Inspired by the unexpected, Julien Renault's LIFT sofa for MOR Design is the definition of turning the familiar into something that's all your own.

While elevators can be unexpectedly charming and elegant ? especially those of the Art Deco era ? they’re not often mentioned as being someone’s creative inspiration. Then along came Julien Renault and the LIFT sofa. Brought to life for Portuguese brand MOR Design, it borrows from the machine’s mechanics as well as the iconic LC 2 Chair by Le Corbusier. The LIFT sofa and accompanying armchair have been meticulously crafted with expert precision, much like the machinery with which it shares its name. Renault highlights this expertise and commitment to quality, putting both on full display with LIFT, even suggesting the sofa is best placed at the center of a space in full exploration and appreciation of the frame.
“A sofa is a piece of furniture that often elevates you from the floor. This wooden frame is directly inspired by the lift/elevator metal frame, working like a cage and a platform that welcomes the cushions,” Renault says of his inspiration.
The influence of Le Corbusier’s LC 2 Chair can be seen in the sharp lines of the seating’s structure; in fact, it’s part of what elevates LIFT’s design above similar casual seating. The immaculate framework that makes up the back of each sofa and chair isn’t an afterthought made to blend in. It proudly stands as th...