15 Product Highlights From Feria Habitat Valencia 2019

A tendency towards bold color and often outdoor friendly—that sums up many of the new product launches unveiled last week in Spain. Bigger than ever, the annual trade show Feria Habitat Valencia 2019 took place September 17-20, drawing more than 500 exhibitors and some 25,000 visitors to the southern European country’s third-largest city.

Meanwhile, the local design industry basked in the glow of a major coup: On September 9, the World Design Organization named Valencia the World Design Capital for 2022, in tribute to its longstanding design legacy. That reputation for innovation was evident in the show’s offerings—from a chair with a handy internal pocket to happy-go-lucky poufs, elegant outdoor seating, and chairs that hug. Here are 15 of our favorite finds.

1. Isa Chair by Vicent Martínez for Capdell

A savvy solution for restaurant seating, Isa is a chair with built-in storage for small items such as handbags. Designed by Vicent Martínez for Capdell, the stackable wood chair has a built-in cubby hole tucked away in its beechwood back.

2. Malmö Sideboard by Mario Ruiz for Punt

The ultra-thin surface of the Malmö sideboard by Mario Ruiz for Punt comes in powder-coated steel or less expensive and lighter lacquered wood—yet innovative production methods makes the aesthetic of the two materials the same.

3. Up Pouf by Mobboli

A steel frame raises the cylindrical cushion that defines Up off the ground. Designed by the in-house team at Mobboli, the pouf or coffee table—depending on diameter—is conveniently stackable.

4. Alpe Collection by Yonoh Studio for Mobboli

The Alpe collection of upholstered seating and poufs by Yonoh Studio for Mobboli references mountain peaks with the combined arched silhouettes of its backrest and frame.

5. Ibiza Chair by Eugeni Quitllet for Vondom

With an evening of music and cocktails, Vondom solidified its commitment to recycling ocean trash. Through the initiative “Revolution,” the company aims to create plastic pieces “100 percent recycled from the sea,” as a representative explained, beginning with the plastic Ibiza chair by Eugeni Quitllet.

6. Hug Sofa by Francesc Rifé for Lebom

Among items in the newly launched brand Lebom, the Hug sofa by Francesc Rifé aims to do just that with generous, upholstered geometry.

7. Olivo Lounge Chair by iSimar

Stackable and designed for outdoor use, the galvanized steel Olivo lounge chair by iSimar has 29 color possibilities—all rendered in polyester powder-coating. The Olivo collection also includes stools and armchairs.

8. Bolonia Sofa by iSimar

Also designed for outdoor use, the powder-coated galvanized steel Bolonia sofa by iSimar is equally slender.

9. Dom Modular System by María Luisa Tataje and David Collado

Dom, a modular system by María Luisa Tataje and David Collado, uses a beech base for a set of modular pieces, both wooden and padded, allowing numerous configurations. Dom was featured in an exhibit by Intercrea, a platform encouraging interaction between Universitat Jaume I students in collbaoration with firniture manufacturer Inclass.

10. Nea Stool by Óscar Vera and Laura Sanjuan

Also featured in the Intercrea exhibit, the Nea stool by Óscar Vera and Laura Sanjuan offers cushy comfort with a pod-like upholstered seat set within the lightness of a powder-coated steel frame.

11. Aia Pouf by Nadia Arratibel for Ondarreta

The colorful wedges of pouf Aia by Nadia Arratibel for Ondarreta can be mixed and matched or arranged in playful pie formations.

12. Lounge Chair by Ramón Esteve

A retrospective exhibit spanning 30 years showcased the iconic pieces of Spanish designer and architect Ramón Esteve.

13. Evie Lamp by Paula Piris

A study on shape and materials, the Evie lamp by Paula Piris is shown here rendered in pastels—but its sections are customizable by color or materials such as brass, wood, opal, and marble. The lamp was a standout in Nude Generation, an annual initiative promoting young designers with an exhibit at Hábitat Valencia.

14. Solanas Sideboard by Daniel Germani for Gandiablasco

Designer Daniel Germani’s fond childhood memories of the beaches of Uruguay are behind Solanas for Gandiablasco. A sideboard is one of seven new additions to this collection of outdoor furniture—weather-hardy thanks to Cosentino‎’s Dekton manufactured stone surfaces.

15. City Outdoor Armchair by Christophe Pillet for Point

Teak armrests and a woven back are a jolt of craftsmanship to the aluminum frame of the City outdoor armchair by Christophe Pillet for Point.

Read more: 15 Product Highlights from the London Design Festival