In a compelling and visually dynamic collaboration, design studio Studio Truly Truly has partnered with Australian brand Design By Them to create the Press seating collection. The new armchair and bench duo is a masterful exploration of contrasts, deliberately creating a dialogue between strength and softness. The core of the design is a dramatic juxtaposition of plump, pillowy cushions with a rigid, angular wooden frame. Founders of the studio, Joel Booy and Kate Booy, explain that they have long been “interested in sculpting upholstery with a simple gesture of pressure,” and this collection brings that artistic fascination to the forefront. The result is a series of pieces that are both engagingly sculptural and profoundly comfortable, showcasing a unique “visual play” that defines the furniture’s identity.
Sculpting with Pressure
The Press collection is founded on a single, powerful design concept: the idea of sculpting with a force of pressure. Studio Truly Truly has long explored this theme in their work, but in this collection, they introduce a new element—wood—to lend a “functional and aesthetic visual play.” The plumpness of the cushions appears to be contained and shaped by the rigid wooden frame. This is a deliberate gesture, making it seem as though the cushions have been squeezed into place, a permanent record of an applied force.
This artistic approach gives the upholstery a unique character that distinguishes it from more traditional, soft-edged furniture. The cushions are not simply placed upon the frame; they are an integral part of its form. The design invites a closer look, a moment of contemplation on how such a soft material can be so elegantly held in place by a hard, angular structure. It is a creative exploration of the relationship between materials, showing how two opposing elements can be brought together to create a harmonious and visually interesting whole.
The Drama of Juxtaposition
The central tenet of the Press seating collection is its dramatic juxtaposition of materials. The “softness of the upholstery” is intentionally exaggerated by the “brutality and rigidity of the timber.” This contrast is what gives the pieces their unique visual identity and a sense of dynamic tension. The cushions, with their generous depth and invitingly rounded forms, are finished with elegant French seams, a detail that speaks to their high-quality craftsmanship. They appear almost to be spilling over the clean, straight lines of the wooden frame, creating a playful and engaging visual dialogue.
The frame itself, made of solid FSC-certified oak wood, is robust and angular, a sturdy foundation for the pillowy cushions. This combination of soft and hard, plump and lean, is key to the collection’s drama. It creates a striking silhouette that makes the armchair and bench stand out in any space. This deliberate contrast is not just for show; it enhances the perception of comfort and strength, making the pieces feel both secure and inviting.
Comfort and Craftsmanship
Beyond its compelling aesthetic, the Press collection is built with a strong focus on user comfort and quality craftsmanship. Both the armchair and the bench are designed with a generous seat depth, inviting a sense of relaxation and leisure. The deep seats allow for a truly comfortable sitting experience, making the pieces as practical as they are beautiful. This attention to comfort ensures that the collection is not just a sculptural statement but a piece of furniture meant to be used and enjoyed.
The materials themselves speak to a commitment to quality and sustainability. The use of FSC-certified solid oak wood ensures that the timber is sourced from responsibly managed forests, a crucial consideration in modern design. The upholstery is offered in a curated selection of fabrics from renowned textile manufacturers Kvadrat and Maharam, known for their durability, quality, and wide range of sophisticated colors and textures. This combination of responsible material sourcing and high-end fabrication ensures that the Press collection is built to last, a testament to its enduring quality.
An Engaging, Sculptural Quality
The Press collection transcends the typical definition of furniture, achieving a distinct “sculptural quality” that makes each piece a visual focal point in a room. The way the cushions interact with the wooden frame creates a unique form that is engaging from every angle. The pieces look different depending on the perspective, a testament to the three-dimensional nature of the design. They are not merely objects to be sat on but forms to be appreciated and admired.
This sculptural quality is a direct result of the design’s core philosophy. By exploring the effects of pressure and juxtaposition, Studio Truly Truly has created furniture that feels alive and dynamic. The interplay of soft and hard materials, and the resulting visual tension, gives the collection a character that is both sophisticated and bold. The armchair and bench can easily serve as a centerpiece in a residential living room or an elegant and inviting seating option in a hotel lobby or office space.
A Collaborative Vision
The Press collection is a successful culmination of a shared vision between a European design studio and an Australian brand. Studio Truly Truly’s sophisticated and conceptual design approach finds a perfect partner in Design By Them’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and local manufacturing. The collaboration has resulted in a collection that is both intellectually engaging and visually compelling, a product that is not afraid to challenge conventional design norms.
The Press armchair and bench represent a significant contribution to the world of contemporary furniture. They demonstrate that by pushing the boundaries of material relationships and embracing the tension between opposing forces, it is possible to create furniture that is not only functional but also artful, a true dialogue of strength and softness, beautifully realized.
