Congratulations to Merielle Jurlina, the East Coast Grand Prize Winner and Morgane Rossin, the West Coast Grand Prize Winner of the 3rd Annual Jamie Stern Furniture Design Contest!
We would like to thank all of the amazingly talented interior designers and architects who submitted an original design to this year’s Furniture Design Contest. Your contributions made for an exciting spring as we received more entries than every previous year. We find ourselves continually awed by the artistry, creativity and originality on display during these contests.
We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to our panel of esteemed judges—Silvia Castañeda, Patricia Lopez and Sara Talleux—for donating their time and talents to our contest. They had the difficult task of reviewing well over 150 entries and selecting just two regional Grand Prize Winners.
Meet the Winners!
East Coast Winner: Merielle Jurlina, Interior Designer based in New Jersey for The Ella Lounge – comprised of three modular “L” shaped elements, with refined geometry, customizable form and vibrant leather piping as the primary accent.
Merielle is a NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer whose practice is rooted in a playful, yet research-based approach to furniture. Her process is informed by a rhizomatic way of thinking – interconnected and always evolving. Merielle’s goal is to champion democratic design, creating beautiful, accessible, and personality-filled spaces that aren’t meant to be taken too seriously. Her work is about resonance – designs that feel alive, human and surprising. Merielle has specifically spent time in Italy exploring art and design, and has extensively traveled to gain insight into the international perception of design. She brings these experiences together in her current endeavors, such as in her winning design piece, Ella.
About the winning piece: The Ella Lounge is a playful design concept that combines functional simplicity with impact. Composed of three modular “L”- shaped elements, it offers versatility—functioning as a standalone piece with the potential to expand into a sofa or sectional system. The Ella Lounge makes a statement without compromising comfort, and is not meant to be taken too seriously. It features vibrant leather piping as the primary accent, followed by three varying shades across the arm, seat, and back elements. With its refined geometry and customizable form, the Ella Lounge holds a charming presence in any space, whether subtly integrated or boldly showcased.
West Coast Winner: Morgane Rossin, NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer, for her armchair drawing inspiration from nature’s gentle curves and the solidity of traditional craftsmanship.
Graduated in spatial design from the École Olivier de Serres in Paris, Morgane is an interior designer at Studio PCH. For Morgane, these competitions offer far more than just a challenge – they offer a true creative escape, a space for freedom of expression that invites experimentation and imagination. She takes a sensitive approach to design, where dreamlike elements and lightness become carriers of emotion.
About the winning piece: The armchair explores the harmonious blend of organic form and structural clarity. Inspired by the gentle curves of nature and the solidity of traditional craftsmanship, the design features generous, rounded cushions wrapped by sculptural wooden elements that appear to embrace and support the seating volumes. The tactile interplay between the warm, textured upholstery and the smooth, contoured wood enhances both comfort and visual appeal. By balancing softness with structure and tradition with modernity, this piece invites relaxation while serving as a bold, contemporary statement in any interior.
About Jamie Stern Furniture, Carpet, Leather & Fabric
Celebrating 40 years as a leader in design spanning corporate and high-end residential, Jamie Stern offers both impeccable in-house furniture, carpet, leather and fabric designs alongside industry-leading collaborations. A family-run business at its core, Founder Jamie Stern is dedicated to welcoming in and empowering interior designers’ creativity by offering direct access to its manufacturing resources. Jamie Stern has received international recognition, winning awards such as Interior Design’s Best of Year, Hospitality Design’s Hot List and HD Awards, among others. More information is available at www.jamiesterndesign.com.