Long-time readers will remember that among my large and growing arsenal of cultural references I often use to explicate A&D, my go-to motif is Seinfeld. However, even longer-time readers will note that my most treasured evocation is Stanley Kubrick. Indeed, the mise-en-scene of that master’s films have influenced more artists and designers than I care to count. Yet count among the latter one Karim Rashid, whose Kloud Collection would appear equally at home among a contemporary London Office as in the Korova Milkbar from A Clockwork Orange.

Kloud. Designed by Karim Rashid. Manufactured by Nienkämper.

Karim Rashid’s Kloud Collection Brings Comfortable Curves to the Office

Those familiar with that mid-70s masterwork needn’t assume this implies malice of any kind. For Rashid’s Cloud is comfortable and comforting: its curvaceous contours smooth out corners and take the edge off tired bones, while its vivid color palette revives mid-day fatigue.

The collection—designed by Rashid for manufacturer Nienkämper—is comprised of a commodious armchair and capacious sofa. Nienkämper says that  the look is influenced by a wider appreciation of natural shapes: “the world around us is evolving to more organic, softer, fluid forms. The Kloud chair and sofa are inspired by this evolution.”

One could claim that—with some possible allowance for visionaries like Gaetano Pesce or Pierre Paulin—the trend for this growing acceptance began with Kubrick and the amorphous, celestial forms of 2001.

Whatever the antecedents, Rashid has capitalized on the trend for organic shapes to give us an enduring collection that’s comfortable and compact, that complements multiple schemes, at home or in the office.

The Kloud Sofa and Armchair are constructed of a laminated wood base frame with rubber webbing under a fixed cushion. A tubular steel frame anchors the foam body, deeding additional strength and structural support. Upholstery options for Kloud include leather or fabric in a variety of colors.

About the Manufacturer: Based in Toronto, Nienkämper “meets human needs while pursuing the highest ideals in design and manufacturing.” Admittedly, the furniture company “never compromises,” so it’s no surprise that their designs have earned many awards throughout the years. Kloud is sure to become one of Nienkämper’s classics—fifty years from now, hispters in Los Angeles will be tracking down original Kloud armchairs, even though Nienkämper will likely still be producing them.