Midcentury
Sugar Editorial Picks
Stylish or Silly? Robert Picault Ceramic Bird Table Lamp
I like a dose of whimsy in my home, a little cheek here and there. This 1950s Robert Picault Ceramic Bird Table Lamp (inquire for price) reminds me of the Jonathan Adler Giraffe Lamps; both have shades incorporated into the animal-theme design. It's definitely not your average table lamp, that's for sure!
Etsy Find: Argyle Midcentury Shelving Unit
I'm not much of a prepster, but I've always appreciated the graphic goodness of argyle. The diamond checkerboard pattern has a unique three-dimensional quality that's simply eye-catching. But, don't get any ideas: I won't be sporting an argyle sweater vest any time soon.
Other Search Results
In the News: The Midcentury Anti-Garden
LA Times' More Stark Than the Desert Around Them takes an alarming note of the growing trend of "extending the spareness of home interiors into the garden, and wiping out natural habitat in the process," by midcentury modern homeowners in Palm Springs. These midcentury mod enthusiasts have begun to replace the natural and/or traditional landscapes surrounding their homes with minimalist "gardens" made simply of gravel, lawn, or geometrically-shaped arrangements of cacti and grass, or shaved palm trees. This new terrain is quite the departure from those surrounding well-known designs by 1950s architects like Albert Frey and William Krisel.
Are You Bored With the Mid-Century Look?
Reader vunder says, "I'm kind of bored with the mid century look. I am surprised it is still so trendy." Do you agree?
Home Away From Home: The Maidstone in East Hampton
If you live in the New York metro area, you know very well of the Hamptons' reputation as THE place to be in the summertime. If not, you've probably caught a glimpse of the glory of the Long Island townships in movies like Something's Gotta Give and Grey Gardens. Unless you're a lucky dog who owns a home in the popular seaside locale, most visitors rent a Summer share or score a bed with a friend, as hotels in the area tend to be overpriced and lacking in looks (and personal BBQ grills).
Su Casa: A Cool and Modern Sunroom
Su Casa member Nikolem2 recently posted photos of her gorgeous sunroom, and I love her mix of furnishings, as well as the color palette she used.
She writes, "These are photos of the sunroom in my 1920s bungalow. After living in this house for almost two years and working on collecting furniture and making it our own, this is our first truly completed room!
On the Market: A Frank Lloyd Wright Home in Central California
If you have a love for midcentury architecture and $2.7 million to spare, then consider moving to California's Central Valley to live in the beautiful, wonderfully maintained Fawcett House. This 3,700-square-foot home was designed by the famous modern architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1955, and it was completed in 1961, two years after Wright died. The six-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath home is situated on 80 acres, and hunkers down into the farming landscape, with a low-pitched roof and angular wings that reach out into the fields.
Desire/Acquire: Modern Sideboard
A sideboard is an incredibly useful piece of furniture. At large dinner parties, it can be used as an additional serving area, or even as a temporary cocktail bar. And in everyday living, it adds attractive storage space for your finer dishes and table linens.
In the News: A Richard Neutra in Dire Straits
The Los Angeles Times' "The Clock Is Ticking For Richard Neutra's VDL Research House II" is a story about the "fabled glass box on Silver Lake Boulevard in Los Angeles," designed by renowned midcentury modernist architect Richard Neutra and owned by nonprofit Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, and faces sale if upward of $2 million is not raised by supporters by the end of the year. Saturday tours of the landmark have recently begun to raise money for the cause, and awareness of its need for restoration. Visitors can witness firsthand some of its problems, including termite damage, asbestos, cracked and dried reflecting pools, jammed sliding doors, and an electric system that no longer functions.
Casa Shops: Janus Home
If you're a fan of mid-century modern design, then you'll want to make a stop at Janus Home, a showroom located in downtown Portland, Oregon. The store stocks a variety of high-quality restored mid-century furnishings and decorative arts. They are available for design consultations and custom uphostery consultations as well.