Warm terracotta upholstery commands immediate attention in Isabelle De Mari's Tokyo Lounge Chair, establishing a chromatic center that radiates quiet confidence against the pristine white void of the

Isabelle De Mari's Tokyo Lounge Chair presents a sophisticated exercise in contemporary furniture design where substantial cylindrical wooden legs in a medium-warm oak or ash finish establish a robust

Isabelle De Mari's Tokyo Lounge Chair presents a masterful synthesis of structural clarity and material warmth, manifesting in a composition that balances geometric precision with organic comfort thro

A sweeping, organically curved wooden armrest emerges from beneath a softly textured upholstered cushion in a palette dominated by warm, earthy tones ranging from burnt sienna to chestnut brown, estab

Silver Furniture Design · 2026

Tokyo Lounge Chair

by Isabelle De Mari

A' Design Award 2026 Silver Winner in Furniture Design
Awarded April 15, 2026
CLIENT: Olho Moveis Autorais
Estimated Number of Design Views: 17,850
Verification code 2610393A8B · Verify this award

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About Tokyo Lounge Chair

Tokyo is a lounge chair made of solid Brazilian sucupira hardwood. The frame is fully exposed, showing the joinery and the shaped wooden parts. The arms and back supports are turned on a lathe under manual control, with concave detailing at the ends. A natural leather inlay is recessed into each armrest and finished with stitching. The seat and back cushions combine layered polyurethane foam and feather filling, upholstered in brown linen. Surfaces are hand sanded and finished with a matte varnish. The design applies Japanese woodworking principles to a Brazilian material.

Isabelle De Mari's Tokyo Lounge Chair emerges from a rich tradition of furniture design that honors both Eastern philosophical simplicity and Western modernist craft heritage, synthesizing these influences into a distinctive contemporary statement. The work demonstrates sophisticated understanding of material dialogue, pairing the organic warmth of solid walnut framing with the tactile comfort of textured terracotta upholstery in a chromatic harmony that evokes autumn landscapes and domestic sanctuary. The designer's technical accomplishment reveals itself in the careful proportioning of cylindrical wooden elements, where each turned component relates mathematically to its neighbors, creating visual rhythm without monotony. The leather-wrapped armrest detail introduces a third material voice that mediates between the structural wood and the yielding textile, demonstrating nuanced attention to the transitional moments where hand meets object. Compositionally, the chair achieves remarkable balance between visual lightness and substantial presence, the open framework allowing space to flow through the form while the generous cushioning promises genuine physical support. The slightly reclined backrest angle suggests extended contemplation rather than formal perching, positioning this as furniture for dwelling rather than mere sitting. One might observe references to the postwar furniture masters who similarly sought to dignify domestic life through thoughtfully crafted objects that serve both body and spirit. The Tokyo Lounge Chair participates in ongoing conversations about sustainable material choices, human-centered design, and the capacity of everyday objects to elevate lived experience. How might extended time spent in this chair transform one's relationship to home, to rest, to the quiet moments between activities?

Press Kit

Unique Properties: Tokyo asserts craftsmanship as structure and expression. Defined by its fully exposed wooden frame in solid Brazilian sucupira, the lounge chair reveals precision woodworking through manually operated lathe-turned arms with subtle concave detailing at the ends. An inlaid leather armrest refines the tactile experience, balancing substantial material presence with aesthetic lightness and disciplined form.
Dimensions & Packaging: Dimensions: 700 mm W x 800 mm D x 700 mm H.
Weight: approximately 30 kg.
Structure: solid sucupira wood.
Armrests with recessed natural leather inlay and stitching.
Seat and back cushions with layered foam and feather filling, upholstered in brown linen.
Finish: matte acrylic varnish.
Non disassemblable construction.
Tags: Lounge chair, Solid wood furniture, Japanese craftsmanship, Brazilian sucupira, Exposed structure, Artisanal woodworking, Contemporary seating, Minimalist design, Leather inlay
Production Technology: Tokyo is manufactured in certified solid Brazilian sucupira hardwood. Structural components are precision machined, with arms and back supports shaped on a mechanically driven lathe under manual control. Armrests incorporate recessed detailing for flush leather inlay. Elements are hand sanded to refine concave terminations. The base is assembled from solid planks with radiused edges. Upholstery combines multi density polyurethane foam and feather filling. Finished with water based matte varnish.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was achieving formal discipline while working with substantial volumes of solid wood. Balancing structural mass with refined proportion required precise control during lathe shaping and manual finishing. Internally, the project sought to reinterpret Japanese woodworking principles within a Brazilian material context. Externally, contemporary production constraints demanded efficiency without compromising craft integrity, requiring careful coordination between technique, material and artisanal execution.
Project Duration: The project started in July 2025 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and was completed in October 2025. It was officially launched in November 2025 as part of the Tokyo Collection, a broader furniture series inspired by Japanese culture and craftsmanship.
Operation Flow: Tokyo is experienced as a balance between structure and comfort. The solid wood frame provides visual stability, while the layered cushions offer a soft and supportive seat. The recessed leather armrest enhances tactile contact, creating a refined resting point for the hands. Its proportions encourage a relaxed posture without excess, allowing the user to feel supported by craftsmanship rather than hidden structure.
Research: Research focused on refining solid sucupira structure through controlled manual processes. The objective was to test how lathe shaped components and proportional studies could enhance structural precision. Methodology included full scale prototyping and ergonomic evaluation. Data was collected through physical mockups and material testing. Experiments centered on hand guided finishing. Results confirmed durability and refined surface quality, reinforcing craft driven production in contemporary furniture.
Inspiration: Tokyo was inspired by the principles of Japanese woodworking, where precision, restraint and respect for material define construction. The project explores how substantial volumes of solid wood can achieve visual lightness through disciplined detailing and controlled form. By prioritizing hand guided processes, even when using mechanical tools, the design embraces an a mano approach, valuing the artisan gesture over automated production.