Lounge Lizards: 12 Comfy Chairs for Kids It’s time to let your kids sit back and relax. From comfy loungers to perfect poufs, we found cool chairs in every style, shape, and color— all that’s left to do is find the perfect one for your little folks. Scroll through the album below to discover our top 12 picks. Rocking ReaderA rocking chair you can put together and take apart in less than five minutes? That has an uber-cool design? Yup, Sprout Kids has all that going on, and more with this fun and functional whale rocking chair. Made from recycled, pre-consumer materials, with a washable melamine surface, the tension lock, tool-less tech means you can easily turn set up into a project for your little builders. Available at , $79.95. Which chair is your favorite? Share with us in a Comment below.Mid-Century Modern at Lumens In the mid-twentieth century, the design world changed forever. Fueled by advancements in mass production and innovative new materials (think plastics and molded plywood), designers began to radically experiment with shape, color and function to create some of the most iconic designs we now know today.
At Lumens, you will find a great selection of mid century modern and retro themed lighting, lamps, ceiling fans and furniture. Why We Love Mid-Century Modern Designs Iconic mid-century designers like George Nelson and Arne Jacobsen incorporated intense colors, organic silhouettes, seductive curves and bold geometric shapes in their pieces, which continue to remain highly sought after by mid-century enthusiasts. And even today, lighting designers continue to include many mid-century elements, both funky and highly ingenious. In the collection pendants and chandeliers found here, you'll see influences from the 1950s. Table lamps and highly decorative floor lamps also feature that retro-inspired touch. The assortment of mid-century furniture includes well-known chair designs, sofas and sectionals with throwback appeal and coffee and accent tables. Finally, you'll find plenty of mid-century modern ceiling fans to help round out the look of your home. Where Mid-Century & Retro Designs Work Best
On the ceiling, Sputnik styled pendants, chandeliers and flushmounts are without a doubt representative of mid-century design. This classic Sputnik choice was prevalent in many homes of the 1950s and brings an exceptional amount of character in the recreations found here. Pair your retro ceiling lights with equally stylish wall lamps and sconces. The unique shapes and inclusion of brass features make these wall lights the perfect fit in living rooms and bedrooms. And what is a living room without mid-century modern furniture? Finally, look to retro furnishings for just the right amount of accenting implements. Iconic Mid-Century Modern Designers You can't speak to the mid-century aesthetic without considering the late and great George Nelson. His collection of iconic clocks (now made available via Vitra) make him a true master of mid-century design. And of course, George Nelson Bubble Lamps are must-have for any well-designed mid-century modern space. Jonathan Adler excels at retro-inspired lighting fixtures with several product families that look like they are straight from the 1950s.
Louis Poulsen features lighting collections from mid-century greats Poul Henningsen and Arne Jacobsen, and look to FLOS for an iconic portable lamp like the Arco Floor Lamp. Choosing The Best Mid-Century Modern Designs Whether you are in the market for a retro-inspired table lamp or a mid-century couch to occupy your living room, there are a lot of options to consider. First, begin your search by identifying exactly what your rooms need. From portable lighting to accent furniture and decorative accessories used to round out the look of your home, you'll find every mid-century piece you need. Size is another important consideration, especially when choosing furniture items like sofas, lounge chairs and coffee tables. Be sure to measure for height, width and depth to choose the best furniture piece for your situation. Lastly, try to incorporate colors and finishes that will work with the existing decor of your home. Or, opt for a vibrant splash of personality with striking colors meant to stand out among neutral hues.
If you have any questions about the mid-century modern offering featured here, please call our design experts at 877.445.4486. Gus Modern is almost a household name for mid-century styled sofas, sectionals and chairs. Be sure to browse the Gus assortment for well-designed contemporary furniture pieces your home will appreciate. And for another highly preferred interior decorating style, check out the selection of Scandinavian designs. Similar to this collection of mid-century and retro designs, you'll find everything from lighting to furniture to unique accessories, all with that special Nordic touch.Lee Hall: “If These Walls Could Talk”… Posted in Local Blue Ridge, Uncategorized, tagged History, Lee Hall on December 29, 2010| Leave a Comment » Even 100 years after its construction, Lee Hall continues to serve as the main focal point of the Assembly. The building, which still lacks central heating or air conditioning, remains open for lodging and meeting spaces only in the summer months.
Currently Lee Hall, with a maximum capacity of 396 people, has 146 rooms: 57 rooms with two single beds and private bath, 17 rooms with four sets of bunk beds, and 72 dormitory-style rooms with two single beds and central bath on the hall. In addition to rustic, seasonal lodging, Lee Hall also provides several office and meeting spaces. In the basement level are the “Paul Grist Room” and the “George Williams Room,” which can accommodate up to 125 people, while the first floor levels has the smaller “Founders Room” and “Clark Room.” However, the building’s largest and most popular gathering space is the expansive 4,400 square foot lobby, which is currently decorated with mission-style furniture from Tyson Furniture, a Black Mountain establishment since 1946. Several portraits of historical figures (including President Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee, the buildings namesake) by the early 20th century artist Henry Kirke Bush-Brown hang on the lobby’s walls. Lastly, above the large stone fireplace is a painting of Jesus Christ, reminding visitors and staff of the Assembly’s strong Christian origin’s, commitment to religious values, and the overall beauty of God’s creation.
Today Lee Hall is the epicenter of the Assembly’s summer conferences. For eight weeks a year, Lee Hall accommodates large national youth conferences such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and well known regional Y leadership conferences like the Blue Ridge Leaders School, Youth Conference on National Affairs, and the High School and Jr. High School Christian Values Conferences, all which the Assembly has been hosting for decades. Blue Ridge Leaders School on the steps of Lee Hall, Summer 2010 Lastly, it is the famous green rocking chairs on the porch of Lee Hall that continue to be an icon of the Blue Ridge spirit and its peaceful mountain setting. Ask any summer guest his/her favorite spot at Blue Ridge, and the answer will surely include Lee Hall – either the majesty of the building itself or its inspiring view of the Blue Ridge mountains which continue to bring back memories, year after year.Lee Hall, Part III: “Tomorrow” Read Full Post » Lee Hall: “If These Walls Could Talk”…
Posted in General, Local Blue Ridge, tagged History, Lee Hall on December 27, 2010| Robert E. Lee Hall is the oldest, largest, and perhaps the most recognizable structure at YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly. The massive building stands on a hillside in the middle of Blue Ridge grounds and overlooks the beautiful Craggy Mountain range. Throughout the years, thousands of guests and conferees have sat on the rocking chairs of the building’s wide portico and watched memorable sunsets and moon rises. Lee Hall’s captivating presence and commanding size reflect and reinforce the communal ideals of the it’s founder, Dr. Willis D. Weatherford and constantly reminding visitors of the unique history, strong values, and beloved traditions of the Assembly. Construction of Lee Hall began in 1909, three years after the Assembly was founded. It was designed by Louis E. Jallade, a well known Canadian architect who was an active member of the YMCA in New York. After learning of the plans for the Assembly, Jallade volunteered his services and commissioned a contractor and supervising architect for the project.
One of the most outstanding features of the neoclassical, plantation-style building are the eight, three-story wooden columns, all of which were fashioned in the Midwest and brought by train to Black Mountain. The rest of the wood in the building came from timber harvested from Blue Ridge property, which totaled over 1,500 acres at the time. Lee Hall’s monumental size (at 55,000 square feet) and stark-white color make it hard to miss against the lush woodland backdrop that surrounds it. The four-story building was named after the great Civil War general, Robert E. Lee, who exemplified the traditions and ideals of the Old South and was an active supporter of the YMCA. Dr. Weatherford described Lee as “the finest flower of Southern chivalry. He represents the truest type of Christian manhood, the loftiest moral life, the purest and noblest ideals of the old South” in a 1920 issue of the Blue Ridge Voice. The building is therefore a tribute to this historical icon and represents the values of education, leadership, moral character and Christian principles.
Completed in the summer of 1912, Lee Hall was originally designed to house around 400 people and was to be used primarily for year-round conferences and schools. The first conference held at Blue Ridge, a YWCA student group, attracted almost 1,000 delegates. They overflowed into tents on the Assembly grounds and it soon became clear that the necessary capacity of Lee Hall had been underestimated. Weatherford immediately began plans to expand the accommodations and two additional wings were added to form a large informal courtyard at the back of the building. This expanded capacity came in handy in 1916 when the YMCA joined the war efforts and nearly 2,400 workers were trained at the Assembly to work with U.S troops. Decades later, in 1933, Black Mountain College was established at the Assembly. BMC used Lee Hall as their main campus for many years until it eventually relocated in 1941. The expansive size of the building provided the perfect accommodations for this small college community.
Classes, lectures, meetings and performances were held in the lobby, the dormitory-style rooms housed students and faculty, and the porch and rooftops provided perfect places for social gathering. While attic space offered additional housing, the Lee Hall basements housed a Library, provided the location for the College’s legendary Halloween parties, and even operated its own Post Office in the summer months. After years of intense year-round use, the future of Lee Hall eventually came into jeopardy during the 1960’s. In 1968 the Board of Directors considered demolishing the historic building and replacing it with a modern structure with the same architecture. It was to cost around a quarter of a million dollars and YMCA’s all over the South would raise the money to cover the project. However, many people quickly realized that the unique structural integrity and heritage of the building simply could not be reproduced. There proved to be very little support for the demolition and only about 10 percent of the necessary funding was raised.
Frank Washburn, the Executive Director at the time says, “(Lee Hall) meant too much to too many people.” Lee Hall’s strong following became clear again in 1970 when the Blue Ridge Center was purposefully constructed at a lower level to preserve the building’s scenic view of the mountains. Finally, in 1979 Blue Ridge Assembly was registered as a Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places. The Assembly’s beautiful grounds and cherished structures deserved this honorable recognition. Lee Hall serves as a landmark to a historic legacy that will never be forgotten.Lee Hall, “Part II: Today” Posted in General, Local Blue Ridge, Staff, tagged Christmas, Holidays, Parade on December 6, 2010| On the final day of November, Blue Ridge staff and families gathered in the Blue Ridge Center lobby for the 2010 Tree-Trimming party. The annual event is the perfect way to unite everyone in the warm holiday spirit and welcome in the Christmas season. Although this year’s tree is significantly smaller than last years, there was no lack of festive camaraderie or cheer as staff hung decorations, mingled in front of the fireplace, and sipped on hot cider and cocoa with Christmas music playing in the background.
The tree will remain in the lobby for the next month, not only providing a visual reminder of the joyful holiday spirit, but also of the remarkable history and beauty of YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly. Thank you to all of the staff who helped to share in this wonderful tradition! On Saturday, December 4, the Black Mountain Christmas parade was held in downtown Black Mountain. Blue Ridge has been participating in the parade for over a decade, winning 2nd place in 2002 & 2003 and 1st place in 2004. The Maintenance Department’s Van Burnette helped to design and build the Blue Ridge Assembly float which featured a miniature replica of Lee Hall. It was constructed from an old Asheville Hall trashcan and pieces of salvaged wood from Assembly buildings. Several Blue Ridge staff members and their families rode inside the wagon, waving, cheering, and handing out candy to parade-watchers. The theme of this year’s parade was “Spirit of Christmas” and even though the weather was less than ideal (a damp and dreary afternoon with freezing temperatures and rain), hundreds of people came out to show their support for the community and celebrate the holiday season.