We asked our team to share their favorite sofas. What emerged wasn’t just a list of beautiful furniture—it was a window into what makes a sofa truly unforgettable.
Because there’s something intimate about choosing a sofa. It’s where life happens—morning coffee, late-night conversations, Sunday afternoons with a good book. Our design consultants spend their days immersed in the world’s most exceptional furniture, yet certain pieces rise above the rest. These are the sofas that make them pause, that they’d choose for their own homes.
THE ONE THAT FEELS LIKE A HUG
Chosen by: Mimi VanDyke, Design Consultant, Studio Como Aspen
For Mimi, it’s the Baxter Piaf—and her affection runs deep. “I often opt for the Piaf over sitting at my normal work table,” she admits. “It genuinely feels like a big hug.”
On display in our Aspen showroom, the Piaf has become something of a litmus test. After countless hours sitting, lounging, and working from its cushions, Mimi’s verdict is clear: this is one of those rare sofas you never want to leave.
What sets the Piaf apart is its endless adaptability. The modular design allows for configurations limited only by imagination, while the integrated Calix table transforms the back into something both beautiful and functional. But it’s the ability to combine different seat depths within a single composition that truly showcases its versatility—perfect for those who lounge deeply and those who prefer to perch.
The Baxter Nabuck leather adds unmistakable luxury, while extra cushions and movable roll armrests offer the kind of flexibility that makes a sofa feel custom-made for your life. In Aspen, Mimi has surrounded the Piaf with Calix coffee tables, a Berbere rug, and the Marilyn chair. “Baxter on Baxter on Baxter,” she says—and it works beautifully.
THE MATHEMATICAL MASTERPIECE
Chosen by: Laura Folgoni, Design Director
Laura’s choice represents a departure for its designer—and that’s precisely what captivates her. The Minotti Bézier, designed by Marcio Kogan and MK27 Studio, breaks from the geometric precision that typically defines the studio’s work. Instead, it embraces organic, flowing forms.
“I was very intrigued from the beginning,” Laura explains, “since MK27 has so far conceived extremely geometrical designs, very architectural or mid-century modern inspired—this was definitely a revolutionary direction.”
The name itself hints at the sophistication beneath the surface. Pierre Bézier, the French engineer and mathematician who defined parametric curves, would likely appreciate how his mathematical expressions have translated into something so tangibly beautiful. These organically shaped modules connect flawlessly, almost defying traditional sectional sofa concepts. “Sectionals need to connect in perfect proportions,” Laura notes. “A curved and organic-shaped sectional is something unique.”
For Laura, the Bézier evokes something deeply personal. “It is like the pebbles at the littoral zone of a lake—I grew up close to a lake and have extensive collections of these polished and curved flat rocks. Maybe this is why I almost feel an emotional attachment to it.”
The sofa’s unusual shapes force creative composition. This isn’t furniture meant to fade against a wall—it takes center stage while maintaining what Laura calls “a simple soul.” Low and elegant with a horizontal extension, it maintains surprising visual lightness despite its presence. She envisions it in spacious rooms flooded with natural light, accompanied by organic-shaped complements and materials with natural patina. On display in our Denver showroom, it’s currently paired with Vivienne large swivel armchairs and an Alps rug—an arrangement that lets its sculptural quality shine.
THE CONTEMPORARY CLASSIC
Chosen by: Gabriela Peña, Design Consultant, Studio Como Denver
For Gabriela, the B&B Italia Tufty-Time 20 represents everything a modern sofa should be. The original Tufty-Time, designed by Patricia Urquiola in 2005, became one of B&B Italia’s best-sellers for good reason. This year’s twentieth-anniversary update—with its slightly taller seat height and new curved units—has elevated an already exceptional piece.
“I love the Tufty-Time 20 because of its modularity and functional simplicity,” Gabriela explains. The tight seat and back mean no pillows to fluff, no cushions to rearrange. The polyurethane cold foam construction delivers consistent comfort across every surface—seat, arms, and back. “It feels active enough to sit and read or converse, welcoming enough to dive in and nap, and visually interesting and contemporary.”
The engineering is quietly brilliant. After the foam cures, units are upholstered and secured with strong velcro underneath, making future cleaning or replacement remarkably simple. “This makes it a sofa that you can grow with and love for generations,” Gabriela notes.
The increased seat height—from 13¾” to 15″—might seem modest, but it makes the piece significantly more approachable while maintaining its contemporary proportions. Gabriela tends to specify it for clients seeking low maintenance without sacrificing visual interest. “When I hear ‘I have kids’ or ‘I have a cozy movie room’ or ‘I want low maintenance,’ I always propose the Tufty-Time.”
Its fully upholstered form, free of metal or wood detailing, makes it remarkably versatile. Gabriela loves pairing it with natural elements like the Beam coffee table by Van Rossum, and finds it works equally well with monolithic pieces like the Emmi by Minotti or contrasting designs like the Husk Chair. Her personal choice for upholstery? The Enia fabric—a thick textural velvet that complements the tufted design while adding warmth. “As a lover of pink, I would personally choose the magenta,” she admits, “but the Enia is available in beautiful neutral tones and down-to-earth colors.”
THE ICON WITH A STORY
Chosen by: Emily Sewell, Design Consultant, Studio Como Denver
Emily gravitates toward pieces with history, and the Cassina Maralunga Maxi delivers narrative in spades. Designed by Vico Magistretti in 1973, the original Maralunga earned the prestigious Compasso d’Oro in 1979 and remains a timeless icon.
The legend behind its innovation is the kind of story design enthusiasts love: founder Cesare Cassina, in a moment of passion, reportedly “punched” Magistretti’s prototype, breaking the frame. That moment of destruction revolutionized the concept—the result was a loose backrest with an adjustable headrest controlled by a bicycle-chain mechanism. Comfort, personified.
The Maralunga Maxi, introduced in 2018, brings new proportions and ergonomic refinements suited to contemporary living while honoring Magistretti’s original vision. For Emily, the choice of Pelle Z Natural Leather is essential. “So soft and smooth and one that will patina beautifully over time—a lovely material that tells the story and life of the sofa.”
“It’s truly a dreamy sofa for so many reasons,” Emily reflects, “and one to appreciate for its impactful history, and its incomparable experience of comfort.” Its unique adjustable design allows it to adapt to endless styles and environments, working beautifully in both fabric and natural leather.
THE ARCHITECTURAL PRESENCE
Chosen by: Lauren Ambuhl, Design Consultant, Studio Como Salt Lake City
Lauren’s choice, the Flexform Lifesteel (on display in Salt Lake City), strikes a particular balance. “I’m drawn to this piece because of its balance between structure and softness,” she explains. “The metal base gives the sofa a strong architectural presence, but the cushions keep it relaxed and liveable.”
It’s that combination of seemingly opposing qualities that makes the Lifesteel special. Sleek and modern without feeling trendy, its proportions and materials feel built to age gracefully. The elevated base maintains openness and flow—particularly valuable in spaces with mountain views or abundant natural light, the kind of interiors common in Studio Como’s Rocky Mountain territory.
In the Salt Lake City showroom, it’s upholstered in Pelle De Luxe 623, a rich dark brown leather that showcases the material’s quality. The grosgrain piping—an intentional, refined detail—can be selected from Flexform’s extensive color options, allowing for subtle customization.
Lauren envisions it paired with an Oliver Side Table and Mori Rug, both from Flexform, creating a cohesive composition that lets each piece breathe. It’s furniture that understands its role: present without being precious, comfortable without sacrificing sophistication.
What Makes a Sofa Unforgettable
As we listened to our design consultants talk about these pieces, patterns emerged. The sofas they love aren’t just beautiful—they’re thoughtfully engineered, endlessly adaptable, and built to last. They balance presence with livability, structure with comfort. Most importantly, they’re pieces our team would choose for their own homes—several already have.
Visit our showrooms to experience these sofas in person. There’s no substitute for sinking into the cushions yourself!
