Looking at Michael Shannon’s home, recently published by Architectural Digest, it’s clear the actor has a thing for patina. Though newly updated, the former church he lives in is filled with beautifully aged pieces. There’s a collection of antique rugs from his grandmother. There’s a vintage window panel from India that his designer, Colleen Newell, of The INbtwn Studios, had built into the wall. And then, there’s the cornerstone of his living room: an aged MP-81 sofa.
“This is my beautiful sofa. It’s leather, it’s vintage, it’s had some use over the years, but I think that’s what gives it a lot of the character,” Shannon told AD during a tour of his space. “It’s super comfortable. It’s got a little bit of bucket-seat action, but you can also lay down on it.” Designed by Percival Lafer in 1972, the sofa, with its organic materials and graceful curves, is a brilliant example of Brazilian modernism.
Plus, to Shannon’s point, it does indeed provide cup-like support, balancing comfort and high style with its protruding wooden legs. If you’re after a touch of ’70s cool without going totally retro, this sofa ticks that box, as the actor’s home attests.
