Saturday, October 29, 2011

Scandinavian Design 'at auction'

Modern design seems to have practically started in Scandinavia. The cool lines of furniture by Arne Jacobsen and Hans Wegner, for example, are iconic, and copied over and over.

Skonahem Magazine (Sweden)


In this dining room, the sideboard is by Børge Mogensen, the chairs by Arne Jacobsen, and the rug was designed by Märta ­Måås-Fjetterströms. 


The ceiling fixture in the dining room above is by Poul Henningsen. It is reproduced (and copied) all the time. You can see why, because it gives a space a modern edge, but could be used with a more traditional look. The dining table is by the Danish designer Ole Wanscher. 

Elle Decor - Designer: Michael DePerno

In a California house designed by Michael DePerno, the living room includes these wonderful yellow Danish arm chairs. They fit with the mid-century vibe and add the pop of color to contrast with the white and beige sofas. 

Wright Auctions in Chicago has their Scandinavia Design auction coming up November 17th. It is full of iconic designers that could satisfy your desire to re-create the look!


My focus in the Wright on-line catalogue is on decorating a living room. If we start with a sofa this one designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1956 is perfect (Lot 207). It measures 71 inches wide, and is made of a bronze plated steel  frame and leather upholstery. This has an auction estimate of $2,000 - $3,000. This exudes mid-century cool.


I love these chairs designed by Finn Juhl (Danish) in 1953. These are model NV-53, and are made of teak with uphostery. The have a comfortable  design, and are just plain fabulous! These are Lot 192, and have an auction estimate of $7,000 - $9,000.

This pair of Ole Wanscher (Danish) arm chairs were designed in 1944. They are made of lacquered beech and birch. The curves of the back slats are what make the design. They are very decorative and almost sculptural. These are Lot  101 and have an auction estimate of $2,000 - $3,000.


For me the Arne Jacobsen Swan chair is one of the most iconic of the mid-century designs. It was designed in 1957. This example in the Wright auction is particularly good looking because of the warm colored leather upholstery. It also swivels and tilts!  This is Lot 204, and has an estimate of $1,000 - $1,500.


We, of course, need a rug. This design by Märta ­Måås-Fjetterströms (Swedish) would be wonderful. It was designed in 1925, and measures 63" x 115". This is Lot 109, and has an auction estimate of $3,000 - $5,000. There are a couple of other rugs by the same designer in the auction. 



You see this design by Poul Henningsen quite a bit. There are new ones available, but wouldn't it be more fun to have an original designed in 1958. This is called model PH5.  I love that this one is blue, which also makes it stand out from the crowd. This is Lot 284, and has an auction estimate of $700 - $900. 





Scandinavian design is quite the rage right now. You needn't go for a full Mad Men mid-century look. Just add an iconic design like an Arne Jacobsen chair, or a pair by Ole Wanscher to a room with a classic sofa, and you have instant chic!

1 comment:

  1. The hip sleek pad is the look at High Point again this market. The designers who do it the best, mix the mid-century aesthetic with antiques and asian accessories. Its hot, hot hot!
    Best,
    Liz

    ReplyDelete

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