Even though furniture serves the prime purpose of supporting and facilitating our daily activities, it doesn’t mean it has to be boring. 

Some forerunners in furniture-making are reaching beyond their own ranks with avant-garde homeware that offers a new perspective on furniture, and its relationship with art and our emotions. They are playing around with form, colour and materials to create something thought-provoking, even delightfully offbeat, to spruce up our living space and to add vibrancy to our daily grind. 

Avant-garde was originally a French term that translated to “advance guard”, a military unit that goes ahead of the troops. In terms of art, it applies to certain movements that are born to defy social norms, and challenge the status quo, with realism, futurism, Dada, and surrealism, at the forefront. 

In the design language, the concept of avant-garde refers to innovative creations that push the boundaries of form and ideas to offer designs that go way beyond functional purposes to evoke certain emotional cues, just like art. 

From cloud-like pendants made of brass mesh, lounge chairs inspired by French pastry, to sculptural vases that resemble natural stone, this assemblage of innovative furniture and home accessories is not only functional and decorative, but it is also inspiring and enticing.

Make sure you strike a comfortable balance between avant-garde pieces, with supporting items – such as a modest side table or monochrome colour cushion – to avoid overwhelming your home with too many colours and shapes.

Cover photo courtesy to Luminesy