Living room set, “Canoë” model.

Living room set, “Canoë” model. Contemporary design, 21st century.
Hevea wood and leather upholstery.
Set consists of a two-seater sofa and a pair of armchairs.
In good overall condition, with slight signs of use.
Measurements: 73 × 72 × 90 cm (armchairs); 80 × 140 × 95 cm (sofa).

Inspired by the imagery of grand ocean liners and the tradition of the French club chair, this design combines a striking sculptural presence with meticulous craftsmanship in wood and leather. Known in various versions under names such as Canoë and La Pérouse, it is characterized by its enveloping structure and a formal language that subtly evokes shipbuilding.

Of particular note is the craftsmanship in the rubberwood, evident in the succession of narrow vertical slats on the sides and the carefully curved arms. The leather upholstery, crisscrossed by parallel seams on the seat and backrest, visually extends this rhythm and reinforces the design’s unity. The combination of rigid surfaces and padded volumes balances sturdiness, comfort, and elegance.

The references to the nautical world draw on the tradition of the great 20th-century ocean liners, true showcases of cabinetmaking, upholstery, and interior design. Here, that repertoire is reinterpreted in a contemporary key, resulting in a piece with a strong personality that, within the home, serves as a focal point of the space and creates a sophisticated, warm, and unique atmosphere.

Keeping the sofa and the two armchairs together preserves the unity of a complete living room set, which is particularly appealing due to the quality of the materials, the artisanal craftsmanship, and the balance between tradition and contemporary design.