In Best of the Best, we honour the brands and people behind the most covetable products. Here are the design picks that topped the list this year
Kitchen: Patricia Urquiola for Signature Kitchen Suite Mantle
A guaranteed conversation starter, Signature Kitchen Suite’s Mantle components are unlike anything that have come out in recent years. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Mantle has a distinctive presence that blurs the lines between a kitchen capsule and domestic furniture. (Its undermounted two-drawer refrigeration unit helps.) With a sculptural, bohemian look that would harmonise anywhere from a living room to a bedroom to a professional environment, the modular system has a textured exterior of Cimento tiles made from a blend of mineral aggregates and compounds. Urquiola, whose signature graces the tiles, collaborated on their development. She has a history of working with this material and has once again lived up to her visionary reputation, creating a piece of design that will no doubt inspire a round of spirited dinnertime conversation.
Rug: Tai Ping Biophilic Collection
Carpet brand Tai Ping is looking to the future by rethinking the way its products are made. The textile industry is a major source of environmental pollution as dyeing fabric releases large amounts of toxic waste into the global water system and synthetic materials contribute to microplastic pollution. Last year, the Hong Kong-based company debuted its Biophilic Collection, with 16 rugs made from raw, natural fibres including cotton, silk, bamboo, jute, flax, and wool, saving both water and energy used in dyeing and avoiding polluting compounds. The neutral palettes include greys, creams, whites, and browns, which are woven into tactile, nature-inspired patterns, each named after a plant that produces essential oil. Eight of the rugs are hand-tufted using intricate weaving processes to create a multilevel pile that in some cases, such as the Ylang I (pictured) and Alizea I, look like Japanese shibori.
Tableware: Natalia Criado Tea Set
Forget frumpy porcelain. This silver-plated-brass tea set from industrial designer Natalia Criado is the perfect contemporary take on a traditional pastime. Born in Colombia, Criado earned a degree in Milan and imbues her work with influences from both places, prioritising collaboration with artisans and embracing inspiration from pre-Columbian history and culture. Each piece in this collection includes a stone adornment—as a lid opener or handle—that transforms utilitarian objects into jewellery for your table.
Table: Konekt Silo Console Table
Taking inspiration from an unusual source, the industrial grain silo, New York design studio Konekt released this console with flexibility in mind. Crafted from wood and brass (or stainless steel), the piece is available with optional hollow magnetic domes. Pop them off to reveal circular inlays for holding a small basket or tray where daily bric-a-brac can accumulate, or keep them attached for a striking architectural statement.
Seating: Dmitriy & Co Amarn Daybed
The sleek silhouette of the Amarn Daybed is proof that furniture can be sexy. Handcrafted in Los Angeles by Dmitriy & Co, this pleasingly symmetrical minimalist’s dream is akin to a brutalist sculpture—little else is needed to decorate the space where it lands. Perfect for those who want a unique piece, the Amarn is available in a range of lengths and wood-frame finishes, with the customer providing their choice of material for upholstery.
Showroom design: W. Atelier
W. Atelier’s new flagship redefines furniture retail as a considered showcase of some of the world’s most revered design powerhouses, including Fritz Hansen, Vitra, and Ditre Italia. Within one thoughtfully arranged space, the expansive collections are presented with a focus on heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary living. best designs
Ditre Italia offers a refined selection of sofas, beds, armchairs, and modular systems that balance tailoring precision with understated Italian elegance. Vitra’s dedicated section features design classics such as the sculptural Panton Chair, the statement-making La Chaise, and a range of innovative office furniture. Fritz Hansen’s gallery brings together icons including Arne Jacobsen’s Grand Prix and Series 7 chairs as well as Poul Kjærholm’s PK22 lounge and PK80 daybeds, complemented by the brand’s renowned Table Series. Each piece reflects a timeless approach to design and quality.
Adding a distinctive touch is the in-house dining space, which is a collaboration with natural wine specialist, Revolution. Visitors can enjoy a curated selection of wines while seated on Fritz Hansen pieces that are available for purchase. It is an experience that invites guests to appreciate the comfort, craftsmanship, and character of each design within a setting that speaks to W. Atelier’s considered approach to modern living.
