Home Front: Modern Marvels

The late 19th century marked the beginning of the modern furniture movement.

text by: Compiled by Samantha Brooks, Jackie Caradonio, and Nikki Swink

August 1, 2008

The late 19th century marked the beginning of the modern furniture movement. The use of new materials, such as steel and plastic, allowed furniture makers to explore shapes that strayed from the ornate designs of previous years. Inspired by alternative forms, the pieces featured here provide a contemporary elegance that is suitable for any city retreat.

[1] Laurie Beckerman Tête–à–Tête Rocker
Made from Corian, the Tête–à–Tête Rocker ($11,000) consists of two attached, opposite-facing lounge chairs separated by a shared armrest and is available in any color offered by Corian.
212.889.1287, www.lauriebeckerman.com

[2] Baccarat Black Angel Highball
Not commonly used in stemware, black crystal is the medium chosen by Philippe Starck in his collection for Baccarat. The Black Angel highball ($595) is part of a seven-piece glassware and vase collection called Darkside.
800.777.0100, www.baccarat.com

[3] Cor Lava Sculptural Furniture
Studio Vertijet has created a line of formable furniture for Cor that can be arranged in countless ways. Shown here is the Lava collection’s chaise, floor mat, and foot stool ($7,324). A matching sofa also is available.
305.531.0704, www.cor.de

[4] Dform Basket Saucer Lamp
Dform’s basket saucer pendant lamp is made from hand-assembled birch and is available in 24- or 36-inch diameters ($1,706 to $1,976). The layered surfaces take on varied shapes and patterns when lit and viewed from different angles.
718.384.6887, www.dformdesign.com

[5] Giovanni Pagnotta Vortex Chair
Made from carbon fiber, Giovanni Pagnotta’s Vortex chair ($14,000) is part of a limited-edition collection and takes 80 hours to complete. Each chair has a pearlescent finish and custom colors are available.
914.309.0720, www.giovannipagnotta.com

[6] Dakota Jackson Arabesque Table Set
Named after the ballet position in which the body is supported on one leg, the Arabesque cocktail table set ($9,642, shown in Azure) is crafted from maple and also is available in Charcoal, Chalk, and Ruby.
212.838.9444, www.dakotajackson.com



Subscribe Today

BONUS: Pay now and receive two free issues! RISK FREE TRIAL ISSUE Subscribe today and get a free issue. If you like it, you'll pay $19.97 for 5 more issues (6 in all). If not, write "cancel" on the invoice you receive, the free issue is yours to keep.