The Franco-Portuguese furniture design company RILUC was created in 2009. They have a distinct approach to the design of their furniture as they strive (and in my opinion have succeeded) to combine engineering with design. RILUC’s core material of choice is stainless steel which they believe ensures the high quality and durability of each piece.
When I encountered RILUC at Maison Objet I was blown away by the presence of every item. They all combine this robust, sheer strength with an elegant beauty. That shows me that the designers behind this company really have the creative know-how it takes to succeed if they are able to combine two completely opposite characteristics into one object.
I have included four different pieces to show you what this amazingly innovative design company can do.
I adore this console table or 'Mousse Sideboard' as RILUC calls it. It looks like a bunch of bolts or screws attached together which gives it that engineered, industrial quality, yet the graphical impact of it is so appealing, beautiful and light. These two characteristics blend together to create a dramatic, eye-catching piece.
The base of the 'Tower Table' below looks like a geometrically shaped crystal. The reflections and the play of light off the shapes of the stainless steel definitely grab me. It is a stunning piece, well designed yet simple at the same time.
The 'Aline Chair' made me laugh at first because it reminds me of a balloon animal with its tubular structure. But, when I sat on it I was extremely surprised that I was able to sit on it for a period longer than a minute. It really wasn’t an uncomfortable as you would think! Of course I don’t know if I could last for a three course meal on it but that’s not really the point of this chair. It is beautiful, creatively engineered and a work of art.
I absolutely LOVE RILUC's 'Twist Table'. It is such an uncomplicated design and is a beautiful piece of contemporary furniture. I think what I love about it, is you could actually use it in a variety of different styled rooms. Of course the uber modern is the most obvious choice, but you really could use it in a contemporary-traditional space. It could create a beautiful juxtaposition next to a French Bergere chair upholstered in a contemporary fabric.
I love discovering new designers because it takes you away from using the typical designers that you feel comfortable with. It forces you to take a chance, explore the unknown and get those creative juices reenergized again.
