Sunday 8 December 2013

Must have Mid Century Modern: The wanted list

Having missed out on attending the Mid Century Modern show in Dulwich this year (it will be engraved in our wall next to the calendar as reminder for next year!) I have resorted to lusting over the electronic versions.

Below is my most wanted list including brilliant replicas, some original (way out of our budget) gems and some "Marmite" pieces that have left us both in disagreement.


Teak Modern Wall Shelf Unit Bookshelf by Poul Cadovius

The sleek teak lines and the towering height give this shelving unit class, precision and can frame a living space perfectly. 
Possibly an acquired taste, if the space is big enough then this beautiful unit allows you to display your wares without drawing the eye too much to the structure itself. The wood can tie in nicely with other furniture and the think shelving helps to maintain the Mid-century Modern style

There are a number of replicas now available online but if you know someone with woodwork skills then a bespoke version would be even better!



Contemporary Dining Room by Toronto Interior Designers & Decorators Jenn Hannotte / Hannotte Interiors


Uten.Silo Wall Organizer


This much talked about wall organizer may seem a simple but functional design but the price of it really means it's a splurge rather than a "must-have". At approx £258 this re-promoted design by Dorothee Becker is now available in a number of colours and can add a much coveted design piece to any home office.

If you can find similar or a replica then please let me know as try as I might I cannot find one similar!




The Egg and Wing-back chair 

Wing-back chairs have made a huge comeback both with designers and more diluted by the high street. There's a huge choice of colours and styles offered that keep in with the classic design or the modern take and make a striking accent chair.

A mention must be made to "The Egg" chair designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen for the SAS Radisson Hotel in Copenhagen. The design has been replicated, has evolved and is recognisable in it's modern form although Jacobsen's original design only produced a handful or pieces so as to maintain its exclusivity.


Midcentury Bedroom by Orange County Closet & Home Storage Designers Tara Bussema - Neat Organization and Design

Starburst/Sunbrust Wall Clock

The post-war design of these clocks can still be seen in contemporary pieces today. The original designs had 48 spokes and were a mix of wood and brass however the newer pieces can be bought with crystals, made of glass and even include photo frames and chalk boards. A love or hate piece this will divide opinion however in keeping with the Mid-century Modern era it's at home.



Midcentury Living Room by Other Metro Media & Bloggers Jan Skacelik

Mid-century Modern Desk/Workspace


There is a huge selection of new pieces that use the minimalist wooden and metal designs to create desk and workspaces although there are less authentic vintage pieces available it seems. Many websites are offering bespoke pieces with nods to "Mad Men" and make a nice to change to the standard boxy desks that many of us must use at work. The quality wood used in some of the higher end pieces do mean that more care should be taken but if you can get your hands on a vintage or refurbished piece at a lower price then that should ease the worry. 

For us, the hunt continues..




What would be on your "Must have" list for Mid-Century Modern pieces? Did you go to the show - please share your discoveries!