Timeless Furniture Design
Recently, one of us received a piece of furniture from their father-in-law, who received this same piece of furniture from his father decades ago. It’s a simple free-standing coat rack that holds a jacket, cuff-links and a few ties. It was elegantly designed, well constructed, and nicely taken care of over the years. It’s a beautiful piece of furniture that has become a cherished item in the home.
We live in strange times. Rarely is a piece of furniture sought out with the foresight to consider future generations. That a design lasts for three generations is extraordinary and nearly unheard of in our disposable society. As architects, builders and individuals concerned with the condition of our physical environment, we are alarmed with the current state of design and consumerism. Nothing is as depressing as watching someone spend their hard-earned money on cheap disposable objects for the home. Not only do they miss out on the qualities of good design but they bypass the ritual of handing down a piece of design to the next generation. We wonder how the next generation will learn to cherish good design and take care of their possessions if the link is broken.
Amidst all the mass produced cheap furniture, the ever growing mountains of garbage in our landfills, and the pervasive and erroneous philosophy that the more stuff you own the better off you are, there is a new movement swelling up. It’s actually a very old movement but in the context of our current culture it has become a significant paradigm shift. We’re seeing it more and more in the people and places that we look to for inspiration. We’re seeing it in the individuals who are living deliberately and with purpose. We’re seeing it in our heroes out there that don’t need to be told what’s fashionable and what’s passé. The idea seems to operate independently of what the stock market is doing and, in fact, may be more relevant than ever in our challenging economic times. The idea is really quite simple
Be intentional with the things you buy and take care of them.
It’s really that easy. It might take doing a little more homework and it may require that you inspect things a bit closer. The concept entails using new math rather than the old math; the new math looks at what an object costs when it’s used for decades and maybe even generations as compared to the short-sighted endless cycle of buying and disposing. The new math involves opening up to the idea that everything doesn’t need to be new – used or vintage items have a story and character of their own that often far exceeds that of the glossy objects on display at IKEA.
There are lots of great answers out there for the new paradigm shift. Here at BUILD we recently came out with a timeless line of furniture for the home. Many other groups out there are crunching on the same issues and doing a great job of providing design that’s intended to last for generations. To supplement today’s post we’re asking that you tell us about your favorite timeless designs or designers out there. Hit that comments button and give these groups the kudos they deserve.
By scopey, August 26, 2010 @ 9:10 am
That piece of furniture is called a valet. If you’re American you pronounce it like the French, but if you’re British you say val-ett. Lovely and practical. No gentleman’s dressing room is complete without one.
By zane, August 26, 2010 @ 9:20 am
ooh, ooh, pick me, pick me…
start with eames and build from there….they are a great foundation to begin with design-wise and fairly affordable.
Can’t wait to pass down to my boys and it’s always fun to watch them interact with good modern design. Also, interested to see what they “choose” as they get older…cheers!
By Photogeek, August 26, 2010 @ 9:57 am
A Seattle favorite of mine is Great Stuff , their objects for the home have a character and depth that very few new products have. I think it’s now called Kirk Albert Vintage Furnishings.
By Richter, August 26, 2010 @ 9:58 am
Although I won’t be able to hand it down to the next generation, I feel the need to give a shout-out to Apple on timeless design. I’ve had many, many cell phones in the last decade but the iPhone has outlasted them all. It’s beautiful design and function makes it a cherished object.
By Gus, August 26, 2010 @ 9:59 am
You guys bring up some good points – along with the discussion should be a mention of brand loyalty. I remember my father always used to buy Braun appliances primarily because of the design philosophy of Dieter Rams. Whatever the gizmo was, if Rams had a hand in the design you knew it was going to be beautiful and functional.
By Madison, August 26, 2010 @ 10:01 am
I’ll throw Tivoli Audio in the mix – their radios will be passed down through several generations: http://www.tivoliaudio.com/home.php
By Knudesn, August 26, 2010 @ 10:02 am
Pretty much anything Danish http://www.danishdesignstore.com/
By Build LLC, August 26, 2010 @ 10:09 am
@ Scopey – Awesome, thanks for the term. We tried to Google it but didn’t even know where to start.
By Patrick, August 26, 2010 @ 11:59 am
Thank you buildLLC for your always fun blog and thank you for promoting timeless design.
My vote is for the Chippendale writing desk.
The original home office! Designed to accomodate a homes business, built to last 250 years, passed down thru generations or fetching very high prices at auctions, these desks can do it all! I would argue that one of these mahogany beauties would look amazing against a white wall at your Magnolia Residence, with an Apple lap top inside of course!
By Jennifer, August 26, 2010 @ 4:13 pm
What a fantastic article!
While I’m part of the IKEA generation, I’m right in line with your blog post. I’m fortunate enough to have an artisan father who appreciates and understands quality furniture while utilizing both function and aesthetics.
The furniture I now have in my apartment, which was made by my father years ago, will be the same furniture I’ll pass along to my future children. Thus, I give my dad the kudos he deserves for “providing design that’s intended to last for generations.”
See for yourself: http://www.mrhudon.com
By Urvoy, August 26, 2010 @ 5:45 pm
The valet is meant to hold, nicely, an entire suit of clothes. The pants on the higher bar, the shoes resting on the crossbars at the bottom, and the shirt under the jacket.
By Build LLC, August 26, 2010 @ 9:35 pm
@ Zane – nice call on the Eames.
@ Photogeek – Great Stuff is featured in Arcade Magazine’s fall issue that we guest edited – stay tuned for more news there.
@ Richter – indeed the iPhone has a timeless design and it’s also our fave.
@ Gus – Dieter Rams is God.
@ Madison – Mad respect for Tivoli Audio.
@ Knudsen – have you been reading our diary?
@ Patrick – hmm, we’re having some ideas about a modern Chippendale desk…
@ Jennifer – Cheers to your father, he’s achieved exactly what we’re getting at!
@ Urvoy – well said.
By Eastvold, September 4, 2010 @ 9:38 am
Sorry to jump into this one late, but thanks for the post. It is such a challenge for people to fork out the money on good design and I for one appreciate the people who make that decision.
My vote for timeless design is the SAAB 900 (1987-1992).