Next-generation furniture designed to be 'future-proof'

A vanity table that takes selfies and a VR/AR-friendly rug give a sneak peek of what a fully smart home will look like in the near future.

A collection of tech-savvy furniture by Olivia Lee made its debut at Milan Design Week in Italy, featuring models designed to provide simple solutions to modern dilemmas. What's surprising about the pieces is that they are 'future-proof' but completely analogue, meaning they are able to adapt to constantly evolving digital devices without electronics or software updates.

Lee's Athena collection includes the Alter model, a vintage-style vanity chair-and-table set that can aid in taking selfies and answering video calls handsfree. It boasts interchangeable parts called Sceptres accessories, which include a removable mirror, glorifier and two cellphone holders, with one already angled to achieve the most optimal shot for a picture. The pieces come in metallic and millennial pink tones.

The largest piece in the set is dubbed the Arena, a VR-friendly rug that keeps gamers aware of their position while still immersed inside an alternate reality. Distinct textures and ridges on the edges help keep players within the rug, and prevent them from bumping into walls or other furniture.

The Athena collection also includes the Emblem acoustic system, a series of pebble-shaped soundproofing wall panels that can be used as temporary seats when necessary. The Dais tray table, meanwhile, provides a mobile work surface on the floor, sofa or bed.

While not 'smart' in terms of being app-enabled or essentially IoT devices, pieces from Lee's Athena collection are still smart enough to suit the connected home.