A Form of Hug: The Mysa Chair by Studio Kohlhass

"A hug requires that we lean on one another, oxytocin delivered directly to the brain. The power of this simple gesture is sometimes understated-elegant in its simplicity, tender in its sweetness. The Mysa Chair by Studio Kohlhass plays upon this fundamental tenet of human physiology, using color, structure, and craft to echo an experience universally understood, and doing so with quiet confidence."

"Its wooden shell is firm and sculptural, yet inherently protective - less a hard boundary than a soft shield. Slender metal wire legs form a delicate sled base, visually light but structurally assured, allowing the body above to appear as if it gently floats. This contrast between solidity and lightness gives the chair an almost buoyant presence, one that feels supportive without feeling imposing."

"A lightly upholstered seat creates a tender exchange with the adjoining backrest, the two surfaces meeting like a conversation between body and spine. At the center of this dialogue is the chair's defining gesture: a bent plywood backpiece that wraps around the sitter, cradling the upholstery and extending outward like two friendly arms, one for each of yours. The form is deliberate and enveloping, encouraging the body to recline, relax, and feel held - an echo of the embrace that inspired it."

"Materiality works in concert here. The strength and beauty of molded wood-an intentional exploration of traditional craft and manufacturing-interacts seamlessly with the softness of the upholstery, where subtle texture adds both tactile and visual warmth. The powder-coated sled base introduces a matte tactility and saturated color, its single connection point to the backrest emphasizing the shell's shield-like curve while allowing a moment of air and light between structure and form."

The Mysa Chair derives its name from a Scandinavian word meaning coziness and comfort. A firm, sculptural wooden shell functions as a protective, shield-like envelope while slender metal wire sled legs provide visual lightness and structural support, creating a floating effect. A lightly upholstered seat meets the backrest in a tactile dialogue, and a bent plywood backpiece wraps around the sitter like friendly arms, encouraging reclining and relaxation. Molded wood celebrates traditional craft alongside soft upholstery texture for warmth. A powder-coated sled base adds matte tactility and saturated color while maintaining an airy connection to the shell.

Read at Design Milk