Danish Mid-Century Modern Or Modern Danish?

Photo source: http://www.normann-copenhagen.com/Products/Hive-Lamp?v=502150

In the most specific form of the term, Mid-century modern^, we are trapped into a period of around 30-40 years to choose from. Not only does it limit us in products based on a time frame, it also limits us because mass production of products were fewer in quantity than they are today. Therefore limiting access to these wonderful products and pieces.

Without a doubt, there are many designers from many countries that participated in the development of the mid-century modern style in it's heyday. One extremely famous sector of the world was Denmark. Danish modern^, considered by how much the designers were talked about, or the public's purchasing trends, proved that the Danish designers had a niche that others tried to follow.

While having success in architecture and interior design, most came to know of their furniture and home accessories and that's what would catch the eyes of the Jetset infatuated world. Everything from Danish lounge chairs* to the silverware* on the table*, from the candelabra* to the magazine rack*, from the lights* to the rugs*. All of it, had to contend with the Danes, and the Danes were ruling.

Danish design awareness, to those in the states, really picked up in the 50's and the 60's, even though Danish modern designers had subscribed to modern design even before this period. During these two specific decades though, it became common to see original Danish designer furniture, art, and accents, and kitchenware in the houses of those who could afford it. And those who could not afford it? Well, they bought likenesses, or reproductions. Clinging to the ever desirable design style, just not quite getting the originality or quality.

What's happened with Danish design today? That really is the question. As I had briefly mentioned in an earlier post. A friend of ours who lives in BonAire, which is a Danish territory, entered my house, looked at a few pieces of my furniture, and said...: You like Danish furniture, don't you? I asked why he thought so? He told me that my credenza looked like the current furniture the Danish furniture stores are selling, and that all the houses are furnished with this kind of furniture. So, I had to check it out. Well, it seems he's right.

While Modern Danish (today's Danish Modern) is progressive. It still has a feel that, in mixed company of MCM Danish modern, would likely go unnoticed. That's not to say that all Modern Danish would fit into the 50's and 60's Mid-century design period. In fact, some of what is coming from current designers, better fits the late 60's and early 70's design styling that was popular.

Even so, the Danish Mid-century design DNA has been passed down. To help illustrate this, I've put together a bit of a comparison below.

Mid-century Danish modern lamp*

Photo Source: ebay.com

Modern Danish Lamp from www.normann-copenhagen.com

Photo Source: normann-copenhagen.com

Modern Danish Sofa/Love seat/coutch from www.normann-copenhagen.com

Photo Source: normann-copenhagen.com

Mid-Century Danish Modern Sofa/Coutch from www.dejavulongbeach.com

photo source: www.dejavulongbeach.com

As you can see, whether it's Mid-Century Danish modern, or Modern Danish, it's really all just mid-century in style and design principal.

For more Vintage Mid-century Modern Danish furniture, please check out the ebay app below and help Amidst Mod by using this affiliate app. For more information on how Amidst Mod is monetarily supported, please see the income page.

Just Thought I'd Share

As we all know... once you're passionate about MCM, it's hard to get away from looking for new sources of inspiration. As I was looking for inspiration for my next project, I found this cool site. I think you should check it out. There is a TON of cool MCM furniture on here.

http://www.silicathree.com

Hidden In Plain Sight: FAB Vintage

Fab.com is not a new site to me. In fact, I signed up with Fab.com when they first got started. Still, it only recently struck me that they had a vintage tab. I'm pretty sure that the reason I've never noticed is that I mainly looked at their featured offerings. However, recently, I found their "vintage" link on the site and took a look at what they where offering. While, I'm not going to say their offerings are super abundant. I will say that they do have really nice things for sale.

One thing to remember is that they are not selling mid-century modern* specific items. Even so, they do have a number of pieces of mcm furniture, art, and decor that you may want to take a look at. Plus, some of the non mid-century items are very cool and would fit into many retro settings.

With out any further a due, I give you Fab.com's vintage selections.

 Vintage ’50s Peter Hvidt Teak Table by Peter Hvidt on Fab.com's Vintage page.

Sofa with matching Love seat for sale on Fab.com vintage.

 

One of many Quilts for sale on Fab.com's Vintage section. Note: This just a portions of the whole quilt.

make custom gifts at Zazzle

Mid Century Modern Fiberglass Lamp Base

Mid Century Modern Fiberglass Lamp Base, a photo by The White Mole on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Made of fiberglass and wood, with its sputnik shape and sleek lines, this lamp base has all the quintessential characteristics of mid century modern design. See profile for more details.

What a cool Mid-Century Lamp made of Fiberglass. Kinda looks like half a space ship.

When I see cool lamps, my instinct is to get inspired and start to create a lamp for myself. Granted, I'm probably not going to make a mold and then make a fiberglass lamp. Even though... No. I'm more inclined to design something of the Danish modern lamp* fame. Then though, I always wonder. Should I buy, or build. To decide, I have to do my research. So, here are some lamps that I've found for inspiration and maybe even to buy. Who knows...

Mid Century Modern Danish Teak Hanging Swag Light Lamp Fixture Eames*

Pair 2 Vintage Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Retro Atomic Eames Era Table Lamps*

Mouse over image to zoom Have one to sell? Sell it yourself Mid Century Modern Danish Atomic Mad Men Hanging Swag Pendant Light Lamp Fixture*















Note: Links with an (*) beside them are affiliate links. If you purchase thru these links, Amidst Mod receives a small but necessary income. This income allows Amidst Mod to continue providing you with quality information.

Practical Sculptures Pt 2

If you look around many of the "REALLY NICE" Mid-Century homes*, you will almost surely find a very practical and functional Mid-Century/retro modern sculpture* hiding in plain sight. It may come in various forms: wrought iron, brass, copper, wood, ceramic, or plaster. They come in neutral tones, painted bright colors, or tarnished. They're very handy to have around in winter storms, on lazy evenings, when the window is open and there's a bunch of papers on your desk, or... just when you want to look at a really nice piece of art that was created many years ago. What am I referring too?

Photo Source

While the description above could refer to any number of things that you have have found in a retro modern home of the mid-century era. I'm revering to the oddly antique, but still functional, candle (stick) holder.

Having seen many candle (stick) holders* in my day, I have seen some very beautiful and quite inspiring ones. Then again, I've seen some not so inspiring ones. However, the mid-century candle (stick) holders/bases*, have almost always been a genre of incredible art to me. Being so simple (in most cases) in form helps them lend so well to the Mid-century modern style. It's true that not every candle (stick) holder* from the mid-century/retro times are awesome, but I'd say, most are.

One really good reason for looking into adding these to your entourage of art/sculptures, is that they are very handy to have around in the case of a power outage. Plus, for many, they are great accents to have when you want to have a quite dinner of romantic evening.

Photo Source

Another really good reason to have candle (stick) holders* is, they add a functional piece to your art collection that, many times, fills that thinly vertical space that I often find exist. It's amazing what that thin, tall sculpture can add to your ambient when placed in the right location.

Who though, are the manufacturers of these useful pieces of art?
Honestly, the designer names are all over the board. There are holders from the likes of Jens Quistgaard*, Tiffinay's, Murano Glass, Carl Malmsten, Witco* and you may even see a few from Herman Miller, Knoll* and other mass production designers and manufactures of the time. As far as Herman Miller and Knoll* goes, it's kinda hard to find out if they really have produced many of the candle holders. Unfortunately, Herman Miller and Knoll* are terms that are SO FREQUENTLY applied to products of other manufactures, that it's hard to be sure which candle holders are really produced by these 2 big designer/manufactures and which ones are just labeled as such to draw business.

Photo Source

In any case, there are no shortage of candle holders* out there for sale. The styling options are varied and plentiful. This is great, because you have such a wide option range. You have everything from brutalist* to danish modern* back to faux french provincial*. Good thing for us, is that almost all these styles work well with mid-century/retro modern design.


Still, no matter what your preference, you can find something that fits your style. To help a bit in your deciding, I'll leave you with this handy tool.

Please note that all links with an (*) beside them are affiliate related links. These links, as well as the products apps, such as the one at the bottom of this post (Ebay.com) are directly related to my affiliate programs and help provide the needed income to keep Amidst Mod going. Thank you!


 

Chris Haberman's The Nifty Fifties Art Show by Elroy ArtSpace

Yes... I know. It's a very long post title. That my friends is how life is at times. It just takes time to explain what's going on. That... is exactly how I feel about now.

Once upon a time I wanted to live in Oregon. We moved to Chile South America instead. Believe it or not, we got to Oregon, just the Latin version of it. So, I've been told at least. However, it's times like these that I miss not having moved to the real Oregon. Beyond the fact that people speak English there, which can be nice at times, Oregon and the city of Portland are very artsy. On top of that, they seem to be Mid-Century artsy. Elroy ArtSpace has a way of constantly bringing this point to my attention. That's a good thing...and once again, this morning, I found myself wanting to be in Portland one more time. See, I got a post on my wall (FB, of course) from Elroy ArtSpace mentioning another show there doing called The Nifty Fifties, and I had to check it out. Upon looking at what appeared on the screen I immediately wanted to attend. Reality dictates that I will not be attending. Sheer distance alone makes it virtually impossible for me. But my friend... not for you... So, if you can, you should go...but wait! There's a good reason why.

Chris Haberman is this reason. Why? Well...because, Mayor Sam Adams has said that “Chris is the hardest working artist in Portland.” Elroy ArtSpace seems to think that, that is a common consensus. I'm pretty sure that not too many Mayors have said that about other artists. In fact, if you go to www.elroyartspace.com you will find out even more about Chris Haberman's accomplishments, and they're really worth noting. There is also a video interview with him here.

However, I'm going to talk to you about why I want to go so bad.When landing upon the "Nifty Fifties" promotional page I found the following (all art is courtesy of Elroy ArtSpace/Chris Habermann and is copyrighted for use under their approval only):



I mean, these paintings are just cool! It's pretty impressive. From what I've see online, not all his work looks like this, but is still very captivating. I really like the MCM look of the painting that Elroy ArtSpace has listed on their site. So, if you like what you see here, It would be worth your while to check this showing out. Plus, someone's got to go. That way you can give me your review on how this shin-dig went down. For all the skinny on the show make sure you check out www.elroyartspace.com

Chile Mid-Century

Chile Mid-Century, a set on Flickr.

When my wife and I recently moved to the "south of Chile" (anywhere from the 9th region further down), we did it for the climate and the difference in the scenery. The culture here is very distinct from those of the more northern regions and we find life a little simpler because it has a far more country fill and pace to it.
As it can be said, we are extremely happy with our choice and can't image living anywhere else. To give an idea, I've been told that where we live now is very much like norther Oregon. Hey! That's funny, we always wanted to move to Oregon.
So, beyond the wonderful views and rainy climate, we find that there are other benefits to living here. One is that there is a huge German culture. Many of the people who live here still speak German from the fact that the are German. They also make great German pastries... yum...! Beyond that however, they also use some typical architecture of the German mountainous areas.
Then, on top of all that, you have the fact that, well... this place is hugely touristic and therefore, they have an incredible amount of Cabins here. Of course, most of the older hostles and houses follow the Germanic heritage, ie. Old style German farm houses. There are also, many influences in the local housing and cabins that are MCM because many people bought and built in the mid to late 60's here. Another incredible thing is, that, people have built homes that look like they are straight out of the 50'/60's, but where only built in the 90's/2000's. Regularly, you see summer cabin owners building new rentals that follow that mid-century vacation home style.

I'm trying to get more active in my blog here again, and hope to be able to share a number more of post on the MCM influences here in Chile, and especially here where we live. For more info on the local climate and tourism, you should check out my tourism site that I have. During the winter things are slow, but I should have move post there soon. You'll find it at www.jemandes.com
In the photos posted you can see some of this influence. All I can say is, if you get a chance, this is a cool place to visit.