Porro, President of the Salone del Mobile in Milan, pointed out: “The Salone del Mobile has always been a catalyst for creativity and energy. It is a generator of beauty, inclusion, new opportunities. (…) A point of reference for the entire design community”.

There are always many companies to expose and make known to the world their news. Among the exhibiting brands La Palma, which has always proposed through fluid and informal environments, furnishing solutions created to accompany the ever-changing experiences of contemporary living. Awarded for its 40 years of participation in the Milan Design Week, La Palma has completely renewed its space alternating with the iconic collections, the news 2022. Among the others: the Jazz bookcase; the original and comfortable Wing Tip lounge armchair; the Foil chair and the Glove and Cross stools. Items suitable to leave different environments: waiting rooms, restaurants, airports, offices, gardens and homes.

Of course, Pedrali participated too in the international design event, presenting twelve new collections, the result of rigorous research and important collaborations with Italian and international designers. Some of these are: the sober and welcoming Lamorisse armchair; the Nolita Sofa that recalls the origins of Pedrali products and at the same time the lightness of the novelty; the Souvenir monobloc seats, colorful and suitable for any outdoor environment and also many functional and versatile furnishing accessories.

The large Arper space could not fail to host several innovations, games between transparencies and dynamic colors, harmonious shapes and versatile systems. The products presented by Arper bring out the important relationship between man and nature through durable and timeless furnishings in which lightness and simplicity are enhanced. Some Arper items have been improved by modifying their shape, materials or colors, to adapt them to new spaces and at the same time to reflect the progress made in materials and technology. The Juno chair, for example, is just one of these “revitalized” products whose design has been improved using more sustainable materials. So was born a Juno 02. lighter but no less durable and in new color variations that adapt to delicate environments with soft nuances that are inspired by nature.

The Milan Design Week brought together the international design community to present and enhance new proposals both for compact spaces or transformable interiors and for multifunctional furnishings for every environment, always quality furnishings, which find in the Salone the most important showcase. In fact, the Salone del Mobile has always been an intense week of productive exchanges about sustainability and opening up to new markets.

La Mercanti luxury contract project in California

Founded by Renee Wolfenson, Casa Stilo is a Calabasas based high-end interior design firm specializing in exclusive private residence, luxury multi-unit building and commercial property designs. La Mercanti worked with Renee on an important office project in California.

The lounge area has been furnished with Arcos chairs and a Meety table by Arper. With its sled base and elliptic-shaped armrests, the Arcos collection evokes the elegance of archways in classical architecture. The aesthetic features of this product are enhanced by the chromatic balance between the colour of the structure and the fabric upholstery. Inspired by the architectural structure of bridges, the Meety conference table perfectly integrates its aluminium legs into the black round top.
We added some Lem stools, the most iconic item by Lapalma, designed by Shin and Tomoko Azumi. With its minimalist profile, LEM has the ability to adapt in many environments and for different purposes. The force of the matte metal base is mitigated into the curved shapes of the wooden seat, lending this stool an unmistakable look inspired by the Less is more philosophy.

The common areas have been made livelier with La Cividina sofas in shades of ink and greyish blue. Designed in 1967 by Pierre Paulin, the Osaka sofa challenged the dominant rationalism of that time with winding shapes and endless seating solutions that can be created by joining together straight and round modules. The Suiseki sofa is a collection of padded seats inspired by the Japanese art of arranging stones. The harmonious lack of alignment takes the place of geometric shapes. All the modules are characterized by essential volumes arranged in balanced staggered configurations consisting of three core building blocks: a low, broad seat, a backrest and an armrest. They can be combined with each other in an offset display of heights, widths and depths in order to create a unique and sculpturesque sofa.

Moreover, we added a Log chair by Pedrali: a fully upholstered one-volume-seating that welcomes the body gently, combining the sculptural aspect with surprising lightness. The right mix of formal balance, stability and comfort has been achieved by reducing the volume gradually, through a careful process of modelling, same as for a sculpture.

As for the executive chairs, we selected the Sit.it collection by Sitland: a contemporary and linear office chair which ensures the best comfort, thanks to the padded cushions and the elegance of the leather upholsteries. With its functional and attractive design, Sit.It interprets the taste and needs of the executive office. We choose the Nasdaq KERAMIK modern desk designed by Paolo Cattelan, a combination of geometrical shapes and materials with a monolith effect. The floating wooden drawer defies gravity, anchored to the graphite embossed steel leg which cuts through the space with a sharp diagonal. The dark top in marble finish has continuous rust-orange and white veins on the top and side which strengthens the architectural identity of the desk.
Lastly, the meeting table Raj by Gallotti & Radice with an oval glass top and bright stainless steel bases. Raj is the transparency that is surrounded by the elegance of the chromed finish with a timeless style. It is an essential and contemporary collection which creates a game of perfect aesthetic balance between straight and curved lines.

 

Nice reception desk for a medical clinic in France

The reception desk is just like a business card. It represents a very important element for every company as it is the first point of contact between employees, guests and customers.
The reception area should have a positive impact on the visitors and allow them to learn more about the company’s culture and the level of service they can expect. Reception desks are crucial for the first impression that prospective and existing clients get of the company.

Recently, La Mercanti worked with a French existing customer to find the best solution for their reception area. In 2020 they chose a refined executive desk and some cabinets from the Sestante collection by IFT – Ideal Form Team in white lacquered and dark walnut finishes.
This time we helped them create a welcoming atmosphere in the reception area of their medical clinic in Bénodet, western France, with the Nice reception desk by LAS Mobili: a modular reception system composed of different elements such as desk tops, storage units and design components, enriched by accessories that can be combined to design compositions of great complexity and strong visual impact.
With its minimalism, Nice creates an atmosphere of fine functionality and meets the needs of the operators. They selected a linear configuration, almost 4 metres wide, that stands out for its clear lines and for the combination of different materials and finishes. They requested a white customised finish combination for the desk tops and back panels. The front horizontal panels are in Bali walnut, with upper front bands and shelves in extra white glass. The two side panels are edged with satin chrome aluminium profile.

Nice meets all needs without ever losing its elegance and provides the company with a clear image of itself: the toughened glass shelves stand out its wooden parts. This product also comes in L or U shaped variants and many other colours.
Linear panels, elegant glass surfaces, practical worktops and wire management accessories give shape to the Nice collection, a reception desk designed to furnish and welcome with personality and style.
Minimalism and clean design are the characteristics of a system designed to meet the needs of representation in a modern working environment. Nice is characterised by its simple in-line modules for defining the space of the first contact, giving the reception a fresh and dynamic image that emphasises the professionalism of the company.

New office furnishing trends

This year is full of many new trends in office furnishing, a place where people often spend a large part of their day. For this reason, it makes sense to furnish it with care in all aspects, including design accessories.

One of the aspects that is given a lot of importance lately, when deciding to furnish an office with Italian office furniture is the choice of colours, which are able to influence human moods and perceptions and make working environments more or less comfortable.
In 2022, neutral tones of natural colours that convey relaxation, tranquillity and energy are making their mark. Among these is the popular olive green used for walls and office furniture, which brings a new touch to the daily routine, gives positivity and naturalness. An alternative to green is currently soft beige, which is often used as a backdrop for more unusual furnishing elements. Blue and yellow are also trendy colours in office furniture. They create a chic and refined ambience but are also energetic and positive, conveying a lot of confidence.
Many architects who design modern offices, opt for the combination of the colour white with wood to create environments with a minimal, elegant and contemporary style!

So go ahead with neutral colours that evoke natural elements, increasing the good mood in the office and consequently the productivity levels of workers, improving attention, motivation and security. This is how being ‘green’ literally and figuratively takes hold.
The colours you choose also influence the style in which you want to furnish your office. An evergreen is classic furnishing in which furniture with strong colours is chosen to create an influential and reliable environment. The modern style, on the other hand, prefers bold or softer colours to create a minimalist and refined ambience, also using cutting-edge materials, more or less expensive, that look at industrial design, with modular furniture in dark colours and metal structures with wooden tops that are both beautiful to look at and practical to use.
Wood, metal and glass are the materials that, combined or chosen individually, give an office an up-to-date look; these materials are joined by leather for the armchairs and iron accessories, which are essential for this type of office.
Materials such as wood and glass in an office, are practical and functional, and by creating simple lines give a refined look.

Whatever stylistic trend you choose when furnishing your office, it is essential to maintain homogeneity and consistency between colours and materials. Office furnishings, which are often not considered important, must instead be carefully selected to match the furnishings and create a sense of stylistic uniformity. Among the furnishing complements that fit well with any style are the office accessories by Caimi Brevetti such as: coat hangers, baskets, umbrella stands and desk accessories, designed for collective environments that stand out thanks to a design able to satisfy different demands in terms of personal taste and use. Objects suitable for small or large spaces, with minimalist or high-impact. Then there are the glass mirrors by Fiam that create refined environments, or the extravagant vases by Serralunga in the most varied colours and shapes that make work environments energetic and welcoming.

The guarantee of Made in Italy acts as a trait d’union between the different stylistic choices. The care and perennial drive for innovation and quality materials make Made in Italy something that few would give up.

Cozy and comfortable italian desks for Radici Group in Ohio

Radici Group is one of the most active Italian chemicals manufacturers at an international level. The headquarters is in Italy, but it has several branches in many countries across the US. La Mercanti provided the Ohio location with new executive desks and storage units.

Seven offices have been furnished with Planeta desk, an Italian executive office furniture line inspired by daily life and composed of a wide range of furnishing elements able to solve the most varied design needs.
The finish of the top is tobacco oak wood with the side service unit in white glossy laminate with internal pedestal and open bookcase on the back. Both the leg and structure are in aluminum.
This executive range stands out for functionality and for the elegant and minimalistic design.

The squared meeting table and the storage units that complete the office spaces are all characterized by the same

aesthetic sign: simple geometries, based on essential lines and shapes, intersect each other and create a highly elegant ensemble. The minimalist effect is dissolved and at the same time enhanced by the combination of different finishes, which further emphasize the geometric character of the compositions.
The meeting table with white glossy laminate top and aluminum base perfectly matches the style of the conference chairs. Passe-partout, designed by Sergio Bellin, is a seat that meets all comfort and styling requirements. With its simple and dainty line, and its modern cut, it is elegant and refined. The client chose to have these chairs on a sled chromed base and with the upholstery in black genuine leather.

La Mercanti team has been pleased to contribute to the customer’s project, paying attention to the details and without ever losing sight of practicality. The result is the creation of office spaces tailored to the person needs and focused on the ergonomics and well-being in the work environment.

How to furnish the modern conference room

We have spent the last two years without being able to use what has always been the nerve center of an office: the meeting room. The room in which relationships are built with the team, customers or business partners, the room that frames important decisions for the company and serves as a business card, along with the reception.

Now that activities are resuming the regular course, even the meeting room is once again an important and necessary place for the office. Of course, however, the measures to be adopted have changed, we already notice this from what we see through the mass media. Meetings of political leaders, take place on precious tables but of considerable size so as to maintain important distances between the participants, impressive tables and comfortable chairs so as not to divert attention from the discussion. This is also reflected in small and large enterprises.

Meetings have always been a crucial moment for the activities of companies and they are returning strongly to be so, for this reason the meeting room should always be taken care of in every detail. Furniture through shapes and colors should have a positive effect on people.

Let’s see what are the basic elements to furnish a modern meeting room:

–  The table is the main element around which business strategies revolve. The dimensions depend on the measurements of the environment in which it will be placed. One of the new trends is the spacious table, which can allow people to be far apart from each other. It is usually placed in the middle of the room.
Other important aspects to consider for the table are: the power sources (often you connect to a computer, smartphone, and so on), the design, the materials and the finishes (there are for all styles, in wood, glass, laminate, leather, and so on) and the shape (rectangular, square, circular).

–  The chairs, must be comfortable, so that the attention does not shift to the spasmodic search for a comfortable position

Low storage cabinets for storing meeting materials

–  Furnishing accessories, which can enhance the environment and at the same time make it more comfortable. Among these the sound-absorbing panels, now available in colors and shapes of great design, which therefore combine the acoustic and decorative function; the technical office curtains for office, so that you can modulate the light when using screens and of course accessories such as coat hangers, umbrella stands, pen holders, baskets and so on.

The meeting room must therefore ensure maximum comfort, stimulate concentration and productivity, put people at ease.

Functional and minimalist executive furniture for Capri Holdings’ office in Montreal

Capri Holdings, a very important global fashion luxury group including iconic brands, leaders in design, style and craftsmanship, chose the Fortyfive Ninety collection by IFT – Ideal Form Team for their executive office in Montreal, Canada. Our sales team worked in perfect sync with both Capri Holdings teams in New York and Montreal to coordinate the choice of the best office furniture solution and finishes, to arrange shipping and delivery.

The characteristic design of the Fortyfive Ninety executive modern office desk brings out the simplicity of angular shapes and straight lines. This system, composed of desks, meeting tables and storage units, is the suitable option for contemporary executive and management offices with dynamic environments. Functional and minimalist details ensure stability and large legroom, indeed it is an executive collection designed to make it easier for people to work.

The Fortyfive Ninety desk they selected is a rectangular executive desk with matte white lacquered wooden top 15 mm thick, sealed with anti-yellowing water-based varnish. The legs, the frames and the beams that make up the structure are made of aluminium in bright white finish. All the elements used for the wire management are made of varnished aluminum (top access, cable trays and carter).

As for the storage space, they chose a modular low cabinet composed of three doors in matte white lacquered finish with a structure in London Grey Walnut and aluminium brill details.
Forty-five and ninety represents two sizes, two angles, two directions cutting through space which, thanks to the designer’s creativity, result in a wide range of solutions capable of accommodating even the most complex requirements. Clear candour of essential lines, the merger of technique and art in a powerful solution consisting of pure volumes and tiny details. Small geometrical alchemies. The unique ability of stirring emotions through the evident simplicity of forms.

This collection was designed by Roberto Garbugli who works for companies specialized in the furniture sector, developing solutions for the most important Italian companies. In his view designing is not fulfilling a commission but interpreting it, working at it with personality to give meaning to an object which will have its own life, versatility of context and a long, useful career. And here Roberto Garbugli is a master of this art, offering guidance, blending power and sensitivity.

Fortyfive Ninety represents the meeting point between innovation and quality: all the elements are the perfect combination to express elegance and linearity.

The desktops are proposed in a lot of variants and colours: veneer wood, lacquered, glossy and matte glass finishes, ceramic in marble finishes and leather that can be combined with three different metal options (brill, matte black or matte white).
It is an essential and dynamic collection which creates a game of perfect aesthetic balance. Basic elements and metal edges for clean-cut shapes and contemporary style.