Loft Counter Stool 65 cm / 25.6" by Muuto

Mere Bowl

Muuto > Styling

The Mere Bowl is a sculptural centerpiece, one that looks beautiful in a tablescape or space whether it is in use or not. Its characteristic shape is simple yet ingenious, as a line down its middle folds out to the sides forming a bowl. Elevated by a discrete foot, it looks as if floating. Manufactured in tactile ceramic stoneware, it has been coated in a high-gloss glaze that enhances the shadows that form along Mere Bowl’s fold. This surface treatment makes the bowl food safe.

Silent Vase

Muuto > Styling

A form in mouth blown glass, the Silent Vase is Scandinavian design at its subtlest. Available in three sizes and multiple colors, the Silent Vase is a humble yet decorative addition to any space.

Mingle Cushion

Muuto > Accessories

Mingle Cushion is a piece where contrasts harmonize in a compelling mingling of color and materials. Use it front or back, depending on which expression you would like to play with — textured or smooth. Mingle Cushion is available in two sizes and 8 color variants ideal to mix and match. ​

Reduce Paper Bin

Muuto > Styling

Reduce Paper Bin takes its name from the art of reducing; the amount of virgin material used in manufacturing, of rubbish and of form, to create a refined expression of an everyday object. Made using 1OO% recycled ABS plastic from post-consumer waste, it is a straightforward design with a soft and inviting shape. The beauty is in its details like the tactile, matte surface or the characteristic lid subtly concealing the bin bag. Reduce Paper Bin is an all-around object that feels equally at home in the kitchen, workshop and office.

Folded Shelves

Muuto > Cabinet

Imitating the look of folded paper yet shaped in metal, the Folded Shelves have a contemporary, functional character. The shelves come with two hooks and two bolts for mounting on the wall. The Folded Shelves are a modern and friendly way to add storage to any home or professional space.

Relevo Rug

Muuto > Rug

Relevo is a soft rug with a distinctly sculptural quality. Its striking graphic pattern is produced by trimming the tufted wool in different levels, thereby creating an eye-catching shadowplay that gives a sense of being two-tone rather than monochrome. The rug’s single rounded corner gives it a unique character, a dynamic expression in any setting.

Sketch Toolbox

Muuto > Styling

With a straightforward, functional design referencing the simple architectural lines of a house, Sketch Toolbox offers various rooms to accommodate a broad range of functions and needs in modern personal storage. Cast in one monolithic piece with a handle for portability, it is a friendly companion in daily life – at home, in the workshop or the nomadic workplace. The versatile toolbox is manufactured in Denmark using 100% recycled plastic. ​

Wave Tray

Muuto > Styling

The Wave Tray brings a refined sentiment to the otherwise raw materiality of metal. Through its organic form that has been shaped in stainless steel, the expression is inspired by the undulations of a wave. The Wave Tray has a simple yet graphic expression that, paired with its grand sizes, makes a true statement in any setting.

Ridge Vase

Muuto > Styling

The Ridge Vase presents a new way to display flowers through its sculptural expression along with an artful character when not in use. The design features added functionality through its refined dent, allowing flowers to stand upright while also working as a subtle handle when moving the vase from one room to another.

Raise Carafe

Muuto > Styling

With its shapes inspired by modernist still life paintings yet interpreted in contemporary shapes and colors, the Raise Carafe has an inviting expression that encourages interaction when in use. Use the different colors together with the glasses for a unique and playful table setting.

Raise Glasses Set of 2

Muuto > Styling

With their shapes inspired by modernist still life paintings yet interpreted in contemporary shapes and colors, the Raise Glasses have an inviting expression that encourages interaction when in use. With the slight raise of its foot, the glass has an elegant look while hinting its user to raise the glass up to a toast when with friends and family. Use the different colors together for a unique and playful table setting. ​

Dots Wood

Muuto > Styling

Bringing a friendly expression to the traditional coat hook, the Dots Wood is a functionally sculptural design to be arranged on the wall in any pattern and color combination desired. Use it in hallways, bedrooms, kitchens as well as hospitality and workplace areas. Combine the design with the Dots Ceramic and Dots Metal for a unique expression.

Coil Coat Rack

Muuto > Accessories

The Coil Coat Rack finds its new perspective through its coil-shaped form along which hooks are brought into play for a simple yet characterful element that breathes function into the design. The design allows for the user to buy additional hooks if needed to make the Coil Coat Rack uniquely theirs. The shape of the design is inspired by the curled-up form of rolled paper.

Arrange Desktop Series

Muuto > Styling

The Arrange Desktop Series is a configurable design that brings elegant functionality to the home office and workplace through its playful character and architectural expression. With its trays made using 100% recycled plastic alongside lids in either cork or anodized aluminum, the Arrange Desktop Series brings a sustainable perspective to modern storage.

Framed Mirror

Muuto > Accessories

Made from powder coated steel frames with colored mirror glass, the Framed Mirrors is a gently artistic interpretation of the classic mirror. Though still functioning as reflecting glass, the colors, shapes and its ability to be arranged in groups gives the mirror a distinct character. The design comes in two sizes and four colors.

Ply Rug

Muuto > Rug

With its graphic expression and subtle details, the Ply Rug gently hints towards the weaving traditions of the past, communicated through its broken twill weave structure and tassel finishes. Made in 100% wool, the Ply Rug is available in seven colors across six sizes.

Kink Vase

Muuto > Styling

The Kink Vase brings a contemporary form to the archetypal flower vase through a combination of traditional craftsmanship and playful design language. With its double opening, the Kink Vase adds a sculptural sentiment to the room, even when not in use. The design is made in porcelain that has been glazed on the inside for a refined touch.

Restore Basket

Muuto > Accessories

The Restore Basket brings a new perspective to modern storage, made using fibers from recycled plastic bottles. Available in multiple colors, the design can be used to store throws, clothing, toys and other objects.

Layer Cushion

Muuto > Accessories

The Layer Cushion has a soft feel, joined by a graphic expression of overlapping layers. Knitted in a tactile structure of baby llama wool, the Layer Cushion—designed by Copenhagen-based sustainable designers Aiayu—brings the concepts of comfort and natural materials into everyday life. The wool of its outer has been sustainably sourced in Bolivia with the factory cleaning 100% of its water post-production while reusing 75% of it. The factory also holds the WRAP-certification, ensuring production under lawful, humane and ethical conditions.

Dots Metal

Muuto > Styling

Taking a playful approach to the conventional coat hook, the Dots Metal bring a contemporary and industrial touch to any hallway, bedroom or kitchen as well as hospitality and workplace projects. Combine the design across various colors and sizes along with the Dots Wood and Dots Ceramic for a unique expression.

Avail Coat Rack

Muuto > Accessories

Designed with Scandinavian materiality at its heart, the Avail Coat Rack brings the ideas of simplicity and functionality into the modern home. The design features 2 metal hooks that can be rearranged forever while also bringing hints of color to the form, allowing for the Avail Coat Rack to evolve as time passes while holding smaller objects on its minute plateau.

Story Pinboard

Muuto > Styling

The Story Pinboard brings subtle feelings of Scandinavian design into any work or creative context, whether in the home office, in a kids room or within the workplace. Produced in cork, a material that is sourced from the renewable bark of cork oak trees, the Story Pinboard is recyclable in its entirety.

Restore Tray

Muuto > Styling

The Restore Tray brings a new perspective to modern storage, made using fibers from recycled plastic bottles. Available in multiple colors, the design can be used to store documents, utensils, toys and more.

Rhythm Throw

Muuto > Accessories

Featuring a tactile, understated structure for a modern look, the Rhythm Throw—designed by Copenhagen-based sustainable designers Aiayu—is made in baby llama wool with a rhythm-like structure, providing soft comfort to its user. The wool has been sustainably sourced in Bolivia with the factory cleaning 100% of its water post-production while reusing 75% of it. The factory also holds the WRAP-certification, ensuring production under lawful, humane and ethical conditions.

Attach Coat Hook Set of 2

Muuto > Accessories

The Attach Coat Hook combines industrial and Scandinavian materialities for a playful yet refined take on the simple, modern coat hook, joined by its contrasting round and square forms. Use the design in linear formations for a simple, refined expression or in more vibrant layouts with various colors of the design.

Pebble Rug

Muuto > Rug

Pebble Rug has a diverse and tactile surface, inspired by the sensuous feeling of walking across a pebbled beach. Its handwoven structure contrasts the feel of its soft, woolen loops with a canvas base in a sturdier wool quality. Pebble Rug has a distinct and modern woven texture for any home, hospitality setting, lobby, hotel space or co-working area.​

Tub Jug

Muuto > Bathtub

The Tub Jug is an industrial carafe with a contemporary expression, echoed through its angled handle and wide opening that bring both function and character to the design. The design is made in glazed ceramics.

Corky Glasses Set of 4

Muuto > Styling

The Corky Glasses are simple and light; a contemporary yet timeless design that will look good in any kitchen, dining area, office or restaurant.

Corky Carafe

Muuto > Styling

The Corky Carafe is simple and light; a contemporary yet timeless design that will look good in any kitchen, dining area, office or restaurant.

Ample Throw

Muuto > Accessories

With its plentiful character and simple surface, the Ample Throw—designed by Copenhagen-based sustainable designers Aiayu—brings large comfort and warmth to its user. The throw is made in 100% baby llama wool, a light and ultra-soft material with heat-controlling abilities that will keep you warm on winter mornings and cool you down on summer nights. The wool has been sustainably sourced in Bolivia with the factory cleaning 100% of its water post-production while reusing 75% of it. The factory also holds the WRAP-certification, ensuring production under lawful, humane and ethical conditions.

Dots Ceramic

Muuto > Styling

The Dots Ceramic bring an artful expression to a Muuto icon, made in earthenware with a reactive glaze for a unique look, giving each single piece a distinct look while referencing the ideas of traditional craftsmanship. Combine the design across various colors and sizes along with the Dots Wood and Dots Metal for a unique expression.

Twine Cushion

Muuto > Accessories

With a refined and modern expression, the Twine Cushion—designed by Copenhagen-based sustainable designers Aiayu—has an invitingly tactile character with distinct knitted pebbles, joined by the softness of its baby llama wool material. The wool of its outer has been sustainably sourced in Bolivia with the factory cleaning 100% of its water post-production while reusing 75% of it. The factory also holds the WRAP-certification, ensuring production under lawful, humane and ethical conditions.

In Situ Modular Sofa Cushion

Muuto > Accessories

The In Situ Modular Sofa is a grand, modular design with sculptural lines that can be tailored to your individual space and taste with its modular elements hidden through subtle detailing of its front profile, paired with deep comfort and a soft seat. Choose from any of the 30 predesigned configurations or create your own, using the 9 different seating modules and loose cushions. The look and feel of the In Situ Modular Sofa is more casual in its appearance, compared to some of our other sofas. Visit our Product Planner to explore the possible configurations: planner.muuto.com/in-situ *Please note that the In Situ Cushions are not part of any configuration or seating module and must be added separately to your order.

Platform Tray

Muuto > Styling

The Platform Tray fuses the function of Scandinavian design with Japanese artisanry to form a stackable tray with a multitude of uses.

Outline Daybed Cushion

Muuto > Accessories

A cushion for the Outline Daybed, bringing added comfort to the design.

Compile Bookend

Muuto > Accessories

The Compile Bookend is an elegant complement to any bookshelf, windowsill or desk. It can be placed in several positions to accommodate books of differing sizes. With its clean geometric shape and various colors, the Compile Bookend brings a refined statement to any scenery.

Float Candlestick

Muuto > Styling

A geometric, Scandinavian take on the classic Victorian candlestick, the Float’s jutting tray can be used to hold a candle or to store your essential items. The contemporary object comes in three colors, subtle as playful, making it an excellent bedside or coffee table accessory.

Groove Trivet

Muuto > Styling

When used as a trivet for hot or cold items, the carved trenches of the Groove Trivet allows air to flow through, leaving the table underneath it undamaged. Though a functional object, the Groove Trivet can also be used as a decorative piece, whether it be as a tray, stand, or on its own, adding texture to any room. Visual variations of the marble render each piece entirely unique; the trivet is available in two sizes and three colors.

Mini Stacked Storage System

Muuto > Cabinet

The Mini Stacked is a wall-hanging alternative to the Stacked Storage System with a lighter expression and smaller dimensions, available across various sizes and colors. The Mini Stacked Storage System are an elegantly functional match for smaller spaces such as kitchens, hallways and bedrooms as well as workplace and hospitality settings.

Open Candelabra

Muuto > Styling

The graphic Open Candelabra is a contemporary update to a timeless design with three candle holders placed in a symmetric line.

Loft Counter Stool 65 cm / 25.6"

Muuto > Stool

Loft Counter Stool combines Scandinavian design traditions with industrial references for a bar stool with full seat and back along with a small footprint. As with its chair counterpart, the Loft Counter Stool exemplifies simple, honest design through its clean lines and maximum comfort.

Stacked Storage System Bookshelves

Muuto > Cabinet

Being both versatile and functional, the Stacked Storage System can be arranged and rearranged for the exact aesthetic and functional needs of any space. Seen here is a selection of predesigned bookshelf configurations that bring modern storage to any home, workplace or hospitality setting. All modules with backboard can be mounted directly onto the wall.

Outline Studio Sofa 140 cm / 55"

Muuto > Sofa

The Outline Studio Series adds new perspectives to the classic Scandinavian design sofas of the 1960's, designed in slimmed-down proportions for smaller spaces such as apartments, hotel rooms, workplaces and more. With the design taking its name from its strong outline of a sofa, the Outline Series is clean and elegant on the outside with a deep seat and soft cushioning on its inside. The Outline Series has an expression that is at once elegant yet timeless, elevated by its lines referencing architectural shapes alongside its curved armrests, giving the design a distinct appearance across various sizes and variants.

Outline Studio Sofa 170 cm / 67"

Muuto > Sofa

The Outline Studio Series adds new perspectives to the classic Scandinavian design sofas of the 1960's, designed in slimmed-down proportions for smaller spaces such as apartments, hotel rooms, workplaces and more. With the design taking its name from its strong outline of a sofa, the Outline Series is clean and elegant on the outside with a deep seat and soft cushioning on its inside. The Outline Series has an expression that is at once elegant yet timeless, elevated by its lines referencing architectural shapes alongside its curved armrests, giving the design a distinct appearance across various sizes and variants.

Outline Highback Sofa 100 2-Seater

Muuto > Sofa

The Outline Highback Sofa combines the soft, deep seat and clean refined lines of Outline with a highback element, allowing for the design to create private spheres within bigger spaces and provide shelter for conversation and collaboration. The design has a timeless yet modern expression that makes it an ideal fit in any open-plan space, hospitality setting, workplace or public area.

Outline Highback Work 100 1-Seater

Muuto > Sofa

The Outline Highback Work combines the soft, deep seat and clean refined lines of the Outline series with a highback element and functional elements, allowing for the design to create an acoustic and spatial shelter to work and focus on the given task at hand. The design has an integrated storage room alongside a cable outlet that can be added for easy power access. The Outline Highback Work has a timeless yet modern expression that makes it an ideal fit in any open-plan space, hospitality setting, workplace or public area.

Box Lantern 270 Textured Black

Astro > Styling

This modern wall sconce features a sleek metal frame with clear glass panels, offering a refined ambient glow. Perfect for hallways, its matte finish and geometric design add a touch of elegance to any interior space.

Hiray armchair

Kartell > Armchair

HIRAY takes metal, one of the most important materials for the greening of the Kartell catalogue, and uses the welded wire process to shape it. The result is an essential and functional product that is nevertheless rich in emotion. Metal wires form well-defined yet lightweight structural parts of the collection’s chair, chair with arms, bistro table, armchair, divan and side table. The various articles come in white, Bordeaux, black and green.

K/wood slatted ash

Kartell > Chair

The Smart Wood collection is the outcome of Kartell's unremitting research into the possibility of giving three dimensional form to a material which so far has always been two dimensional. Using patented technology, the wood is worked with a mold designed

Smatrik (2 chairs)

Kartell > Chair

The constant interplay of design and technological innovation has led to the creation of Smatrik, the latest interpretation of a chair, designed by Tokujin Yoshioka. It has an innovative frame that creates a three-dimensional effect, which makes it look incredibly light and elegant.

Maui soft noma

Kartell > Office Chair

The Maui chairs form a family with a rich variety of colours and shapes, both hard and soft, capable of satisfying specific needs, at home or in professional environments. Thanks to its design, the Maui chair is stackable and can be joined endlessly with other seats of the same type, row by row, thanks to a simple hook positioned on the back.

Maui soft trevira

Kartell > Office Chair

The Maui chairs form a family with a rich variety of colours and shapes, both hard and soft, capable of satisfying specific needs, at home or in professional environments. Thanks to its design, the Maui chair is stackable and can be joined endlessly with other seats of the same type, row by row, thanks to a simple hook positioned on the back.

Plastics duo two-seater nilo

Kartell > Sofa

Plastic Duo is the modular sofa with severe lines characterised by large cushions made of goose feather and flock. The Pop collection is completed by an armchair with the same features and by a pouf, which can be used individually or as part of an arrangement.

Scola Metal console

Duravit > Washbasin

Type of mounting: Floorstanding, Wall installation, Height adjustable: 50 mm Design by Duravit

Vero Metal console

Duravit > Washbasin

Type of mounting: Floorstanding, Wall installation, Height adjustable: 65 mm Design by Duravit

Vero Metal console

Duravit > Washbasin

Type of mounting: Floorstanding, Wall installation, Height adjustable: 65 mm Design by Duravit

Vero Metal console

Duravit > Washbasin

Type of mounting: Floorstanding, Wall installation, Height adjustable: 65 mm Design by Duravit

Happy D.2 Metal console

Duravit > Washbasin

Chrome, Type of mounting: Floorstanding, Wall installation, Height adjustable: 50 mm Design by sieger design

Happy D.2 Metal console

Duravit > Washbasin

Chrome, Type of mounting: Floorstanding, Wall installation, Height adjustable: 50 mm Design by sieger design

DuraSquare Metal console

Duravit > Washbasin

Type of mounting: Floorstanding, Mounting under washbasin, Height adjustable: 50 mm Design by Duravit

DuraSquare Metal console

Duravit > Washbasin

Type of mounting: Floorstanding, Mounting under washbasin, Height adjustable: 50 mm Design by Duravit

DuraSquare Metal console

Duravit > Washbasin

Type of mounting: Mounting under washbasin Design by Duravit

Vero Metal console

Duravit > Washbasin

height adjustable +50 mm, for washbasin # 236860 Design by Duravit

DuraSquare Metal console

Duravit > Washbasin

Type of mounting: Floorstanding, Mounting under washbasin, Height adjustable: 50 mm Design by Duravit

Starck 3 Washbasin

Duravit > Washbasin

Rectangular, Tap hole platform: Yes, Overflow: Yes, Underside glazed, Back side glazed: No, 500 mm Design by Philippe Starck

Starck 3 Washbasin

Duravit > Washbasin

Rectangular, Tap hole platform: Yes, Overflow: Yes, Underside glazed, Back side glazed: No, 600 mm Design by Philippe Starck

Vero Built-in basin

Duravit > Washbasin

Installation, 550x465 mm, Tap hole platform: Yes, Overflow: Yes, Type of mounting: counter top Design by Duravit

Brioso Vanity unit wall-mounted

Duravit > Washbasin cabinet

Number of pull-out compartments: 1, Handle, Soft self-closing automatic with damping, Lay-in compartment Optional, Necessary articles: Washbasin ME by Starck # 233663 Design by Christian Werner

Brioso Vanity unit wall-mounted

Duravit > Washbasin cabinet

Number of pull-out compartments: 1, Number of open compartments: 2, Handle, Soft self-closing automatic with damping, Lay-in compartment Optional, Necessary articles: Washbasin ME by Starck # 234583 Design by Christian Werner

Brioso Vanity unit wall-mounted

Duravit > Washbasin cabinet

Number of drawers: 2, Handle, Siphon cut-out: Yes, Siphon cover: Yes, Soft self-closing automatic with damping, Lay-in compartment Optional, Necessary articles: Double washbasin ME by Starck # 233613 Design by Christian Werner

Karree Cosmetic mirror

Duravit > Accessories

3 times magnifier, 310 mm Design by Duravit

Karree Tub handle

Duravit > Bathtub

Chrome, 368x75x35 mm Design by Duravit

Jalousi Sideboard Dark Green

Normann Copenhagen > Cabinet

Universal Shower tray foot

Duravit > Shower tray

Height: 85-105 mm

Universal Shower tray foot

Duravit > Shower tray

Suitable for series Stonetto, Tempano, Height: 100-150 mm

D-Code Toilet seat ring Vital

Duravit > Toilet seat

Elongated Design by sieger design

Starck 1 Urinal lid

Duravit > Urinal

Design by Philippe Starck

Starck 3 Urinal

Duravit > Urinal

Flushing rim: Rimless, Flush principle: Jet nozzle, Flush construction: Displacement, Inlet supply position: Top, Incl. intake set, Outlet drain: horizontal, Concealed outlet, Incl. jet nozzle, Dimensions of water supply connection: 1/2" Design by Philippe Starck

The Five Seasons

Alessi > Styling

Leaf fragrance diffuser in porcelain. Leaves in mahogany wood. Brrr.

Fiber Counter Stool Wood Base - 65 cm / 25.6"

Muuto > Stool

The Fiber Chair brings a new perspective to the iconic shell chair through its innovative composite of 100% recycled plastic and wood fibers. The wood fibers blend into the surface for a matte finish, adding a soft, inviting touch. The Fiber Chair is designed with friendly, embracing curves that provide extensive comfort to its user while taking up little space in the room. 

Fiber Bar Stool Wood Base - 75 cm / 29.5"

Muuto > Stool

The Fiber Chair brings a new perspective to the iconic shell chair through its innovative composite of 100% recycled plastic and wood fibers. The wood fibers blend into the surface for a matte finish, adding a soft, inviting touch. The Fiber Chair is designed with friendly, embracing curves that provide extensive comfort to its user while taking up little space in the room. 

Fiber Counter Stool Tube Base - 65 cm / 25.6"

Muuto > Stool

The Fiber Chair brings a new perspective to the iconic shell chair through its innovative composite of 100% recycled plastic and wood fibers. The wood fibers blend into the surface for a matte finish, adding a soft, inviting touch. The Fiber Chair is designed with friendly, embracing curves that provide extensive comfort to its user while taking up little space in the room. 

Loft Counter Stool 65 cm / 25.6"

Muuto > Stool

Loft Counter Stool combines Scandinavian design traditions with industrial references for a bar stool with full seat and back along with a small footprint. As with its chair counterpart, the Loft Counter Stool exemplifies simple, honest design through its clean lines and maximum comfort.

Visu Counter Stool Wood Base - 65 cm / 25.6"

Muuto > Stool

With its small curved back and long elegant legs, the Visu Counter Stool is a perfect accompaniment for any kitchen counter or restaurant bar. Made from form pressed oak, the gentle silhouette of the chair contrasts with the texture of the wood for a toned-down Scandinavian aesthetic.

Cover Counter Stool 65 cm / 25.6"

Muuto > Stool

With its curved backrest that folds elegantly around its back legs and ties the design together, the Cover Counter Stool challenges the possibilities of veneer through a forward-thinking approach, echoing the ideas of Scandinavian design. The design is lightweight and features a tall, enveloping back for extensive comfort that allows one to be seated in its seat for hours on end, be it for a dinner, a drink or even working at a counter desk. The Cover Series without upholstery is EU Ecolabel Certified. By carrying the EU Ecolabel Certification, the product is guaranteed to have a reduced environmental impact throughout the total lifecycle of the product from raw material to disposal.

A.i. stool light 75 cm (2 stools)

Kartell > Stool

A stool made from recycled material for maximum sustainability. A.I. STOOL LIGHT is sustainable in materials and production process and is the result of thorough optimisation: three models can be made from the same mould, meaning that even industrial manufacturing can adopt a green approach. The added value of A.I. lies in the fact that it is the first product family conceived by Artificial Intelligence in response to input received from the designer (Philippe Starck) and the know-how of the company (Kartell). Specifically, creative thinking, company know-how and artificial intelligence have merged to develop a chair model based on an algorithm that respects the original brief of the designer and the company a comfortable product with the structural strength and solidity required while upholding one of Kartell’s main values: to be an injection-moulded industrial product of outstanding aesthetic quality.

Attila

Kartell > Stool

Attila, Napoleon and Saint-Esprit are three table-stools, three charismatic characters that stand out for their originality and anti-conformism. Stools and tables conceived to furnish any and every setting with a friendly and humorous touch, but also with particular consideration for practicality: the gnomes' hat is flat and round, ideal for use as an occasional table or stool.

Saint esprit

Kartell > Stool

Attila, Napoleon and Saint-Esprit are three table-stools, three charismatic characters that stand out for their originality and anti-conformism. Stools and tables conceived to furnish any and every setting with a friendly and humorous touch, but also with