In his illustrious career, the French designer Christian Liaigre created furniture and private interiors with a minimalist and restrained sensibility that would become his trademark, but never at the cost of luxury. When he began designing furniture in the 1980s, Liaigre’s clean lines and no-frills approach caused a stir and was considered unusual for the era. But what Liaigre knew best was creating elegant, exquisite designs that would stand the test of time.
Liaigre studied at the École des Beaux-Arts and the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. He initially began as a furniture designer, opening his studio in 1985 before he would move toward interiors. His bold, timeless pieces were made in France using luxurious materials such as marble and cashmere in a soothing palette of neutral tones that look fresh to this day. Later, Liaigre began to design private interiors — from homes of influential figures like Calvin Klein and Karl Lagerfeld to holiday homes, offices and the cabins of private yachts. He designed the interiors of the Art Deco–era Hotel Montalembert in Paris and became known in the United States for his design of the Mercer Hotel in New York City, which opened in 1997. Soon afterward, he found himself working for hotelier Ian Schrager.
To each of his interior design projects Liaigre brought his minimalist touch, which was born from his ability to distill a broad range of inspirations — from Brancusi sculptures and African art to Art Deco furniture — into simple, balanced forms. The modest beauty of his popular Nagato stool, a small and sculptural piece of seating designed in oak in 1986, represents this vision clearly and points to some more of Liaigre’s influences: the stillness found in Donald Judd’s minimalist art and many aspects of Japanese culture.
Liaigre, who earned comparisons to celebrated French designers Jean-Michel Frank and Jean Royère, was also known for his visionary use of natural and unconventional materials and is considered to be one of the first to use wenge, an African hardwood, in combination with traditional timber such as oak in his furnishings. Liaigre’s creative foresight has ensured that today he is one of the most influential and widely imitated designers of the 20th century.
Find a range of Christian Liaigre seating, tables and other furniture on 1stDibs.
The success of Holly Hunt — both the designer and her eponymous empire of textile and furnishings showrooms — is based on instinct.
The Chicago-based Hunt trusts her own tastes, reflected in her signature lines of elegant, low-key furniture, lighting and fabrics. She also trusts her judgment about the wants of the buying public, and this savvy sensibility has allowed her to cultivate and market the work of a range of contemporary talents, from minimalists like Christian Liaigre to eccentrics like Christian Astuguevieille.
Hunt is a design world impresario — a prominent arbiter for stylish modern interiors and known foremost for fabrics, seating designs and light fixtures. Modern sophistication, attention to detail, and a desire to cultivate talented contemporary designers are at the crux of the company’s success.
Born in central Texas to schoolteacher parents, Hunt was a creative girl who made her own clothes and bickered with her mother about decor. After graduating from Texas Tech, Hunt worked as department-store buyer and costume jewelry designer before marrying and helping her husband build a multimillion dollar transport company. Her hobby was decorating their homes. After the two divorced, Hunt purchased a showroom in the Chicago Merchandise Mart in 1983. Within 10 years, she was winning applause for her understated designs, her lavish showroom parties and her eye for rising design stars. Liaigre was her first discovery. Correctly surmising that his pared-down furniture in dark wood would play well in the United States in the aftermath of the go-go ’80s, Hunt began marketing the French designer’s work in 1994.
Over the subsequent years Hunt has added a half-dozen showrooms and, following her own style barometer, has taken on other fresh talents, including glassmaker Alison Berger, French designer Christophe Pillet and couturier Ralph Rucci, making a foray into home design.
One constant over that time have been the aesthetics of Hunt’s own designs. Her fabrics — the first choice of many dealers when re-upholstering vintage seating — are understated, mixing muted colors and updates of classic patterns. Her furniture is simple and refined. As you will see on 1stDibs, the name Holly Hunt represents a sense of timelessness and sophistication.
Fine Vintage Sofa With Custom Upholstery
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Light and very well made Two cushion sofa with gentle sloping arm and tapered wood legs. Solid feeling and comfortable with plush feather wrap seat cushion. The refined raised white-...
Fabric, Wood
Ernest Sofa by Dare Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Ernest sofa by Dare Studio Dimensions: W 180 x D 90 x H 70 x seat H 40 cm Materials: fabric, oak Also available in 3-seat sofa The Ernest sofa is a...
Fabric, Oak
$26,050
H 24 in W 144 in D 86 in
Carter Sofa Sectional (Sofa + Chaise + Ottoman + Corner+ Single Seat Sofa)
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This sectional is custom made in Los Angeles. The wood frame is cut to size and joined. The upholstery is cut and sewn to shape of individual cushion. Industrial steel is cut and welded for legs OAK + DOWN / POLY BLEND STEEL DETAIL + PERFORMANCE HOME FABRIC HARDWAX OIL FINISH CUSTOMIZE THIS PIECE For all furniture, protection from heat and moisture is crucial to the longevity of the piece. To help prevent scratches, use adhesive felt pads, coasters, placemats, and avoid sliding objects across the surface of the piece when possible. Lacquer + Paint + Metal Surfaces - Dry dust with a clean microfiber or feather duster. Wipe with a slightly damp microfiber towel and mild cleaner as needed. Wipe dry promptly. We recommend that you clean with ammonia-free Windex or a mild surface cleaner. Please stay away from bleach, alcohol, or petroleum based cleaners. You may use a general purpose wood cleaner. Avoid using furniture polish as over time it can accumulate and leave a residue. Wax + Oil Finish - Dry dust with a clean microfiber or feather duster. Wipe with a slightly damp microfiber towel. Wipe dry immediately. Clean with ammonia-free Windex or a mild surface cleaner. Stay away from bleach, alcohol, or petroleum based cleaners. Our natural wax and oil finishes will dull over time. Wax or teak oil may be reapplied as needed using a soft white cloth. Raw Wood - Dry dust with a clean microfiber or feather duster. Use a damp microfiber towel or soft brush as needed. Do not use any product containing wax or oil to clean. Outdoor Furniture - Outdoor furniture may require frequent oiling. A cover is strongly recommended for all outdoor furniture. Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture and/or direct sunlight. If exposed to rain, allow cushions to air dry completely before putting them back on the frame. Leather Care - Dry dust with a clean microfiber or feather duster. Wipe with a slightly damp microfiber towel. Do not use cleaning products on the leather. The recommended leather conditioner is Skidmore’s Original Leather Cream. Marble + Stone - Dry dust with a clean microfiber or feather duster. Wipe with a slightly damp microfiber towel. Wipe dry immediately. For daily cleaning we recommend using Orange Glo and/or Method Stone Cleaner on the marble. All marble and stone surfaces are protected with a sealer. To maintain the overall appearance and protection of the marble or stone, reseal with Miracle 511 Seal & Enhance. It is important to use coasters and clean up moisture immediately on marble and stone surfaces. Additional Information: Dimensions: 144"W + 86"L + 24"H, 28"H WITH BACK PILLOWS SOFA- 72"W + 36"D + 24"H CHAISE- 36"W + 50"D + 24"H CORNER- 36"W + 36"D + 24"H OTTOMAN- 36"W + 34"D + 17"H SINGLE SEAT SOFA...
Oak
Todd Hase Designed Chloe Sofa
By Todd Hase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Classic Modern details with fabulous curved shapes designed by Todd Hase. Add some modern elements to your living space. This classic sofa will work well wit...
Textile
Baker Furniture Yves Sofa
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Baker Furniture Yves Sofa This sofa measures: 96.5 wide x 33 deep x 29 inches high, with a seat height of 18 and arm height of 20.75 inches We take our photos in a controlled light...
Upholstery
Italian Bulky Low-Slung Modular Sofa
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Avilla, modular sofa, fabric, beech, Italy, 1980s This bulky, low-slung sectional sofa captures the relaxed confidence of Italian design in the 1980s. Rather than appearing light, r...
Fabric, Beech
$14,171Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.93 in W 90.56 in D 29.53 in
vintage sofa Edward Wormley Dux sofa "New York"
By Edward Wormley, Dux of Sweden
Located in Lemmer, NL
vintage sofa Edward Wormley Dux sofa "New York" Rare sofa by American designer Edward J. Wormley, designed in 1952 for Dunbar Furniture USA. Produced at Ljungs Industrier / DUX C...
Fabric, Wood
Spectacular Christian Liaigre “Augustin” Sofa in Blue Fabric
By Christian Liaigre
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautiful Christian Liaigre sofa in navy blue cotton blend fabric and luxurious back pillows. The mismatching pillows are intentional and part of the desig...
Fabric
Swany Sofa by Hugues Steiner for Steiner
By Hugues Steiner, Steiner
Located in Chicago, IL
c 1970s. France. Modular 6 piece sectional sofa, reupholstered in brown wool. New veg tanned leather straps. Tagged Single Pieces: 26L 36W 26H Inside Corner Pieces: 36L 36W 26H Out...
Wool
Ernst Schwadron Sofa
By Ernst Schwadron
Located in Hanover, MA
Three seat sofa designed by Austrian emigre Ernst Schwadron and retailed through Rena Rosenthal inc. New York in the 1940's. This design was part of his early collection for Knoll w...
Upholstery, Mahogany
Jens Risom Floating Sofa, 1960s
By Jens Risom
Located in Raleigh, NC
Danish modern design at its finest. New leather to this floating sofa by Jens Risom. Dating to the 1960s with beautiful sculpted lines and walnut base....
Leather, Walnut
Post Modern Loveseat
Located in Raleigh, NC
Vintage Post-Modern loveseats newly upholstered in a luxurious textured abstract velvet. Priced individually.
Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Adrian Pearsall Platform Sofa, 1960s Craft Associates
By Adrian Pearsall, Craft Associates
Located in Raleigh, NC
This exceptional Adrian Pearsall platform sofa showcases the renowned mid-century modern designer's signature floating aesthetic with integrated walnut end tables elegantly positione...
Upholstery, Walnut
Mid Century Modern Marco Zanuso 'Lady' Sofa by Arflex
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Raleigh, NC
Newly upholstered in sturdy mohair velvet this 1950s classic is ready for another 70 years. With beautiful curved form and brass feet this classic from Marco Zanuso is instantly re...
Brass
Early Florence Knoll Relaxed Sofa with Paul Smith Maharam Upholstery
By Knoll, Florence Knoll
Located in Raleigh, NC
A design classic by Florence Knoll. A stunning vintage example newly upholstered in Paul Smith stripes by Maharam, with new foam. The chrome base shows its age and has some chrome l...
Chrome
1970s Mario Bellini Le Bambole Two-Seat Sofa, B&B Italia
By Mario Bellini, B&B Italia
Located in Raleigh, NC
1970s Mario Bellini Le Bambole Sofa, B&B Italia An icon newly restored. Features Pollack Textiles "Modern Dance" Upholstery(black on light khaki). 66" long, 36" deep, 29" high, 1...
Upholstery
