Furniture Straight Out of Utopia

Hi y’all 👋

We've got a bunch of new subscribers this week so welcome 👋

As a reminder, this is The Midmod Corner, a weekly email where I share cool design stories, interesting web finds, and architectural homes for sale—Every Thursday, all in a 5-minute read.

Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any feedback or ideas. I love hearing from my readers!

Without further ado, let’s dive into this week’s content.

In today’s email:

• The Story: Not your usual Made in Italy 🇮🇹

• Snippets: A Playful design collaboration 🃏

• On The Market: Your chance to own a Richard Neutra home 🏠

📰 The Story

The Italian Radicals Who Envisioned Utopia

When you think 'Made in Italy,' you probably imagine suave suits, elegant cars, and furniture that's basically the James Bond of home decor, right? But hold on, because in the late 1960s and 1970s, Italy's design scene decided to get a bit, well, weird.

Think: a sofa that doubles as oversized fake grass, a chaise shaped like a colossal foot, and a giant cactus, part sculpture, part coat rack.

These aren't design mishaps; they're the quirky dreams of radical Italian designers that aimed to upset the functional and flat idea of design.

The Italian Radical Design Movement…

…had the audacity to believe that through architecture and design, they could change the world. To the radicals—who were not quite the 'Avengers' but more like a league of quirky dreamers—the formalism and rationalism, heavily influenced by the Bauhaus's industrial vibes, were like outdated relics of an economic miracle gone wrong.

Crafting luxury goods for the upper middle class? Not their vibe. They didn’t see design as a task; it was an art, painted with strokes of theory and dreams of utopia.

Designing Utopia

Designers of this period wanted to express their vision of utopia through furniture. Their objects were about ideas more than functionality.

Take the Pratone, for instance —a seat, yes, but more importantly, a rebellion against the bourgeois living room and its well-behaved labels.

Meanwhile, a table covered with a grid became their symbolic canvas for democracy, since every point on the grid held equal significance.

And no conversation about this movement is complete without acknowledging the iconic Bocca sofa. Crafted by Studio65 and inspired by Dali's Mae West face and the luscious red lips of Hollywood divas, this sofa wasn't just a piece of furniture; it was a provocative celebration of female sexuality. Its impact reached global proportions, gracing the stages of Beyoncé's tours, capturing the lens of David Lachapelle, and finding a permanent home in magazines and museums worldwide. 

Fast forward to today, and what's the enduring legacy of this revolutionary surge? A collection of iconic, sculptural furnishings, each boasting a formidable personality. They effortlessly integrate into the houses of those yearning to push boundaries, surprise, and rewrite the script of 'home' in their own unique narrative.

🗃 Snippets

The Creme de la Creme of web gems, home inspirations and latest trends.

Game Night Upgrade: Mattel just unveiled an exciting collaboration between UNO and Kartell, where the iconic card game meets contemporary design. This limited-edition deck brings a playful twist to your game nights, featuring Kartell's signature aesthetic. (link)

Mirror, Mirror on the Facade: Dive into the world of mirrored cladding with Beli House by Studio Okami Architecten. This architectural marvel blends seamlessly with its surroundings, creating a stunning play of reflections. Discover how mirrored surfaces elevate the aesthetic appeal of contemporary design. (link)

Modernist Icons Unveiled: Dive into the world of midcentury houses and interiors with the newly released book by Gestalten. Get a look at rarely-seen interiors and architecture of modernist icons that defined an era. It's a visual journey through architectural wonders and interior design brilliance. (link)

DIY Moment: Check out the top 10 ways to make a sparse Christmas tree look fuller. Dive into the holiday magic and discover creative tips to elevate your tree game. It's time to turn your festive centerpiece into a lush and merry masterpiece! (link)

🏘️ On The Market

Handpicked homes up for grabs—all for you to explore.