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A Classic By Any Other Name…

Audrey Hepburn

What comes to mind when you think about classic furniture? The word classic is broad and widely used to refer to everything from, books, clothing, movies, music and of course design. You may even be wondering what the term "classic" really means. Webster’s has 14 definitions alone. The description that is most applicable; enduring, serving as a model or guide. The designers from the modern era led the way in the furniture revolution and their stamp can still be seen today by their contemporaries. With the resurgence of interest in retro fashion, music and art from the modern era has also come a taste for the retro interiors and furniture. Nowhere is that more apparent than the fascination with the glamour of "Old Hollywood". The interesting thing about these pieces is that they were designed as early as 1900 and they are every bit as relevant today. That is some feat in a world that is changing at the speed of light. Just like the little black dress these modern classics are always in style.

The taste for modern furniture is as varied as the designs themselves. For some the objects of greatest appeal are the experiments in tubular-steel furniture of the Bauhaus designers; for others it’s the sculptural and beautifully crafted design in wood from the Scandinavians; there are those who prefer the colourful plastics of the Pop era, or perhaps the work of just a single designer.

Early Modernism – Furniture design from the late-nineteenth century to 1939 The start of the modern era brought an explosion of new materials and innovative manufacturing techniques. Virtually every area of our lives was touched by sweeping change from our homes and offices, airports and schools, restaurants and libraries. Touched by sweeping change from our homes and offices, airports and schools, restaurants and libraries.

Mid Century Modernism – The Postwar Era 1939-1959 The world was reeling from the devastating effects of the Second World War. European cities were in ruins, the economy was destroyed and the emotional loses were heartbreaking. In this climate of soberness and austerity production was slow. It was a different story in America there was a renewed spirit of optimism emerging and design and architecture schools were bursting with energy and innovation. This newly sparked imagination brought the use of new materials and more organic design.

B306, 1928 Designers: Le Corbusier with Charlotte Perriand and Pierre Jeanneret

Noguchi table ,1948 designer: Isamu Noguchi	Marshmallow Sofa, 1956 designer: George Nelson

Pop & Post Modernism – Into the Future 1960-1985
The decade that followed the monochromatic 50’s was anything but! By contrast the age of technicolour and confidence was born. It was an exciting time in fashion, art and music. In the home there was an explosion of colour, pattern and new materials. Home and interior magazines started to appear and showed people how to create spaces that were an expression of their personalities. The idea of form and not just function was emerging. Echoing trends in pop music, fashion and art, furniture became more laidback, informal and fun!

Corona Chair, 1961 designer: Paul Volther	Panton Chair, late 1960’s designer: Verner Panton

As we take a look back we see a microcosm of world events that begins the Industrial Revolution, moves through the social drive to improve the quality of life of the masses pre war to the energy and enthusiasm of post modernism. Today our focus is on climate change and the effects of the environment; this too will help to shape the future of furniture.

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Source: Vintage Furniture by Fay Sweet (Carlton Books)

Modern classic furniture is often thought of as contemporary, austere, cold and for those that have ultra modern spaces. Not so…The great thing about decorating is having so many choices, never has being eclectic and adventurous been so chic. Flip through any home decorating magazine and you will soon start spotting these classics; the furniture lends itself to many different styles of decorating and has become a badge of connoisseurship. While some people chose to have a sparse wide open décor using only the classics, others mix them in with more traditional pieces or even antiques. I think the balance of old and new is what gives a home character and personality. I have compiled some interiors that display all of these glorious classics in fun and functional room setting. What I think is interesting is how timeless all these spaces are, it would be difficult to tell if the room is from the 1950’s or 2009.