Tag modern furniture classics

Mid-Century Modern Furniture: Still Fresh? 0

Aug12

With the new season of Mad Men now upon us, a question comes to mind: is mid-century modern furniture still fresh? Yes, during “the movement”, modern furniture classic designs were daring, new, and used materials never before seen in furniture. Not only that, but the manufacturing process allowed unique shapes and furniture styles to be created.

So, now, nearly 60 years later, these modern classics, like the Barcelona Chair, Eames Lounger, Womb Chair, Tulip Table, and others are still relevant. Not only are these designs still relevant, but they permeate the media in movies, music videos, TV shows, lifestyle magazines, and other outlets.

Question is, how long will this last? How long will these items be the sought after, cream of the crop in furniture? “Contemporary” has been somewhat slow to take off, but maybe we have to wait years to truly appreciate what’s coming out in the 21st century, like the LEM Bar Stool. But, mid-century modern furniture didn’t require the same time to appreciate. So, is mid-century modern just overhyped, lusted after, or is contemporary furniture just not delivering?

Furniture and Fashion 2

Nov11
Madonna and Eames Soft Pad Chair
Madonna and Eames Soft Pad Chair

Furniture and fashion: it’s like the “chicken and the egg” reference.

They are forever crossing over in inspiration from the shapes to the fabric like a great boucle or wool sweater to a Eero Saarinen’s Womb Chair made with the same fabric. Or even the way furniture is used in advertising for a fashion designer like in this ad with Madonna in Versace sitting on the Eames Soft Pad Chair or Morgan Fairchild sitting on Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair in a Old Navy Ad.

Madonna: Eames Chair

Morgan Fairchild: Egg Chair

Another example of Furniture and Fashion: I came across a shoe that was called the Eamz shoe in a fashion magazine. It was by a company called United Nude and has established itself as an iconic brand at the intersection between design and fashion. The line is Inspired by furniture designers Charles and Ray Eames.  The heels shape was conceptually inspired by an Eames Chair.

The collection of shoes are structurally beautiful and gravity defying.

Eamz Pump – the heel looks like the Eames Lounger.

Eames Lounger

Iconic Designs 0

Oct29
Broadcast panel in Gloss Red with Eero Saarinen Tulip Side Chair & Tulip Side Table.
LineCity panel with Le Corbusier LC4 Chaise
Palm Springs panel with Eames Lounge Chair
Albert panel in Gloss Black with Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chair.

As an interior decorator I am always hunting for great ideas for my next project. I came across these amazing decorative wall panels that would make any design style come alive! They are made of carved wood core with a laminate overlay and come in several color options by a company named B+N. I love them because of the texture they will add to your room with their Iconic patterns. With plenty of options to choose from to give that focal wall that extra WOW factor. They are Art: Just like the Iconic furniture pieces in front of them.

Inspired by various design eras they are the perfect compliment for your modern furniture.
I love the Broadcast Panel shown with the Tulip Side Chair & Tulip Side Table. I think that the panel’s nod to the great age of television and the similar shape of the slender tulip stem of Saarinen’s designs work so well together. And in contrast I love to see people mix a piece of modern furniture with a bit of traditional style like the Albert panel. It’s pattern is designed with the Victorian era in mind, with decorative flourishes and patterns reminiscent of William Morris prints of the mid-19th century. This is the perfect match with the Barcelona Chair creating a “transitional” design style.

Mix it up or keep it true modern through and through; either way with Iconic Designs like these you can’t go wrong!