BRIDGE FOR DESIGN
OCTOBER 2010
SHOPPING
Revival of the Fittest: 'Furniture and accessories, revived and restored to better than their original glory'
Paul Evans designed early 1970s desk restored with steel and leather wrapped base and ivory lacquer top,
from Talisman.
DESIGN TRENDS
'Revived and Restored'
By Ken Bolan
"Well, we certainly still live in interesting times. The economic climate has affected everyone's attitude to how we furnish our home. People are spending less freely and interestingly, are investing more in single pieces, providing they fill a certain criteria, the key boxes to be ticked are design, quality, practicality and longevity.
I find people are interested in how much pleasure they will get over a period of five to ten years from a single piece. Obviously the issue of functionality, as well as originality, is vital. However, the justification of an investment in a single purchase at a certain level means there often has to be an 'individuality' to that piece- a way in which it can become a focal point in their home and unlike anything else they (or their friends) might find elsewhere.
The rise in interest in mid-twentieth century design has been prompted by this combined need for functionality and design. Many pieces of furniture and accessories from the 1950s onwards lend themselves perfectly to reinterpretation. Whilst remaining true to the original design, it is this subsequent makeover which allows many of these unusual pieces to fit seamlessly into our lives today.
These one-off pieces by popular designers- whose work in its essence lends them to modern day living- have had a huge resurgence in popularity. Take for example the work of Pierre Cardin. The simplicity and functionality of his designs, such as the well known T-shaped sideboard, calls for little interference in terms of composition. However, the demand is not for everything necessarily to be in an untouched state. In some cases, one is left with little choice but to re-invent a piece like this due to the deterioration of the original materials used, or the dated look by which it is labelled.
In the same sense, the twentieth century American company 'Mastercraft' manufactured sideboards and cabinets which in their function and unique design are incredibly easy pieces to live with today. The quality of their craftsmanship is second to none; however these objects are very much of their time. Whilst the 1970s aesthetic is popular in shape and function, their design in terms of veneers and colours has dated. The popularity of these pieces when re-lacquered underlines the trend for bold and practical pieces in the home. Whilst being sympathetic to the original concept behind these objects, there is much room to incorporate the need for a clean and modern look through the introduction of a revived finish and often re-interpreted metalwork. Additionally, the ability to execute this high gloss look in a wide range of colours make re-lacquering the ideal bespoke service, accommodating the fashion for the bold and vibrant.
This respect for the simplicity of these designs applies to upholstery in the same sense. For example, little interference is required with the meticulous lines of chairs and sofas designed by Milo Baughman. The understated nature of these designs fits in perfectly with the aesthetic for 'simplified living'. However, these key pieces allow us to be inventive with our choice of fabrics, playing with the wide variety of pattern and texture fashionable today.
In saying all of this, there are a handful of designers whose work remains best untouched. The likes of Paul Evans, Karl Springer and Gabriella Crespi are all leading examples of luxurious designers; where innovation and the application of high end materials means that their work has not dated in essence but rather become timeless. From a bronze table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne to a 1960s Paul Evans Argenta cabinet- these signed and designed pieces do not require adaptation since, from whatever era, they are classics.