Trendwatch: Alpi Sottsass Veneer by Ettore Sottsass
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Inattendu is a Swiss blog with the newest in fashion, design and interior. Never sleeping. Inattendu ist einer der grössten Schweizer Blogs mit dem Neusten aus den Bereichen Mode, Interior und Lifestyle.
My first encounter with the stunning Alpi Sottsass Veneer by Ettore Sottsass was in the kitchen of Apartment Praga, designed by Studio Mistovia (read the full post here). Since then, this distinctive veneer has been constantly catching my eye, appearing in various contemporary interiors everywhere I look.
The 80s aren’t making a full comeback, but the desire for bold, standout interiors certainly is. For years, timeless design principles dominated, favoring simple wooden furniture and neutral surfaces. However, there’s a fine line between timeless and dull. Now, there’s a shift towards vibrant designs that challenge our visual and stylistic senses.
Ettore Sottsass, a key figure in the 80s Memphis Movement, collaborated with Alpi to create the Alpi Sottsass Veneer. This wood veneer, known for its unique patterns created through a special cutting technique, blends traditional craftsmanship with bold design. Originally part of Alpi’s iconic Memphis collection in 1985, it was officially added to their lineup in 2017.
What makes this veneer so exciting for contemporary designers? The angular cutting process produces striking, unique patterns available in shades of gray, dark brown, red, and orange – now a favorite for tables, walls, cabinets, and sideboards in today’s most dynamic interiors.
The Alpi Sottsass Veneer by Ettore Sottsass is a testament to how bold design and traditional craftsmanship can create truly extraordinary interiors. This trend not only pays homage to an iconic designer but also fulfills the modern demand for expressive and unique spaces.
Here are some fantastic examples of where you can see this trend in action!
A cupboard completely covered in Alpi Sottsass Veneer at APARTAMENT WE WROCŁAWIU by COI Studio.
The Lake Mirrors by Noom are a nature-inspired collection of sculptural mirrors designed by Maryna Dague and Nathan Baraness, available in all different shades.
Another excellent example where Alpi Wood veneer is utilized is the Fromme Lounge Chair by Petite Friture in Black Alpi, also available as a Bar Stool or a Dining Chair.
Dawid Konieczny Interiors has clad the entire bed in the bedroom of the project Grzybowska apartment with Sottsass veneer. Beige velvet curtains function as an intimacy barrier.
For their project Marais Apartment in the Enfant Rouges district of Paris, Carre Studio installed a low-hanging sideboard with Sottsass veneer. The white, grey and black hues and the chocolate-oiled oak table create a harmonious yet contrasting ensemble.
Polish Katarzyna Baumiller Studio, known for her colourful, eclectic interiors, also seems to have a penchant for veneer. For instance, she uses it to clad a bed frame or the family dining table.
Studio Greiling used the white version for a built-in beside furniture and the yellow version for a cupboard for an artist’s apartment in Berlin.
The newly released Rivelo Bench by Nikolai Kotlarczyk lso for @portegodesign is also on my wishlist.
For those who prefer not to undertake the task themselves, Etsy offers a curated selection of vintage finds that are well worth exploring. Check it out! Vintage Rounded Edge Dresser or this pair of Ettore Sottsass Veneer And Acrylic Globe Lamps