For certain individuals, designing a chair is more than resorting to clich©, and New York based designer Theo Richardson certainly belongs to this clique. On visiting his website, it’s crystal clear that Richardson’s creations exemplify his affinity to experimentation and minimalism. A self-confessed technology and nature connoisseur, the designer seeks stimulation from patterns that manages to leave a lasting impression on his consciousness.

The Homer Chair (left). The Pattern Chair (right). Designed by Theo Richardson.

With the Homer Chair and the Pattern Chair the quintessential classic chair is given a makeover. Both the chairs break away from the stereotype and showcase Richardson's proclivity for individuality and interpretation. The chairs manage to exhibit an interplay of style and ergonomics, which create a dramatic yet arresting effect.

The Pattern Chair appears to be suitable for outdoor usage however as is the case many of Richardson's products there are no hard and fast rules. What truly sets it apart from the multitude of chairs is the use of paper together with materials like Plywood and Stainless Steel. Hence a vibrant opulence ensues as creativity meets industrial design in a striking synthesis of patterns, color and design. Paper gives the Pattern chair an almost capricious quality and air of fragility. However, looks can be deceptive as the chair can, without a doubt, endure the daily grind!

Unlike the Pattern Chair, the Homer Chair has a sturdier feel about it. In fact I can safely say that both chairs are at opposite ends of the design spectrum. The pattern chair has an undeniable femininity to it, while the Homer Chair appears more masculine. The Homer Chair was also one of the submissions in the Blu-Dot + Dwell Design Competition 2007, but regrettably did not make it to the final three. While it may not have become an instant classic, there is no denying its novelty.

The Homer Chair has been constructed from elements such as felt, steel wire and aluminum. When it came to designing the Homer Chair, Richardson was guided by basic principles like resilience and recyclability. What also surprises me is that the Homer Chair doesn’t appear to be lackluster or insipid in spite of the gray color scheme. Personally I feel the chair can complement any contemporary home d©cor or office environment since it is a confluence of abstract influences and has a certain ambiguous quality to it.