[Image Source: Curated Magazine]

As architects, we’re always thinking about and talking about the built environment. However, we also have pretty strong opinions about the objects which will be housed in the environments we build and inhabit. And it’s no secret at this point that we’ve been trained to appreciate—and rattle off on command—the iconic pieces of mid-century furnishings that have become fixtures in the collective mind of the modernist. However, individual tastes can tell a much more nuanced story. So along the lines of our Favorite Houses post a few weeks back, we decided to delve into the individual opinions here at BUILD. This time, with furnishings. What we own, what we want to own, and what we think we should want to own. Mid-century and beyond. It’s all covered here.

Charles 
Eames Lounge & Ottoman designed by Charles & Ray Eames, 1956
Zettel’z 5 Chandelier designed by Ingo Maurer, 1998
Elephant Bottle Opener designed by Georg Jensen, 1987

I like objects the design community tells me to like. I want to live in an architect’s home surrounded by an architect’s stuff.

Andrew 
Wishbone Chair designed by Hans J. Wegner, 1949
Akari 10A Lamp designed by Isamu Noguchi, 1951
Iittala Aarne Tumblers designed by Göran Hongell, 1948

I always admire the Scandinavian philosophy when it comes to home furnishings:
1. Buy high-quality, well-designed, functional objects for the home.
2. Buy them once.
3. Take good care of them.
4. Hand them down to your grandchildren.

Sandy 
Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen, Denmark, 1958
Rising Table by Robert van Embricqs, 2011
Bubble Lamp by George Nelson, 1947

The three qualities that sum up my favorite furnishings: Timeless, simple, and delightful. Accustomed to living in small apartments, I lean towards pieces that have a modest footprint.

Duff 
Quad Shelving Unit by Nauris Kalinauskas, 2006
“Eames” Lounge by Plycraft, 1950s
Coat Hanger by Nicholas Bovesse Guindalo, 2009

I tend to like objects that push the boundaries a bit;  the sort of things that reinvent an everyday object.

Kevin 
7 Chair designed by Arne Jacobsen, 1955
PH 50 designed by Poul Henningsen, 1958
Mano Satin Rice Server designed by Carl Mertens

The objects in and around the home shouldn’t get in the way of life; they should do their job well, look good, and improve the lifestyle within.

What modern furnishings get you weak in the knees? Any new classics on your radar that we missed? We’d love to hear what you’ve got in the comments below.

Cheers, from TeamBUILD