The Mid-Century Modernist

MASH Studios LUX Case Goods

One of my favorite new furniture lines is MASH Studios’ LAX series designed by Bernard Brucha who has done work for Martha Stewart, Siemens, Ogilvy & Mather, Toyota, and MTV. The designs are clean, mid-century inspired, and all are built with beautiful walnut and aluminum. Made from multiple planks of solid wood, these pieces are an alternative to traditional wooden case goods with a plane of continuous veneer.

Above: LAX Platform Bed — Available in queen or king sizes with wall-mounted, sliding door headboard.

Ikea’s Stockholm Collection

“The entrance wall”, recently submitted to our photo group by Eric P

Ikea’s new Stockholm collection hearkens back to mid-century Scandinavian roots. The coffee table in “golden-brown” is particularly nice. And this sofa table is so elegant, it’s easy to forget where it came from — until you discover it’s so light you can lift it with a single hand, or the veneer chips off to reveal the particle board.

Ikea attracts some fine designers, it’s a shame they insist that almost everything be at that ultra-low price point. I would have manufactured the Stockholm stuff like the old Expedit office series: in solid wood, at a mid-range price.

Boby Trolley by Joe Colombo for Bieffeplast

Here’s an original Boby Cart on eBay. Joe Colombo’s 1970 design for Bieffeplast has won many awards and is in the permanent collection at the MOMA. I love its combination of versatility and economy of space. Up to 3 units can be stacked for more storage. B-line (a licensed manufacturer who also created a contemporary takeoff called Spinny) makes it in four colors: red, orange, white, and black. The new pieces go for $250–$500.

Cross Credenza and Table by Matthew Hilton for DWR

Design Within Reach just announced the new Cross Credenza. While I appreciate its unconventional, mid-century inspired base, and its drawers of different sizes, $3600 seems a tad steep for “birch plywood drawer inserts and oak veneer top and fronts over particleboard”. I’ll reserve full judgement until I meet it in person, but it doesn’t seem to meet DWR’s high standard. Imagine how lovely this could be in walnut!

Business at the Front, Party in the Back

Teak Cabinet of Curiosity

An eBay seller in Holland has posted this remarkable Danish modern cabinet with swinging compartments. Perhaps it was made to be a sewing stand, but the 14w x 23h x 11d cabinet could be used for small office bits, gaming supplies, or jewelry.

Brave Space Design

Those looking for new designs made from sustainable materials will appreciate the work of Brave Space Design of Brooklyn who use bamboo for their handsomely simple dining tables, chairs, beds, wardrobes, desks, and tables.

In the comments for their MoCo Loco interview, a reader tips us on a 15% off deal when buying Brave Space goods from Bobby Berk Home. Just use the coupon code “15off”.

West Elm Angled Bench with Cushion

West Elm’s lovely little angled bench is on sale for $99.

On a side note, I don’t know about the other stuff in the room, but I want that wood paneled wall. Sometimes I wish these retailers would sell the photo shoot model rooms right along with the furniture.

Walnut Credenza by Lane

Walnut Credenza by Lane — on eBay from floretro
Update: Sold for $780.

Long Bench with Cushion

Long Bench by American of Martinsville on eBay

The Cushion has been Professionally Upholstered New in a Quality, Soft Nubby Oatmeal Fabric. The Bench was Made by American of Martinsville in the 1960s. It is Made from Walnut and has Nice Warm Wood Grain. It has Two Large Drawers for Storage that are in Fine Working Order. The Bench is in Good Condition, it does have scratches and nicks in the Top, most of which is covered by the Cushion. The Bench is Very Solid and Sturdy, it Originally was made to Support Modular Chests of Drawers for their Bedroom Suites. The Backside is not finished but looks pretty good just the same. It Measures 19 1/2“ T x 18” D x 72“ Long.

Rare dimensions. If I were ever to make a piece of furniture, it would be something like this.