You can’t dress well on a budget without first knowing “what’s stylish.” The same goes for your place: use these 10 paradigms of great design to inspire your decisions when it comes to outfitting your home.
We’ve all seen them, those bachelor pads that belong to the rich and famous; You know, the ones that make you want to play the lottery? Chances are, most will include one or two of the pieces listed below. And of course, like most things available to celebrities, these chairs, tables and sofas don’t come cheap. But, just like affordable style In Primer, it’s important to know what you’re looking for so you can find frugal versions elsewhere.
Let’s start with a classic that is relatively new on the scene, a stool designed in 2000 by husband and wife Shin and Tomoko Azumi. The slim silhouette makes it a versatile choice for many different interiors, and the low backrest allows it to be easily placed under the countertop. The real deal can cost $1,345but the cheapest ones will set you back Between $100 and $200 depending on the style.
2. Eames Eiffel Chair
The Eames Eiffel chair dates back to 1948, when another husband and wife team, Charles and Ray Eames, developed the Eiffel chair using the popular new material fiberglass. They were interested in creating new shapes using updated technology, thus this rounded plastic seat was born. these beauties costs $875 and updepending on whether you purchase a new or vintage piece. Replicas can be found. on Amazon for about $80.
3. Wassily Chair
The chair later coined the “Wassily” was designed by Marcel Breuer in 1926 and produced by the German-Austrian furniture manufacturer Thonet in the late 1920s. Inspired by the handlebars of his bicycle, Breuer used curved steel tubes and canvas fabric, which were revolutionary at the time. Like many of these iconic pieces of furniture, the Wassily chair is still manufactured today and a real one costs $4,000+. You can get reproductions. for less than $400.
4. Isamu Noguchi Table
The Isamu Noguchi coffee table was commissioned by Herman Miller’s design team in 1947, after seeing an earlier version that Noguchi had created for the president of the Museum of Modern Art. The two identical curved pieces of wood used for the base gave the piece an artistic feel, which is why the Noguchi table was advertised as “sculpture for use.” this classic it will cost you $2,695. An imitation can be found at Amazon for $400.
5. Saarinen dining table
This widely recognizable table was designed by Eero Saarinen in 1958, after five years of research and development. He was inspired to create a more harmonious table design that didn’t rely on four legs. The sculptural curves give it a modern feel, while the unique stand makes it more functional (allowing it to offer seating for more than four people). These tables have a price at $19,000+ depending on the style. Cheaper options can be found for $190.
6. Nelson Platform Bench
Introduced in 1946, this bench is one of the most prominent icons of mid-century modern design. Built to be functional, it is equally useful as a bench or coffee table. Designer George Nelson had a background in architecture, which is evident in the rectilinear form of this timeless bench. wait for spend $2000+ on this one. Amazon has a replica for less than $200.
7. Eames Armchair and Ottoman
One of the most well-known pieces of furniture in recent history, the Eames armchair and matching ottoman are timeless yet modern. Designed over several years and launched in 1956 by Charles and Ray Eames, they fused comfort with style. It has become an icon of modern style and is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Molded plywood and leather seats are available today, but for the high price of more than $8,000. Tributes can be found for less than $580. For something more affordable, you can find Eames items at Poang from Ikea for $149.
8. Corbusier LC2 Sofa
Le Corbusier, famous architect and designer of the first half of the 20th century, created this iconic sofa in the same style as his original Petit Lounge chair in 1928. Instead of being placed on the inside of the sofa, the tubular steel supports were placed on the outside, becoming an integral and memorable part of the design.
The Maxell commercial “Blown Away,” which became a pop culture icon in the 1980s, features a Corbusier chair.
This is another investment piece, priced at around $2,000 (and more for the three-seat style). Imitations can be found for around $1000+.
9. Bertoia Diamante Chair
In 1952, designer and sculptor Harry Bertoia was inspired by an industrial material, turning it into a work of art that we still consider today to be one of the most famous chairs in history. Transforming the usually angular metal material into a rounded, almost cocoon-like shape gave the chair a unique appearance. These chairs will make you recoil. about $3,000+ each. Similar style pieces can be found for $300.
10. Eames Molded Plywood Chair
You’re probably already noticing a trend: Eames is one of the historically biggest names in the furniture industry. Hailed by Time magazine as the best design of the 20th century, this unique chair was expertly designed in 1946 to perfectly fit the contours of the body and even has shock absorbers to cushion any sudden movements. These beautiful chairs cost $1,900+ depending on the type of wood and the finish. Reproductions can be I had it for $218.
If you haven’t noticed these pieces before, I guess you will now. Flip through an Architectural Digest the next time you’re at Barnes & Noble and I can guarantee you’ll recognize at least a chair or two. These furniture pieces have stood the test of time, as revolutionary new products when they were originally designed and as timeless classics ever since. As you can see from the prices, these pieces are not accessible to everyone… but the style that each and every one of them exudes makes it worth investing in them. After all, we need a little incentive every now and then, right?
