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 

Vintage Adrian Pearsall Tables Now at Weisshouse

A leader in early modern furniture design, Adrian Pearsall graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in architectural engineering in 1950. Pearsall founded Craft Associates in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania and became one of the country’s most prominent furniture designers during the mid-century “Atomic Age", the period of history following the detonation of the first atomic bomb. Often known for his daring designs which brought high-style to the masses, he is credited with the creation of long and low gondola sofas, free-form walnut and glass tables, and the popularization of the bean bag chair. You may have spotted the coffee table (above) in our current display window, but we invite you to come in and see these elegant tables up close.

source: Weisshouse

additional info: http://adrianpearsall.com/

Spring for Something Vintage Too!

In addition to everything that's really new, we also have some "new to you" (and us) vintage items that we are currently featuring for spring 2013. We are really excited about our ever-growing and ever-evolving collection of vintage furniture, rugs, lighting and accessories and we just had to blog about them! Check out a few of our favorites below, visit our website for additional details like dimensions and pricing and visit our showroom to see our entire collection in person.

Beautiful Credenza with Incredible Details

Weisshouse is known for our evolving collection of vintage furniture, rugs, lighting and accessories. We always feature our new arrivals on our website and Facebook. However, we thought this piece of mid-century modern furniture was definitely Blog-worthy! It's solid wood coupled with oak and maple veneer and walnut-colored stain. The door pulls are carefully carved out of solid oak. Notice the dove tail design detail on the legs. This Vintage 9-drawer credenza is currently available and in-stock at our showroom. Visit the vintage section of our website for even more rare, mid-century modern finds in great condition! 

Modern Celebrity Style

We often mention how much we love ELLE Decor. It's such a fabulous source for inspired interiors. We were recently stopped in our tracks by a Q&A on www.elledecor.com featuring the talented and stylish, Courtney Cox. Her delightfully designed Malibu home is a stunning tribute to modern simplicity. Interior designer, Trip Haenisch and architect, Michael Kovac created a lust-worthy masterpiece. We really love Courtney Cox's decorating/style tips and carefully selected pieces from Eames, Missoni Home and Arteriors. Read the complete feature here: http://www.elledecor.com/celebrity-style/homes/courteney-cox-home-joss-main-sale and check out our Courtney Cox-esque pieces below available at Weisshouse.

Source: ELLE Decor

A Happier Home in 2013

There are many things that inspire this blog. We find inspiration in design magazines, at trade shows, from other design professionals and many times, we are inspired by posts on Houzz.com. This week on Houzz, there is an article about ways to be happier in your home this year. Houzz shared 13 ways and we picked a few of our favorites and paired them with some pieces from Weisshouse to inspire you a little more!

*Follow your heart, not trends. It's fun to keep track of what is current in the design world, but when it comes to your own home, remember you are the trendsetter! Just because emerald green is one forecaster's color of the year doesn't mean you should shun your favorite muted pastels. Let this be the year you stay true to you.

*Mark your calendar for a big flea market or antiques fair. A great way to get inspired is to attend a well-run antiques fair or major flea market, such as Brimfield in Massachusetts, Round Top in Texas or the Alameda Point Antiques Faire in Northern California. Pencil in the date and invite a design-loving friend to go along. *If you aren't able to get away, save time and shop at Weisshouse for all of your vintage finds!

 

*Have something made just for you (and your house). Whether you live in your forever home or are renting your first apartment, having something made especially for you really makes your space your own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bronze is Trendy Again

There are already some hot, new design trends for 2013. One of these trends is bronze. We are seeing bronze everywhere including plumbing and cabinet hardware, art, lighting and decorative accessories! Bronze was very popular in the 1950s, so it's no surprise that with the popularity of mid-century modern furniture, we are also seeing the return of bronze as well. Check out a few of our favorite bronze lamps and accessories below. Shop our January sale to save on everything at Weisshouse and as always, visit our website at www.weisshouse.com.

 

Cocktail, Anyone?

A popular item that clients are often searching for is the "perfect" cocktail table. Cocktail tables, also called coffee tables have to serve many purposes in addition to being a resting place for your cocktail or coffee! We thought it would be fun to pair a great cocktail that is just right for entertaining with a few of our favorite cocktail tables from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. All special order cocktail tables are now 20% OFF until October 8th at Weisshouse.

The Long Hello

Ingredients

• 1 3/4cups Calvados or other apple brandy
• 1 cup St-Germain (elderflower liqueur)
• 10 dashes bitters, preferably Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters or Angostura
• 1750-ml bottle Champagne, chilled
• Freshly grated nutmeg

• Special Equipment:
  
  One 12-cup Bundt or tube pan; 1 punch bowl

Preparation

Make and freeze ring mold with pears and apples according to our ice mold directions. DO AHEAD: Ring mold can be made 1 week ahead. Cover and keep frozen.

• Stir Calvados, St-Germain, bitters, and 1 cup water in a punch bowl. Add ice ring, then Champagne. Ladle punch into glasses and grate nutmeg over.

Read More http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2011/12/the-long-hello#ixzz26xrj8nnq

Just Arrived! Vintage Brutalism by Paul Evans

Famed designer, "Paul Evans studied metalwork, silver-and gold- smithing, sculpture and jewelry. In 1952, Evans moved to Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts to work as a "living craftsman" or essentially a silversmith who worked on the premises of the historical museum. A few years later, in 1955, Evans relocated to New Hope, Pennsylvania to produce the type of sculptured steel furniture that he is known for today." (www.primaveragallery.com)

According to Julie Iovine, who profiled Evans for the book Modern Americana: Studio Furniture from High Craft to High Glam, "his best pieces exhibit the tension between his personal visions as a sculptor and his honed instinct for new looks and techniques." (www.primaveragallery.com)

"Evans's work has become highly collectible within the last decade. Most of the pieces by Evans are signed and dated which makes it easy for collectors to place his work not just within the context of his own career but also in the scheme of the larger post-war American Crafts movement. Evans died of a heart attack in 1987, a day after he retired." (www.primaveragallery.com)

Weisshouse has just received several of Paul's pieces. Mid-century “Mosaic” Front 5 drawer chest/dresser (shown below) by famed Mid Century Modern designer Paul Evans for Lane Furniture Co. This piece is a stunning example of his distinctive Brutalist style. The piece is oak veneered with a solid wood carcass and composite material for the front with a 3” plinth. The veneer on the top and sides are beautifully matched to create a beautiful surface. The piece is in good conditions with minor wear. It will work in many different interiors because of its sculptural design.

Visit our showroom to see this incredible collection for yourself!