Wanted: More Bookshelves

I certainly have an appreciation for International Style and minimalism, but I could not live without bold color and pattern either.  So, my design library is pretty diverse, and while our current collection is literally causing the book shelves to sag, there are three new titles that I must add to the mix.  Kelly Wearstler's 'Hue', 'Eileen Gray: Her Life and Work' and 'David Hicks: A Life of Design'.

One of the most influential woman in design of the early 20th century, Eileen Gray is every bit as fascinating as her contemporaries such as  Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier.  The E-1027 glass and tubular steel table (above) is one of her most iconic designs.

Fast forward to the 21st century and there's another woman who has made her mark on the design world.  Kelly Wearstler's newest book is about to be released (Is this book #4 or #5 for Kelly?)  She has an amazing eye for color and never fears unexpected pairs, such as hot pink and turquoise (above) in the Viceroy Miami.

  

Wearstler certainly takes some cues from the mid-century master, David Hicks, who paved the way for designers to mix new forms with antiques and made electrifying color and eye-catching geometric patterns fashionable.  His son, Ashley Hicks, authored this title among others, and carries on his father's legacy through resurrecting old patterns, such as the (above) 'Groundworks Chinese Fret' for Lee Jofa.

Please Remove Your Shoes

A friend and modern architecture enthusiast from Chicago was kind enough to send me these photos of Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe's Farnsworth House, where he is a docent.  I've only seen staged photos of the home, so the shoes littering the entrance made me smile (Guests are asked to remove their shoes to protect the floors).  To read more about the history of the home and Ludwig, and view some breathtaking photos, check out the website link under 'visit', which includes links to the Farnsworth house, as well as other modern landmarks not to be missed. 

An architect, as well a a furniture designer, I'm sure you'll recognize the Mies van der Rohe pieces below that continue to be popular today.  The officially licensed versions can still be purchased from Knoll Studio. 

Barcelona chair designed by Mies van der Rohe for the Barcelona World Fair of 1929 as part of the German Pavilion; check out this website that helps distinguish the knock offs from the real thing.

Barcelona lounge; introduced in 1930, a year after the chair and ottoman; it peaked in popularity after Philip Johnson used it in his apartment in 1953. 

Brno chair designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1929-30 for the bedroom of the Tugendhat House in Brno, Czechoslovakia

Speaking of the Bauhaus, my friend also informed me about the group Chicago Bauhaus and Beyond.  How many Los Angelenos out there would be interested in joining a design forum like this?  Monthly meetings would bring together a network of designers, architects, and artists to discuss both past and present accomplishments/projects in the design world.  Or let me know if you know of another group like it (besides LAC Mod Com which exclusively discusses preservation issues and I'm already a member).