These coveted collectibles from 20th and early 21st-century icons, along with eye-catching pieces from contemporary creators, show that while women are outnumbered by men in the world of furniture design, they are not outclassed. Eye-catching, distinctive and built to last, these furnishings — from five contemporary female furniture designers at the top of their game — will go the distance.
5-Bulb Clamp Light CL.05.01 by Lindsey Adelman
Upcycling never looked as effortlessly glam as this modern-day chandelier from Lindsey Adelman Studio. It is made from Adelman’s collection of old industrial clamps (she gets these plated in brass) and molten glass, which lead glassblower Michiko Sakano blows into each clamp, then lets the form naturally slump, giving uniqueness to each fixture. Available for $42,500 from The Future Perfect.
Ace Bedside Table by Erinn Valencich
The granddaughter of a fine cabinet maker and the daughter of an architect, Valencich has an eye for beauty and beautiful furnishings. The furnishings company she founded nearly 20 years ago, Erinn V handcrafts her distinctive designs, including Ace. Shown in chinchilla oak with antique satin brass base, this piece features an offset wooden drum form, grounded by a recessed brass base. The top cantilever rests on a centered brass pin. To the trade at HEWN.
Rollick Rocking Chair by Nicole Hollis
The Bay Area-based interior designer gives a Victorian era symbol of cozy domesticity the rocker chic treatment. From the NICOLEHOLLIS Collection for McGuire, Rollick features a rattan frame and hand-woven Danish cord latticework, and exudes refined simplicity with a touch of boldness. To the trade at Baker.
Charcoal Roly-Poly Dining Table by Faye Toogood
This dining table — part of a collection drawn from the British artist and designer’s experience in pregnancy and motherhood — features an elemental appearance and a round shape which suggests softness. Toogood’s work is part of permanent collections at Corning Museum of Glass and Dallas Museum of Art, among other notable museums. Starts at $15,000 at MARCH.
Sideways Sofa by Rikke Frost
As part of the TV program Denmark’s Next Classic, the Danish designer created this sofa, which won in its category. The asymmetric shape is modern, while the materials are classic (solid wood, woven paper cord and textile) — an elegant expression of Frost’s ongoing interest in combining different craft traditions and materials. Retail price starts at $8,055 (excluding VAT) at Carl Hansen & Søn.
