British contract furniture firm Furniture Fusion has unveiled Our Place, a unique music-inspired installation and collaboration with a noted design studio as part of their appearance at HIX 2024.

Working with design studio Jones AD, Our Place is inspired by a love of music and the creative forces around it, with visitors invited to step into the firm’s listening bar – inspired by Japanese kissa, spaces which bring together music, people and place.

First seen in Japan a century ago as a place for jazz aficionados to appreciate music, the kissa concept has evolved and these bars are now found worldwide. Each has its own character but they are typically small spaces, filled with vinyl and always with an excellent sound system. These elements are key to the Furniture Fusion concept – with a structure built from OSB-engineered wood, one wall covered with gig flyers, another with a bar area and turntable alongside a stylised version of the company’s logo – the ‘F’ comprising 24 albums. Chosen for their music as well as their portrait cover designs, they inspired the campaign strap line: ‘Your Face / Our Place’.

While music is the inspiration, furniture and hospitality design are at the heart of the project, drawing on the team’s experience of working with hotel, bar and restaurant operators over two decades. The project included pieces selected by Abi Perry-Jones, Creative Director of Jones AD, and bespoke furniture created for the event by Furniture Fusion. The collaboration also involved suppliers, with sustainable seating from BlackCork, tabletops made using eco-friendly Foresso and upholstery fabrics from Panaz, ILIV and Sunbury.

Featuring plenty of specially-selected seating, including a stylish bespoke bench and pebble stools, the installation was more than just an exhibition stand. With a colour palette of dark green, terracotta and cream, the multifunctional space allowed visitors to take a seat, have a drink and a chat, listen to some music and catch up with colleagues, friends and industry contacts.

“This has been a really special experience for us. It’s no secret that we’re big music fans so combining it with design for hotels has been an engaging and creatively rewarding time for our team,” comments Sam Samuels, Managing Director of Furniture Fusion. “It’s been great to work with Abi and the team at Jones AD and to have the opportunity to produce some really beautiful bespoke furniture, all made here in the UK and showcasing sustainable, recyclable materials throughout the space. The concept reflects the creativity and connection that music brings to our lives – we loved welcoming guests to join us, share a drink and share some sounds. While we’re embracing the technology and advances that are transforming the way we all work, it’s reassuring to see how much is gained by spending time together and it was great to create a space that fostered more collaboration and creativity.”