Sit back and relax

For me, one of the companies that always evokes that feeling of high end design is Donghia. Ever stylish, chic and contemporary, their distinct and exaggerated styles are always featured in the beautiful spreads of shelter magazines. And long before I entered the world of design in a professional capacity, Donghia had made its mark in the list of companies I loved. And then there are all the fabrics! I love the range, from silk to suzani, traditional to contemporary. I can't tell you how many times I have walked into their showroom and seen something new, inspiring, and gorgeous. But Donghia's inspiration starts with its founder, Angelo Donghia. Long before social responsibility was a buzz word thrown about by the corporate world, Donghia believed in giving back - which is why he founded the Angelo Donghia Foundation. This non-profit organization helps to sponsor students around the world to study design, as well as contributes to important design institutions in order to provide educational opportunities and improve the quality of education provided. The foundation also donates to AIDS research. But beyond believing in and giving to educational and research institutions, Donghia's companies have started to pay attention to the environment as well. For each item purchased from their Legacy collection, a tree is planted through the Arbor Day Foundation. I want to know more about Donghia - about their production methods, the woods they use, and the finishes they apply. I do love that they still hand craft their pieces, in the old fashioned way, in America. And planting a tree - wonderful. But it's only a start. I commend the company for finding an original way to offset the damage that their demand for wood creates, and I hope that their desire for improving the field of design, innovation, and responsibility spill over into their production methods.

The picture above is one of my favorite Donghia chairs - the Heron. And it's actually not my favorite because of the look, but because they are uber comfortable. The pitch of the back is perfect to just sit, read and relax. And below is the Geneva chair - little, elegant, and again, incredibly comfortable. This is the perfect slipper chair.

Below are the Odeon Club Chair and Island Sofa - funky, easy, and perfect for a home or a hotel lobby. The functionality and usability of the pieces are matched by their style and comfort.

I love these images below because they convey that sort of cool and soothing vibe that Donghia pieces often convey. The curve of the chairs is elegant and lovely, without seeming frilly or overdone.

And one last piece from the Legacy Collection. Love the wood grain and metal contrast. Simple and beautiful - much like a lot of their pieces.