The Epic Love Story Of Charles And Ray Eames

Plus: Weird cleaning hacks, Living room vision board and weekend getaway plans.

Hi y'all 👋

It's Thursday, which means it's time for your weekly Midmod Corner update.

In today’s edition:

  • Design: Meet the King and Queen of comfort ❤️

  • Bits and Pieces: Home renovation gone wild 👀

  • Art of Living: A South of France gem for nature lovers 🌱

  • Cool Corner: Your next living room shopping list 🛍

📰 The Story

Charles and Ray Eames, The Masterful Match

During the mid-1950s, if there was a trendy and modern couple hosting a party, it was highly probable that an Eames chair would be present in the vicinity. Whether it was the cozy black lounger or the minimalist seats made from bright plastic, these modernist pieces became permanent fixtures in the homes of the fashionable and progressive-minded, continuing to be popular statement pieces in some of today's most stylish interiors.

The minds and influencers behind those creations were Ray and Charles Eames, a creative duo united by the love of design, architecture, and experimentation.
If you're not familiar with their names, you're certainly familiar with their work. The Eameses produced some of the most recognizable and innovative designs of the 20th century.

The first design power couple

Ray Kaiser and Charles Eames met in 1940 while at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. At the time, Ray was a student and Charles was a teacher. Eames fell in love with the dark-eyed, curious painter deeply and suddenly, and pursued her despite his marriage and the recent birth of a daughter. At the end of an exasperated courtship, Eames’s final request came in a letter.

“Dear Miss Kaiser, I am 34 (almost) years old, single (again) and broke. I love you very much and would like to marry you very very soon.* I cannot promise to support us very well. — but if given the chance I’ll sure in hell try –

*soon means very soon.

What is the size of this finger??

As soon as I get to that hospital I will write “reams” well little ones.

love xxxxxxxxxx

Charlie”

After Charles got divorced, the new couple set up home in an apartment in Los Angeles and later founded the Eames Office. Charles died in 1978, while Ray died on exactly the same day ten years later.

Big ideas & iconic creations

During 40 years, there wasn’t one field that the couple didn’t explore. The pair might be famous for their work on furniture design — Perhaps you’ve already sat on one of their numerous armchair without knowing it — But the Eameses also applied their innovative approach to architecture, graphics, and even film-making (Powers of Ten, 1977). They were true pioneers of their time.
No wonder their impact is still going strong today.

Eames House

TIL. Charles and Ray Eames were the first designers to use molded plywood in furniture design. Their innovative technique allowed for strong, lightweight designs that could be mass-produced, making their furniture accessible to a wider audience.

The Eamesian philosophy

A key part of their success was their unique approach to creating. It wasn't about pushing agendas, beliefs, or concepts. Instead, their entire philosophy revolved around objects and their functions. They wanted people to experience their spaces and works through useful everyday objects.

❝

What works good is better than what looks good, because what works good lasts.

Ray Eames

Part of their philosophy was "the guest-host relationship." a guiding principle of that Charles and Ray embodied in both their personal and professional lives.

Charles once said, “The role of the designer is that of a very good, thoughtful host, anticipating the needs of his guests.” For the Eameses, the role in designing a chair and planning out a dinner party were not really that different! In both instances, the importance of meeting one’s needs and providing a memorable experience were central to being a good designer or host.

It's clear that Ray and Charles Eames left an indelible mark on the design world, and their influence can still be seen and felt today. So, the next time you sit in a comfortable chair or admire a sleek building, think of Charles and Ray Eames and their lasting impact on the world of design.

🗃 Bits and Pieces

  • Home makeover: From a mechanic’s garage to a modern Parisian masterpiece. Take a look at this open-floor-plan colorful home.

  • TikTok radar: This couple found an amazing vintage feature under their living room floor. Hint: it will make you want to ditch your sofa!

  • Neat freak: Banana peels for cleaning your leather sofa? Check out these quirky ways to keep your home clean.

  • Love at first sight: This dreamy Airbnb will make you want quit your job and move to the French countryside.

🆒 Cool corner

Are you getting a bit bored with all-white interiors? Maybe you're ready for a bold change or starting fresh in a new home? No worries, I’ve made this section to help you spark your creativity!

This week’s Cool corner is all about embracing natural tones, creating a cozy atmosphere, and incorporating timeless furniture pieces.

So here is your shopping list for your next living room makeover!

  • The Todd Side Chaise by Castlery will help creates an inviting atmosphere

  • The iconic Nelson Platform Bench is a versatile addition to any space

  • For a touch of fun, the soft Knot Pillow

  • Some greenery in a Case Study Ceramics planter

  • A convenient Ligne Roset pedestal table

  • For the lighting, the sculptural Noguchi Lamp and a quirky Seta lamp by &Tradition

  • And of course a living room wouldn’t be complete without a Togo Chair

✨ Post of the week

🔖 Asides

  • Weekend plan: Take an exclusive tour of the iconic Harvey House and Silvertop by modernist architect John Lautner on April 22-23, 2023.

  • On the market: If you're looking to splurge on a mid-century modern home, this gorgeous Beachwood Canyon nest can be yours for a cool $1.9 million.

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