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The World's Most Coveted Seat
The Eames Lounge Chair's Rise to Fame
Hi y’all 👋
Happy Thursday and welcome back to The Midmod Corner.
Before we begin, I wanted to share my latest eBay temptation - a vintage Eames lounge chair! While way outside my budget, I couldn't help but admire its supple leather and curved walnut. So for today's issue, it's all about me talking myself into why I should own this pillar of American design.
A reminder that you can reply directly to the newsletter with your thoughts—love hearing from ya.
In today’s email:
Eames Lounge Chair: How it became an icon of American design ✨
Snippets: Cozy up to Le Corbusier and Tekla ☁️
Around The Web: Beating the heat, Living the Wright way and a Case Study House 🌐
📰 The Story
The Chair Everyone Wants
You know what's hotter than aesthetics? Practicality. And guess who turned this seemingly unsexy trait into some seriously seductive furniture? Yep, Charles and Ray Eames. These creative powerhouses transformed functionality into absolute allure, birthing the iconic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman.
Now I don't throw the word "iconic" around lightly. But daaang, that cozy curved chair by design darlings Charles and Ray Eames earns the title. The dynamic midcentury duo aimed high, wanting a chair with the "warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman's mitt." And trust me, iconic is an understatement. Fun fact – my dad has been cozied up in his Eames throne for three decades straight. Now that’s a true testament to form and function.
The Eames duo started their journey into design experimenting with molded plywood. Their journey, fueled by practicality, even birthed a leg splint for war-wounded soldiers. But it was their longing for the perfect marriage of comfort and style that led to the birth of the Eames Lounge Chair.
The Grand Debut
Fast forward to 1956, and Michigan-based Herman Miller is about to introduce a game-changer. Assembled with lush leather and Brazilian rosewood, the chair oozes luxury while it’s cushy removable pads screamed "sit on me!"
The chair was an instant sensation on NBC's show "Home". But its fame was more than 15 minutes. It's been in constant production since, making it the undisputed MVP of chairs.
An instant classic upon its debut, the Eames chair remains one of the most revered furniture designs today. Now exclusively produced by Herman Miller and Vitra, it has stayed continually in production - a testament to its universal, timeless appeal.
While many fads have come and gone, the Eames lounge chair has remained a staple of modern design. Museums proudly display it as a crown jewel of their collections. For interior designers, it lends quiet sophistication to any setting. Homeowners esteem it as an emblem of thoughtful taste.
Owning an Eames? it’s like having your entry into an unspoken club. For most people who acquire one, it’s more than a chair, It makes them a part of this amazing design legacy.
So, what's your take? Does the Eames Lounge Chair hold the keys to your design dreams? All the facts are there for me to justify snapping up this little gem.
In the meantime, hit reply and let me know your holy grail chair.
🗃 Snippets
H&M Home Steps Up: After years of furniture FOMO, H&M Home's Euro-chic and wallet-friendly furnishings are hitting US shores today. Gone are the days of staring wistfully across the pond, longing for their well-designed and budget-friendly wares.
Palo Alto Zen Oasis: Montalba Architects has unveiled a redesigned Nobu Hotel Palo Alto, complete with a 4,100 sq ft garden sanctuary. This urban escape brings tranquil Japanese landscapes to bustling Cali with lush greenery and serene vibes. An architectural wonder blending California charm and Far East flair!
Design Icons Unite: Tekla collaborates with Le Corbusier's 'Les Couleurs Suisse' on mohair blankets. The Copenhagen brand brings us snuggly throws in shades straight from the modernist master's palette. Crafted in Spain with handmade tassels, these dazzling blankets in deep hues of green, red, orange and yellow are inspired by Le Cabanon, evoking the color story of Corbu's cherished cabin.
Mid-Century Magic in Newport Beach: Step into the allure of a perfectly preserved mid-century home. Take a tour of this Newport Beach gem, where vintage aesthetics and modern comfort intertwine. It's a nostalgic journey with a contemporary twist, a true design time capsule.
🌐 Around the Web
🔫 That’s interesting: Vibrant fire hydrant caps in New York splash water like aqua park sprays to beat summer heat
☀️ Weekend plan: Experience Frank Lloyd Wright's genius and stay in one of four meticulously designed homes that reflect his timeless vision.
🏘 On the market: A once in a lifetime opportunity to live the MCM dream. The Case Study House No. 18 is now up for grabs.
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