Sculptural Coffee Table by Wendell Castle

Unique sculptural coffee table in stack-laminated rosewood.
Designed and made by Wendell Castle, Rochester, New York, 1966.

Available at R20th Century.

High Point Fall 2010 Highlights

  Palm Beach fresh and sassy, effervescent elegance from Lilly Pulitzer Home.   

   Hickory Chair featured beautiful, updated classic furniture designs by Alexa Hampton, Mariette Himes Gomez, Suzanne Kasler and textile designs (like the exquisitely upholstered “pom-pom chair” shown on top left) from Susan and Kate Hable of Hable Construction.

Snug Furniture’s organic, warm modern styled wood sofa and coffee table’s natural beauty inspires. Timeless elegance defines Serge de Troyer’s bone wine cabinet.

Bella Luna’s magnificent desk and chair- the rest of their showroom is equally as divine.. Organically inspired luxurious bedding and decorative pillows from textile designer Aviva Stanoff.

Global Views’ inspiring showroom is filled with exquisite international design finds ..

Stunning designs from designers Stephen Gormley (lighted crystal coffee table) and Christian Lyon (end tables, sofa) for Matsouka International.   Edmee International’s decorative pillows captivate with their understated romantic elegance. DB Sources decorative accessories are attention fetching. Pendant lighting from Nuevo in voluptuous curves, and modern feminine shapes. Dransfield & Ross’ table top decor and linen collection comprised of beautifully detailed linens and sculptural napkin rings inspired by iconic architecture from around the world.

Enchanting, exotic treasures from Syria, Morocco and the Middle East fill the magical showroom of Wunderly. Vagabond’s vintage decorative paper clips in sculptural forms inspired by nature. 

Bungalow 5 shines with furniture and lighting pieces with a modern twist on the Hollywood Glamour style.Bungalow 5  Bamboo mirror, open cabinet, and lighting in a fresh, updated Hollywood Regency design. Exotic finds at Tozai.

Tema Home Scatola Armonica Sideboard by Miquel Vieira Baptista

We’re huge fans of Tema Home and are always delighted with each magnificent design piece they bring to market.   The Scatola Armonica sideboard, designed by Miquel Vieira Baptista, was inspired by a musical instrument box.  The beautiful laser-cut designs on the Scatola Armonica sideboard doors are based on the paper fold and cut technique. The Scatola Armonica is part of Tema Home’s Lisbon Collection.

Images copyright of respective companies.

Home Decor Buyer Resource: Tema Home

Sessantuna by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina

Sessantuna is the design concept of renowned Italian artist and designer Gaetano Pesce. It’s an

idea that celebrates the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy, Gaetano Pesce
and Cassina join together once again in developing a new project. Rather than resulting in a
simple a piece of furniture, this represents a way of conceiving and producing design.

Sessantuna Table #36 designed by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina.

The SESSANTUNA project revisits the famous red, white and green Sansone table (no longer
in production) unveiled by Gaetano Pesce and Cassina in 1980. Every SESSANTUNA table
is produced with innovative resins, cast in the three colors of the Italian flag using a truly
cutting-edge production process. This allows for the optimization of the end result, reducing
the overall weight and obtaining the random and intriguing blends that make each table an
original work. Also of note are the table legs; these are independent and can be affixed to the
grooves under the surface and positioned according to taste.

Gaetano’s map of a unified Italy rendered by the tables he designed.

[Sessantuna is a] unique and singular work. Sixty-one icons that only resemble each other
and remain, in essence, totally different. Sixty-one tables representing the year 1861 in which
the Italian Unification was completed. One day, if we could place these together, side by side,
they would perfectly recreate the shape of the Italian peninsula, 25 by 20 meters, with its
irregular land and sea borders, its numerous islands and its inimitable profile: a poetic homage
to the native land of creativity and art.

Conceptual drawings for the Sessantuna collection.

SESSANTUNA is a work that is designed to tell the story of the Unification of Italy. All
of the tables, signed by Gaetano Pesce, are numbered. according to the sequence of events in
which each single territory became part of the new state. Each table has its own historical
relevance, including its islands, out of scale, which underline each as an equally important
contribution to the concept of unification.

Gaetano adding his personal mark to the table.   

Top view of Table #36.

The sixty-one tables will be distributed across the world but will, conceptually, always remain
close to each other, celebrating the unity and the unification of Italy.

Sessantuna by Gaetano Pesce for Cassina

Photo Credits: Studio 12

Joaquim Tenreiro Chairs at R 20th Century

Set of ten  Joaquim Tenreiro "Small Chairs" in solid caviona with curved cane back, round cane seat and lathed legs, 1960. 22" L x 18.5" W x 33.75" H

Set of  Joaquim Tenreiro  eight chairs with painted iron frame and leather upholstered seat and back, 1958. 16.93" L x 17.13" W x 36.22" H

Set of eight Joaquim Tenreiro  "Itamaraty" chairs with jacaranda frame and cane back and seat, 1965. 15.75" L x 14.25" W x 38" H

We fell in love with many of the vintage modern furniture collections presented by  R 20th Century at Design Miami 2008. Specifically, one of our favorite furniture collections was from legendary Portuguese born Brazilian modern furniture designer Joaquim Tenreiro (often referred to as the “father” of modernist Brazilian furniture design).

Here we’ve picked three of our favorite 20th Century  Joaquim Tenreiro chairs – visit R 20th Century to see more of his beautiful furniture design.

Related: Design Miami 2008 , Color and Style at Design Style Miami 2008

Photo Credits: photos by Sherry Griffin for R 20th Century.

Home Decor Buyer Resource: R 20th Century

Volpi Reclaimed Wood Stool Set- Rosten Furniture

I’m a fan of reclaimed wood furniture, and certainly appreciate Rotsen’s eco-friendly furniture collection (there are quite a few Rotsen pieces I’m deeply in love with), but I’m not sure how I feel about the Volpi Reclaimed Wood Stool set. I can’t get past the image they convey – upside-down, four-rooted molars. Who knows, I’m probably suffering from “residual anxiety” (did I just coin a new psychological term?) about having my wisdom teeth extracted earlier this summer, and I’m just seeing molars everywhere.

Decorating Resources: Rotsen Furniture

Hugo Franca – R 20th Century Gallery

One of my favorite artists/designers/visionaries, Hugo Franca, has a few beautiful pieces at R 20th Century gallery. I’ve picked some of my favorites from the exhibit to share.

Decorating Resource: R 20th Century Gallery

Irwin Feld Design

Photo: From left to right: Sculptura Standing Floor Lamp (1960s) – newly lacquered in white; “Percussion”  painting (1960) by George Ratkai; Mid Century Bench (1960s) – newly upholstered with recessed polished stainless steel legs; and  Lucite Hanging Fixture (1960s).

Photo: Pair of Glass Rod Mid-Century Sconces (1961) ; “Man and Woman” painting (1960) by George Ratkai ; and Velvet Diamond Bench-newly refinished and upholstered with tapered hardwood legs.

Photo: From left to right:  Pair of elegant chairs (1940s) -newly refinished and upholstered in gold & eggplant chenille; Irwin Feld Design (IFD) custom Mid-Century inspired dining table with mercury mirrored glass top; Originally a Mid-Century light fixture reborn as an amazing candle-holding centerpiece;  Painting “Le Ruisseau D’Esparrignac painting (1950s-1960s) by Henri Cueco; and a pair of Mid-Century hanging pendant lights.

Photo: From left to right: Pair of mirrored pedestals composed of mercury mirror with beveled sides (1970s );Mid-20th century pair of “Silver Leafed” table lamps; Giclee print of a Mid-Century black & white photo referred to by IFD as “Archer” (1950); Lewis Mittman day bed (1960s) reupholstered in a beautiful oatmeal colored fabric; Pair of Mid Century Ottomans (1960s) newly refinished and upholstered in a ribbed velvet fabric; and Mid 20th Century chrome and glass coffee table.

Photo: From left to right: Italian glass & chrome architectural coffee table (1970s);Six Sexy Back Dining Chairs. Black wooden frame with ivory satin upholstery;  Camer tiered chandelier (sold);Italian four tiered chandelier (1960s –70s ); Pair of mid-century slipper chairs (1950s); Lacquered bench (1940s-50s)  – newly lacquered and upholstered; Sputnik table lamp (1950s); and a pair of Illuminated spherical chandeliers(1950s).

About Irwin Feld Design

Connecticut-based Irwin Feld Design, a 5000 square foot luxurious loft style gallery with an ever changing inventory of mid-century masterpieces and custom designed furniture,  was launched in 2007 by Irwin Feld in Stamford’s Arts and Antiques district.  Irwin’s passion for all things modern is the culmination of over 25 years immersed in the design and fashion industries. As the Creative Director and owner of Irwin Feld Design (IFD), Irwin has used his rare gift for reinvention coupled with his unrivaled merchandising skills to create a renown gallery destination known for its incomparable mid-century modern furnishings, lighting and fine art.

CONTACT

• Website: Irwin Feld Design
• Blog: Irwin Feld Design Blog
• Facebook: Irwin Feld Design on Facebook
• Twitter: Irwin Feld Design on Twitter

All images copyright of respective owners.

Mattia Bonetti

Mattia Bonetti exhibit for Paul Kasmin Gallery at Design Miami 2009

Blue and Gold Bonetti Armchair (2009) in patinated bronze, wood, and  upholstered in hide.

“Alu”chair (2009) in lacquered aluminum, and upholstery with appliqué.

Bonetti ”Meander” coffee table (2009) in patinated bronze and clear acrylic top.

“Quasimodo” cabinet, (2009) in patinated resin, tinted wood, and patinated wrought-iron.

“Frequency” cabinet, 2009 in clear acrylic and gold-plated brass.

“Necklace” console table (2009) in polished stainless steel and black nickel-plated brass.

“Necklace” side table (2009) in polished stainless steel and black nickel-plated brass.

“Cards” commode, 2009 in polished stainless steel, colored acrylic, and wood.

About Mattia Bonetti

Born in Lugano, Switzerland in 1977 and based in Paris since 1973, Mattia Bonetti is a multi-faceted designer and artist who has to his credit various high profile design projects from: interior design to product packaging to graphic design to furniture design.

Mattia emerged on the design scene in 1977 with his much acclaimed interior design work at the prestigious Parisian night club, Le Palace. In 1987, Christian Lacroix tapped Bonetti to design the interior of the house of Lacroix, as well as, the Lacroix brand logo.  After the design projects for Christian Lacroix, Mattia went on to design the interiors of castles belonging to the European jet set of the day, the Turn and Taxis’ and for the Picasso family-owned Chateau de Boiseloup. in 1991, Mattia Bonetti was honored with the prestigous “French Prize for Designer of the Year”.

Fans of Nina Ricci cosmetics and skin care may not know this, but Mattia was the creative visionary behind the cosmetic houses’ packaging design in the nineties. His product packaging for the Ricci “Le Teint Ricci” garnered him the coveted “Oscar de L”Emballage” in 1992.

Mattia’s embarkation into furniture design can best be described as the fusion of art and design. His whimsical, sculptural furniture pieces are best described as functional art as can be noted from any one of the pieces we saw on exhibit at Design Miami  (photos above). Of course, Bonetti’s genius to create art that functions as design, and design that functions as art, comes with a price tag best fitting a well-financed art collector; the Frequency cabinet is available for $110,000 – only eight editions will be created.

Gallery Information: Paul Kasmin Gallery

Maarten Baas

German-born, Dutch bred design prodigy, Maarten Baas, has captured the attention of the design world with his boundary-less approach to design – refusing to accept a clear and distinct demarcation between what is art and what is design. The multi-award winning Baas,the most recent design honor bestowed upon him was “Designer of the Year at Design Miami 2009”,  believes that the long-held design maxim “form follows function” is outdated and should be relegated to design memory.

Acting as a design iconoclast isn’t a goal he has set for himself, all Baas wants, is to free design from artificially imposed boundaries. Telling “Design Miami” that the only boundaries that can be placed upon design are those imposed equally upon all living creatures: “Every day there are only 24 hours in which that day has to happen”.(Source: Design Miami)

Maarten Baas commission piece (exterior view)  for Design Miami 2009.

Interior view of Maarten Baas designed wardrobe commissioned for Design Miami 2009.

Baas the Early Years

Maarten’s fresh and bold approach to design has not gone unnoticed. At the young age of 18, while studying at the prestigious Design Academy Eindhoven, Bass designed the “Knuckle” candleholder. The “Knuckle” was quickly recognized as outstanding design, and was sent into production. Baas’,earliest and most industry-reverberating recognition came at the age of 24 with his “Smoke” series. The “Smoke” collection of furniture and decor is composed of several pieces that have been charred,and then sealed in a clear epoxy coating.

In 2004, his “Smoke” chandelier was exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum, his “Smoke” chair was on display at the “Nest” exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum, and at Moss Galleries where Baas’ international acclaim was sealed. At the Moss exhibit of “Where There’s Smoke…”, Baas, “without fear or reserve, torched the classical designs of Gaudi, Eames, Rietveld, Sottsass and the Campana Brothers among many others.”(Source: Maarten Baas) His fearless approach, gained the attention of the Groninger Museum. They decided to turn over some of their most obscure collections of antique furniture over to Baas. Much like the mythical Phoenix that raises from the burning ashes, these long forgotten antique furniture pieces where raised from the ashes of obscurity and onto a splendid rebirth, at the hands of Baas.

The Baroque armchair reproduction from MOOOI (photo on left) for the Maarten Baas “Where There’s Smoke…” collection. The design for the chair from the  “Where There’s Smoke…” collection (right) is inspired by Gerrit T. Rietveld’s Zig Zag chair.

Some of the “Smoke”  furniture pieces are reproductions of famous mid-century modern pieces produced by Marcel Wander’s design company MOOOI. Other “Where There’s Smoke…” collection pieces are in the private collections of Philippe Starck, Craig Robins and Lidewij Edelkoort.

The Emergence of Studio Baas & den Herder

Maarten Baas’ continuous battle with artificial boundaries set upon design gained strength with the establishment of Holland based Studio Baas & den Herder. With the assistance of Bas den Herder and a team of ten assistants, Baas was able to increase the production quantity of his unique handcrafted works.

Never losing sight of his design ethic, Baas conceives the idea and then works in close collaboration with his team to birth and nurture the idea from inspiration to conception to production. This tightly woven collaborative sense of design community enables Baas to meet the unending demand to create unique commissions for hotels, museums, private collections, galleries and other establishments.

Baas furniture collections from left to right: Clay chair, The Chankley Bore, Plastic Chair in Wood, Sculpt Dining Chair, and Hey, Chair be a Bookshelf. The “Hey, Chair be a Bookshelf” is a composition of various furniture pieces which have been collected from second hand stores and then assembled into one piece creating a new life and function for each piece. (Design Miami 2009)

In 2005, Baas’ designs for “Smoke”, “Sculpt” and “Treasure” were an integral design component for the Ian Schrager led redesign of the Gramercy Park Hotel. Maarten’s handmade pieces can be found in the rooms, and his “Smoke” billiard table and “Sculpt” furniture pieces are on display in the Gramercy’s lobby.

Yellow Dining Chair (Left) from the “Treasure Furniture” collection. The “Treasure Furniture” collection utilizes furniture factory scrap and waste to give life to a new piece of furniture.

Setting Design Free

At Design Miami 2009, Maarten Baas, “Designer of the Year”, was asked the following question:“‘Does design imply the idea of products that are necessarily useful?” His answer provides tremendous insight into his creations:

“ That comes back to the definition of design. To make it easy you could say: once it’s for use, it’s design. But even that is not a definition which covers all situations.

What would happen if you would use a Mondrian painting as a serving tray, or you hang a serving tray on a wall, and never use it? You can discuss for hours about it…” (Source: Design Miami).

Indeed, what happens when we no longer accept our preconceived notions and are open to a design world that doesn’t dictate that which is appropriate and that which is taboo?

Sources for this article.

• Maarten Baas Website
• Design Miami Interview with Maarten Baas, “Questions excerpted from an interview with Charles Eames in conjunction with the 1969 Musee des Arts Decoratifs exhibition ‘Qu’est-ce Que Le Design?’”