Now I’ll be honest here, I have been a bit reluctant to join in the general stampede of adulation for everything that is mid-century modern. I’m sorry, but I just don’t want a rosewood sideboard. Or kidney-shaped coffee table. My son has a G-plan bedside table and I’m well aware that many people will be shocked at the idea of a 14-year-old getting what some would regard as the best piece in the house.
Perhaps it’s because I have always lived in Victorian houses and it just doesn’t go. Perhaps I just didn’t like it. I say “didn’t” because two things have recently happened to make me soften my stance.
One, I visited a 1960s property to help a client who had recently moved in and found that much of her existing furniture was all wrong. Spending a day in that single storey light-filled house made me see that in the right setting that look works really well and there are some great pieces out there. I would love to own some of them, just not in this house. Note to self: ring estate agent…
Two, I found Johnny Moustache. And suddenly I’m all over a mid-century sofa. I mean who doesn’t want a cocktail sofa? Why haven’t I got one? I’ve got more of cheese-on-toast and telly kind of sofa. I want a cocktail one. Or a banana.
The company sells refurbished mid- century and its own, hand-crafted in the UK, designs inspired by the original classics. This white 1960s sofa is so elegant and, actually, this probably would go in my house. In another colour. Which wouldn’t look as good. In fact I would like this white sofa with the two leather chairs above. I’ll keep my own coffee table though. I haven’t changed that much.
So, whether you’re a lover of or remain to be convinced see if any of these beauties will change your mind. I’m off to measure up for a cocktail sofa… My life is incomplete without one.
Trying my very best to buy a mid century modern sofa……. thing is; it’s a bit sweet shop. So much furniture-sugar calling my name. I will revert with the eventual addition to the homestead. Just because. Thanks for the inspiration. And the humour.
We’ll find you one! x
Hi Kate!
Liked your description of Isaac’s bedside table.
Susan
Really surprised to hear you say you don’t think mid century modern goes with Victorian houses. I think pieces by people like Cherner, Vodder, Eames, Wegner, Jacobsen etc. are set off beautifully when you see them in Victorian rooms with high ceilings and ornate cornicing, almost more so than when you see them in more modern environments where the tension of the contrast is lost.
I was talking about this with my husband last night and actually I think I wrote it badly. It wouldn’t work in our house because of the furniture we already have and it wouldn’t mix with that. I have Eames chairs in the kitchen so was, in fact, referring specifically to a sofa or armchairs which wouldn’t go with our current sitting room arrangements. It would totally go in a Victorian house and I expressed myself wrongly. Spent yesterday afternoon sitting in a very comfortable mid-century black leather chair and am slightly contemplating a bit of a redo here now!
I’m not that over the moon on mid century either but I loooove that green sofa! Great post!
Welcome to the mini mid century revival Kate!