# Leather Checkerboard Seating The U Chair by Assembly Design Focuses on Different Textures By Meghan Young | Published 2014-05-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/u-chair References: [fastcodesign](http://www.fastcodesign.com/3030674/wanted/design-studio-and-textiles-duo-reboot-u-frame-chair) & [assemblydesign.us](http://assemblydesign.us/products/u_chair/info) The 'u' in the name of the U Chair could as easily refer to the word 'unique' as it does to its frame. Not only does the tall backrest give the U Chair an unusual silhouette, it is made up of a [variety of materials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kartela) that focus on different textures. For instance, the backrest is made out of leather, the seat is cushioned with a sheep shearling while the frame itself is fashioned out of wood. Designed by Assembly Design, a product studio based in New York City, in collaboration with New Friends, the U Chair is inspired by [traditional craft methodologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tanuvi-hegde) that have been tweaked by using experimental processes. For instance, the [leather backrest](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hug-chair-1) takes on a checkered weave pattern, which has been further distinguished with marbled strips of leather. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.5/10 - Popularity: 2% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Unique Silhouette:** Designing furniture with unusual backrest shapes and a mix of textures offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in the home decor industry. - **Experimental Processes:** Exploring new techniques and materials to create furniture designs with checkered weave patterns and marbled leather strips opens up possibilities for disruptive innovation in the furniture manufacturing industry. - **Traditional Craft Methods:** Reviving traditional craft techniques and combining them with modern design elements allows for disruptive innovation in the furniture industry by blending the old and new. ### Who This Affects Most - **Home Decor:** Integrating unique and textured furniture designs into the home decor industry presents opportunities for disruptive innovation and enhanced customer experiences. - **Furniture Manufacturing:** Exploring experimental processes and materials in furniture manufacturing can lead to disruptive innovation, offering customers innovative and visually appealing products. - **Craftsmanship:** Applying traditional craft methodologies with a twist in furniture design creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in the craftsmanship industry by combining heritage with contemporary aesthetics. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Leather-Accented Industrial Seating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/l1-chair-from-object-leuci.md) - [Luxe Textured Upholstered Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kenmare.md) - [Ultra-Comfy Seating Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cushy-lounge-chair.md) - [Uniquely Structured Chair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yay-chair.md) - [Intricately Woven Chair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woven-chair-designs.md) - [Versatile Dynamic Armchair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dynamic-armchair.md) - [Leftover Textile Lounge Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sugar-lounge-chair.md) - [Industrial Leather-Padded Chair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strip-chair-by-henge.md) - [Structurally Complex Chair Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-arch-chair.md)