The Brno Flat Bar Chair (1930) from KnollStudio® is a masterpiece of structure, paying tribute to early modernism’s gravity-defying skyscrapers. Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe to have a cantilevered base, the Brno offers the comfort of an arm chair without the old-line stuffiness or bulk of upholstery. Leather covers the cushions for long-enduring appearance retention and ease of maintenance-two especially important features for dining rooms, offices, conference rooms and waiting areas.
What is this all about? How famous is this Brno Chair, and who likes it? Well, it is historically as important as King Tut’s Throne and Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Chair, but only a select few know about this flat bar chair. You do not have to like modern furniture, nor do you have to own one of these beauties, but let me tell you…this chair is handsome, strong, and has amazing tactile sensations with its gorgeous supple leather and smooth steel frame. And as an owner it sets you apart from the rest of the world. It is impressive to own even just one.
Barcelona Chair
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona Chair and Stool (1929), originally created to furnish his German Pavilion at the International Exhibition in Barcelona, have come to epitomize modern design.
Barcelona Pavillion, Spain
Mies van der Rohe designed the chair to serve as seating for the king and queen of Spain, while the stool
Barcelona Stool
was intended to accommodate their attendants. The Barcelona chair and stool is one of the most stylish and elegant pieces of modern furniture of the 20th Century and probably the most recognized piece of modern furniture around. Still produced to his original specifications, this chair and stool are of quality fit for royalty.
Bench classical seating
Funny feet seating are still popular. These designs are considered classical classics. The funny feet seating is in complete contrast to the modern classics.
Classic Dining Chair features animal feet
If you think about it, you’ll realize why a new philosophy was needed. We finally made it out of Victoriana with its clutter. By the time Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius established the Bauhaus in 1929, we had been exploring new ways of design.
Bauhaus
Other styles evolved like Arts and Crafts Movement (today called Mission), Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. The art, architecture and designs of the Bauhaus were the exact opposite of anything that had come before. More common today are the country and classical reproduction designs of the 18th century.
Do you have room for both modernist and classical designs?
Have you ever thought you could add one of the modernist beauties into your classical interior for the pièce de résistance, or a fabulous authentic antique in your modern interior?
Please comment and feel free to ask questions. Come back next week for more surprises.
I think I like some quirky modern things mixed in with my simple lines, especially if they add lots of color.
Katy, if you like quirky, you are going to love Bruce’s steampunk. I invited him to be a guest in my booth today at the Lockwood Flea market. His goods created a mob scene. Channel 12 filmed his wares. It was great fun and so is he and his wife. We are looking forward to the 15th.
How do you feel about mixing classic styles with modern? I’m thinking about it, but I’m hesitant.
The way you would mix the two eras would be to only have one magnificent/special piece. So if you had country English or French, you could use a modernistic piece that would be a topic of conversation. If you have something you would like to add to your collection, ask away, I will answer. A photo is worth a thousand words.
Wow Gail, the bench reminds me of a dog who has had his body cut off. Yikes! I honestly have not really ever given this much thought to chairs. Who would have known! I do have to say, in my home I mix antiques with modern, but nothing like the stark chrome. I really adore antiques, hmmm, maybe that has something to do with why I love to write historical romances.
Gerri, thanks for your comments. Funny feet, sounds like an Indian name. Add running to it and it is an Indian name. I just finished reading Jodi Picoult’s “Picture Perfect” where she used the Native American culture in her story. It was informative.
Most all of the world prefers the classics, formal and informal. And, we live with Grandma’s this and that, so most styles has been renamed from a particular style to “American Style.”