We’re feeling the love today … in 3-D.
We used the DWR Room Planner to create this rendering of a studio loft with a space for dining (and after dining). Featured Pieces: Saarinen Round Dining Table, Panton Chair, Min Bed, Pelican Chair, Nelson Sunburst Clock, Lampe Gras Task Lamp and Random Pendants.
For more design advice, give us a call – 1.800.944.2233.
This Valentine's Day, we're celebrating our love for chairs. No matter what your relationship status is, an iconic chair is always there to greet you after a long day. And you don't have to buy it dinner (but if you do, we know that most chairs like stuffing).
I’ve always been a little obsessed with Verner Panton’s Living Tower (nicknamed “Pantower,” above), and today, what would have been his 86th birthday, seems like a great time to take a look at it. Panton’s work brings a bit of play to the midcentury modern milieu and this “living wall” epitomizes that. Hip and versatile, it evokes swinging ’60s parties where beautiful people lounge languidly, while stacked vertically, sipping classic cocktails. (Either that or a cat tree.) According to the Vitra Design Museum, Panton was envisioning a “new form of communal living.” Introduced in 1969, it was made by Herman Miller briefly before Fritz Hansen took over production in 1970. Difficult and unwieldy to create, though, only a handful were made and the Danish master’s Pantower was out of production by 1975. Learn more about Panton – and see more of his bright and brilliant work – here.
“The key thing is seeing everything grow, setting out with a small sketch and seeing the whole and details spring to life,” said Arne Jacobsen. “It is the act of creation itself, and it is equally exhilarating whether one is working on a teaspoon or a national bank.” The midcentury Danish master sprang to life himself 111 years ago today and we salute him. From the Ant Chair to the Swan, Egg and SAS Royal Copenhagen Hotel itself (as well as the hotel’s coordinating teaspoon, pictured above), Jacobsen’s contribution to the modernist milieu is unparalleled. Learn more about him here.
Today's Times features auction house owner Richard Wright shopping for Scandinavian design. His company holds two auctions devoted to Scandinavian design a year, and Wright understands the power and beauty of the work produced in this region. “There’s a really great sense of modernity and restraint balancing each other,” he says. “They have long winters, and a little hit of humor or color can be pretty welcome.” In naming good examples of the work coming from young Scandinavian designers today, Wright highlights our Kaleido Trays by Swedish designer Clara von Zweigbergk. "The trays come in various sizes and colors, and fit together in a modular system, so users can create their own compositions. 'It’s just pure geometry,' says Wright. 'In color.'"
Kudos to the editors at New York magazine for naming our Allen Log Carrier a Best Bet. "New Yorkers lucky enough to have a fireplace this winter can spruce it up with this handsome log carrier," they wrote on their blog (which also features an awesome pair of long underwear. Correction: leggings. Either way, they rock.). "Fashioned by Italian creative team Cristiana Giopato and Christopher Coombes, the Log Carrier envelops timber in the kind of supple hand-stitched leather that makes urban woodsmen go weak in the knees." Indeed.
From Marie to MoMA - English from Vipp on Vimeo.
In Danish, the function of opening and closing is called vipp, which is also the name of a design company that’s been producing iconic pedal bins since 1939. “When we were accepted into MoMA’s permanent collection – next to all the classics, it was a huge honor,” says Sophie Egelund. “We thought of Granddad and hoped he was watching us.” Learn more about the Vipp story in this video.
One of the many great chairs we've already received (no pressure).
There is still time to enter the DWR Champagne Chair Contest™. The challenge is simple: Create an original miniature chair using only the foil, label, cage and cork from no more than two champagne bottles (Prosecco or sparkling wine are also fine). Three winners will receive a DWR Gift Card. The deadline for submissions is 5PM (EST) on January 14. Cheers!
Learn more at dwr.com/champagnechair. After you've designed your chair, feel free to share it on Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #dwrchampagnechair.
TIP: HAVING TROUBLE UPLOADING? TRY USING GOOGLE CHROME OR FIREFOX RATHER THAN SAFARI.
So who does have the best seat in the house? According to Monica Khemsurov for the December/January issue of Details magazine, it belongs to whoever is sitting in one of DWR’s favorites; the Eames Lounge and Ottoman.
The entries are coming in and we're very impressed so far. You have until January 14 to enter the DWR Champagne Chair Contest™. The challenge is simple: Create an original miniature chair using only the foil, label, cage and cork from no more than two champagne bottles. Three winners will receive a DWR Gift Card. Cheers!
Learn more at dwr.com/champagnechair. After you've designed your chair, feel free to share it on Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #dwrchampagnechair.
Our recently opened Studio in Orange County, California is really taking shape. There are still things to do, but we're thrilled with how great the space is looking. Located in the South Coast Collection shopping center – Costa Mesa’s premier destination for design and interiors – the Studio is more than 20,000 square feet, making it one of the largest DWR stores in the country. If you're in the area, please stop by!
So many chairs to test-drive...
Dear Readers,
Happy modern new year and welcome to 2013! I want to personally thank you for your support last year. It was the best in DWR’s history. This company was founded by and for people who are passionate about design, and your dedication and loyalty to authentic modern is why we continue to thrive.
This month, we continue to bring you more new future icons than ever before: Roll & Hill lighting, Muuto, the Herman Miller® Collection, Lampes Gras, bedding, rugs and a fabulous new table from Brad Ascalon. Many are exclusive to DWR; all are authentic modern.
Revel in our luxurious new catalog, and please dig in to our new iPad App to get the stories behind the stories. We are charged up and ready to explore the world all over again in 2013 to satisfy our faithful fans. Our new Costa Mesa Studio is now open, and later this month we’ll debut new spaces in Miami and SoHo.
We appreciate you more than you can know!
Happy new year.
John Edelman
President and CEO
Photo courtesy of Interior Design magazine.
The Gubi Chair and Saarinen Pedestal Table are looking sharp in this Manhattan loft with views of the High Line and Hudson River. Appearing in Interior Design magazine, this 1800-square-foot interior design project included a specific request from the owners: "No fussy fabrics or finishes." One look at this rich, warm and sophisticated space and it's clear that the designers at Shamir Shah understood what their clients wanted. Bravo!
We are excited to see the Poet Sofa by Finn Juhl included in the New York Times' Best of Design for 2012. Designed in 1941, Juhl created this sofa for his own home, located in a rural area north of Copenhagen.
The Best of Design list also includes Poul Henningsen's PH 3/2 Academy Chandelier, designed in 1928. Henningsen, who grew up in a small Danish town without electricity, wanted to recreate the soft gas lighting of his youth in his electric fixtures. Composed of concentric tiers of reflective painted metal bands, the PH design was carefully based on scientific analysis of a lamp shade's function.
Miles on the Milo Recliner.
If DWR had a mascot, it would most certainly be Miles, who has appeared in our catalogs as well as on our blog and facebook page. He is also a regular at our photoshoots. Here are a few of our favorite photos of DWR’s favorite dog.
On location in Armonk, New York. House in background was designed by Arthur Witthoefft in 1957. Read more about the house here. Keep reading to see MORE PHOTOS.
"I have traveled to Scandinavia where modern design saturates just about every space. I've developed a deep appreciation for it and try to bring aspects of it into my own home through DIY projects. I just moved to a new place so I have been completely consumed with decorating," she says.
Prior to joining DWR, Robert, head of DWR Client Services, owned his own interior design business in New York City.
"My inspiration comes from a famous quote by Albert Hadley: 'Design is the preparation and cooking; decorating is the final seasoning, the savoring.' This statement continues to fuel my passion for design."
1. Kaleido Trays – I would give these to my nephew because it's like a puzzle.
2. Les Perles Candlestick – I would give it to one of my colleagues or clients because they're stunningly beautiful and functional.
3. Spectrum Throw – I would give this to my sister because I know she always runs cold!
4. Libratone Live Speaker – This would be perfect for my mother, as it would make an excellent speaker by the pool.
5. Alexander Girard Wooden Dolls – I would give these to any kid or Girard collector because I simply adore anything by Alexander Girard!
1. Kaleido Trays - They're perfect for my mom, and make a fun, festive pop for a holiday party.
2. Eames Elephant (in pink, of course) – This is such a memorable gift for my best friend to give her new baby girl. How gorgeous would this be in the new nursery?
3. Girard Wooden Dolls – I would give this to myself so I could display the whole collection on my mantle.
4. Merino Wool Throw – My sister would fall in love with this blanket. I love the neon trend; the perfect blanket with amazing color and contrast.
5. Eames Wire Base Low Table – My dad would really like this as a side table next to his favorite lounge chair.
