The metal and marble table is a popular choice for the classy contemporary living room interior design, but Belgian creative Ben Storms approaches the combination with an unconventional method. Interested in exploring the aesthetic limitations and properties of the materials, the designer places a huge block of marble—that weighs between 200 and 900 kilograms—atop an inflated metal "pillow." Dubbed 'InHale,' the project seeks to convert the perception of the heavy mass as a lightweight entity.
The stone blocks are "recovered from a waste of a recently reopened quarry." The marble's original state of existence is preserved with the exception of the surface that has been smoothed, in order for the furniture piece to serve its purpose as an artful metal and marble table for the living room.
Arty Dual-Material Tables
Belgian Designer Ben Storms Makes Metal and Marble Tables
Trend Themes
1. Unconventional Material Combinations - Exploring unique combinations of materials to create innovative and artistic furniture pieces.
2. Aesthetic Limitation Exploration - Examining the boundaries of materials' visual appeal to create visually striking designs.
3. Weight Perception Transformation - Challenging traditional expectations of heavy materials by creating the illusion of weightlessness.
Industry Implications
1. Furniture Design - Opportunities to create avant-garde furniture pieces that push the boundaries of conventional material choices and aesthetics.
2. Interior Design - Incorporating unique and visually captivating furniture pieces into contemporary living room designs.
3. Quarrying and Stone Supply - Discovering new uses for reclaimed stone blocks and exploring unconventional methods of showcasing their natural beauty.