Know Your Chairs: The Panton Chair

Aside from vivid, vibrant, psychedelic interiors in the 60s and 70s, Verner Panton created quite an array of mind-bogglingly modern seating in his years as a designer. But none of them can surpass the popularity of the eponymously titled Panton chair.

The deliberate sensuality of the curvy, S-shape keeps the design from being sterile. Created from a single piece of molded plastic, the chair is stackable and, of course, quite durable.

Of course they look good in a sleek, modern setting, but they also look good mixed in with vintage pieces. Remember Design Mantra #1, "Contrast brings interest."

Above: Design, styling, and photography by Emily McCall. Photo used by permission.

Black Panton chair lurking behind the table...

The iconic has inspired modifications and other designers as well.

St. Bartlomiej Church in the Czech Republic was designed by Maxim Velcovsky and Jakub Berdych from Qubus Studio and features Panton chairs instead of pews!

The Him and Her chair by Fabio Novembre was inspired by Panton. It's a logical extension of the sunsuous form.

Vitra UK's National Panton Chair Competition in 2010 asked designers and architects to modify or reimagine the Panton chair. First place went to Jump Studios for their highly conceptual (and non-functioning) design of a hollowed the Panton chair strungt with fishing line.

Although Verner Panton died in 1998, there is an online museum of his work at:
http://www.vernerpanton.com/
His interiors are amazing and look like sets from sci-fi films in the 70s.

And of course his chairs can still be purchased through:
Vitra, the company that originally produced the chair and
Design Within Reach

Happy designing!

Bunk Beds

Sometimes family head count or space dictates that children share a bedroom. And often said bedrooms can't afford the floor space for separate beds so a great solution is the classic bunk bed. Here are some stylish and fun configurations for bunk beds. Most of these photos show four beds--clearly for adults in summer cottage situations (what a delightful, convivial way to cram a lot of weekend guests into a smaller space!)--but there is no reason why these ideas could not work for two in a regular home setting.

Happy designing!

Hotel du Pantheon

The Hôtel du Panthéon in Paris last year completed a total renovation with rooms designed by interior designer Valérie Manoïl.

According to the Hôtel du Panthéon's website, each one of the newly renovated guest rooms "celebrate the great women of France, the ones who dared, the ones who loved, those with passion, those that decided their destiny - free, independent women. Valérie Manoïl’s project was not to imagine a literal retelling of their life stories, but to use them as the inspiration for sumptuous interiors that would evoke the past. Through a subtle mix of contemporary creations and original period furniture, the 35 rooms on 6 floors all have feminine influences, some obvious, some subtle…

Les Cocottes
The flamboyant ‘cocottes’, the high-class escorts of the 19th century, including Valtesse de la Bigne

Edith Piaf and Marcel Cerdan
The love affair of Edith Piaf and Marcel Cerdan in the 1950s, with its very particular design

George Sand and Alfred de Musset
The house of George Sand, of a more classic style, and the passage from the 18th to 19th century

Juliette Gréco and Miles Davis
Juliette Gréco, as the starting point for a choice of graphic fabrics that evoke the jazz of Saint-Germain in the 1940s

The Signares
The ‘Signares’, French-African women from French Senegal in the 18th and 19th centuries, referenced in a joyous melting pot of contemporary and traditional African influences

Marguerite Duras and l'Amant
Marguerite Duras’ emblematic novel 'l'Amant,' giving rise to silky, colourful, refined interiors"

Indeed, the furnishings and especially the wallpaper and fabrics specified by Manoïl are eye-popping. I can't decide if I want to stay in a Piaf/ Cerdan room or one of the Signares rooms...

Marguerite Duras and l'Amant

Edith Piaf and Marcel Cerdan

George Sand and Alfred de Musset

Juliette Gréco and Miles Davis

Signares

Signares

Marguerite Duras and l'Amant

Signares

Les Cocottes

There is a marvelous Tumblr page dedicated to the women themselves, with historical photos and informative but brief text. Visit it to see Valérie Manoïl's mood-board inspiration!
http://newpantheon.tumblr.com/

And if you are going to be in Paris, visit their website for reservations.
http://www.hoteldupantheon.com/en/

Happy designing!

Cabin Style

Autumn is here... time to hibernate! If you are lucky enough to have a cabin in the woods to retreat to, most likely you are familiar with the classic cabin style which uses a lot of wood and stone. Exposed log beams, river rock fireplaces, and rustic lanterns give an authentic vibe.

But a cabin doesn't have to mean "roughing it." Here are some luxury cabins that bring style to the great outdoors. The wood and stone may remain, but the addition of select antiques, sumptuous draperies, or contemporary and comfortable furnishings elevates the humble cabin into a different experience!

And a cabin can even incorporate modern elements as evidenced by this sleek bathroom. The minimalist lighting and smooth ceramic vessel sink are marvelous contrasts to the wood floor and walls.

If you'd like to bring the cabin feel to your space, give me a call! A little wood and a little stone...

Happy designing!