'On Ne Sais Jamais,' a restaurant and cafe in Pangyo-dong, South Korea, uses an inventive material for the bulk of its furnishings. Rather than having tables, chairs and benches made from wood, metal or plastic, On Ne Sais Jamais' furniture is made primarily out of stacked layers of felt.
Though felt is typically used in two dimensional ways -- for instance, as the exterior layer of upholstery -- stacking and cutting felt can turn it into a surprisingly strong yet supple material. The entirety of On Ne Sais Jamais' seating options are made out of felt and the cafe's tables are made from felt but for the glass tabletops -- glass is a more convenient and hygienic material when it comes to dining.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Felt-furnished Spaces
- Opportunity to explore using stacked felt as a material for furniture and decor in various spaces, such as offices, hotels, and homes.
- Sustainable Materials
- Potential for using eco-friendly materials like felt as an alternative to traditional materials in the design and construction industries.
- Creative Material Manipulation
- Opportunity to experiment with innovative ways of stacking, cutting, and shaping materials to create new and unique products and designs.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Hospitality
- Potential for felt furnishings to be adopted by restaurants, cafes, hotels, and other hospitality businesses to create a unique and cozy atmosphere.
- Interior Design
- Opportunity for interior designers to incorporate stacked felt furniture and decor into their projects, adding a touch of creativity and sustainability.
- Manufacturing
- Manufacturers can explore producing furniture and products utilizing innovative material manipulation techniques like stacking and cutting felt.
