Posts Tagged ‘George Nelson’

Buying Retro Furniture

Geoff Johnson asked:


When first deciding on buying retro furniture, it is useful to know a few of the better manufacturers and designers from the period. This has been made slightly harder by the fact that an item of furniture called “retro” can come from the 1950’s through to current production items.

Once you have decided on a particular theme i.e. chromed items with glass (that can be either clear or tinted), sticking to that style lends itself to modern house or flat design. Options of various wood veneers were available as an alternative to glass offering a warmer feel and variety. The most commonly used veneer from the 50’s, 60’s or 70’s was rosewood and this was used by two of the best British manufacturers of the era. They were Merrow Associates and Pieff. Both companies produced items of the highest quality and style. Recognizing these pieces is not always easy due to the fact that Merrow rarely labeled their furniture whereas, fortunately, Pieff did.

Condition is an important factor when buying an item as chips to glass, chrome work that is pitted or flaking or veneers peeling or missing can be expensive to rectify.

Quality leathers were also used by Merrow and Pieff offering an even wider range to choose from. There were many other designers who are now widely collected and two of the leading designers were Robin Day and Ernest Race. They both produced a vast variety of items many of which have become design icons such as the Ernest Race “Heron” chair which had bolt-on legs with a fabric covered seat. Robin Day produced a huge range which included the use of molded plastic seating.

Retro design furniture from the Fifties onwards includes many designers from the USA as well as Europe and Scandinavia. From the USA designers had a huge influence on furniture production throughout the world, possibly the most influential being Eames whose items are very collectible.

George Nelson items are also well respected for style and quality of manufacture in particular the “Coconut” chair. Its radical, triangular shape helped make it become another design icon from the 1950’s.

Scandinavian designers produced many desirable items most of which were produced in teak and occasionally in rosewood. Most of these items were labeled making their origins easy to identify. The vast majority of these being of Danish origin.

Because quite often companies producing furniture manufactured a range for domestic and commercial/office use making it hard to determine their original design function i.e. there is a very fine line between a storage cabinet for office items, files etc and a sideboard for domestic usage. This cross over of use makes it easier to locate retro furniture as many items now turn up in second hand office furniture outlets. From a buyer’s point of view, the most commonly used source for locating items is now via specialist sellers, auction houses and eBay all of which have positive and negative aspects of buying your piece of retro furniture.

My advice would be research the item, obtain a condition report and negotiate a price that both the buyer and seller are happy with.

There are so many good designers of retro furniture it would be impossible to name them all but I couldn’t finish without mentioning one of my personal favorites – Robert Heritage. He also produced a wide range of furniture – one item in particular that has become a true design icon is the “Hamilton” sideboard which is a truly wonderful piece of design and functionality.

I hope you have found this useful and if you would like any further advice, please do not hesitate to get in touch via my website http://www.ovalinteriors.com


Finding Furniture Sale Items in an Economic Crisis

Express-Furniture.co.uk asked:


These uncertain economic times could cause some people to believe they need to put their redecoration plans on hold. This is a fear is not entirely unfounded, but one that can be easily rectified as people seek furniture sale items.

Beating the Economic Crisis

While finding a way to save money during this time redesigning and redecorating may not seem like a high priority. However, if you have at least enough money to pay your mortgage or rent and buy food for your family then perhaps you can still make it happen.

You never know until you begin to shop.  Of course, it also helps to know the best ways to shop for furniture sale items.

Seeking Bargains Efficiently

The Internet is the easiest way to take advantage of some of the highest-quality furniture sale item discounts. In fact, online stores offer substantial discounts on a daily basis to draw new customers to them.

Some of these substantial reductions in cost are offered to online people who purchase while shopping online. However, they may also be available as you walk into a local store.

In any case, the Internet is by and large the absolute fastest way to seek the best deals. This is especially true if you have as high of a speed of Internet connection possible.

Types of Bargains

 

Bargains are offered online in many ways. For instance, sometimes customers are offered a free item as an incentive to purchase an entire set. Other unbelievably high percentages off of regular prices are given to people who order closeout items.

However, by and far the best way to receive the best bargains is to purchase well-made replicas of modern furniture. This is one action that can provide to you the best of both worlds.

For instance, if you purchase items inspired by designers such as George Nelson, Eileen Gray, or Arne Jacobson chances are they will not break, fall apart, or ***** easily. That is because they are made from the same dependable materials as theoriginals.

Yet, items such as these as well as many others are sold for very affordable prices. These furniture sale items are especially ideal for homeowners and tenants who value creativity offer monetary value.

Of course, shopping for furniture sale items via a reputable vendor should also be of high priority. This will assure that you receive the items safely and efficiently, so that your interior design dreams are fulfilled straightaway.


Today’s Living Room Furniture Sofas Placement Guide

Express-Furniture.co.uk asked:


By this time, you may have already bought a set of attractive living room furniture sofas. However, you might be at a loss as how to accentuate that set with the right accessories. Truthfully, there really is no right or wrong way to add life to a dull room.

Usually you are only restricted by your own imagination, and possibly by the amount of money you have set aside for this purpose. Besides that, you probably will be able to come up with a design that is charming, delightful, and comfortable. Additionally, using recommended models of sofas may be helpful while you implement it into your complete and total room design:

Charles Le Corbusier Sofa Concerning living room furniture sofas, this man could possibly be acknowledged as a genius. He has influenced the mass production of a very popular design that is both comfortable to sit in and impressive to look at. A variety of models sit either two or three people. Arm chairs constructed in similar fashions are also sold today, that look splendid when incorporated with any furniture designed by this famous architect. Eileen Grays Bibendum Sofa This piece which was originally designed in the 1940s has been described as “A hug that doesn’t stop until you get up.” That is extraordinary mark of distinction assigned to one of the most extraordinary models of furniture to date. There is really no limit to the mixture of home interior items that this item along with corresponding stool and arm chair that could be set in a room. It is an item that is very indicative of the Modern and Art decoration trends. Florence Knoll Reproductions Variations of the original Florence Knoll design are offered quite often. This woman’s famous designs were first issued in the 1950s. She became a worldwide interior design icon in no time. Her whole line of furniture was created with the intent to be combined with just about any other collection or set of furniture. George Nelson Inspired Marshmallow Sofa This is more of a “novelty” piece than anything but many people find it to be comfortable as well as fun. In all likelihood not thought of as the most comfortable of all the ones offered today but chances are it would look great in some contemporary family room someplace. It is recognized most for its multi-coloured upholstery and its unique structure. This man has also invented a full selection of clocks and additional accessories that would coordinate well with this unique model.

__

Any piece you choose is likely to be very attractive when placed right. Living room furniture sofas available are often meant to conform to current display trends. However, be careful to not be deceived into following too many “fads” either.


Help for Busy Professionals: Fast Living Room Furniture Decoration

Express-Furniture.co.uk asked:


If you are a very hard-working individual you probably do not have much time to set up your new living room furniture display. This is particularly true if perhaps you were required to change locations for a job on a short notice. 

If this is you then maybe the following will help you: 

Choose accessories for your living room that seem to stand out to you the most. Look for unique and bold pieces that you know will attract people to your exhibit, which they will admire. Numerous clocks will enhance your contemporary living room furniture. 

Whether you apply a contemporary or classic living room furniture theme that less is more.  It is in all likelihood better to find three or four higher quality accessory pieces for your space which brings together the overall theme that you are looking for. 

Any of the unique and elegant clocks fashioned by George Nelson are highly recommended. There are numerous choice reproductions of his works obtainable now which representative of works first thought of by this great modern designer. 

Dressing up each room with contemporary living room furniture and accessories shows a person’s spontaneous side by mixing and matching distinct sleek shapes and colours together. One case in point is that in which people delight in mixing opposites such as black with white, or with other warm colour combinations such as bright red and light blue, or hot pink and light green. 

In fact, these bold, bright color combinations are one way you can easily spot modern design. Contemporary living room furniture and accessories are usually designed with some of these colors (whether plain or bright) and are frequently recognized by their smooth edges, bright colors, and soft curves. 

Contemporary and modern decorated rooms use simplistic shapes and lines to turn a space into the most attractive, very people-friendly atmosphere. They are made to stand alone or to be mixed with other pieces.  

Modern or contemporary styles use sleek lines and sharp angles and contrasting colours to create a look that is both fashionable, and that is hopefully one that will stand the test of time. 

Many people prefer to set up their living room furniture display and then accent it with one of the unique and elegant clocks originally fashioned by George Nelson. There are numerous choice reproductions of his works obtainable now which representative of works first inspired by this great modern designer. 

The person mentioned above was responsible for the design of a wide selection of clocks also created some very important contemporary living room furniture pieces. One of which you might place for the fun of it is the Marshmallow Sofa which can brighten up a room. 

Other fine works that are placed in homes today include works first made by Charles Eames, Eileen Gray, Mies Van Der Rohe, and Charles Le Corbusier. In fact Eames and his wife are most noted for the famous Lounge Chair and Ottoman duo.