If These links do not work use the Blogroll links…well worth the viewing

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/10/15/opinion/20101015_Lafayette.html

http://www.opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/14/living-with-mies/

There are so many interesting aspects to this piece. For starters, we revisit an important part of the Mid Century Modern Movement in America, and learn some of the why’s and how’s of its beginnings.  We also experience a socio/cultural view of life and lifestyles in Lafayette Park.  This is a feast for the senses between the audio and visual experiences and the “stories” of those currently residing there.  Take the time to read the comments  at the end of the article.  There is a vast array of emotions expressed in the comments and some strong opinions about Mies Architecture.

My growing interest in anything Mies comes from inheriting a home built by an architect who studied with Mies in Chicago.  Please visit us at  http://www.pgmod.com to learn more, and check out,  “About”, http://www.pgmod.com/content/4-about-us If you have a minute I would love to hear your comments about how these mini visits into the lives of the current residents of Lafayette Park  resonates with your interests in  the Mid Century Modern experience.

“My mentor was Gropius, whose ideas were comparable to those of Mies van der Rohe (designer of the famous Barcelona chair). It’s rather sad, but after all my time at the feet of the master, the first thing that comes to mind  all these years later is that silly conversation about the entrance stair to one of my building designs.”

“I designed free ‘floating’ concrete entrance stairs with steel reinforcing bars and an open area underneath. I thought it was quite sculptural and added to the overall lightness of the approach. When Gropius came for his critique he pulled at his eyebrow and contemplated my efforts for what seemed like an eternity. He then stated these immortal words which have been seared into my memory in his Germanic accented voice: ‘Roy do not do ‘dis – dogs will get under there and fornicate!’”

“These were hardly the words expected from a guy who to me was a near deity, but I have cherished them ever since. As far as I know, no dogs have ever had illicit carnal affairs under one of my structures.”

This is the first part of several amusing anecdotes that we are gathering directly from the memories of key figures in the colorful history of modern design. Please check back  for another quirky true story.

Eileen Gray Adjustable Table

Eileen Gray Accent Table

The Eileen Gray Table was designed for Eileen Gray’s famous E. 1027 house in Cap Martin, which highlights the rational designs for which Gray later gained notoriety. Originally the Eileen Gray Table was designed to enable one of Gray’s sisters to indulge in her love of eating in bed, the Eileen Gray design complements any space as a side/end table, bedside table or reception area table. This Eileen Gray Table is adjustable and finished in a brilliant triple chrome.Eileen Gray was fairly neglected for most of her career, but is now regarded as one of the most influential 20th century designers and architects. Famous for classics such as the Bibendum Chair, which typifies Gray’s opulent take on the stark modernist aesthetic, she now has earned the recognition she so deserved.Eileen Gray will be remembered for her unique ability to design furniture using a wide variety of materials. Her use of wood, steel glass and lacquer to create geometrically abstract objects was magnificent. Though much of her ability was unnoticed during her lifetime, many of Eileen Gray’s works are available as reproductions.

Scientific precision defines the Eileen Gray table, which brings modern design into focus with a confident flair. The circular, beveled glass tabletop is surrounded by sleek metal tubing, and mirrored by a horseshoe of the same material which keeps the table planted firmly on the ground.A rectangular tower supports the whole piece, rising above the tabletop to contribute a jaunty attitude. Perfect for a bright, modern home with a taste for high-class minimalism, this table keeps you ahead of the curve.

Re-invented, and it feels so good. Paradigm Gallery is excited to announce the re-launch of the brand new PGMod.com website.  With this launch we have lowered our prices and offing to our valued customer’s free shipping on any purchase for the month of October.

We are also thrilled to now offer the Eco-Friendly Knú and Koji Collection modern furniture. Known internationally for their innovative and industry-leading design these companies provided unique organic sustainable furniture.

Use Coupon Code
Please enter this code to receive free shipping at PGMod.com:

PGSHIP02347
valid thru Oct, 31

1. Be a Magician: Give low ceilings the illusion of height with furniture that’s low the ground. Also, keep ceilings white where possible to open it up.

2. See Through: Clear glass furniture helps to pass light to the space without creating the appearance of clutter. Find coffee tables, end tables, and even plastic see through chairs that allow light.

3. Select Calm Colors: Calm and light colors evoke a sense of tranquility and serenity. In addition, these colors open up a space. Paint walls in one calm color, with ceilings in white to maximize brightness. You could also paint two or three of the walls in a light, calm color, the 4th wall being in a darker tone.

4. Use Mirrors: When we suggest using mirrors, we’re not talking about walls of mirrors. Rather, subtly placed mirrors, perhaps a mirror on the floor leaning against the wall. Don’t go overboard. Use just enough reflective surfaces to extend the space and create a more open environment. Play around with it. Try placing interesting objects and accessories in front of a mirror to create unique effects.

5. Find Your Inner Minimalist: Accessories are great by adding color and life into a space, but don’t go crazy. If it isn’t essential, get rid of it. Too many accessories create clutter and eye sores.

6. The Shag: If you’re in a space with plenty of concrete, hard wood, or tile, then you need to grasp the importance of rugs to create the appearance of space, as well as to accessorize. Contemporary and modern rugs usually come in abstract shapes and colors and can become the key focal point of a room. This will eliminate the need to accessorize more, creating less clutter, and opening your space.

7. Cultivate the Space You Have: Create unobstructed views where possible in your rooms. When furniture or other objects impede the eye’s natural sight into a room, spaces seem smaller. Small furniture pieces like chaises, ottomans, and benches ensure that spaces don’t appear cluttered. Find unique arrangements that leave much of your space open.

8. Watch your Windows: No outlandish curtains with dark colors that make a room feel stuffy. Let the natural light permeate. If you need shades, choose soft, subtle tones.

9. Find Right Compartment: Storage devices don’t need to be boring and ugly. There are a variety of contemporary storage baskets, racks, and more that will help you get organized with style.

10. Watch Your Head: In a small bedroom, a queen or king size bed will quickly fill up a room. So when choosing a bed, pick wisely. If you can find a bed low to the ground that suits your style, then go for it. Also, be careful of your headboard. Nothing too ornate taking up much of a wall.

11. Skin the Patterns: At Paradigm Gallery, you won’t find furniture pieces with patterns and for good reason. Patterned upholstery creates distraction and usually robs visual space. If you really need leopard print, then pick one furniture piece or room to go crazy with. Be mindful of themes.

12. Small Space + Big Furniture = Lack of Space: Choose pieces with smooth lines that provide functionality for people using it. If you never entertain, what’s the point of huge overstuffed couches? Make sure the furniture fits your lifestyle and you don’t have to conform to the furniture

Modern architects, like modern furniture designers, harness an absolute mastery of their surroundings. With space and balance, time and aesthetics in mind, they incorporate both original ideas and tried, true practicalities into a building’s overall design. Masters of their craft, a skilled architect can make the transition from the exterior to the interior, the seen to the unseen.

The work and creativity of modern architects and modern furniture designers run parallel in our ever expanding cultural register, but they have significantly different life spans. While a well-designed and well-preserved building may house families, businesses, and a myriad of occupants for centuries, furniture of past design quickly becomes obsolete, showing signs of aging and use prematurely. Modern furniture seeks to correct this flaw. With the art of modern furniture design, the interior and the exterior of any building are seamlessly tied together. Modern furniture becomes a physical manifestation of the needs of the dweller.

An architect not only builds for the love of building, but for the desired design of the homeowner. The same concept holds true for modern furniture. Modern furniture is implemented as an extension of the inhabitants of a home. Every piece of furniture serves a purpose, oftentimes more than one. Each table, lighting fixture, and chair holds an individual resolution that is unique.

A proper collection of modern furniture can never truly be duplicated when one takes into consideration the balancing of exterior and interior, yin and yang. When purchasing modern furniture, you are purchasing not processed wood and metal products, but fulfilling a drive to find your specific design. Modern furniture ensures that your home is unique to your individual space, style, and passions. Each sofa set, table, and piece of lighting serves the overall aesthetics of a homeowner or business. In serving each unique home, design, and inhabitant, each piece of modern furniture can be expected to fill the design needs of any discerning taste.

When furnishing a home around your individual needs, desires, and dreams, choose modern furniture. Extend your creativity to the interior spaces you will reside in. You deserve it.

From the article:
Name: Eames Style LaChasie
Source: Paradigm Gallery(pgmod.com)
Price:$1,700
Based on: La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames, 1948($9,475)

Eight years before creating the iconic chair and ottoman that would become their most enduring work (see insert), Charles and Ray Eames designed this oddly compelling fiberglass-and-wood blob. Based on a sculpture of a reclining nude, the piece took first place in a Museum of Modern Art design competition but proved so difficult to produce its retail price would have been prohibitive. It was eventually put into production in 1990 after manufacturing techniques caught up with the Eameses’ at-once modern and classical vision. Lovely, eh?

Credits:

Source: Playboy

Photography by:
Michael Williams

Article by:
Scott Alexander

And, without further delay, here are some of the newest modern furniture items from Paradigm Gallery:

Aristocrat Chair: $695

Atlas Bench: $1,095

Bender Armchair: $595

Finally, a high quality reproduction of Michael Ducaroy’s famous Togo design for Ligne Roset. Our fans needed a lower priced alternative for this awesome design, and with the help of Alphaville Design, we’ve created the Downlow Sectional.

The Downlow comes in a 5 piece set, including chair, sofa, loveseat, corner, and ottoman. Rest assured though, you can purchase each individual piece separately (except the corner).

At only $1,695, it’s one of our lowest priced sectionals, even though it’s such a popular design. Currently, the set and individually pieces come in Red, Mocha, and Black colors. More colors to come…