michelle kaufmann designs

With locally sourced natural fibers and organic materials as well as innovative hand-made production techniques, Kenneth Cobonpue has put a new face on modern design. The Chiquita stool is a perfect example of his unique and eco-friendly design style. The stool is made with natural rattan poles (rattan is a fast growing palm species and a rapidly renewable resource) that sit atop a polyurethane cushion fitted inside a molded steel base. Although sitting on top of poles may not sound very comfortable, trust us when we say it is. We got to “test sit” the Chiquita stool when it was featured inside the mkLotus™ home on display in front of San Francisco’s City Hall last fall. The rattan poles sink softly into the cushion below when you sit and make for an absolutely lovely place to rest your rump.