Limonio: A Modern Take on Classic Elegance

Justin Wheatcroft's Award-Winning Dining Chair Design

Justin Wheatcroft's inspiration for Limonio came from the iconic designs of the last century. He sought to create a piece that would integrate distinctive details into a minimal frame without being strident. The result is a chair that is fresh and soft, yet still has character, much like the drink it is named after.

What sets Limonio apart from other designs is its clean lines and the contrast between its fine, biomorphic-shaped back and thin yet strong legs. This creates an elegant asymmetrical balance. Its lightweight appearance and the exposed minimal frame, enhanced with brass detail, make it not only functional as a dining chair but also a modern and sophisticated design piece.

The chair is made using a strong tapered stance and high-density foam, giving it a lightness that belies its strength. The connections between the bent plywood backrest and seat are made via solid wood trapezoids pegged with brass, a testament to the designer's attention to detail and commitment to quality.

The design process, which took place over ten months from March 2019 to January 2020, was a collaborative effort between Wheatcroft and team members Jose Ballesteros, Edward Stoddart, and Mauro Zamaro. Developed between Barcelona and Ho Chi Minh City, the chair was exhibited at VIFA (Vietnam) in March 2020.

The design research focused on creating a chair that could coexist harmoniously with different design languages. The goal was to create a chair that was light in weight and appearance to juxtapose with dominantly weighty tables, and that conveyed the personality and humor of the brand. The result is a chair that has character and confidence, but is not boorish or self-centered. It can sit alongside pieces of different style and personality without demanding attention.

The Limonio dining chair was awarded Silver in the A' Furniture Design Award in 2020, a testament to its outstanding design and innovation. The award recognizes top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. This accolade further cements Justin Wheatcroft's place as a leading figure in modern furniture design.