Farewell to Design Legend Jens Risom

This week we lost a true design legend, Jens Risom, just a few months after the designer celebrated his 100th birthday.

via Knoll

Risom came to the United States from Stockholm in 1933, after studying alongside Hans Wegner in Copenhagen's School for Arts and Crafts. From there, he began to pioneer the future of modernist furniture.

'I came to study developments in contemporary furniture design here, but discovered there wasn’t any to speak of. I was told there was no such thing as contemporary furniture design. Everyone was working from traditional English patterns – Chippendale was as contemporary as it got. But I decided it was better to be one of the first in a new, large market, rather than one of the many architects and designers in Denmark.' - via Wallpaper Magazine 

His exceptional catalog of work combines Danish tradition with the early iterations of American modernism. Simple, streamlined, and functional with an unsurpassed attention to quality and detail, Risom's original designs are pieces that withstand the test of time. 

Today we're looking back on some of our favorite Risom pieces to pass through the Weisshouse showroom.

**STILL AVAILABLE**
Beautiful American Walnut piece that has withstood the test of time. Jens Risom was a master of his craft, creating timeless furniture with elegant and functional construction. Three drawers and one door adorned with black handles still maintain flawless movement. Circa 1960s.

This walnut veneered desk last meer hours on showroom floor before being scooped up by a local film scout. Look out for it's debut in the upcoming Netflix series Mindhunter!

. Solid wood with book matched walnut veneer, carved drawer pulls, drawer bottoms plastic laminate.

A masterful walnut desk features a beautiful attention to surfaces with incorporated walnut handles. Five storage drawers with a locking file.

See more on Jens Risom in our past entries.

New Arrivals: Mid Century Modern

Our semi-annual trip the High Point Market in North Carolina always lands us in a trove of great vintage furniture. This year's haul has made its way back to our Shadyside showroom, and we're running down a few of our favorite Mid-Century pieces. You can browse the entire collection on the Vintage & Unique section of our website.

 1. Sunburst Mirror

Mirrors inspired by this 1950s French classic have been a major trend in recent wall art. We love the classic silhouette as part of a gallery wall, added as a focal point above a mantle, or as a way to add depth to your nightstand.

Above: the walnut version available at Weisshouse screams classic Mid-Century. The beautiful wood finish adds warmth to a room.

Left: via Wisteria

2. Rosewood Sideboard

This rich rosewood sideboard is the height of funky 70s style with an edge of modern opulence. The bold striated grain creates a wonderful graphic pattern. 

We love this piece paired with sleek modern accents to showcase its contemporary details.

Above: Weisshouse' rosewood sideboard pairs its bold door fronts with a chic chrome banding to create high-impact style.

Left: Ben Gorham’s Home | Image: Idha Lindhag

3. Surfboard Table

A surfboard coffee table is a great quintessential mid-century piece while offering a departure from the often seen Noguchi Table. Its long, low silhouette is light and airy while still offering plenty of functional space.

Above: The arm walnut finish of the Lane Surfboard Table can be used to compliment other mid-century pieces, or as a subtle contrast to a clean, contemporary sofa. 

Left: via Simply Grove

 

4. Risom Small Credenza

Beautiful American Walnut piece that has withstood the test of time. Jens Risom was a master of his craft, creating timeless furniture with elegant and functional construction. Three drawers and one door adorned with black handles still maintain flawless movement. 

The smaller size of this piece make it perfect to add stylish storage in an office or anywhere you're low on space.

Left: via Nordic Design

 5.Olive Burled Nightstands 

Vintage light wood nightstands with 2 doors. 1970s style at its best with a stunning burled surface. Most likely olive or elm.

A departure from the heavier toned woods often used in mid-century pieces, these nightstands are light and airy with a minimalist frame.

The variation in color allows you to easily pair with other finishes.

Above: Our latest additions to the showroom harken to the designs of Milo Baughman

Left: via HGTV

Get to Know Jens Risom, MCM Living Legend

Jens Risom was born in Denmark in 1916 and emigrated to the United States to study contemporary furniture design. Risom designed one of the first chairs ever to be manufactured by Knoll, the now iconic birch frame and parachute strap chair in 1941. Five years later, Risom embarked on a new career path by opening Jens Risom Design. More than 60 years later, Risom's designs continue to influence the *Danish approach to modernism.

Our last post "New Market Finds Have Arrived at Weisshouse: Part 2" featured a Vintage Jens Risom Walnut desk (1) that recently hit our showroom floor! For additional information regarding the Risom desk, visit our website.

1.

*credit: DWR 

New Market Finds Have Arrived at Weisshouse: Part 2

As promised, today's post features a few additional new arrivals from our last market buying trip. Stacy and Stan scoured Highpoint and found some incredible one-of-a-kind items. We're in love with the Classic Dutch Table with Black Accents (1) and the Stacking Deco School Chairs (2). When you're strolling through the showroom, don't miss the Vintage Walnut Desk (above) designed by MCM icon, Jens Risom. If you're expecting company this holiday season, get your home ready with Weisshouse!

1.

2.