Before there was Cottagecore,
April 30, 2025
Japandi or Maximalist style there was High Tech. It was the 70’s. And architect Joe D’urso was the crown prince of the movement. His loftlike interior projects were a rich elegant statement in minimalism with an industrial edge. Plywood seating platforms wrapped in charcoal industrial carpeting, black rubber Pirelli flooring, stark white walls and the punctuation of a simple black and white photograph were signatures. If an additional piece of furniture was needed a simple piece constructed of commercially used industrial materials was put into play. The D’urso Occasional Table was such a piece. Constructed of steel with a glass top and lower shelf these were equipped with castors to make them easy to use and move around to suit the application. Three sizes, three types of glass and three finishes made them even more flexible for a variety of interior uses as coffee table, side table, occasional table or bedside table. While the red finish had a certain Halston-esque appeal my favorite combination was the stainless base with the wired glass top. I did say it was the seventies and I was loving all things industrial. With Knoll’s recent reissue of this collection you can indulge yourself in that chic 70’s vibe once again. A smart coffee table book, a pot of orchids or a chemistry beaker holding a perfect single tropical is all that you’ll need to add to the mix to recall some of that magic.
photos: knoll
A New Spin
March 10, 2025
A new spin on an old standard, the swivel chair interpreted by architect Joseph D’Urso. The King of High Tech in the 70’s, he returned to partner with Knoll on a collection of lounge seating in 2008. Maintaining his minimalist aesthetic, these swivel chairs feature a 360 degreed swivel mechanism and an optional height adjusting hydraulic for maximum flexibility. With a dizzying assortment of Knoll textile options and 3 base finishes you’re bound to strike the perfect complimentary note to your interior. While I love these in the playful brights, I’m personally leaning toward a classic black frisee’ upholstery with the polished aluminum base. While swivel lounge chairs are having a moment, this is a great one to consider. All that’s missing is an Old Fashioned.
photos: HiveModern







