Needing, Wanting, Loving: Channel Tufting

Furniture with channel tufting has had a serious moment this past year- and if High Point Market is any indication, this element won't be going away anytime soon.  Baker, Henredon, Four Hands, and Modshop all debuted collections at this year's market with channel-tufting details present.  Before we call this upholstery style a "trend", let's remember it originated in the 70s.  I managed to track down a few 70s design photos where channel-tufting was utilized in the design:

How great are those channel-backed bean bag chairs?  Can't you imagine a fondue party in full-swing in that living room?  That's a party I wouldn't have missed.  You've got to love the 70s.  If you're in Manhattan and want to be transported to a mod 70s-esque environment, head straight to the Boom Boom Room on the roof of The Standard Meatpacking:

Designed by Roman & Williams, this glittering bar is "groovy mod" at it's best.  The channel-tufted sofas snake around the perimeter of the bar and provide numerous seating arrangements.  

Also, how could we have a discussion on channel tufting without including the oft photographed Sketch restaurant in London?  Their bubblegum pink tub chairs are channel tufted and remind me of a clam shell:

{Sketch London}

Leave it to Lauren Santo Domingo of Moda Operandi to be impeccably on-trend.  Last fall, the online retailer opened a brick-and-mortar showroom in the Upper East Side that is styled as a sleek townhouse.  It's high style and high tech- before a customer walks through the door, the store has her style preferences and sizing, so the appointment is tailored with just her in mind.  Domingo infused the space with statement-making modern furniture from her numerous residences, including this on-trend channel tufted sofa:

{Architectural Digest}

Before you begin to think channel tufting only works in commercial spaces, let me share a few photos of my favorite homes that include channel tufted pieces: 

{Emily Johnston}

Carmel leather on a sofa almost always looks chic.   The thinner channels on the sofa shown above feel more masculine and streamlined.

{Azzedine Alaia}

{Matthew Buck}

{Lonny}

I also really dig this chair makeover Janine Morrison of Tonic Living posted on Instagram:

{Janine Morrison}

Here are a few of my favorite channel tufted furniture pieces currently for sale:

Jonathan Adler Pompidou Chair:

CB2 Reign Velvet Bed:

Wayfair Corrigan Studio Chesterfield Sofa:

One Kings Lane Manhattan Sofa in Black Velvet:

Roger & Chris Harley Chair:

So what say you?  Is channel tufting rightfully securing it's place as a 2017 design trend?  Or, is it better left in the past?

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