If you want to get some perplexing fun in your day, then look no further than modular furniture that fits together like a jigsaw. One memorable example is an upholstered lounge found in the Sleeper House in Colorado (also known as the Star Trek, Clamshell, and Flying Saucer house). Another more recent specimen is the Non-Flying Carpet by Sergio Mannino Studio.

Non-Flying Carpet. Designed by Sergio Mannino Studio.

Modular Carpet Brings the Outdoors Inside

Recently exhibited at Wanted Design 2012, Non-Flying Carpet is modular wool flooring that consists of six carpet segments, handmade in Nepal. Put the pieces together and you get a courtyard scene indoors. Inspired by the work of Sergio Mannino’s mentor, Italian architect Ettore Sottsass, Non-Flying Carpet “plays with modularity, bright hues, and storytelling.”

Each segment of this unique carpet has its own distinctive charm—and its very own name. Flowerescent, for example, shows a park bench surrounded by large pink blooms; and Colorado Dream displays river rocks next to a flowing mountain stream. Mannino envisions that Non-Flying Carpet will act as a conversation piece: “I am fascinated by all the things that can happen on it, the interaction of people, the discussions that it might generate and so on.”

About the Designer: Sergio Mannino Studio specializes in retail and interior design. The group of creative professionals has “roots in the Italian design culture.” The studio has worked for international brands such as Prada, Miu Miu, Vince Camuto, Jessica Simpson, Breil, and Kensiegirl.