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A Brief History of Victorian Designer’s Influence on Modern Contemporary Design

admin — Tue, 12 May 2009 04:10:04 +0000

Since all movements are contemporary to the time they were began the term Modern furniture may seem confusing, especially when its roots go back over one hundreds. A child spawned from the functional designs and philosophies of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Modern furniture designs was as influenced by the revolution against Victorianism as it was later swayed by pop aesthetics 60 years later.

Sparse, clean, oversimplified, organic and often based on geometric shapes many people, especially those who really do not understand or prefer Modern designs, would find it surprising how much of their lives are touched by contemporary Modern design or how much thinkers like William Morris, Louis Sullivan and others of their era, actually inspired the movement.

Morris engaged in the practice of warm and fuzzy, if not always practical, ideals and dreams for society. He felt it not just a wish but an essential of civilized society to insure that it provide its citizens, one and all, with aesthetically pleasing and functional things to look at and use. He however was convinced that the quality he sought could not be accomplished by machines but only by craftsmen and women by hand. He set his goal beyond reason, since the amount of artisans it would take to create the massive amounts needed to furnish the world’s homes was not possible – without machines, that is. Morris also developed this school of thought just as we were entering into the great Industrial Revolution and once entered in to there was no going back completely.

Early modern designers grasped the philosophy that the great orator Morris taught but felt that machines could be manipulated to be as artistic as any man and that mass production would accomplish Morris’ goals. Henri van de Velde was one of his peers who believed that the machines could be guided to create beauty. They all agreed in the principles but not how to get there. They also agreed in the simplicity of design seen in the Arts and Crafts and Mission designs. The American architect Louis Sullivan, who once influenced the father of organic design, young Frank Lloyd Wright, believed that form indeed followed function and went so far as to suggest that we should purge ourselves of ornamentation for a few years so we could enjoy the structure in its original concept.

While it seems a stretch from the heavy oak Mission type Morris reclining chair to the Barcelona chair of the 1920’s once you trace the roots of both philosophy in design concepts, they are indeed closely related. Today the Amish present Modern contemporary furniture that represents these designers’ ideals as well as the elegantly designed home, in custom stained and conceived design collections like the Brookline, Caledonia, Escalade and Kenwood and more.

Modern Contemporary Furniture by Modern Amish Craftsmen

admin — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 03:57:32 +0000

Modern furniture buyers are both savvy and sophisticated consumers. Like Mission, Shaker and Arts and Crafts the Modern furniture consumer is not just a buyer but an investor and a collector. Many of these knowledgeable furniture connoisseurs have found the Amish craftsmen of Northern Indiana have held true to the Modernist’s ideal that human beings can create a beautiful environment by improving and reshaping their surroundings with furniture in sturdy and functional designs.

Modern furniture, also known as contemporary design, began to develop as part of a series of reforming movements in the late 19^th century and early 20^th century. This movement affected almost every aspect of life from art to literature to home design. New and progressive ways to design using the latest technologies and philosophies were celebrated as Modernism came into vogue. Stepping free of the gilded and overly indulgent era of the Victorians, and riding on the new age of the Industrial Revolution, designers were captivated by new ideals in religion, politics and every day living – including the some of the most basic elements – like furniture.

By deviating from the norm of heavy decoration and the more-is-better philosophies that had overtaken the world in the latter half of the 1800‘s, the minimalist modern furniture designer found a sense of freedom while also empowering the home owner to play a creative role in designing their own home. A modern home dweller can indeed create a residence of timeless clean lines and light and airy open spaces.

Many modern furniture producers are still seeking out new and abstract pieces and materials. The Amish have developed their line of modern and contemporary home furnishings in native solid hardwoods. Although designers like Ferdinand Kramer believed in mass production, many of his designs were similar to the simplistic nature of the Shakers, whom many designers of contemporary furniture emulated. The Amish hold true to those designs. Hans Wegner’s solid wood pieces could stand side by side with the Amish Kenwood or Yorkshire table.

SIMPLE TIPS TO MAINTAINING A PET FRIENDLY HOME

admin — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 06:06:41 +0000

With well-built, solid wood and upholstered furniture like the Amish create you can design a comfortable and healthy environment for both you and your pets. One of the most extravagant and interesting features you can add to your décor is a companion animal. No inanimate object can add as much personality to a house as a beloved furry friend. Although keeping a well maintained home with the addition of pets can be a bit of a challenge the endeavor more than pays for itself in the companionship. With some creativity and quality furniture selections including your family pets in to your interior design scheme is simple.

From Dust to Dust-

Selecting solid wood Amish furniture with RESISTOVAR finish ensures a tough, water resilient surface that is easy to dust and clean with only a lightly damp soft cotton cloth. Because your high end Amish furniture can be buffed to a shine without the use of spray polishes it is also more eco-friendly and green for your pet and you. Some animals can leave behind a lot of hair and dander so dusting frequently helps keep down allergies and makes your home friendlier to humans. The purchase and simple installation of a high quality air filter for your heat and air return helps cut down on dusting. Just like with your investment quality Amish furniture your pets benefit from the right humidity. Less dry skin means less dusting.

Lint Rollers are Man’s Best Friend-

Picking the best pet friendly upholstery available or perhaps investing in more rugged leather will help protect your investment and your relationship with your pet. Buying good and large lint rollers that will quickly and efficiently remove pet hair from couches, chairs and even bedding is a sound idea. In lieu of a lint roller a lightly dampened terry cloth washcloth wiped over the furniture surface can easily and cheaply collect fur.

Take a Moment to Paws-

To further protect both upholstery and floors be sure to have mats at the door for pets to wipe their paws. When they have been outdoors keeping a non-perfumed pet wipes by the door to do a quick wipe of the paws will protect the beautiful yet durable fabrics of your Amish furniture as well as the carpets. Less tracking in even on hardwoods and tiles saves time. Using the wipes regularly can remove harmful salts and other chemicals that can not only harm your interior but your pet. A simple bottle of water and towels by the door will also suffice.

Paw-friendly Flooring Ideas-

Furniture crafted by the Amish have many designs to choose from including Mission, Shaker, Contemporary Modern and Rustic. Each design looks great on wood or tiled floors; perfect for pet friendly rooms free from carpets or fully covered in them. If you choose to go uncovered buying a wide dust mop with good pet hair pick up power will make a quick daily breeze in removing unwanted pet debris and dander. If you just can’t give up the carpets then it is worth the investment to buy a top of the line vacuum with a HEPA filter. You can always compromise and try a sturdy, easy-care sea grass rug. Sea grass works amazingly well with pets and is very flexible in designs. Sea grass rugs work in Mission style because of its outdoor honoring tradition. It also goes nicely with a clean line Modern theme especially when accented with Oriental accessories. Rustic Log Cabin themes love the look of wheat colored sea grass rugs with their Amish hickory furniture.