Archive for April, 2010

Functionality and Sustainability Equals Stickley

Categorized Under: Arts and Crafts, history, Stickley No Commented

  The brothers Stickley began furniture making in 1877 in Brandt, Pennsylvania.  Since 1900 the Stickley philosophy has been “living in harmony with nature” and what a befitting tribute to write this blog on Earth Day. Leader of the Arts & Crafts Movement, Stickley furniture is most commonly known as “Mission Style”.  It was designed [...]

From Bauhaus to Barcelona, the Two Sides of Mies van der Rohe

Categorized Under: Barcelona Chair, history, Mies van der Rohe, Modernist No Commented

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was bornin Germany in 1886 his family were stone carvers which left a lasting impression on his future design ethic.    Based on structural techniques and Prussian Classicism his designs are iconic.  Frank Lloyd Wright was an inspiration to him as he developed his own style and in 1912 he opened his own studio. [...]

Eloquent, Articulate George Nelson; the Architect with a Story

Categorized Under: history, Marshmellow Sofa, mid-century, Modernist, Nelson No Commented

Post WWII was characterized by a belief in progress, anything was possible and everybody wanted to be modern.  Enter George Nelson, one of the fathers of the industrial design movement known as American Modernism.  Nelson studied at Yale in 1924; he said he had no idea what he wanted to be.  During a rainstorm he [...]

Eames, Two Peas in a Pod

Categorized Under: Eames, history, mid-century No Commented

Have you ever seen the chair that looks like a potato chip?  or thought that a molded fiberglass rockers would be comfortable?  Then you have experienced a couple of the many pieces this prolific couple has designed.  Thes Eameses vision of modern design was a catalyst for social change; they achieved their goal with elegance, beauty and wit. “One of [...]

Architecture or Art, the Blurred Lines of Le Corbusier

Categorized Under: chaise lounge, Le Corbusier, Modernist one Commented

For many years I yearned for a Le Corbusier Chaise Lounge.  The moment I laid eyes on it, laid upon it I knew I must have it.  Now I do and it is a prominent piece in my living room.  Charles-Edouard Jeanneret-Gris better known as Le Corbusier (October 6, 1887 – August 27, 1965) was [...]