‘PLAY PIECES’ is a series of sex furniture pieces for London’s newest queer kink event, Joyride, designed by Domhnall Nolan. Photography by Ollie Tomlinson. The model is Sam Purnell. Metalwork by Daniel Higgins. Jockstrap by Ruxwood.
“I imagined them having the joy of a sweaty disco but the sensuality and darkness of a techno rave”
Commissioned by London’s newest queer kink night, Joyride, the collection consists of multiple seating modules, a long spanking bench and a cage wall with multiple attachments. Inspired by both vintage gym equipment and the sexual culture of the 1970s, the pieces all evoke a sense of fun and utilitarianism. Intended to intrigue and arouse. They create an uninhibited queer fantasy land in that people can lose themselves.
“I wanted to create pieces to make people feel sexy and to react to that in their own way. They’re non-prescriptive pieces that you can use whatever way you desire,” says Irish-born London designer Domhnall Nolan.
“Part of the approach was to rethink our collective ideas of kink furniture and create something that marries the worlds of design, sex and aesthetics.” PLAY PIECES add a sense of refinement to the reputation of the traditional ‘darkroom’ in sex and kink clubs.
PLAY PIECE_01 is a folding bed, chair, loveseat, and saddle, among other things and is inspired by a Japanese futon. The metal folding leg frame is used to elevate the seat when required, hooking on with swivel hooks & chains. They can be combined, put back to back or stacked. Which gives endless mounting position possibilities for the users.
PLAY PIECE_02 is an adjustable spanking bench inspired by traditional ‘Conversation Piece’ furniture. Aesthetically it has the harness of a guillotine juxtaposed with the domesticity of a dining room table.
The metalwork is honest and robust, with obvious fixing points, handles and connections. This is complemented by the stealthy cognac leatherette upholstery. All of which were handmade in London.
Designer: Domhnall Nolan / www.domhnallnolan.com / Instagram: @domhnallnolan
Photography by Ollie Tomlinson / Instagram: @olliegtomlinson
Model: Sam Purnell / Instagram: @samisraar
Metalwork: Daniel Higgins
Client/ Commissioned by Joyride / Instagram @joyride.rave
Brands used are: Jockstrap: Ruxwood / Instagram: @ruxwood
Domhnall Nolan is an Irish-born London-based designer specialising in interior & furniture design.
Domhnall’s experience ranges from private residences, and experiential retail installations to their current role as an in-house Senior interior designer at Soho House – having worked on projects in the UK, Europe & Japan. He describes his work as having a chic sensuality – whether designing a singular piece of furniture or a whole interior. Domhnall’s background in metalworking and furniture design adds a sharp sense of utilitarianism to his work.
As well as commercial projects, Domhnall’s practice has focused on queerness in the design industry – from his recent MA thesis work at the Royal College of Art to the designing of queer nightlife spaces in London.
“I’d like to think I’m a subtle maximalist. If that makes any sense.”
