Who says newer is better? Three celebrated designers share the beloved designs they turn to again and again.

Nina Magon uses B&B Italia’s Grande Papilio chair in a wicker finish.Julie Soefer

Magon uses a lush upholstery to finish this versatile living room chair.Julie Soefer

Left: Nina Magon uses B&B Italia’s Grande Papilio chair in a wicker finish. Julie Soefer | Right: Magon uses a lush upholstery to finish this versatile living room chair. Julie Soefer

A Warm Embrace

Nina MagonJulie Soefer

“I saw the Grande Papilio armchair in the B&B Italia showroom for the first time nearly 10 years ago. It was my first introduction to the brand, and I was completely obsessed with it. I ended up ordering the mini version to put around my own breakfast table, and have now used just about every iteration of it in my work. The company makes it as a larger armchair, a mini armchair and even as a dining chair and barstool. I love the shape—it feels like it’s hugging you when you sit in it, and it has the perfect angle and proportions for sitting comfortably. It’s not too straight, but you also don’t sink into it. The armchair, which is my favorite, swivels and has a zipper down the back so you can change out the cover or take it off to spot-clean. My personal chairs have gone from gray to black; I’ve even gotten them in a wicker and put them on a patio. You can use this chair in residential or commercial settings, and in casual or formal spaces. It has a forward-thinking, European look that I love—and, again, it’s actually comfortable to sit in. It just speaks to me!”  —Nina Magon, Houston

Missoni towels are a favorite finishing touch for Peti Lau. Here, they are used in a bathroom she designed for Alex Pall of The Chainsmokers. Brittany Ambridge

Lau also used the towels to add a pop of 1970s-inspired flair by Pall’s bathtub.Brittany Ambridge

Left: Missoni towels are a favorite finishing touch for Peti Lau. Here, they are used in a bathroom she designed for Alex Pall of The Chainsmokers. Brittany Ambridge | Right: Lau also used the towels to add a pop of 1970s-inspired flair by Pall’s bathtub. Brittany Ambridge

On the Bright Side

Peti LauBrittany Ambridge

“I find myself picking out Missoni towels in bathrooms over and over again. Any Missoni print is a fun way to add texture and color, and these are no exception. I love to use these in a guest bathroom to add a funky flair and make it super loungey and inviting. They have such an authentic 1970s vibe, and are perfect for clients searching for a midcentury aesthetic. These instantly jazz up a space and can also complement bathrooms that are more tile-centric. Towels can often be such a boring element when you’re styling a bathroom, but these are great for a jolt of color and fun.” —Peti Lau, New York and Los Angeles

Barry Dixon loves the open back on the Albemarle chair he designed for Tomlinson, which works well around a dining room table. Kip Dawkins Photography

Here, Dixon chooses a patterned fabric for the upholstered chair. Bonus: It won’t obscure a bold wallpaper.Kip Dawkins Photography

Left: Barry Dixon loves the open back on the Albemarle chair he designed for Tomlinson, which works well around a dining room table. Kip Dawkins Photography | Right: Here, Dixon chooses a patterned fabric for the upholstered chair. Bonus: It won’t obscure a bold wallpaper. Kip Dawkins Photography

Pull Up a ChaiR

Barry DixonKip Dawkins Photography

“I love the Albemarle chair, which I designed for Tomlinson, because you can use it in a variety of ways. It comes in two sizes, so I’ve used it as a single hall chair or in an entryway on its own, as well as around a table in a formal dining room, as a game chair, a desk or vanity chair—and even covered in terry cloth next to a soaking tub. It has a soft upholstered back that you can see through, which gives it a wonderful way of receding when it needs to. You can put it up against something like a beautiful Gracie panel and still see the wallcovering. Solid-backed chairs can so often cannibalize a space and pull focus, but these have a more translucent quality while actually being quite sturdy. Although the back is more delicate and open, the chair still has an ample, voluptuous seat, making it comfortable to sit in for hours. It’s upholstered, so depending on the fabric you choose, it can lean casual or more sophisticated.” —Barry Dixon, Warrenton, VA