London-based design studio Forestalgia has unveiled its first independent product line — a modular furniture collection that goes beyond conventional dining experiences. Aptly titled “Modular 001”, the system is crafted to promote community, conversation, and conviviality through a reimagined approach to social spaces.
Blending Tradition with Modern Social Design
At the heart of Modular 001 lies a glass-topped table, sculpted in the shape of the Forestalgia logo, surrounded by custom seats designed to slot seamlessly into its contours. This configuration creates an environment that invites openness and connection. Central to the table is a feature Forestalgia calls the “soul” — an integrated component equipped with both a mood light and a speaker, designed to enrich the ambiance of any social gathering.
Drawing from global traditions, Emmanuel Lawal, Forestalgia’s founder, was inspired by Japanese chabudai and horigotatsu tables — low-profile designs known for fostering intimacy and flexibility. The table’s height and configuration reflect these influences while introducing Forestalgia’s own aesthetic identity.
The collection is upholstered in foam and wrapped in tobacco-hued vegan suede, laid over high-quality plywood. The warm palette pays homage to the studio’s admiration for African mid-century modern furniture, which prioritises comfort, form, and authentic expression.
A Seat at the Table for Everyone
Lawal’s design philosophy for Modular 001 was shaped not only by aesthetics but by personal experience. Reflecting on a formative quote — “don’t expect a seat if you don’t bring anything to the table” — Lawal explained how this idea resonated deeply, evoking memories of creative alienation during his upbringing in Greenwich, southeast London.
“Although not directed at me, these words had a profound effect on me that made me briefly relive the feeling of adolescence,” Lawal shared. “Growing up, it was easy to feel alienated from the arts scene, with little to no entry points to connect with creative enthusiasts.”
With Modular 001, Forestalgia’s aim is to encourage informal, welcoming spaces that break away from rigid dining traditions. The modular nature of the system allows users to rearrange the furniture freely, enabling social interaction in a way that is both flexible and inclusive.
“With Forestalgia, you have a seat at the table. We all have to start somewhere,” Lawal added, underscoring the brand’s mission to nurture creative dialogue and shared experiences.
More Than Just Furniture
The Modular 001 series is now available for order via Forestalgia’s website, with an array of customizable colour options. More than just furniture, this debut collection invites users to rethink how social spaces are shaped — not by design alone, but by the people who gather around them.
