Rock Solid Seating

• Furniture

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

It's understandable why rough-yet-refined concrete countertops are all the rage, but concrete furniture? Doesn't sound too comfortable. Chicago designer Greta de Parry begs to differ. Her Coleman Stools, fashioned from concrete and steel, can pass for wood in blind “sit” tests while still holding up tenaciously both indoors and outside.

And, as de Parry uses it, concrete's become sustainable, too. “Not only can I re-use concrete by breaking it up and adding it to new mixtures, but the ability to create on a per-project basis greatly reduces waste,” says de Parry, who found inspiration for the stools from previous garden and patio projects. “As a furniture maker, earth lover, and design nerd, it would be nearly impossible not to fall in love with concrete.” 

This spring, de Parry will add an adjustable version to her three existing lines of Coleman stools, available in colors from spruce to terra-cotta, and all completely handcrafted by the designer herself.

Looks like 2012 will be the year when concrete makes its comeback.

Tagged with: Greta de Parry