Keeping the Classics Alive

I love seeing classic pieces of furniture being used in day to day design. Let me tell you a little about the Parsons Table. In the 1920's at Parsons The New School for Design In New York, French designer Jean-Michel Frank “challenged his students to design a table so basic that is would retain its integrity whether sheathed in gold leaf, mica, parchment, split straw or painted burlap, or even left robustly unvarnished.” What grew out of Frank’s sketches and Students participation was the Parsons Table. I love how versatile this table is; its simple design allows it to fit into almost any space. The gray and white and gray marble top is sleek and contemporary and complements the matte black base of the table.

The Spoleto chairs were designed by Marcel Breuer. He was part of the Bauhaus movement in Germany. He was known mostly for his use of tubular steel in his designs. His philosophy was that a chair should be a good chair not designed to 'match' a table or be an expressionist piece. I like the contrast of black leather and the polished metal; and I like the shape.

Both of these famous pieces look stunning together. In this case they create a bold achromatic scheme (using only neutrals). It feels serene.