Cleared For Take-Off
February 22, 2019
Picture it…1966…the height of the glamorous age of jet travel. Arriving and departing through the Jetson-esque TWA terminal designed by Eero Saarinen. It was the modern future. And, it was stunning. Now all of that MidCentury style has been recaptured in the new TWA Hotel in New York. The original iconic terminal structure is the centerpiece piece of a complex that includes not only the new hotel towers, but a fitness center, meeting spaces, a restaurant and a vintage 1956 Lockheed Constellation put into new service as a cocktail lounge. The guest rooms have been fitted with Knoll Classic furnishings including Saarinen designed pieces like the classic Womb Chair for relaxing and his Executive chair at the desk. Set to open its doors in May, room reservations are being taken now, online. Wow.
Photos: https://www.twahotel.com/
Start Small
February 18, 2019
While it’s been increasingly difficult to find that perfect piece of vintage classic Mid Century furniture you’ve been lusting after, now’s the perfect time to just cut to the chase. Take advantage of the annual Knoll Classics sale running until February 26th and buy yourself that perfect piece and save a little time and money in the process. You don’t have to go for broke…get your feet wet with a side table, stool or pull up chair and work your way up to something more grand. A small statement can speak volumes. And, who’s doesn’t love free delivery?
Top to bottom, some of my simplequietmodern favorites.
The Saarinen 20″ side table, the newly re-issued Bertoia Molded Side Chair, The Platner Side Table in Bronze, The Saarinen Tulip Stool, The Richard Schultz Petal Side Table in White and Teak, and finally, the Saarinen Executive Side Chair with Walnut legs. All Photos: https://www.knoll.com/shop/by-category/knoll-classics
She Must Have Known
December 12, 2018
Decades before the arrival of the flat panel TV, Florence Knoll had designed the 116 credenza…simple case, sliding panel doors, leather pulls, interior drawer and shelves set on iron legs. As you would expect over the last 70 years it’s minimal style genius was put to great use in living rooms, dining rooms and offices alike. Today, I can’t help thinking that Florence must have had a premonition that the 116 would be a great perch for today’s flat screen. And, it would if you were able to get your hands on one. Hey Santa, a little help please? I’ve got just the spot.
Photo: Plastolux
lhttp://plastolux.tumblr.com/post/139850446985/20cmodern-in-with-the-older-early-knoll-116
Then and Now
October 7, 2018
Continuing the celebration of Florence Knoll’s 100th year, let’s focus on some new additions to her 1954 Lounge Group. What she originally considered a “fill in” piece, the Florence Knoll Bench has been impressively resized, elevating it to a “statement” piece. Whether you select the small, medium or large, and put it to use as a bench, ottoman or coffee table, the clean geometric profile of this modern classic is available in a dizzying selection of approve Knoll textiles and leathers. Wow!
Photos: https://www.knoll.com
Yeah, Baby
September 14, 2018
Nothing like a good sale, right? Now that it’s Fall and we’re all starting to move back inside it’s the perfect opportunity to get inspired and save a little in the process.
The Knoll Annual Sale runs from September 14-25 offering 15% off and free delivery on all furniture. A great opportunity to treat yourself to a classic, like the Saarinen Executive Arm or Side Chair, or explore some of their new textile introductions like Double Agent shown in Vocabulary (top) and Embassy (bottom). I’m thinking this large scaled 60’s inspired plaid might be just what’s needed to take the chill off.
photos: https://www.knoll.com
White Christmas
December 24, 2017
Snow, snow and more snow… a Bourbon Egg Nog Cocktail…a favorite place to relax and put your feet up…a cracking fire. Perfect. Merry Christmas.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eZgHTVh2hoc#
Photos: gp
Womb chair photo: https://www.knoll.com/product/womb-chair
Virtual Yule Log: http://www.swiss-miss.com/2017/12/friday-link-pack-263.html
It’s Back
October 2, 2017
And, it’s made in the USA. The re-issue of Harry Bertoia’s molded plastic side chair. Designed in 1954 with its debut in 196o, this iconic piece of modern seating is back. The shells are available in neutrals and brights with the bases finished in black or white powder coat or polished chrome. Now might be a good time to think about that additional seating you’ll be needing come Thanksgiving.
Photos: http://www.knoll-int.com/home/by-designer/classic-designers/harry-bertoia/bertoia-plastic-side-chair—outdoor
Still Celebrating
July 31, 2017
As the celebration of the 100th birthday of Florence Knoll continues, let’s explore the new Relax group that Knoll has introduced in Honor of her 100th year. Based on her classic three seat sofa released in 1954, this new seating features a deeper seat and a more relaxed sit…with four legs rather than the six found on the original Florence Knoll sofa. Like the original group, the new Relax collection offers a two seat sofa and lounge chair, all available in approved Knoll textiles and Spinneybeck Leather. While the original three seater has always been my hands down favorite, I can’t help thinking this new take on the classic might just be the perfect spot to indulge in a little Netflix ” bingeing” this Winter.
photos: http://www.knoll-int.com/home/by-designer/classic-designers/florence-knoll/florence-knoll-collection-relax
Dining Out
April 11, 2017
Outside, out of the house, on the patio, in the yard…any which way but indoors. Two great modern classics from Knoll’s iconic 1966 Group of outdoor furniture by Charles Schultz, ready to be set for dinner. I’m torn between the 60″x 60″ square and the 90″ x 38″ rectangle. Both will easily accomodate 8, the later even up to 10 guests. The original white finish is now joined by a striking black, either being a great place to start, especially when taking advantage of the Knoll Outdoor Furniture Sale which starts on April 13th.
Photos: https://www.knoll.com/product/1966-dining-table-60×60
Modern Milestone
March 25, 2017
What a fitting tribute. In celebration of Florence Knoll’s 100th Year, Knoll has reissued several classic pieces by one of my favorite icons of mid-century furniture design. The simplicity of her designs had me hooked from the start. I’ve collected so many vintage Florence Knoll pieces that friends would joke that I owned more Florence Knoll than Florence herself. One piece that eluded me was this small table originally released in 1948. A simple round top on steel hairpin legs… a design that set into motion a wave of knockoffs that continues to this day…The Hairpin Stacking Table.
Photos: Knoll
https://www.knoll.com/product/florence-knoll-hairpin-stacking-table
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