Upholstered in traditional Belgian linen or innovative new performance fabric Fiqa, the latest furnishings from Four Hands advance sustainability while offering the ultimate in luxuriously livable style. Incredibly versatile, mindfully made and impossibly soft, these are the pieces that feel like home—and they belong in every room in the house, inside and out. Produced from fully recyclable materials, eco-friendly Fiqa is stain-resistant, water-repellent, antimicrobial and easy to clean. To create classic Belgian linen, every part of the flax plant is used, making it a zero-waste fabric. Available in creamy neutrals, earthy olive green, warm caramel and coffee browns, and soothing charcoal gray, the sectionals, sofas, swivel chairs and slipcovered items in these collections beckon.
President and CEO Matthew Briggs, president of upholstery Rick Lovegrove and vice president of design Adam Dunn spoke with Business of Home about these two “unicorn textiles” and the role they play in the company’s commitment to crafting modern-day heirlooms.
What’s the inspiration behind the new collection?
Rick Lovegrove: The Four Hands upholstery team has celebrated two major new initiatives in the last year. One: Being the first to bring to market Love Home Fabric’s Fiqa, the latest performance fabric with both indoor and outdoor products. And two: Beginning to source authentic Belgian linen from Libeco to incorporate this luxurious material in both new and favorite designs. Our trusted partners Love Home Fabric and Libeco are family-owned, multigenerational companies with a planet-focused mindset, dedicated to producing Oeko-Tex-certified textiles.
Made from fully recyclable materials, including recycled polyester, Fiqa fabrics are stain-resistant, water-repellent and antimicrobial. Five years in the making, this unicorn performance fabric sacrifices nothing in terms of comfort or versatility.
Similarly, Libeco’s authentic process results in a premium natural flax fabric. Produced in a dedicated carbon-neutral facility without the use of toxic chemicals, this luxurious textile places a smart, sustainable spin on traditional linens.
Both machine-washable, these fabrics are easy to clean, easy on the earth and easy to style, which is a win-win-win for Four Hands and our customers.
How did the collaboration come about?
Lovegrove: We pride ourselves on our vendor ecosystem and have worked hard to attract superior manufacturers, partner with more than 50 mills and tanneries, and be a resource and advocate for best practices. We consider all suppliers as an extension of our team, and our hands-on approach means we spend a tremendous amount of time on the factory floor and meeting with our key partners across the globe to ensure we are always on the pulse of what’s next. These strong supplier relationships have resulted in access to added value, including exclusive launches, first availability and co-development. We’re thrilled to have partnered with Love Home Fabrics to bring the innovative Fiqa to market and to source trademarked Belgian linen materials from a renowned company like Libeco. We look forward to continuing to expand our offerings in the coming year.
What are some of the designs that you are most excited about?
Lovegrove: We’re excited about everything with Libeco and Fiqa, but based on feedback from the design community, we can certainly identify some standouts. From the Libeco collection, the Bridges slipcover dining armchair is the epitome of relaxed glamour. Available in either Brussels Natural, a cream color, or Brussels Coffee, a warm brown hue, the chair features rolled arms and an elegant drape. Another star piece from the Libeco lineup is the Monette slipcover swivel chair—available in the rich Brussels Coffee color, this 360-degree swivel chair is defined by slightly sloping, flared arms and a floor-length slipcover. Finally, from the Fiqa assortment is the Sora dining armchair, inspired by traditional Scandinavian design. Available in either Boucle Cream or Mocha Ash, this stylish seat features a clean, classic look that is sure to last.
How do you feel this collection pushes the brand forward?
Matthew Briggs: These upholstery launches are part of a holistic Four Hands sustainability commitment, marking a strong step in our ongoing efforts to minimize environmental impact and decrease waste. Every one of our Four Hands pieces is designed to be enjoyed for generations. Incorporating the latest in sustainable fabrics, materials and technology wherever and however we can reinforces our commitment to longevity—both for our customers and for the planet.
How does the collection build on or complement your other offerings?
Lovegrove: Fiqa and Libeco are not our first forays into sustainable fabrics. Other designs feature heirloom leather sourced from one of the oldest family-owned tanneries in Italy’s Bassano del Grappa, durable fabrics like olefin, known for its UV-resistant, water-repellent and quick-drying abilities, and much more.
Adam Dunn: Four Hands’ use of mindfully made materials also extends beyond fabrics. We design with reclaimed and Forest Stewardship Council–certified woods wherever possible. Whether sourced from salvaged barn doors or sustainably harvested forests, our woods are time-tested.
How do you envision designers using this collection?
Lovegrove: The built-to-last nature of sustainable fabrics provides the perfect fit for our timeless designs. We hope designers will take advantage of these qualities for long-lasting results.
