An impossible combination?

There are many hands and minds involved in creating a Stressless® recliner. One of the key players this time was Design Lead Mariana Sousa.

What was the driving idea behind Stressless® Berlin?

We wanted to keep the classic Stressless® DNA while creating a more modern look. The dream was a sleek chair that is also soft and embracing, she says.

It sounds like an impossible combination?

You could say that! But I hope that we have achieved the impossible once again. One thing is the sitting comfort, which must be in place in a Stressless® design. But softness is also a visual quality, and in this case, we have worked with many small details, including the fine wrinkles in the cover, which give a promise that it is comfortable to sit here, says Sousa.

Sporting metal details instead of wood, the Stressless® Berlin recliner takes inspiration from the Stressless® Original from 1971. The unmistakable steel frame shape stands out, adding a touch of retro flair. This recliner design pairs well with several Stressless® sofas, particularly the new Stressless® Anna ensuring a cohesive and stylish interior. 

Following the positive feedback on the comfort of the Stressless® Rome recliner launched the year before, the Berlin model also includes ComfortZones™ in the molded foam and a layer of softer foam on top, all while maintaining the slim silhouette. The armrests also feature extra padding for enhanced comfort, and the high back version includes a well-received head cushion for added support.

Unique styles 

Ekornes designers are often credited as a team, and not as individual creators – what is the reason for that?

It's simply about the number of heads and hands that need to be involved in creating a Stressless® design. We always listen to what our comfort experts have to say, along with feedback from engineers and not least what the production team suggests. It is very much a collective process, and I think the results show that this is the way to go, says Mariana Sousa.

Is there anything about this recliner you are particularly proud of?

One thing that strikes me is how unique the three sizes are – all offering very different options and visual expressions, so we reach many customer groups with one design. I think we've hit the mark well there, says Sousa, who is already hard at work on a new and even more ground-breaking Stressless® design.

The versatile Stressless® Berlin comes in three versions: high back, low back, or with an adjustable headrest. Each version has its advantages: the low back offers a smaller visual footprint, perfect for compact spaces or for creating a social atmosphere around a table; the high back features a comfortable pillow for head and neck support; and the adjustable headrest can be modified up to 10 cm to accommodate longer backs while also appealing to different customer preferences.

About Mariana

Mariana was born in Figueira da Foz, Portugal, and studied Product Design at the University of Lisbon. Passionate about Nordic design, she spent a semester in Finland studying Industrial Design. After returning to Portugal, she briefly worked as a furniture and interior designer at Victor Bertier. In 2017, Mariana moved to Norway, working at Formfin møbler for three years, learning A-Å Norwegian furniture basics. She joined the Stressless team in October 2020 and has since been designing products across categories like Dining, Chairs, Sofas & Outdoor. Mariana is always looking forward to what the future might bring!