The more technical devices populate our lives, the less technical we want them to look. Consumers are seeking solutions that replace cool and neutral with warm and homely. The designers of the WiSt MASSAGE SOFA GRACE RICH took this to heart and developed a massage chair with an aesthetic design that conceals its beneficial function. The careful choice of materials, a combination of fabric and wood, ensures that the product can be seamlessly integrated into any living space. The reason this works surprisingly well may also be due to the fact that the renowned product designer involved in the project is both an architect and an interior designer, which helps him to look at connections between furniture and space from a completely different angle. The jury paid tribute to the WiSt MASSAGE SOFA GRACE RICH, describing it as “an elegant yet comfortable armchair with wonderful clarity of design that reinterprets the classic Asian massage chair. It combines premium quality materials with sophisticated technology.” The inner workings are cleverly concealed inside the chair, and the massage element can also be conveniently stowed away under the seat when not in use. At the same time, its relaxing effect – achieved by almost perfectly imitating human massage techniques – means that once a user has tried it out, they’ll never want to do without it again. The design team worked with trained massage therapists who provided expert support during the development of the mechanism. The optimum result was achieved after a process of trial and error, and subsequently confirmed by a series of test subjects. Wide armrests that can easily function as a tray and the wooden slatted structure on the side sections give the armchair a light appearance. The adjustable backrest, with its invitingly rounded cushions and removable semicircular headrest, is definitely one of the armchair’s most eye-catching features. The subtle grey of the lightly textured fabric blends naturally with the light wood tone to create a harmonious overall look. The WiSt MASSAGE SOFA GRACE RICH makes it abundantly clear that technical convenience can play a role in home aesthetics. It beckons you to take a seat and relax.
