Want I want NOW !!! - Ben Seibel Designs

Ben Seibel (1918-1985) was another great designer of Mid - Century dinnerware.  In 1952 he designed dinnerware for Roseville Pottery Company that would help revive the company.

He designed many patterns for Mikasa including the one in the photo below which is called Duplex Yellow Poppy.  The color is so bright and cheery and I think my Mid - Century home needs a whole set...and the hunt is on !!!!

I bought this plate for .69 cents and prices range on ebay from $5.99 for a bowl to $69.99 for a tea pot.  Another steal and another thing to collect !  Fun !

Fabulous Mid-Century Finds - Michael Lax Designs

On a recent trip to my favorite thrift store I scored these fabulous cast iron, orange enamel coated, teak handled beauties...designed by Michael Lax for Copco and made in Denmark.

Michael Lax was a great industrial designer from the 60's and he was intent on bringing beauty to very utilitarian pieces - he was one of the first to introduce enamel to cast iron.  Best known for his craftsman appreciation for texture and color.  His designs for Copco brought an international, Scandinavian flair to basic american products. Michael Lax died May 28, 1999.


These 2 skillets and 1 sauce pan are in excellent condition and they are heavy but they heat evenly and are an easy clean up. I looked up some comps online and I stole these babies...I paid $30.00 - more than I usually shell out but I knew these were special and I am looking for more !!  Keep on thrifting !!

The Ultimate Chair - Harry Bertoia

The coolest chairs were created by Artist and Designer Harry Bertoia in the 1950's.  He sought to create sculptural pieces that were also functional.  His chairs are highly sought out by collectors of mid century modern furniture and can sell for upwards of $500.

Well here is the kicker....My friend Wendy ( one of the luckiest pickers I know)  found this original Bertoia Knoll Diamond Chair with the original teal cover in near perfect condition.

Lucky for me it really goes with my house and I get to borrow it -  forever !  Oh, forgot to mention what she paid for it -----$2.99 ----(did you just fall off of your $500. Bertoia) !!  At  Sally's ( aka Salvation Army) in West Chester, PA.

I love this video

Check out this video on Ted TV.  Thanks Kris !  and while you are there...sign up ! Great discussions on all subjects.

But I really, really like this one :  http://www.ted.com/talks/jessi_arrington_wearing_nothing_new.html

Junkers Paradise

I moved to a Mid Century Modern house three years ago and did not have a clue how to decorate it.  I scanned books and magazine ( Dwell and Atomic Ranch - my favorites) to come up with ideas and I was determined to do it all by thrifting.  It started slow....I scanned Craigslist, thrift stores and after a long search I finally gave in and ordered a sofa from Crate and Barrel but it was not what I wanted to do.  That night I decided since I had broken down and gone pure retail I was going to have get some cool vintage fabric off of Ebay to make pillows...while searching through fabric I came across a 9 ft mid century sofa with orange and yellow tie-dye crushed velvet fabric - I could barely contain myself !! The next day I cancelled my CB order and bought the sofa.  The sofa was in Philly and he offered delivery for $100.  I had that sofa in my house by Saturday. Did I mention I paid just $300 dollars for it !!! 

It was the start of something great and I designed my whole first floor around it.  To say it is uncomfortable would be an understatement....everyone complains....even I am starting to complain but I can't part with it - I love it !!  The start of beautiful, creative expression.
(Click on the photo to get the ideas up close and personal)