Timeless Decor

Apr 17

Just the classics, please! While home decor trends come and go, there are certain pieces that stand the test of time. What makes a classic, you may ask? That magic combination of creative and innovative thinking, exemplary style, and the test of time. A lot of these pieces were created decades ago, but still feel completely contemporary. Now, the choices are vast—and let’s face it, so are a lot of the matching price points, but here I’ve picked out some iconic pieces of interior design and furniture and my picks for getting the same look and vibe for a bit less—that will transcend and move seamlessly from boho, to English country, to mid-century to minimal—and beyond—with ease. No interior delusions here! Time to get iconic!

peter som with tizio lamp in black clothes

Eames Wassily Chair

The Wassily Chair, often heralded as a hallmark of modernist design, elegantly combines form and function. Its design features a sleek framework of chrome-plated steel tubes, inspired by bicycle handlebars, that create a striking contrast with the leather or canvas slings that serve as the seat, backrest, and armrests. This innovative use of materials and the chair's distinctive appearance make it not just a piece of furniture, but a statement in any contemporary space. With its blend of simplicity and sophistication, it encapsulates the essence of modern design, making it a timeless piece in the world of interior design. To get the look, go with a metal frame and cleaner fabric seat.

Nelson Platform Bench

The Nelson Platform Bench embodies the quintessence of mid-century modern design with its clean lines and versatile functionality. Crafted with an eye for simplicity and an ethos of utility, it features a slatted wooden top poised elegantly on a pair of sleek, geometric black metal legs. This bench is more than just a place to sit; it's a modular marvel that can seamlessly transition from a low table to a base for showcasing books, art, or plants. George Nelson envisioned a piece that could effortlessly adapt to the evolving landscape of modern living, and in doing so, he created a timeless staple for any space that values form, function, and the beauty of simplicity.

Crate & Barrel Tate Walnut Slatted Bench

9602 Floor Lamp

The 9602 Lamp, often fondly referred to as the "Chinese Hat" lamp, is a beacon of elegance and simplicity in the realm of lighting design. With its graceful, curved shade that gently tapers down, it casts a warm, inviting glow that seems to float just above the floor, reminiscent of a delicate paper lantern. The slim, unassuming stand allows the focus to remain on the lamp's iconic shade, creating a minimalist yet striking silhouette. Designed with a keen sense of balance and harmony, the 9602 Lamp effortlessly blends functionality with an aesthetic charm, making it a beloved piece for those who appreciate the subtle interplay of light and form in their living spaces.

Charlotte Perriand Stool

The Charlotte Perriand stool for Cassina is a testament to the harmony of form and function, embodying the spirit of modern design. Crafted with an eye for both aesthetics and practicality, this stool showcases Perriand's pioneering vision of minimalism. Its sleek, clean lines and thoughtful use of materials create a piece that is both visually striking and eminently usable. The stool's design reflects a deep understanding of space and how objects inhabit it, making it not just a piece of furniture, but a sculptural element that enhances the environment it graces. Whether used as a seat or as a statement piece, the Charlotte Perriand stool for Cassina brings a touch of elegance and history to any contemporary setting.

Birch Lane Rumford Solid Wood Accent Stool

west elm colin king side table — West Elm Colin King Side Table

Christopher Spitzmiller Chambers Table Lamp

The Christopher Spitzmiller Chambers Medium Table Lamp, brought to life by Visual Comfort, is a symphony of artisan craftsmanship and timeless elegance. This lamp, with its voluptuous ceramic body, glazes the room not just with light but with a splash of sophistication and color. Its rich, glossy finish catches the eye, inviting a closer look, while the subtle detailing on the base adds a layer of depth and intrigue. Topped with a perfectly proportioned shade, the lamp casts a warm, inviting glow, creating an atmosphere of comfort and luxury. It's more than just a light fixture; it's a piece of art, a focal point that draws the room together, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail and quality that Christopher Spitzmiller is renowned for.

Ballard Designs Suzanne Kasler Gourd Lamp

BDDW Captain’s Mirror

The BDDW Admiral/Captains Mirror is a nautical nod turned chic interior statement. It's like someone took the essence of the high seas and wrapped it in a package of understated luxury. Hanging from a robust leather strap, this mirror gives off the vibe of an artifact that's just as at home in a sleek, modern apartment as it would be on the wall of a captain's quarters. The round, simple mirror is encased in a beautifully crafted frame, offering a portal to not just your reflection, but a glimpse into a world where design marries history with a touch of whimsy. It's not just a mirror; it's a conversation piece that reflects more than just faces—it reflects taste.

George Oliver Brigit Metal Flat Wall Mirror

Infinity Instruments Farmhouse Wall Mirror

Tizio Lamp

The Tizio lamp, designed by Richard Sapper in 1972, is a quintessential piece of modern industrial design, revered for its sleek and functional aesthetics. Notable for its innovative use of counterweights and adjustable arms that allow the lamp head to be positioned effortlessly across the workspace, the Tizio utilizes a transformer within its base to power a halogen bulb through the arms without visible wiring. Its minimalist form and mechanical precision have made it a favorite in offices and homes alike, and it remains a celebrated icon in the world of design. The lamp is also part of permanent collections in museums like the Museum of Modern Art in New York, underscoring its significance and enduring appeal.

Thonet Chair 209

The Thonet ‘Chair 209’ is like the grandmaster of the bentwood revolution, a true icon in the world of furniture design. Imagine bending wood as if it were a pliable ribbon, and then crafting it into a chair so elegant, it looks like it's defying the laws of physics. That's Chair 209 for you. Its curves are so smooth, they seem to flow like water, creating not just a seat but a piece of art that invites you to experience its comfort. This isn't just a chair; it's a piece of history, a testament to innovation and design that has stood the test of time. Sitting on it feels less like taking a seat and more like taking part in a tradition of design excellence.

rejuvenation kelso arm chair — Rejuvenation Kelso Arm Chair

Schoolhouse TON 33 Bentwood Caned Armchair

WS Home Ton 14 Caned Dining Counter Stool

Noguchi Akari 10A Lamp

The Noguchi Akari 10A Lamp is where light meets sculpture, and the result is nothing short of magical. Crafted with the delicate touch of traditional Japanese paper lantern making, this lamp is a testament to Isamu Noguchi's genius in blending art with functionality. Its ethereal glow emanates from a bamboo and paper construction, casting soft, inviting light that transforms any room into a serene oasis. The 10A, with its iconic, asymmetrical form, seems to float in mid-air, a beacon of warmth and modern elegance. It's not just a lamp; it's a piece that captures the dance of light and shadow, bringing a piece of the sky into the heart of your home.

Urban Outfitters Olly Paper Lantern Floor Lamp

Eileen Gray E1027 Side Table

The Eileen Gray ‘E1027’ chrome and glass side table is the epitome of functional chic, a masterpiece that marries the industrial with the ethereal. Its sleek chrome structure, with its clean, geometric lines, provides a striking contrast to the floating glass top, creating an illusion of space and light. Designed with the modernist ethos of form follows function, this table is not just a surface, but a dynamic piece that adapts to the needs of the moment, its height adjustable with a touch of Gray's ingenious engineering. It's a testament to Eileen Gray's vision of a future where design is both beautiful and utterly usable, making the E1027 table a timeless addition to any contemporary space, echoing sophistication and innovation.

Gubi Grasshopper Floor Lamp

The Gräshoppa Floor Lamp, designed by Greta Magnusson Grossman in 1947, is a classic example of mid-century modern design. This iconic lamp features a distinctive tripod base and an elongated, conical shade that directs light downward, making it ideal for reading or task lighting. The design is celebrated for its functional elegance and the way it balances form with practical utility. The lamp's sleek, organic shape and its ability to be adjusted for directional lighting have made it a beloved choice for interior designers and homeowners looking to add a touch of historical sophistication to their decor. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Grossman's innovative approach to design.

Atollo Lamp

The Atollo Lamp, designed by Vico Magistretti, is a masterpiece of geometric elegance and a beacon of modern design. With its bold, yet simple composition of shapes—a hemispherical shade atop a cylindrical base, crowned by a cone—it defies the traditional lamp silhouette, creating an iconic presence that illuminates not just the room but the very essence of modernist aesthetics. The lamp's seamless blend of form and function, coupled with its dramatic play of light and shadow, makes it more than just a light source; it's a sculptural statement. The Atollo Lamp doesn't just light up a space; it transforms it, bringing with it a touch of architectural brilliance and a whisper of Magistretti's visionary design language.