Andre Sornay for Sornay Meubles, cabinet or wardrobe, mahogany, lacquered wood, lacquered metal, France, 1960s

This tall cabinet, designed by Andr Sornay in the 1960s, is exemplary of his later work and showcases his innovative use of the patented tigette system: a modular construction technique that defined this phase of his career. With his final major invention, Andr Sornay demonstrated a remarkable capacity for self-reflection and innovation, rethinking his design approach to align with the evolving needs of his era. He introduced a groundbreaking concept: furniture constructed entirely from removable components, allowing for flexible assembly, transport, and adaptation; an idea well ahead of its time. The structure of the cabinet is spare and orderly, yet visually engaging, thanks to a careful play of line, proportion, and contrast. At a glance, its silhouette is severe and rectangular, with rigid vertical and horizontal divisions in dark, rich mahogany that give the piece a modular, almost architectural quality. Despite the geometric rigidity, there is a quiet warmth and refinement to the design. The muted color palette, deep brown and soft off-white, keeps the cabinet from appearing cold or clinical. The black painted metal legs lift the form off the ground just enough to give it air and lightness. It also connects with an aesthetic lineage that runs through both Bauhaus and Japanese design. There is no ornamentation for its own sake; every element, from the vertical strips to the inset panels, serves a structural purpose. A storage unit that is thoughtful, resolved, and elegant in its quiet logic.