What comes to your mind when you hear the words “leather furniture”? At Baxter’s display in Space Furniture, it takes different forms, ranging from an oversized Chesterfield sofa to a shaggy stool in Mongolian lamb leather and a graphic armchair that hardly looks like it’s upholstered in leather.
Founded in 1990, Italian-owned and -made Baxter has pushed the boundaries of leather furniture, bringing it to the 21st century with zest and style. We hear more from CEO Paolo Bestetti.
What prompted ?
My Family’s Design DNA
It all started because I’m part of a family that turns creativity into business. My brother runs an architecture studio, my dad once owned furniture shops in Milan, and my uncle Luigi is the mastermind behind the iconic Living Divani brand. And thanks to him, I was nudged into the world of leather, a craft that will turn the whole of my life.
Learning the Art of Leather
I surprised myself by diving into the ancient leather tanning methods and the know-how of traditional shoe cobblers. The process felt like walking into a time machine – every stitch, every shade of leather had a story. That spark led me to the next exciting step: building my own brand.
Two Big Challenges – But I Had a Great Team
- Creating the collection: From sourcing the finest hides to designing pieces that speak style, every detail mattered.
- Starting a company from scratch: Going from just a promising idea to launching a fully fledged business – that was a steep learning curve.
Luckily, I wasn’t on this journey alone. I joined an amazing group with the exact skill set I needed to get my training right. Their support made every bean-counting and decision-making a bit easier.
My Feelings, How I’m Navigating the Process
Honestly, it feels like a mix of exciting adventure and a page-flipping thrill. Every time I see a piece of leather transform into a design, I get that rush of creativity that turns into a few laughs and a flex of our knees.
You mentioned wanting to establish a sort of club among customers. Can you elaborate on that?
Why This Club is Totally Worth Your Time
At our company, human connections aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re the backbone that keeps everything running smoothly. Whether it’s collaborating on a project or sharing a coffee break, the energy comes from genuine interaction.
What the Club Brings to the Table
- Common Interests – It pulls together folks who are passionate about the same stuff.
- Fresh Design Views – Everyone gets to remix and rethink the creative process.
- Aesthetic Appreciation – Love for beauty becomes the glue that binds us.
Dream Team Dynamics
When people with different skills wander into the same room, magic happens. It’s not just about swapping résumé facts; it’s about swapping stories, ideas, and a few laughs. The club acts as a springboard, pushing each member toward collective growth and making belonging feel like an adventure.
Working with leather as the primary material; Were there any challenges?
Leather: More Than Just a Classic
Did you know leather can be a thousand colors, soft in so many ways, and even smell like adventure when it’s crafted right?
Why the mainstream thinks leather is rigid
- About 95% of market leather is produced on an industrial scale and feels pretty impersonal.
- It tends to come in that same dull beige—no surprises.
What artisans bring to the table
- Incredible variety of shades—from deep chocolate to bright sunrise hues.
- Textures that feel like a gentle hug.
- A whiff of fresh woods or spicy vanilla—each piece tells its own scented story.
- Tech that lets designers play with the finish—think patterns, edge work, and depth.
Beyond the vanity of volume
True craftsmen at Baxter don’t just churn out products; they weave a real bond between design and the leather itself. For them, blending artistic vision with material science isn’t a trade‑off—it’s a promise of something that truly lasts.
Why is it important?
Beyond Sight: The Secret Life of Materials
When you peruse a photo gallery, you’re given a snapshot that shows the surface but not the soul of an item. Colors lose their depth and the subtle shine of real leather gets flattened into a flat image.
Touch: The Ultimate Rebel Against Static
Think of it as your own personal handshake with the product. It gives you that instant “this feels right” moment — like testing a sweater before you buy it, but without the “oops, I laughed” awkwardness.
Time, Wear, and the Magic of Patina
- Natural materials don’t just fade; they develop a character.
- Leather, for example, doesn’t degrade — it gains a cozy patina as it ages.
- Every scuff and shine is a story you can’t see in a photo.
To truly appreciate an item, you have to hold it. The tactile experience shows comfort, texture, and the evolution that images simply can’t capture.
Fill us in on your long time collaboration with Paola Navone.
When Baxter Pivoted to Modern Chic
Before, Baxter was all about timeless classics—think tweed, leather and that old-school vibe everyone’s got. My gut had always said, “Give me something fresh.” I felt that newer designs spoke my truth louder.
Enter Paola. I’ve always admired her—her meticulous R&D, the way her eyes light up when she sees a shape, colour or material that clicks. She’s the trend‑spotter who never misses a beat.
A Meeting That Wasn’t What We Expected
So I gave her a quick call and invited her to join our crew. She walked into our showroom, glanced around, and asked, “I can’t join right now.” Instead of dialing back, we decided to jazz things up with a small capsule collection. Three years of winding‑up, quads and “aha!” moments later… it worked.
The whole shift opened a brand‑new world for Baxter. We bet on the idea and stuck with it. The result? A wildly successful direction that feels like art, on a time‑machine. Brouhaha, hustle, and a dash of humor—exactly the recipe we needed.
What are the three most important qualities we need to note about Baxter?
Get Hooked on Baxter: The Comfort‑with-a‑Twist
1. Sensual Comfort That’s Purely Lux‑urious
- Picture a couch that smells like a breezy summer day, feels like a soft hug, and only a Baxter can give you that vibe.
- It’s not just furniture—it’s an intimate, almost flirtatious cuddle you’ll feel every time you sink in.
2. Built to Last, Not Just Look Good
- Think of Baxter as a trusty sidekick that never goes out of style—evergreen, timeless, and ready to develop a gorgeous patina over the years.
- When you upgrade your space, you’re not buying a trend; you’re investing in a legacy piece that grows with you.
3. A Sprinkle of Color & Crafty Materials
- Baxter isn’t shy about mixing things up—resins, marbles, woods, metals, you name it, it’s got them.
- This mash‑up magic means your living room can feel like a museum, an art studio, and a chic office all at once.
- The result? A full-on lifestyle collection that covers every mood from “relaxing zen” to “midnight brainstorm.”
What are three of your favourite Baxter products?
Baxter’s Sofa Stories: A 3-Act Extravaganza
Act 1: The Alfred Sofa – Vintage Vibes
The Alfred Sofa by Marco Milisich kicked things off. Think of it as the original “lived‑in” chair that just winked at you with a touch of retro flair. It’s the kind of piece that makes your living room feel like it’s humming a nostalgic tune.
Act 2: The Budapest Sofa – From Classic to Contemporary
Next up, the Budapest Sofa by Paola Navone. This bad boy moved us from the safe harbor of classic design into the bold waters of contemporary chic—and it’s now our absolute bestseller. A one‑stop comfort & style combo that’s got everyone taking selfies.
Act 3: The Twin Culprits – Chester Moon & Tactile
- Chester Moon Sofa (Paola Navone) – Born out of a happy accident, it’s become an iconic staple for Baxter. Picture a space‑savvy friend who just nailed the perfect look.
- Tactile (Vincenzo de Cotiis) – Striding between art and design, this piece ups the sophistication game and caters to the more niche, “I‑can’t‑hide‑how‑much‑I‑like‑this” crowd.
Where You’ll Find Us
In Singapore, you can scoop up a Baxter sofa at Space Furniture—no need to find the perfect spot in your home because it already knows how to bring the vibes.
Originally brewed up for the Home & Decor crowd, this little piece of luxury invites you to see how some furniture can tell a story, sprinkle a touch of personality, and bring a dash of humor to your everyday.
