The sofa is one of the most defining pieces of any home.

It’s often the hub of the living room where loved ones gather; somewhere that should be comfortable, durable, and timeless enough to last a lifetime.

It’s rare to find a design that ticks all these boxes, but the Groundpiece sofa by Italian brand Flexform is one that has truly stood the test of time.

Designed by Milan-based architect Antonio Citterio back in 2001, the relaxed, modular seating arrangement pushed the boundaries with its low and deep proportions.

With the beginning of the new millennium in the background and lifestyle changes front of mind, the Groundpiece was imagined as a sofa designed not just for rest, but for everyday activities, enhanced by its ample-sized cushions, and arm rest that can be customised with a metal console shelf.

The modern silhouette was inspired by the minimalist sculptures of American artist Donald Judd, taking cues from his stacked, ground-level forms.

‘In the case of Groundpiece, the leather allowed us to translate proportions and asymmetries — borrowed from art — into a domestic object,’ Antonio reflects.

Fast-forward to today, and the sofa remains a bestseller, even as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Perhaps part of its success is that the Groundpiece allows for personalisation. Customers can build their own, choosing between goose down filling and Dacron padding; the upholstery can be leather or fabric, with a wide range of finishes and colours to choose from.

A lot has changed in our world since 2001, but it’s clear the design itself has tapped into something undeniably enduring.

Discover more about Groundpiece here.