Natuzzi have many levels of furniture not all wonderful Find a store that carries higher end Natuzzi you might find a style you love there .

Thanks Patricia and Jan! Definitely planning to shop in person. I am hiring a designer to help, but I wanted to get some basic ideas on where to start, so I can use her (and my) time efficiently.

I have no idea where you are located......but so many good brick and mortar furniture stores are gone. Even those who would carry the brands mentioned above? Might have few to none of anything on the selling floor to "test" drive. Admittedly, a new couch is more difficult than a new auto : ) in a seek and find.

I'm in the Seattle area, so that is one of the issues. It's a smaller market than So Cal or an east coast metro area. Aside from basic dimension requirements, we need "just" medium-brown leather, build that is comfortable for short people, and styling that is compatible with mid-mod.

It was a grueling hunt finding the Natuzzi (Italian-made model) and we compromised on style to get comfort. So I'm prepared for an ordeal, even with professional help. I'll get started looking for local retailers of the brands you recommended.

Caligari, perhaps? Very nice Italian brand for modern styles. It won't be inexpensive, but your designer will have access to a showroom that carries them. They have a retail showroom in San Francisco, not sure about Seattle. Check them out.

I own both Hancock and Moore and Taylor King and will wholeheartedly agree with Jan on her recommendations. They are extremely comfortable and well made.

Stressless

Thanks everyone! Looking over the websites, not all of those brands will work with our style. But it's a good guide to which local showrooms I might want to start with. Love the Calligaris designs, and it looks like they do have a Seattle dealer.