Sabine Marcelis, a Dutch designer known for her innovative use of color, is the latest designer to make their mark at the VitraHaus Loft (see previous VitraHaus Loft installations here) in Weil am Rhein, Germany. The vibrant installation offers fresh perspectives on living spaces, showcasing a bold color scheme that redefines the concept of home. Marcelis, whose previous collaboration with the Vitra Design Museum was the 2022 Colour Rush! exhibition, has extended her creative vision to transform the top floor of the VitraHaus. The installation mimics the design of her own home, featuring a large open space segmented into zones, each distinguished by its own color palette. “The philosophy behind the design closely mirrors how we created our family home,” Marcelis notes, emphasizing the blend of her designs with those of other artists, as well as Vitra’s iconic furniture pieces.

The space in the public VitraHaus has been meticulously overhauled into an imaginative display that highlights the synergy of color and design. Till Weber, Vitra’s Creative Director of Interiors & Scenography, explains, “The VitraHaus Loft is the perfect canvas to display the diversity of Vitra furniture.” He praises Marcelis’s use of natural, organic hues that seamlessly interact with the various zones, creating connections without perfect matches. The design leans toward a warm, home-like atmosphere through layered design elements and diverse materials, instead of a gallery feel.

Upon entering the loft via the elevator, visitors are welcomed into a spacious living room in a cool mint green palette. At the heart of this area is a unique lounge setup arranged by Marcelis using Jasper Morrison’s Soft Modular Sofa. Marcelis describes this design choice, saying, “The original sofa system is generally used to create L shapes, and we’ve just merged it all to form this enveloping pit.” This space invites guests to relax and enjoy projected films and scenic views, embodying the essence of a comfortable and engaging lounge area.

The installation features seven key colors, each thoughtfully applied to the different zones. A soft pink, for instance, highlights the bathroom, where a custom pale pink onyx unit captivates with its elegance and light-catching properties. “The colors used in the VitraHaus Loft are personal favorites,” Marcelis shares. “I like these colors and never tire of them, which makes them timeless for me. I think this attitude is important for anyone creating their own home.”

While perusing Vitra’s extensive catalog of mid-century and contemporary furniture and accessories, the Rotterdam-based designer was particularly inspired by Danish designer Verner Panton. To coincide with the VitraHaus Loft unveiling, Marcelis reimagined the iconic Panton Chair Classic (1959) and Visiona Stool (1970), incorporating them into the installation and offering them in limited editions. Each version corresponds to the loft’s color scheme. Marcelis explains, “For the low cylindrical Visiona Stool – the pouf – we are offering very different types of upholstery finishes alongside the seven individual colors. This ranges from faux fur made from angora goat’s wool designed by Raf Simons to leather and everything in between.”

Christian Grosen, Vitra’s Chief Design Officer, championed Marcelis’s bold reinterpretations of Panton’s works. He highlights the timeless nature of Panton’s designs, stating, “The Panton Chair Classic echoes the 1960s and the innovative production techniques of the period that allowed its construction, and at the same time, it’s more relevant and present than ever – especially in Sabine Marcelis’s colors. The design is an interesting reflection of modern times – her colors change the perception of the chair – and makes us see it in a new way.”

A key aspect of Marcelis’s successful vision in creating a homely environment within the VitraHaus Loft is her inclusion of artworks and design details outside the Vitra collection. Collaborations with artists like Maria Pratts, Johnny Mae Hauser, Carlijn Jacobs, and Berlin-based pattern designer Ehsan Morshed enhance the eclectic mix. Special edition printed bedsheets by Morshed will also be available for purchase.

Grosen reflects on Marselis’ inclusive approach, stating, “An important part of the Vitra mindset is that we don’t see Vitra as the answer to everything; it’s in the collage with other objects that Vitra’s products come to life.”

Sabine Marcelis in VitraHaus Loft

Sabine Marcelis’ limited edition Panton Chair Classic range with Visiona Stools

Sabine Marcelis’ reimagined Panton Chair Classics are available in seven new colors, as is the Visiona Stool in seven fabric covers, at the VitraHaus on the Vitra Campus and at vitra.com, with a limited release of both designs at just 50 pieces per cover material and color. The chair is only available in the United States through Friday, June 14th.

For more information on Sabine Marcelis, visit sabinemarcelis.com and for additional information on Vitra products or the VitraHaus, head to vitra.com.

Photography by Clemens Poloczek.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.