Best Things Money Can Buy For the chair person: Sitting in office all day does not have to feel like work Sitting at the desk all day need not feel like it, thanks to the science of ergonomics Gesture, from Steelcase Price: $900US-based office furniture maker Steelcase undertook a global posture study before creating Gesture. It observed the postural behaviour of 2,000 people in 11 countries across various positions and patterns of usage before coming up with this chair. Gesture is designed keeping in mind the seamless way in which people use technology. It adapts to changes in a person’s posture with the use of different devices. The armrests swivel outward and allow for a range of seating positions, the back provides lumbar support even while reclining, and the seat has soft edges, just in case you feel like sitting sideways.Freedom Headrest, from HumanscalePrice: $1,279 onwards“The problem with many ergonomically designed office chairs is that they have all these knobs and levers,” says Niels Diffrient, creator of the Freedom Chair, in an interview to The New York Times in 2003.
His response to the problem was a chair that minimised the use of knobs and levers, and was flexible enough to adapt to the user. It was, in a word, intuitive; this means the chair moves along with your body, without you having to pull or push levers and buttons. Its latest variants have armrests that move up and down in tandem, and a headrest that moves with the user, even as they recline. Oxford, from Republic of Fritz HansenPrice: $2,160 onwardsThe original Oxford chair was designed by Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen for professors at St Catherine’s College at the University of Oxford in 1963. The ‘revitalised’ variants attempt to take away some of the stodginess that would be associated with a ‘professor’s chair’. “We decided to revitalise the iconic Oxford chair in order to give it a more contemporary look and thus, renewed relevance,” says Christian Andresen, head of design, Republic of Fritz Hansen. The iconic elongated high-back of the chair is now optional;
the Premium variant comes with a thicker layer of foam and is available in a variety of colours. One can, however, always choose to go back to the basics with the Classic variant in monochrome black.Aeron, from Herman Miller Price: $780Prior to making Aeron in 1994, its designers Bill Stumpf and Don Chadwick spoke to people who spent a lot of time in their chairs, mostly older people in retirement centres, to know what more they would want their chair to do. Aeron is considered to be a revolution in ergonomics: It distributes weight evenly, provides better aeration (ventilation), eliminates heat build-up, and supports the natural ways in which the body moves. The Museum of Modern Art included it in its permanent collection even before the first piece was sold. Fern, from HaworthPrice: On requestA focus on ‘sitting instead of seating’ is the defining characteristic of Fern, according to its maker Haworth. The chair has been designed to suit a diverse working population, and promises to respond to every movement of its users.
Unlike most chairs, the suspension architecture of Fern is located in the centre, thereby making the edges of the chair soft. The centred structure also adjusts differently to every user and provides complete support to their upper-, middle- and lower back areas. That, coupled with a flexible seat, is Fern’s attempt to ensure that discomfort does not come in the way of work. (This article is excerpted from the latest Forbes India 09 December, 2016 issue which is now available at news stands and book stores. Added to My Products List Herman Miller Certified Dealer Check out Office Snapshot's feature on one of our projects, The Washington Post Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Check out Office Snapshot's feature on one of our projects, The Washington Post Headquarters 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.