Tag Archives: design history lesson
History Lesson: Eames Molded Plastic Chair
In the 1940s, Charles and Ray Eames were focusing on designing with plastic- molding it into organic shapes that conformed to the body. The bent, welded wire base was added to the shell and the first mass-produced one-piece plastic chair was born. The chair was introduced in 1948 at the Museum of Modern Art, and [...]
History lesson: Acapulco Chair
The classic Acapulco Chair was designed in Mexico in the 1950s from steel and plastic. Rumor has is that the chair is based on Mayan hammock weaving techniques, but the design and designer continue to remain anonymous to this day. Whatever the actual story is, there is no denying their vibrant plastic splendor reminiscent of [...]
History Lesson: Tivaevae
The applique, embroidery and crochet skills introduced into the Cook Islands by members of the London Missionary Society are the origins of the hand-stitched Tivaevae- a form of applique and embroidery art specific to Polynesia. The name “Tivaevae” refers to the items produced, and literally means to stitch or sew. The Tivaevae are either made [...]
History Lesson: Chambray
Chambray always seems to hide out in the shadows of denim, except for the few months out of the year when we’re into beachy and nautical-inspired fashions. But we love it- for its softness, color, and high thread count. Legend has it that French weaver Jean-Baptiste Cambray first created chambray sometime in the early 14th [...]
History Lesson: 45 Chair, Finn Juhl
Finn Juhl (1912 – 1989) was a Danish architect, interior designer and industrial designer. He is best known for his furniture design, and was a pioneer in the creation of Danish Modern Design in the 1940s. In 1945, Juhl designed the 45 Chair, which was one of the first to break the current tradition for [...]
History Lesson: Bin Pulls
Adding new hardware to your cabinets is a great way to give a room a quick facelift. Whatever your style, there are knobs and pulls in all shapes and colors to choose from. Bin pulls, also called cup pulls, are a type of drawer pull that looks like an upside cup or half-moon shape, enclosed [...]
History Lesson: Ero|s| Chair, Philippe Starck
The Ero|s| was designed by Philippe Starck for Kartell in 1999. The egg shape design is available in a fixed or swivel base, and is constructed out of polycarbonate and polished aluminum. This ultra mod armchair is enhanced by its color and transparency, and comes in a variety of colors, both transparent and opaque. (Images [...]
History Lesson: Coffers
A coffer is a recessed panel in a ceiling supported by beams, usually in the shape of a square or rectangle. A repeat of the panels forms a coffered ceiling. The earliest surviving examples of coffers are ancient Greek and Roman. Structurally, the framework of the coffers bears the load of the ceiling. A nice [...]
History Lesson: Florence Broadhurst
Florence Broadhurst (1899-1977) was an eccentric and multi-talented artist and performer born in Queensland, Australia. After a successful international career as a singer and actress, she returned to Australia to paint, and in 1959 she started a wallpaper business featuring her uniquely beautiful and flamboyant designs. Broadhurst continued to work as an artist and textile [...]
History Lesson: Milk Glass Hobnail
Hobnail glassware is the quintessential find for any antique glass collector. Whether you have a large collection or just one or two heirloom pieces, hobnail is the perfect “granny chic” addition. Its history is tied to the Fenton Art Glass Company, which produced a hobnail lamp in 1935. The pattern was so popular that Fenton [...]
