Mid-century Modern design has a timeless appeal that never seems to go out of style. Choosing a color scheme, and making furniture selections that reflect a ‘Modern Retro’ vibe in your space can invoke playful and inviting feelings for your home. Especially in the places where friends and family tend to gather, like in your kitchen and dining areas. When it comes to making design choices for your home’s kitchen, in addition to making bold color choices, try adding Modern classic furnishings and fixtures to really make the room come together in a fresh, and cohesive way. Below are some retro Modern classic furniture and lighting choices that work together to create a fun, and contemporary feel with mid-century flair.
PENDANT LIGHT
Fly Suspension Lamp by Kartell
Price: $345
Available at Lumens:
The Kartell FLY Suspension Lamp, designed by Ferruccio Laviani, is a dome pendant made in all the colors of the rainbow. The shade is not perfectly hemispherical, but with the cut-off underneath the height of the diameter to collect the most light. What’s more, the special transparency of the batch-dyed PMMA and the sheen of the colors bring to mind a soap bubble, iridescent with reflections of light.
Founded in 1949 by Giulio and Anna Castelli, Kartell has become the world leader—and innovator—in the realm of molded plastic furniture. Headquartered in Italy, Kartell works with designers worldwide to create their distinctive line of Modern furniture, lighting and accessories. Dedication to discovering and employing new technologies and manufacturing methods results in a growing line of durable, stylish and cutting edge products.
DINING TABLE
Saarinen’s Tulip Table for Knoll
Price: $2053
Available at Hive Modern:
In his purist approach to design, Finnish-born Eero Saarinen sought out the essential idea and reduced it to the most effective structural solution. “The underside of typical chairs and tables makes a confusing, unrestful world,” explained Saarinen. “I wanted to clear up the slum of legs.” In his pedestal collection, which includes a dining, coffee and side table, Saarinen realized his ideal of formal unity: “Every significant piece of furniture has a holistic structure.” Winner of the 1969 Museum of Modern Art Award.
DINING CHAIRS
DCM Moulded Plastic Dining Chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller
Price: $994
Available at Design Within Reach:
The iconic DCM (1946) began as an experiment in the Eameses’ apartment, where they were molding plywood in what they called the “Kazam! Machine.” The machine pressed thin sheets of wood veneer against a heated membrane that was inflated by a bicycle pump. Humble beginnings for what would become one of the world’s most widely recognized and highly coveted chairs. Low-slung, with an expertly crafted molded seat and back (no bike pumps are used today), this chair cradles you in a comfortable position. Its form relates directly to the human body and holds no secrets as to how it succeeds technically. The slender rod base provides superior strength, while rubber shock mounts buffer against jarring movement. This original is an authentic product of Herman Miller, Inc. Eames is a licensed trademark of Herman Miller. Made in U.S.A.
MINI PENDANT LIGHTS
Bonaire Pendant Light by A19
Price: $250
Available at A19:
A19 has been fueled by inspiration, with a commitment to both the environment and their community since 1998. Woman-owned and operated in a family-like environment, A19’s products are handmade in Southern California. A19 has not only committed themselves to making the environment a better place, but focuses on supporting their community. They hire locally, treat their employees like family, and promote education throughout the community.
A19 continues to respect their environment by choosing more environmentally friendly ways of manufacturing and distributing, including packaging their products in fully recyclable boxes. A19 successfully blends their innovative vision with traditionally skilled artisans to create a high quality, distinctive form.
BARSTOOLS
Case Study® Side Shell Dowel Bar Stool
$525
Available at Modernica:
The Fiberglass Shell Chair is easily one of the most important and recognizable designs of the twentieth century. They were originally designed in 1948, as an entry in The Museum of Modern Art’s International Design Competition. At the time, no one could possibly have anticipated the massive success and longevity of this iconic design.
