Elite Design Award 2023 : Less Is More

After receiving some 150 projects from 38 different countries, the jury has made its decision and has selected the models with a minimalist design that come closest to what could be described as the very essence of a bed, i.e. soothing, restful and comfortable lines. It represents a return to the essential, the simplicity and the fluidity of spaces.

The House of Elite wanted very keen attention to be paid to all details, including the choice of materials used, which should be in harmony with its characterising traits - refinement and elegance.

It is delighted with the jury’s selection and is pleased to announce the three winners of this 6^th competition:

1

1^st place «HEM» unveils with elegance

In first place, “HEM” by the French designer Joris Bonnesoeur is a bed inspired by the simplicity and sobriety of the modernist movement, following the precept “Less is More”. In architecture and design, this movement frequently translates into the stripping of the structure, as a fundamental element of the aesthetic. The headboard and base therefore give the impression of having been hemmed or taken up. Rather than hiding it, the soul of the bed is revealed discreetly and elegantly. This design highlights the contrast between the structure and the upholstery, invoking images of day and night, hardness and softness. Piping further underlines the junctures and accentuates this duality.

Its serene, calm and welcoming sculptural lines fit beautifully into the dreamlike world of a bedroom. Adorned with several refined details, this bed offers great potential for personalisation, with combinations of high-end natural materials. Its design tremendously highlights the designer’s expertise in cabinetmaking and upholstery in the creation of a bed.

2

2^nd place «Saint-George» less global, more unique

Designed by Swiss designer Fabien Roy, who was trained at ECAl, Lausanne School of Art, the “Saint-George” bed pays homage to the outstanding beauty of the landscape surrounding the House of Elite’s headquarters in Switzerland, located amongst the vineyards between Lake Geneva and the Jura mountains. The use of locally-sourced materials (the wood comes from the nearby Vaudois Jura forests) to represent the aesthetic of the region’s spectacular landscape is a gesture of richness and absolute refinement, disconcertingly simple! “Saint-George” represents a more simple design, opting for more authenticity by rediscovering the single bed of the past.

Thanks to its alcove shape, its headboard creates an intimate space that allows you to "fall asleep in the woods" thanks to a textile covering whose colour and pattern are inspired by the coniferous Jura forests. "Saint-George", in tune with the times and its surroundings, reflects the House of Elite’s values regarding environmental responsibility and impact. The customer can even customise the colour and pattern of the fabric. If they decide to sleep in the village of Saint-Livres, a nearby village surrounded by vineyards, they can choose burgundy tones, or they can sleep the village of Saint-Prex, situated right beside Lake Geneva, by opting for a fabric in hues of blue.

3

3^rd place «Wrapper», a bed that bowls us over!

Turkish designer Tuncay Ince dreamed up “Wrapper” from the concepts of minimalism and change, two concepts that are very present in our society. Its very functional bedside tables can be attached or detached according to the user’s needs or wishes. Furthermore, the frame and the headboard are covered with fabrics fixed with a press stud and can also be personalised as desired. The customer can also choose between natural oak wood, or grey or black lacquer.

Very functional, playful and elegant, the “Wrapper” bed will bowl over more than one person! Minimalist and yet customisable, it can adapt to many interiors.

DISCOVER THE WINNERS' PROJECTS:

• 1^st place – "HEM" by Joris Bonnesoeur, France
• 2^nd place – "Saint-George" by Fabien Roy, Switzerland
• 3^rd place – "Wrapper" by Tuncay Ince, Turkey