Have you ever stumbled across something so perfectly designed, so delightfully functional, that you thought “How did I live without this?” That’s the feeling I’m chasing every time I discover a new piece of interior magic. Life’s daily grind feels a little more inspired when surrounded by items that are not only practical but also unusual, curious, or downright clever.
Sometimes, the true genius of a design lies in how it improves something you do every day. Chairs, for example, might all seem ordinary until you discover how transformative the right one can be. Cassina furniture excels at this, with pieces like the Leggera Chair by Gio Ponti: an ultra-lightweight design that makes it incredibly versatile—perfect for quickly rearranging a space. It’s the kind of piece that makes you think: “Why aren’t all chairs made like that?” And the discoveries do not stop there. Let’s take a look at some other incredible design pieces that you (or your dear ones) will love to have in your home.
1. Juicy Salif Citrus Squeezer by Philippe Starck for Alessi
One of the most iconic (and strange!) pieces from Alessi: this citrus squeezer looks like it came straight out of a sci-fi movie. Imagine walking into a kitchen and seeing this kind of alien spider. The first thing you think is “Wait, what is this?” And then, once you understand its purpose, you realize that its eccentric appearance is actually perfectly functional for extracting lemon juice without making a mess!
2. Mart Swivel Black Leather Armchair by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia
I know. When people talk about rocking chairs, they instantly think of their grandparents’ old mountain furniture, made of wood and rattan, creaking with every movement. The Mart Swivel Armchair is here to rethink the same rocking chair concept and turn it into a cool, modern design seat.
3. DS-600 Sofa by U. Berger, E. Peduzzi Riva, H. Ulrich, K. Vogt for De Sede
This unique sofa allows you to start small and build your ideal seating arrangement over time. You can begin with just one or two individual chairs and then add modules as needed, eventually creating a sofa in any shape you desire—whether it’s a straight line, a crescent, an “S” shape, or even a full circle. The DS-600 Sofa by De Sede is a perfect example of functional design genius!
4. Revolving Cabinet Chest of Drawers by Shiro Kuramata for Cappellini
The unique feature of this piece allows the drawers to revolve around a central axis, making it easier to access all of its compartments without needing to open each one individually. This design not only maximizes space efficiency but also offers convenience, allowing the user to quickly find and retrieve stored items with a simple rotation. The compact nature of the revolving drawers makes it ideal for smaller spaces, as it reduces the need for multiple, separate storage units.
5. Rewear Chair by Uncommon Creative Studio for Ecover
The Rewear Chair is a perfect example of a sustainable and clever design that challenges conventional thinking. Inspired by the common “laundry chair” — where we place clothes that are not quite dirty enough to wash but still need airing out — this chair is a functional, environmentally conscious solution. It allows clothes to air out for up to a week, reducing unnecessary washes and helping conserve water and energy.
6. Savon du Chef Soap Dish by Philippe Starck for Alessi
It is a hand soap… but in reality, it is not. It is used to remove the bad smell of lingering foods such as fish, garlic, or onions. Just rub it between your hands and magic happens! No water needed. Designed by the famous Philippe Starck, the Savon du Chef features a playful, chef-inspired design that looks like a little chef’s hat.
7. Amiral Leaning Mirror by Leonardo Dainelli for Giorgetti
Think about the moment when you rush out of the house: what are the last things you do? You look in the mirror to make sure you are tidy, you grab your coat, your umbrella if it might rain. Have you found your keys? Have you got your hat? Everything you need before going out, just in one piece of furniture.If you want to discover more unique yet practical design pieces, explore the endless options available online. Not sure where to start? One of the most reliable online platforms is Tomassini Arredamenti, with decades of experience and customer service in English, German, French, and Italian. Their international shipping ensures you can bring your dream items home with just a few clicks!
Also Read: Armchairs for Every Room: Finding Your Perfect Fit
