Mid-Century Modern Fantasy

If you've read this blog more than once, you know of my love for all things Chinoiserie. But what you may not know is that I harbor other obsessions as well. These seething feelings bubble to the surface from time to time. One such love is for Mid-Century Modern pieces. Lately, I keep stumbling across them. (Stumbling? Does that make me sound like a drunk?)

 

First off, there's this black lacquer and brass credenza . . . 

Excuse my iPhone photo. There was absolutely no light in this shop. I truly stumbled upon it.

I found it in a junk shop. Its brass details, especially the pulls, had me all excited. Here's a close-up:

Yum.

As always, I went home excited about my find and promptly searched for a similar piece on 1st Dibs. What did I find?

Its twin - Mastercraft circa the 1970's. The listing advised "contact dealer" for pricing information, so, out of curiosity, I did. They emailed me back . . . $16,000. What??? Um, must run back and get this immediately. Just need a truck.

Some other mid-century pieces I've found on Craiglist include this table and chairs.

I really just want the chairs . . .

Very Milo Baughman. I know the upholstery is hideous, but I think they'd be stunning with some new fabric. Don't they look just like the ones Sherry from Design Indulgence just traded her friend Ally for and put in her entry?

So, what would I do with these pieces, you ask? Well, we have a basement room that is currently a glorified closet. It's long and narrow with no windows - it resembles a bowling alley. The people who lived here before us used it as a very small media room. I'm starting to see that might be a good way to go. However, there's a lot of work to do down there (specifically, it needs new carpet), so right now I can only dream of a new space. Since my husband has started his "Fantasy Football" league, I figured I could come up with my "Fantasy Basement Room Re-Do" moodboard.

My design direction? Emerald green or malachite. The room is already dark, why not embrace that and make it a jewel box of sorts? Here are some inspiration photos . . .

Source: lonnymag.com via Kathy on Pinterest

Source: housebeautiful.com via Kathy on Pinterest

Source: mattersofstyleblog.com via Kathy on Pinterest

And here's my mood board for my "Mid-Century Modern Jewel Box" . . .

You can click on the photo to magnify. I couldn't get this to fit any other way.

Since this is a fantasy, some of the pieces are a little or totally out of my price range (like the Stark Antelope carpet - a girl can dream). Others are the aforementioned pieces or ones I've seen around town (the Chinoiserie daybed). I would recover the brass chairs in a lively colorful print, like the Quadrille/Alan Campbell Meloire Reverse fabric (another imaginary splurge). I've also included some art pieces I already have and some I don't (like the Franz Kline over the daybed). Since storage is always needed, some colorful shelves on either side of the daybed with brass library lamps round out the space. 

This really was such fun to think about. What can I say? I have a rich fantasy life.

Sources: 1st Dibs, Design Indulgence, Elle Decor, Quadrille, Stark, HSN, Pinterest

Crushing

I'm sure everyone has seen the newest issue of Lonny. Of course, it's drool-worthy, but designer Hillary Thomas really blew me away. Her design aesthetic is right up my alley. I often struggle with what to call my own style, and hers is what I strive for.  Lonny titled the article "Vintage Nouveau" which sounds kind of like an oxymoron to me, but what do I know? Anyway, on to the eye candy . . .

Notice all the Chinoiserie, which I love. She even mentions Circa Who as a source which is where I got my pagoda chandelier.

More Chinoiserie with pagoda cabinet. How cool is that? I need that bedding.

Must have that chair. I realize I sound needy.

And some shots from her portfolio . . . 

Notice the Brno chair? I actually have that mirrored lamp on the right side of the desk. Love those pagoda lamps too.

The unexpected, gigantic photos really shake up the room.

So, what do you think of my newest design crush?

Sources: Lonny and Hillary Thomas Designs

Help Wanted

While on a little thrifting excursion Monday morning, I happened upon this: 

My love of Chinoiserie is no secret, so my jaw about dropped to the floor when I saw it. I've been looking for a different table and chairs for my breakfast nook since we moved in four years ago. I've always thought an oval table would fit the space better than my dark, rectangular farm table with cabriole legs.

In our old house, we only had one dining area and this table and chairs fit the space and style perfectly. However, in our current house we have a dining room and a breakfast area. This table was too small for the dining room, so into the breakfast area it went.   I've always thought this space needed a different set-up - specifically, an oval table with chairs and a banquette or settee.

So, four years later, I'm excited to announce that I purchased the Chinoiserie-style faux bamboo dining table (with 2 leaves) and four chairs for what I consider to be an absolute steal. Now comes the fun part - figuring out what to do with the finishes and fabric.

It's been suggested I should leave the table as it is . . .

Please excuse my super messy garage.

And paint the chairs a fun color. But it has to be a color that fits in with the rest of my house because of my very open floor plan. Luckily, most of my furniture is fairly neutral. Yet another reason a pop of color might be in order. I'm leaning towards a rich saturated peacock blue shiny lacquer.

Something like the color of this Miles Redd living room maybe. Of course, it would be on the chairs not the wall so you'll have to use your imagination.

I don't think I could pull off anything too bright a la Jonathan Adler:

Of course, there's always white . . .

Although white would not look great against my creamy cabinets. I guess I could go with a creamy white, but that's pretty close to how they look now. So, I could just leave them the way they are if I decide on that route.

Then, of course, there's the all important fabric selection. Should I pick that first, then pick a paint color to complement it?

I've always loved Chiang Mai dragon by Schumacher in the aquamarine colorway. I know some people might think it's overexposed or trendy, but I don't care - it's still one of my favorites. 

Unfortunately, it's super expensive. However, I shouldn't need much since there are just four seats to cover. I'll have to check with my designer friend Kristen to see how the price breaks down and if they have a minimum yardage ordering requirement. 

If it turns out that Chiang Mai is out of my budget (which it might very well be), I've found some other cute fabric options. Please excuse the sheer multitude, I went a little overboard.

Tazo by Premier Fabrics in Cocoa

Tazo in Denton

Tazo in Chartreuse

Key West by Premier Fabrics

Cadence by Premier

Waverly Sun N Shade Tile Trellis Lagoon

Richloom Cornwall Garden

 Waverly Sun n Shade Koi Coral Reef

Milton Creek Indoor/Outdoor Felton Kiwi

Waverly Sun n Shade Sea Scallop Coral Reef

Vertical Chocolate/Natural by Premier Fabrics

Zig Zag in Village Green/Natural by Premier Fabrics

Okay, so that's about a dozen fabrics. I have an obvious love of fabrics too. So, what do you think? Any keepers in the bunch? Would you prefer cream-colored chairs with bright seats? Or brightly painted chairs with a more geometric pattern? Oh, too many choices. So, please give me your opinion. I really do want your help!

Oh, and don't worry about the table and chairs that I'm replacing. I'm planning on using them in my basement once we re-do that (about 5- 7 years from now, if we're lucky) or I might sell the chairs and keep the table. Haven't totally decided yet. I'm a little indecisive. Can you tell?

Sources: House Beautiful, Jonathan Adler, Absolutely Beautiful Things, F. Schumacher, Aesthetic Oiseau, Sweet Nothings, Premier Fabrics, and www.fabric.com.