Retro
furniture not just sounds interesting; it also has a rich
history to be proud of. The word “retro” has its
origin from the 1950’s cutting right through the times
with current furniture items. The decade produced a
diverse range of ideas and innovative furniture. There
were many names and designs that revolutionized the
furniture era with modern designs like steel tubular
furniture, G-plan and other innovative designs that forms
the concept of ‘retro’.
Retro
belongs to mid century classics and includes Bauhaus
furniture and lavish leather sofas that left its
modern impression and are still much adored. The style is
back and it’s the rage like never before. But before we
purchase some classic retro furniture, let us learn a bit
about its history. Belonging to the era and before are
some names that have steeped the history of retro modern
classic furniture. Telling the tale of some unsung and
recognized heroes from the times should include,
Eileen
Gray: An unsung name, Eileen Gray was a designer and
architect who won acclaim quite later in her life. Her
designs were modern and had an individualistic mark that
inspired both modernists and the Art Deco. Her
collaboration with architect and critic Jean Badovici led
to introduction of tubular steel furniture, rugs and
lighting for her studio and Galerie Jean Désert.
Joseph
Hoffman: An Austrian architect and town planner, he
was popularly known as "Quadralateral Hoffmann” for
his passion for geometric forms. His armchairs and sofas
in geometric patterns were a rage with modern classic
designer and craftsmen. Hoffman`s modern classic work
combined the rationalism of Wagner with geometrical,
rectilinear style of decoration influenced by Charles R.
Mackintosh.
Le
Corbusier : Charles-Edouard Jeanneret-Gris, or more
popularly known as Le Corbusier (October 6, 1887 –
August 27, 1965), was a Swiss-born architect, designer,
urbanist, writer and painter. Also recognized for his
visionary architecture, what now is called Modern
Architecture, Le Corbusier started his venture on
furniture design in 1928 after inviting the architect,
Charlotte Perriand, to join his studio.
Charles
Ray Eames: Charles Eames (1907-1978) and his wife
started the modern classics trend in the 20th century with
their great designs and child-development toys and
puzzles. They were a successful couple whose work designs
like seating furniture in mesh, metal legged chairs and
other revolutionary designs were much admired worldwide.
George
Nelson: 
George Nelson was a visionary architect and
designer with rare talent. His work includes Marshmallow
sofa, the Nelson platform bench and the first L-shaped
desk, a forerunner to the present-day modern workstation.
He also designed graphic wall clocks, bubble lamps made of
self-webbing plastic and developed forward looking,
occasionally futuristic concepts.
Harry
Bartoia: A futuristic Italian designer, Harry Bertoia
envisioned futuristic designs that inspire people today.
His patented Diamond chair for Knoll in 1952 is an
unusually beautiful piece of furniture. The unique quality
about the chair was its robustness within the light and
almost petite frame, making it a huge commercial success.
With the success of Diamond chair, the world was
introduced to a new material—wire mesh and it was a
great icon of modern design.
Marcel
Breuer: Marcel Breuer is famous even today for his
modern classic designs better known as the Breuer Chairs.
Well acclaimed for his Simplistic designs combined with
neat lines make these chairs exceptionally popular. The
range of Breuer chairs includes Marcel Breuer Cesca Arm
Chair, Breuer Wassily Chair, and Marcel Breuer Cesca Chair
etc. Besides Breuer Chairs, the Breuer label is also known
for Marcel Breuer Bookshelves.
Mies
Van Der Rohe: A popular architect of his times, Mies
Van Der Rohe built 
one of his most famous buildings, the
German Pavilion at the International Exposition in
Barcelona, for which he also created a chair called the
Barcelona Chair. He was considered a visionary architect
whose work was much acclaimed worldwide.
Retro
design furniture from the Fifties onwards includes many
designers from the USA as well as Europe and Scandinavia.
From the US, designers had a huge impact on furniture
production throughout the, world. Once you have decided on
a retro theme of furniture like mesh, steel or leather or
perhaps a merger of themes, check out for details like
color and finish the manufacturer has to offer. Retro is
backing the big way. And you can be sure that it will be
in vogue. How you team it up with your modern furniture is
a creative venture by itself.
The
Mies van Der Rohe "Barcelona" Day Bed is an
ideal addition to your family room. Comfortable contours
and stylish design is the benchmark of this Barcelona Day Bed. The
bed has a black walnut wood frame which stands tall on
strong steel chromed legs.
Amanda Somers is a free lance writer who writes
for on-line design magazines and furniture retailers. For
more reference log on to: http://www.spacify.com
/retro-furniture-guide.htm
