My name is Ann Budveszel, and I am an Interior and Furniture Design student at TU Dublin, specialising in Furniture Design. I prioritise comfort and emotional well-being in my work, believing that furniture should create a sense of safety, calm, and reassurance. Throughout my studies, I have developed strong practical skills in fabrication, woodturning, and design, alongside digital software proficiency. Interior design has also helped me better understand my personal style, which focuses on natural, organic shapes and patterns, often combined with unexpected colours. I am passionate about creating thoughtful, human-centred pieces and look forward to continuing to grow as a designer.
This project explores how furniture can go beyond function to support both physical comfort and emotional well-being, taking inspiration from the soft, organic forms of Japanese pebbles and bubble-like geometries. The chair is designed to evoke the feeling of a hug, using rounded, enveloping forms and soft upholstery to create a sense of closeness, safety, and calm. Research into the psychology of touch shows that hugging releases oxytocin and endorphins, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This idea is reflected in the curved backrest and cushioned surfaces, which gently cradle the body and encourage a relaxed posture. Influences from weighted blankets and comforting environments inform the use of softness and pressure to enhance reassurance. The end table features a matching stacked “bubble” leg, while a small table lamp will also follow this pebble-inspired form, creating a cohesive and calming collection.