The allure of tables

I've always been particularly fascinated by tables. To my mind, tables transcend mere functionality; they are the focal point of our daily lives. So much of our everyday routine unfolds around tables, whether we're dining with family and friends, unwinding, working, or displaying items. In hindsight, the decision to make a table the first Bannach product was made quite unconsciously. I had the table design in mind a few years before Bannach was founded. I also wanted to make a strong statement with Bannach's launch in order to generate as much attention as possible right from the start. I envisioned a large, sculptural piece of furniture that would stand out and exemplify the design principles of the Bannach brand, and I think Abbondio achieved this.

I began to flesh out Abbondio‘s design during Bannach’s start-up phase. After extensive sketching, I moved on to prototype construction, building a life-sized cardboard model at home. The next step involved creating a wooden prototype in a carpenter's workshop. Seeing the final table in its full spectrum of colours in the workshop was a truly special moment. I was over the moon.

In addition to Abbondio, which features the four colours pink, orange, dark green and bordeaux, I presented a two-tone version in pink and pastel blue – Elio – at the launch. Our table collection was later expanded to include a monochrome version. In 2022, we introduced new colour combinations for the Abbondio table alongside the other new products and expanded our colour palette to incorporate natural wood veneers. Our tables are now available in an extensive range of colours and materials.

In recent years, the contract furnishing sector’s appetite for our tables has continually grown. Currently, around 60% of orders are for the residential sector and around 40% are for the commercial one. I think a good table generally works in both environments. In the contract sector, additional requirements come into play, especially concerning the installation of power supply. To meet the numerous requests, we have modified our tables for the contract sector so that connector panels can be embedded in the table tops. Cable ducts can also be integrated into the table legs, allowing cables to be routed downwards on the inside.

As with the Abbondio and Elio tables, the Arco design was established early on. The basic idea of two orthogonal structures had been with me for a long time, and I couldn't get it out of my mind. Working out the details and determining the exact dimensions was the most time-consuming part of the design process. After the initial sketches, we transitioned to prototype construction relatively quickly and produced several life-sized versions. As Arco was intended to function as a coffee table, it needed to offer a surface as large as possible. The prototypes allowed us to test out various options. Arco ended up being about 1/3 larger than originally planned.

In addition to the dining tables, I see Arco as the brand's second signature piece, as it brilliantly showcases two of Bannach's core design features or stylistic elements: a pared-back, purist design language, combined with expressive colours and high-quality materials. The opportunity to mix and match colours and veneers offers a rather playful take on furniture design, which unlocks a wealth of applications for Arco in the residential and contract sectors.

Colours are extremely important to me. I'd go so far as to say that colours are absolutely essential to my design process. Colours have always played a big role in my life. As children, we would paint on large canvases alongside our mum. There was something almost meditative about it. Two canvases, one dark blue and one pink, are still displayed in my home. In my daily life, I immerse myself in colour, be it in the form of flowers, illustrated books, furniture or art.

Shortly after the launch of Bannach, we created a colour library listing all the colours offered for our collection. Customers are welcome to select and mix colours and veneers from this palette. With Arco, it was important to me to highlight the diverse range of possible combinations. Much like Abbondio and Elio, Arco's aesthetic shifts with each colour selection: it makes a bold statement in bright pink and may green, adopts a more subtle elegance in pastel colours and exudes ’70s vibes through the combination of dark green and walnut.

I get a lot of inspiration from art, architecture, fashion and photography, and generally take a very interdisciplinary approach. Everyday objects and chance finds can also provide inspiration. For instance, I find construction sites, where materials and objects are seemingly placed or arranged randomly, particularly fascinating. Sometimes, a discovery quite rapidly leads to an actual product idea, while other times, it sets a creative process in motion.

I could imagine the trend towards bold colours continuing and the Memphis Design style becoming increasingly relevant. We might also notice an increase in geometric shapes and patterns. Natural stone and tiles may continue to play a key role, while round, curved furniture designs will undoubtedly keep making their mark on the furniture industry. But ultimately, this is like peering into a crystal ball. I'm very excited to see what 2025 has in store for us.