Orb Sideboard: Art Deco Meets Byzantine Heritage

Yilmaz Dogan’s Orb blends ancient inspiration with modern luxury.

Orb, designed by Yilmaz Dogan, stands as a testament to the enduring influence of historical architecture on contemporary furniture. Drawing direct inspiration from the Ancient Roman Hippodrome in Istanbul, Orb’s design language echoes the grand circular and linear elements that once defined a major social hub of the ancient world. This connection to history is not merely aesthetic; it is a thoughtful adaptation of heritage into the rhythm of modern living spaces.

The sideboard’s unique character emerges from its harmonious blend of Art Deco symmetry and Byzantine architectural motifs. Its aerodynamic curves and meticulously crafted details evoke a sense of timeless elegance. Orb’s most notable feature, the circular side doors, operate via a custom hinge system, allowing them to open seamlessly without occupying additional space. This innovation not only preserves the sideboard’s sleek silhouette but also enhances its practicality, offering easy access to a spacious, thoughtfully organized interior.

Functionality is at the heart of Orb’s design. The interior, finished in a deep Bosphorus blue, features adjustable shelves that accommodate bottles of varying heights and a range of accessories. This adaptability ensures that Orb serves as both a refined storage solution and a statement piece within luxury interiors. The use of high-quality lacquer finishes, hand-shaped wood, and custom metal details, including gold accents, further elevates the sideboard’s luxurious appeal.

Advanced production techniques, such as CNC precision cutting, contribute to Orb’s sophisticated appearance and flawless surfaces. The design process involved extensive research into the structural elements of the Hippodrome and Byzantine architecture, resulting in a balanced integration of historical forms with contemporary functionality. Overcoming the technical challenge of the circular door mechanism, the design team developed a dynamic hinge system that maintains both the aesthetic integrity and usability of the piece.

Manufactured in Ankara and completed in 2023, Orb has garnered international recognition, earning a Bronze A' Furniture Design Award in 2025. This accolade highlights the sideboard’s creative ingenuity, technical excellence, and its contribution to enhancing quality of life through design. Orb exemplifies how historical inspiration can be reinterpreted to enrich modern interiors, offering a unique blend of artistry, innovation, and practicality.

Orb’s fusion of past and present invites a renewed appreciation for architectural heritage, demonstrating that timeless design can seamlessly integrate into contemporary lifestyles.