Good design is not only functional – it also ensures the test of time. This is particularly so when it comes to furniture and lighting. Some of my favourite designs were created decades ago yet still have the function and appeal as if they were created today. A few of my personal favourites are:
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Chaise Lounge by Le Corbusier – This is a truly beautiful and simple design Le Corbusier created in 1928. The frame is chrome plated steel with reinforced elastic straps and steel hooks for support. Originally covered in leather or a hairy skin such as pony you can still purchase this chair today and is mostly covered in cow hide or black leather. |
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Thonet No. 14 Chair- this chair is seen everywhere today and for good reason – it is a truly enduring piece of furniture. It is often called the Coffee House chair and was originally designed in 1859 by Michael Thonet and was made up of just six parts. This image in the photo is a version of the chair that dates back to circa 1900 and was designed by August Thonet, Michael’s brother. | |
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Eames Lounge – Designed in 1956 by brothers Charles & Ray Eames this lounge chair is designed to perfection. With its moulded plywood shell, aluminium base and foam-covered leather seat and back it invites you to sit and relax. | |
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The Egg Chair – Designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1959, for the reception area of the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen this chair was conceived in his garage and was cast in plaster! The chair is now constructed of a synthetic shell, padded with cold foam and is generally covered in fabric or leather. For a stand out feature piece I love it in bright red! | |
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Artichoke – This stunning light is one of my all time favourites. Designed by Poul Henningsen in 1958 for a restaurant in Copenhagen, it is made of twelve steel arches on which 72 “leaves” which all cover each other and ensures the light can be viewed from any angle without seeing the bulb at the heart of the Artichoke. The original lights are still hanging in that restaurant which is testimony to the truly enduring design they are. Image credit: Bart Claeys |
Functionality, (and whether is does something useful) will always be at the heart of good design. And while trends change over time a good design will always endure. I like to apply this to not just the creation of a building, but also in the layout and selection of the finishes.
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