How old are those iconic designer furniture pieces that look so modern? The truth may rock you. The continuing popularity of 20th century modern designer furniture has led to a kind of visual shorthand. We look at a room and can easily spot a Saarinen table, Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chair, or an Arco floor lamp. It's the home décor version of recognizing an Hermès handbag, … [Read more...]
Contemporary Kitchen Banquettes
In some kitchens, a seating area can be restricted by structural elements such as windows, doors or pillars. Two summers ago I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing top kitchen designer Mick DeGiulio when he created a Kitchen of the Year for House Beautiful magazine. One of the main points stressed during his introduction was not about the work triangle, appliance … [Read more...]
Kitchen Seating
From cushy sofas to plain wood stools, kitchen seating features perches of every description. I’m always surprised by the number of multiple kitchen seating options I see in the same space: bar stools at a counter, chairs at a table, informal banquettes, plus every combination of these and more. Slipcovered chairs you might expect to find in a dining room are pulled into an … [Read more...]
Five Great Coffee Tables
Time-tested coffee tables are 20th c. furniture icons that work with any living room style Some believe in decorating “rules.” I believe in designer’s wisdom -- according to moi. So here’s my rule #16: classic 20th century coffee tables are the best and least-limiting choice for living room because these designs withstand the test of time. Most important, one of these tables … [Read more...]