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.

Modern Style || No Kid Gloves Required

Growing up in the Weiss family, Cyd Mullen knows her way around a furniture showroom. Raised among the sisals and sectionals of Weisshouse, she quickly recognized that the Jane Bi-Sectional was the perfect fit for her growing family. The Jane offers versatility, and more importantly for Cyd, the durability to handle two young boys.

Tufted, reversible cushions ensure that The Jane will maintain its modern edge in the face of rowdy afternoons or the occasional spill. Available in your choice of fabrics and finishes, with an easily adjustable configuration, you can take The Jane Bi-Sectional home for 20% off during the Gus*Modern Summer Sale.

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

Vintage Style Icons: Eames Fiberglass Shell Chair

 Last week we discussed investing in vintage pieces as a way to minimize your carbon footprint and maximize your home’s style. This week we’re sharing another of our favorite vintage finds: The Eames Fiberglass Shell Chair.

Charles and Ray Eames dominated the stage of 20^th Century design. With their keen eye for form and their skill for innovation, 50 years later their designs still endure as leaders of modern furniture.

While today many of the Eames’ designs serve as symbols of modern luxury, the Shell Chair was originally conceived as an entry for the International Competition for Low Cost Furniture Design. The competition sought to draw focus to the “design and production of good, inexpensive, and attractive furniture.” [via Eames Foundation]  Eames use of fiberglass created a chair that is nearly indestructible while being lightweight and soft to the touch. The simple silhouette holds a beautiful curve that fits any body type, and an interchangeable base allows the chair to fit any room.

Take advantage of our Semi Annual Sample Sale by taking home a Shell Chair with a Swivel Base. Six available with original manufacturing tag dated 1972. Floor samples pictured below. Call 412.441.8888 for pricing.

Take a closer look at how the chairs are made in the video below. 

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.

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*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!

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We're Having a Gus Modern Upholstery Sale!

We certainly have our favorite sofas and sectionals around here and one of our favorite and most versatile sectionals is the Jane Bi-Sectional from Gus Modern. The Jane Bi-Sectional is designed so that it can be configured with the chaise on the left or on the right depending on what works best with your room's floor plan. Jane's button tufting and stainless steel base give it an appeal that works well in so many environments and we love it mixed with vintage pieces. Check out Jane and other Gus Modern styles at Weisshouse and save 20% from now until August 17th. 

The Jane Bi-Sectional is available in 5 neutral fabric options

Photo credit: Gus Modern

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/

This Just In: Vintage Dining New Arrivals

The Weisshouse buying team was at it again. We just scored some amazing new vintage finds that are perfect for spring entertaining and all of the stylish dinner parties that you dream of hosting. Stop by our showroom before it's too late and shop our latest collection. See you soon! Craving more? Visit our website for additional details and pricing.

A Perfect Pair: Weisshouse and Townhouse

New York style with a Pittsburgh price tag is how Epic Developments, creator of Townhouse, a brand new pop up shop that debuts in early May is described. Epic has partnered with The Shop in East Liberty, Weisshouse and The Beauty Shoppe and plans to sell "fun/ambitious furniture and housewares" like chairs, stools, lighting and prints. Townhouse will only be around for eight months though and will be located in Pittsburgh's East Liberty neighborhood. East Liberty has undergone tremendous change and development over the past few years that first began with the addition of Whole Foods and is now home to Anthropologie, Free People, Coffee Tree Roasters, Trader Joe's and Target. Not to mention, the Pittsburgh Google offices are also located in East Liberty. Needless to say, we are thrilled to be a part of Townhouse and we encourage you to follow their blog for the latest news and updates!

Image & content source: https://www.facebook.com/townhousepgh

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.

Eliel Saarinen Designed Vintage Furniture

Architect, Eliel Saarinen became well known not only for his buildings, but also for his furniture designs. Born in 1873 in Finland, Saarinen studied architecture and painting at Helsinki University. In 1926, Saarinen began teaching at the Cranbrook Academy where he had some soon-to-be-famous students like Charles and Ray Eames, Florence Knoll and Harry Bertoia. In the mid-1930s Eliel along with his son, Eero Saarinen (known for his "Womb Chair") owned and operated an independent architecture firm. After a long and fruitful career, Eliel Saarinen passed away in 1950. 

Weisshouse is happy to announce that we currently have a pair of Eliel Saarinen designed dressers for R-Way. These maple and birds eye maple veneered 3 drawer dressers/chests have a sleek streamlined form from the 40s with rounded edge drawers and splayed feet. Versatile in style, they blend easily with contemporary or transitional interiors. Featuring three roomy drawers, the top drawer has a corner catch-all. Stop by our showroom to see this handsome pair 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!