- DESIGN LIFE -
The ottoman has come a long way since they were introduced to Western Europe from the Ottoman Empire in the 18th century; traditionally forming the main piece of seating in the home and heaped with cushions.
Today, they have evolved to adapt to our modern lifestyle and needs, far exceeding their initial purpose, making them a trusty and timeless piece.
Here are just some of the reasons why we consider ottomans as a must-have design.
Toulouse sofa with Zola ottomans - Photo Martina Gemmola | Styling Sam Clayton, Hausfrau
THEY ARE VERSATILE AND DEPENDABLE
Ottomans of today are versatile and provide a variety of different functions. They are no longer simply an item to help prop up your feet but rather a fundamental staple that performs a variety of duties.
Hence, our approach when designing ottomans is to have adaptability as a primary focus. This way, people can double them as coffee tables, tray-topped cocktail tables, or even give way for extra seating when you run out of chairs for guests.
Take, for example, our Flo ottoman, with its stylish yet simple solid timber frame and foam seat cushions, presenting an extremely comfortable chair-like design that will undoubtedly come in handy during those impromptu family visits and lively dinner parties.
This reimagined ottoman also makes for the perfect companion in the bedroom when placed at the end of a bed, offering a cosy spot to sit for those morning or night routines.
Flo ottoman comes in 3 standard sizes suitable for Double, Queen and Kind bed.
The Zola tables are the perfect hybrid between an ottoman and a coffee table.
THEY INTRODUCE COLOUR AND TEXTURE
Introducing colours into the home has a brightening and joyful effect while adding layers of texture provides a lovely sense of warmth. When it comes to ottomans, both of these outcomes can be achieved, particularly when the right design is chosen.
This opens the opportunity to go bold, opting for bright colours and rich textures that pop, making for a great focal point in any room.
For instance, our Zola ottoman welcomes a world of creativity, being available in a number of sizes ranging from small to extra large, as well as a wide range of upholstery options that vary in texture and tone. Some of our favourite colourways include Wattleseed, a mustard-like warm hue; Marshmallow, a soft pink that radiates a feminine touch; and Red Ochre, a rich earthy shade reminiscent of our natural landscape.
To add further intrigue to a space, you can mix and match sizes and colours and display them side by side.
Zola ottomans, large and small in various upholstery colours - Photo Martina Gemmola | Styling Sam Clayton, Hausfrau
THEY CAN BE USED IN ANY ROOM
When contemplating where an ottoman may be parked in the home, the options are again endless, given some thought and consideration.
The first place that likely comes to mind is the living room, where ottomans can certainly look and feel right at home. They offer a great spot to put your feet up and relax but also make for smart alternatives to your typical coffee table where small children are involved. Take our Coco ottoman range, which presents a stylish substitute, replacing hard surfaces and sharp corners with soft materials and rounded edges.
As for those working from home, an ottoman also works well in the home office, providing a place to kick your feet up as you plug the day away. This is where our Phileas range could come into use, designed as floor cushions reminiscent of old suitcases with leather corners and handles.
Moreover, ottomans can even deliver style, seating, and storage to spaces like the bedroom, dressing room, library, and media room — the list goes on.
For the remainder of the month, we'll offer 20% off the full-priced ottomans in the shop.
Use OTTO20 at checkout. Follow the link below.
Also, get 10% off any new made-to-order ottomans. Get in touch.
- ANACA LIFE -
Designer’s Letter
I’m excited to say that this newsletter is the first in a new monthly series that will bring you some of the highlights from the life at Anaca Studio. Every month we'll be focusing on the below topics:
Design Life: What’s happening in the studio. Focusing on all things design within the realm of Anaca Studio. This includes our design process, manufacturing, sustainability, new releases, and new ideas or collaborations.
Anaca Life: What’s going through the designer’s mind. The equivalent of the Editor’s Letter. Monthly musings.
Creative Life: What else influences our moods or our ideas? Art, photography, colour, fashion or crafts.
Happy Life: What good is all this if we don’t have our health and happiness? Happy Life is about mindfulness, cooking, socialising and travelling. It’s about living a good healthy life.
Hope you’ll enjoy this new format.
Merci,
Anne-Claire x
- CREATIVE LIFE -
Making Paper Flowers
Is it too early to talk about Christmas decorations (only a few weeks away)? Ok… what about wedding table decorations? I recently made these paper flowers as part of a personal project, and I actually felt it was quite a meditative process. It’s a great project to do with the kids or by yourself listening to your favourite podcast. Best of all, they’re sustainable.
You often get tissue paper with many purchases, so it’s easy to reuse what you have at home. But if you need to buy the paper, it’s pretty cost-effective. You can also throw them into your home compost when you’re done with them (or in the recycling bin if you don’t compost). They’re inexpensive and fun, and you can get as creative as you’d like with colours. Just stick them on your Christmas tree or spread them on the dining table.
I posted the video on Instagram recently, but if you’ve missed it, you can watch it below to see a quick (1-minute) how-to and get making!
Tutorial: how to make paper flowers
- HAPPY LIFE -
Jade Noodles
On Pinterest or Instagram, the images I save the most are those of recipes.
This one is really super easy and quick. I'm not a patient cook and generally prefer the one-pot type recipes like this one.
Vegan and absolutely delicious! I often go to it as I usually have all these veggies in the fridge and skip the tofu if I have forgotten to buy it (although it is extra tasty using the crispy tofu method).
Try it, and you won't regret it! Click here for the link or on the image to get the recipe.
Enjoy! x