Taking Full Advantage
March 6, 2014
Marcel Breuer favored maximizing both the view and the available natural light. As illustrated in this living room he designed around the middle of the last century, even the fireplace wall has been punctuated to take full advantage of both. There is so much to be learned from the work of the mid-century modern masters…details like this, extensive use of floor to ceiling glass, the wood ceilings and even the soffits to house the casements. simplequietmodern details. When it’s clear that these ideas could easily be implemented now, it makes me wonder why so many McMansions still continue to pop up at every turn.
photo via http://www.improvisedlife.com/2009/01/21/marcel-breuer-sun-and-shadow-the-philosophy-of-an-archtect/
It all comes down to…
October 9, 2013
black. Every room needs a little punctuation and a stroke of black just simply does the trick. That said, it’s important to give it some carefull consideration for the maximum effect. Used sparingly yet scaled generously creates focus and a juxtaposition of styles shows every other piece in the room in a new light. So, if you’re looking to shake things up, you might consider what the exclamation point called black can do for your space.
Top to bottom:
The Charleston mirror by oomph , a great interpretation of a Chippendale classic, will boldly bridge that gap between traditional and modern. http://www.oomphonline.com/charleston-mirror.html
A large-scale painting can fill a wall…create a “view”. If something 2’x3′ seems large enough, take it to 4’x 6′ and see what you get. Really, it’s not that scary.
Beat Light Tall by Tom Dixon looks like it’s plucked directly from the middle of the last century. What could shed light on your newly found mid-century dining table than this? http://hivemodern.com/pages/product6185/tom-dixon-beat-light-tall
An artifact like this Etruscan handled cup strikes an impressive pose when used in a modern environment. After all, at the time, it was modern to them. This one produced in Deruta Italy.
The Eames lcm molded lounge chair provides a sculptural presence when presented in black on black. http://hivemodern.com/pages/product1431/herman-miller-eames-lcmGreat
Great art inspires. Can you imagine how your day would start being greeted by this Frank Girard sculpture spotted on Design Sponge? http://www.designsponge.com/2013/07/a-modern-chicago-home-made-personal-through-design.html
Pitch Perfect
September 15, 2013
What’s simplequietmodern and has perfect pitch? It’s gotta be Hans Wegner’s c44 . Designed in 1951, this icon of mid-century modern Danish design is still in production today. The solid wood construction and woven paper seat have an almost Shaker appeal and simplicity, yet it’s the pitch of the back and seat that invite you to sit a while. Available in over two dozen finish and seat combinations it might be hard to decide which will work best in your space. And, to confuse the issue even more, there is an available seat and back cushion with seemingly endless textile options. My mind is made up. I’ll have a pair in white oil on oak with the natural cord seat…hold the upholstery.
http://hivemodern.com/pages/product203/carl-hansen-hans-wegner-ch44
A Bird in the hand…
August 16, 2013
becomes a thing of beauty when reduced to its purist form. This sculpture by American artist Cleo Hartwig, created in the early to mid 60’s, illustrates this perfectly. It’s simplequietmodern at it’s best. Reproduced by her own company in white foundry stone, this Mid-century Modern gem may still be found from time to time. If spotted, my advice…grab it.
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