Thursday, January 6, 2011

I Have a Problem

Hi, my name is Kathy, and I'm addicted to chairs. Especially inexpensive ones. I know the first step to recovery is admitting I have a problem, but I'm not sure I want to be cured. The latest fix? Two Brno Knoll chairs (or knock-offs, I'm no expert) from the Habitat for Humanity Store. I'm sorry, I just couldn't pass them up. They were $12.50 each!
I've been feeling the need for some chrome chairs as of late. A little bit of mod to throw in with my mostly traditional fare. Then like magic, there they were. There were about 15 of these chairs at the store, most with little red sold signs on them. Except for these two. It was destiny.
Now, I just have to live with them for a while and figure out where I want to put them and what fabric to recover them in. They're currently covered in black naugahyde that has seen better days. They have stickers on them that read, "Gresham, Smith and Partners" which is an architectural firm in town. I'm assuming they're redoing their conference room.

Are you familiar with the Brno chair? This is the tubular version, but I've actually had a crush on the flat bar variation for a while. Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1930 and made by Knoll, it's one of the first cantilevered chairs to be produced. It has experienced enduring popularity since it was first introduced. 

I'm not sure if mine are authentic Knoll chairs (I can't find any markings), but they look like decent knock-offs if they're not. If they were good enough for an architect's office, they're good enough for me.
This is the Knoll chair from DWR's website. Theirs (with leather) retails for $1,831. I think I'll take my version, thank you very much.

Here is the flat bar version that Lulu de Kwiatkowski has in her California home that was recently featured in Lonny Magazine. This is what started my wheels turning I think. Love her house. You must check it out if you have not.
The white upholstery is so chic.

Some more shots of the Brno chair . . .
The flat bar version again. I'm liking the cowhide. That's an interesting treatment.
Here are some yellow ones I found on Apartment Therapy. Kind of cool.
For fabric, I was thinking of something like this I found on eBay . . .
It's an Ostrich Skin Faux Leather in cream. I'm thinking faux leather might be the way to go. Of course, I need to decide where the chairs are going to help me determine my selection. But I think this might be neutral enough to be moved around. I'm open to suggestions. Any thoughts?

Are you a fan of the Brno?

Sources: Design Within Reach, Knoll, Lonny Magazine, eBay, Apartment Therapy

15 comments:

jandjhome said...

I LOVE them. Great find and the ostrich fabrick is just perfect. If you need to clean the chrome use vinegar, works like a charm. I've bought chrome cleaners and they are a waste of money. I can't wait to seee what you do with them.

bluehydrangea said...

You have got to be the luckiest girl in America!! Love those chairs!! I went to my Habitat store yesterday and all I got was dust in my hair and dirt on my hands. But thats O.K. I'll keep going.

Bri@Meyouandawiener said...

I haven't been to our local Habitat are you hitting the one downtown Nashville I drive by there quite often and never stop!! I will definitely make more trips there.

Aimee@ the Functional Space said...

Ah, I love chairs!! These are great. And what a deal. Makes you love them even more. I have an addiction too. I'm basically not allowed to bring any more chairs into our small house. I even have a few farmed out to friends and family.

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

Quite the find, Kathy - and your fabric choice quandry is one I would love to have!

Anonymous said...

as a fellow chair addict I can appreciate your find and the search for the perfect fabric. I like the ostrich, but I think you should do something a little more fun and bold. I'm no designer though. Keep us posted!

Julie Holloway said...

I love that you posted this right after "the urge to purge"!! Girl, you scored--but you would go nuts at Scotts! Yes, we're going in Feb for sure. Please come!!!!

SHERRY HART said...

Dang...I would love me some of those! Score!

FROM THE RIGHT BANK said...

What a score! Congratulations - they're great as is but they're going to look amazing with that fabric. I'm addicted to chairs too - expensive and inexpensive!

A Perfect Gray said...

kathy, thanks so much for your kind comment. I appreciate your thinking of me...

I need to admit I am jealous of those chairs. they are just what I need to off-set my too traditional look!

thanks again, donna

Ashley said...

I've been toying with the idea of checking out my local Habitat store nearby Philly for awhile now, and you're find has definitely sold me. The faux ostrich is insane! I'm sure they will look great no matter what you choose.

My Interior Life said...

Thanks everyone! I have to admit I am loving the chairs! Even though they need some upholstery love, I think they're fitting in quite nicely with my other pieces. I'll keep you updated!

Rashon Carraway said...

I have been in the market for chairs like this for such a long time. Perhaps one day I may be as lucky as you are.

Mr. Goodwill Hunting

Naomi@DesignManifest said...

$12.50? Are you kidding me... amazing score! I have a set too. I thought I was lucky to get them for $100 each. Now I feel dumb. (Though mine do have the tags still one them... did you luck on the underside of the seat?)

The Perfect Piece said...

Oooo it's an old, but new-to-me post. What a find! I bet those are authentic! I don't remember seeing these in any recent photos. Where are they? Did you reupholster them? Can I see? Want to send them to me? Sorry, thinking out loud! ;0)

Love your chairs!