Reston in and of itself is a mid-century modern invention. It was founded in 1964 with an eye toward the future. And while this town has gone through several redevelopments, many of us still live in retro-style houses. I happen to love this style and made a point to buy a place that was pretty much in its original 1964 condition. This being my first home of this style, I was in a quandary about how to furnish it without it looking like the set from The Brady Bunch. My goal was to find a few key vintage pieces that could mix and match with today’s furniture. But what, exactly, was I looking for and where could I find it in the DC Metro area?What is mid-century modern (MCM) furniture?Technically, all furniture made roughly between the years 1945 to the mid-70s is considered MCM. It is characterized as having clean lines, a variety of vivid colors, and made from unconventional materials.As a rejection of the elaborate and highly-designed styles previously, MCM furniture is minimal with sweeping lines and sharp, geometric shapes.
Furniture of this time period also incorporates vibrant and optimistic colors like red, yellow, blue, or green.Mid-century designers were extremely innovative and worked with unique man-made materials such as fiberglass, plastic, Bakelite and Lucite. Woods such as walnut, oak and rosewood were common, but the use of teak introduced by Danish designers was incredibly popular.Prominent designers of this time include Harry Bertoia, Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, George Nelson, Eero Saarinen (who also designed the Dulles terminal), Jens Risom and Hans Wegner.Because of its minimalism, MCM furniture blends well with pieces that West Elm, Room and Board, and Design Within Reach produce today. It is also a surprisingly good match with Ikea.MCM furniture was mass produced and cheap to buy so much of it survives today. Your parents or grandparents probably had a set of Eames lounge chairs and got rid of them, not knowing they would be worth upwards of $7k these days. I weep a little for the Saarinen Tulip table and matching chairs I used to eat oatmeal off of as a kid (I’m looking at you, Mom).
Unfortunately, because of its popularity there are a lot of fakes and reproductions on the market. A reputable dealer either won’t carry these or will be upfront about it. If it’s just the look you are after, reproductions are usually cheaper. They are also usually of lesser quality. Look for manufacturer (such as Knoll) and designer labels. Know how they marked their pieces before you shop. If you are looking for a specific chair, bring a picture with you and compare the subtle details. Make sure it’s made from the correct material, is it plastic or fiberglass? Look for appropriate wear. These pieces are vintage and should show some evidence of their previous life.There are many places in DC, VA and MD that specialize in finding great quality vintage pieces at competitive prices. Most dealers are passionate about this time period and ready to share their knowledge with you. Below are some great places to check out. 510 H Street NE Washington, DC 20002 202-549-7493 202-544-1327Modern Mobler specializes in Mid-Century Modern and Danish Modern home furnishings — primarily from the 1950’s – 1970’s.
What began as a passion evolved into an addiction, resulting in over 4000 square feet of quality vintage pieces from the most popular designers of the day. Our showrooms offer affordable pieces of functional art, ranging from fine wood furniture for every room in your home, to lamps, paintings, dinnerware and other decor to complete your interior design. Add a unique flavor to your space with the superb construction of vintage furniture that will last for another 50 years. 7313 Georgia Ave. NW Washington, DC 200123730 Howard Avenue Kensington, MD 20895 1626 14th Street NW Washington, DC 20009 202-232-8171Home Anthology was started in 2002 by Rob Degenhard and Nini Sarmiento. Home Anthology carries vintage furniture and accessories including mid-century American classics from Knoll and Herman Miller as well as Danish Modern pieces. The 5,000 square-foot retail space is located 15 minutes outside Baltimore, Maryland. Items arrive every week and the website, is updated frequently. 91 Mellor Avenue Catonsville, MD 21228 410-744-0042Acme’s primary location is in Old Town, Alexandria and has limited hours.
One block south of King Street and the famous Market Square, this location is in the heart of Old Town’s historic dining and shopping district. Acme also has a location within Evolution Home, a large multi-dealer facility with a wide range of styles and periods offerings in furniture, decor, household goods, collectibles, and much more. Acme’s Old Town Gallery 128 South Royal Street Alexandria, Virginia 22314Acme Mid-Century + Modern @ Evolution 6239 Shields Avenue Alexandria, Virginia 22303 The Antique Center 8101 Richmond Highway (Route 1) Alexandria 22309 202-316-0066Located in the heart of the U Street shopping corridor in Northwest DC, Millennium has continued to be a reliable and affordable source for home interiors ranging from sublime Danish Modern and designer pieces to the occasional eyebrow raising design oddity (plus a small but healthy bit of kitsch) for both collectors and enthusiasts alike.1528 U Street NW (lower level) Washington, DC 20009 202-483-1218Considering the amount of time that we spend in the kitchen and how it is the perfect gathering spot for the entire family, it is imperative that you get the seating options spot on.
Picking the right bar stool or counter stool can not only alter the ergonomics of your modern kitchen, but also add to the visual aesthetics as well. Considering the wide range of choice that is out there, we have brought together 10 kitchen stool designs that promise to steal the show. While some are timeless classics, others are contemporary delights that elevate the style quotient of your kitchen to a whole new level!It is important to remember, though, that the standard height for counter stools is around 24 inches, while bar stools come in at 30 inches. Swapping one for another might not always be a smart choice. With that in mind, browse though these fabulous inspirations to find the bar or counter stool that is perfect for your kitchen –We kick-start our collection with the gorgeous Series 7 designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1955. The stylish curves of the seat are still as captivating as they were nearly six decades ago. An ideal choice for cool contemporary kitchens, the stool’s minimalist form along with the chromed steel legs blend in with nearly any setting.
Offered in a wide range of colorful hues and finishes, the Series 7 kitchen stool can also add accent color to a neutral space with ease. Available both as a bar and a counter stool, this fabulous find can be yours for $811 from Design Within Reach.by Barker O’Donoghue Master BuildersThe tantalizing Spanish flavor that the Onda stools bring is unmistakable and apparent! Designed with a sense of flair by Jesús Gasca in 2006, it is quickly gaining popularity as one of the hottest kitchen stools on the planet. Its wave-like form brings geometric contrast to the modern kitchen that is filled with clean and well-defined lines. Bold yet minimal, this bar stool is all about bringing in a trendy modern look. Starting at a price of $344, the Onda counter stool oozes sleek sophistication!The popularity of stainless steel kitchen countertops and utensils obviously means that a kitchen stool with a solid, trendy stainless steel base will always be popular. The ravishing LEM Piston Stools seem to draw most of their charm from their unique silhouette.
Bought to life by the Japanese team of Shin and Tomoko Azumi, these kitchen stools with luxurious leathers seats ($865) have quickly become a staple among many high-end modern kitchens and restaurants.The highlight of the LEM stools is obviously the piston base that also allows them to go from a counter stool height to a bar stool height with ease. You can even opt for a steel or wood seat version of the stool, and starting at $725, it is a decor investment worth making…by LDa Architecture & InteriorsClassic and timeless, the beautiful Bertoia bar stool adds a hint of industrial charm to your kitchen while ushering in the Mid-Century modern vibe. The wiry frame of this is popular chair and barstool was described by its maker Harry Bertoia as a sculpture that is mainly made of air! It definitely adds textural contrast to a kitchen that is dominated by stone and glass and complements your kitchenware perfectly. Do make sure you get one of these with the right seat pad to avoid that chilling metal on cold mornings!
You can get one of these stools with a colorful seat pad of your choice for $1140 at the Knoll Store. Available as both a bar and counter stool, this amazing piece will beautifully complement your space, especially if you purchase the model with the right height for your kitchen counter.Another bar stool that instantly puts a smile on your face and rolls in the good times is the vivacious Bombo. Designed by Stefano Giovannoni in 1997, this luxurious swivel bar stool showcases sleek Italian design coupled with chic refinement. Almost awaiting your presence, these colorful bar stools are great for those looking to add a hint of retro or industrial charm to their kitchens. At $750 a pop, Bombo in white or black adds a lavish urbane vibe to your kitchen without appearing mundane.by Jordan Iverson Signature Homesby Seifer Kitchen Design CenterHere is another remarkable Mid-Century classic that simply never goes out of style. The flowing curves of the Cherner stools ($749) is bound to complement pretty much any theme or color scheme that you have going in the kitchen.
Lightweight and sturdy, this creation of Norman Cherner comes with an hourglass design that is distinct and graceful. Universally loved, it can be combined with the iconic Cherner Chair at the dining table to create a classy vibe.by Natural Balance Home BuildersIs “going green” a priority for you? Looking to make your kitchen a lot more eco-friendly and sustainable? Well, we have a kitchen that is just for you. And not only does it come with a little green tinge attached, it also carries with the patriotic colors of red, white and blue! Crafted specifically for the US Navy in 1944, the Emeco Navy Stools can withstand pretty much any punishment that you dish out. Guaranteed to last a good 150 years (Yup, that is what we call real warranty!), the stool offers adequate back support and adds an industrial element to your kitchen.by Mark Williams Design AssociatesCrafted from 80% recycled aluminum, this kitchen stool is obviously a boon for the planet’s health as well. Considering its long lifespan, the $730 that you shell out for one of these is definitely money well spent…by Rosenow – Peterson DesignThere are plenty of design and fashion trends from the nightclubs of the early ’90s that can be best described as ‘forgettable’.
But the uber-cool and hip Jamaica Stool ($861) is an exception that has withstood the test of time. Created by Spanish designer Pepe Cortés in 1991 for the Big Ben Discotheque, the hip bar stool has made a smooth transition into contemporary kitchens over the last two decades. Its chrome-plated tubular structure and polished seat blends balance and poise with a fun and playful appeal.by Milgard Windows & Doorsby Webber + Studio, Architectsby Steven Alvarez General ContractorIndulgent and exquisite, the Fjord High Bar Stool is for those who wish to pamper themselves with the very best. The lightweight stainless steel frame and the comfy leather seat of the Fjord Stool promise opulence that is only topped by its sculptural form and visual appeal. Clad in vivacious and rich colors, this fascinating bar stool by Moroso will set you back by good $1875… Yup, that is a real hard tug on those purse strings, but one look at the Fjord stool and you will realize that it is well worth the splurge.by Curtis Laney & LaneyIf you are looking for a kitchen stool that adds modern Scandinavian elegance along with warm wooden tones, this lovely stool is for you.