Why B&B Italia’s “The Classic” Defines the Next Cycle in Interiors
MC&Co CEO and Founder Michael Cleghorn examines how B&B Italia’s “The Classic” at One Wall Street New York combines strong structural composition with individuality and historical nuances.
The Design Mechanics of “The Classic”
When first laying eyes on B&B Italia’s interior for “The Classic” at One Wall Street New York, the aesthetic impact is immediate. What seems evident is high contrast and colour ‘pop” conveyed through structure, personal individuality, and robust pieces inspired the 1970s and cubism. These three aesthetic movements will dictate the 2027-2028 forecasting cycle.
A Strong, Inviting Space
What first grabbed my attention was the commanding graphics on the feature wall. Its large textural and high-contrast geometric shapes emphasise the living and dining area structural framework, meaning, the geometry translates directly into the furniture. Low lounge seating, an angular dining table with sculptural chairs, and clustered travertine circular tables each project a strong, heavy outline.
Here, colour operates to highlight bold forms but also features the on-trend deep burgundy and terracotta tones (the terracotta and black combination is one to watch). Rust, tobacco, charcoal and pale timber tones add to the furniture profiles and establish firm, tactile zones within the apartment.
Above: "Ray" Sofa by Antonio Citterio, "Pablo" chairs by Van Duysen
A Turnkey Residence of High Curation
“The Classic”, part of a turnkey collection at One Wall Street New York, presents a fully stylised, yet liveable interior. This curated apartment features the work of Antonio Citterio, Vincent Van Duysen, Monica Armani, Naoto Fukasawa, Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, and Piero Lissoni. Citterio’s “Ray” sofa and Van Duysen’s Pablo seating embrace terracotta tones and comfortable cubism, whilst Naoto Fukasawa's Grande Papilio chair anchors the adjoining room with an enveloping, sculptural heft. Notable is the Maasai Beaded Wedding Collar from East Africa, framed in a shadow box alongside other cultural artefact. This and the wall graphic remind of previous editions of the Lenny Kravitz and CB2 collaborations which also feature cubist forms, 70’s nuances and staunchly individualistic. Together, these pieces in their variation create a visual force high design and deliberate curation.
Above: Lenny Kravitz x CB2
The Eras Through Colour and Form
The influence of the 1970s dictates the material palette. The application of terracotta tones and burgundy high gloss pairs with low leather seating, rounded forms, and substantial upholstery. These references integrate seamlessly into the contemporary interior architecture whilst the building’s exterior Art Deco framework provides a historical shell. Together, Art Deco details, postwar Italian modernism, 1970s colour blocking, indigenous art and contemporary interpretation speak to the same footprint. This combination executes on multiple fronts of personal identity, historical references and bold established, recognisable forms and hues. There is a move, even a demand for interiors that are entirely resolved and structurally grounded, yet deeply comfortable and somehow unique; B&B Italia executes this perfectly.
Above: "Papilio" Chair by Naoto Fukasawa
Part of a Wider Aesthetic Shift
At MC&Co, we track how structural demands dictate the use of robust furniture, specific materials, and thoughtful palette planning across both global and local markets. The Architecture of Control: Interior Aesthetics in an Uncontrollable World 2027–2028 details the forces behind this shift and exactly how they translate to retail and product development.
