"Always design a thing by considering it in its next larger context - a chair in a room, a room in a house, a house in an environment, an environment in a city plan." Eero Saarinen
When we think of furniture, it's easy to focus solely on function or basic aesthetic appeal.
At Centrum Furniture, we recognize that behind every chair, table, or lamp, there's a story, an era, and often, a visionary. Let's embark on a journey celebrating the titans of furniture design who have transformed our living spaces and challenged our perceptions of the mundane.
1. Charles and Ray Eames The husband-and-wife duo, Charles and Ray Eames, have left an indelible mark on modern furniture design. Their innovative use of materials, especially molded plywood, led to creations that were both functional and sculptural. The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, crafted in 1956, are perhaps their most recognized pieces - an epitome of luxury and comfort.
2. Eero Saarinen Famed for his futuristic approach, Finnish-American designer Eero Saarinen had an affinity for sleek and curvaceous forms. His Tulip Chair, designed in the late 1950s, with its pedestal base and single-piece top, eliminated the "slum of legs" beneath dining tables, presenting a cleaner and more streamlined aesthetic.
3. Florence Knoll A powerhouse in the mid-century modern design movement, Florence Knoll's philosophy was about understanding a client's needs and meeting them with the most functional and elegant design solution. Her minimalist and architectural approach can be seen in her iconic sofas and benches, which harmoniously blend into any space they occupy.
4. Le Corbusier A pioneer of modern architecture, Le Corbusier ventured into furniture design to complement his spatial creations. His pieces, like the LC4 Chaise Longue, epitomized ergonomic design, giving form to his belief that furniture should be "extensions of our limbs and adapted to human functions."
5. Arne Jacobsen Blurring the lines between craftsmanship and industrial production, Danish designer Arne Jacobsen became a celebrated figure in the modernist movement. His Egg Chair and Swan Chair, designed for the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, are still as relevant and revered today as they were in the 1950s.
6. George Nakashima Embracing the beauty of wood and its natural imperfections, George Nakashima's creations were a poetic dance between rustic charm and modern design. Every piece told a story of the tree it came from, making his works deeply personal and inimitably unique.
These pioneers, along with many others have gifted us narratives, dialogues, and revolutions in design. They've taught us that furniture isn't just about filling a space but about making a statement, invoking emotions, and enriching our daily lives.
While we draw inspiration from these luminaries, our goal has always been to add our own chapter to the rich history of furniture design. As we honor the past, we're also deeply committed to innovation, continuously exploring new materials, technologies, and design philosophies to bring our clients the best in contemporary furniture.
As we stand on the crossroads of legacy and innovation, our homage to these iconic designers becomes more than just admiration. It’s a commitment to excellence, a promise of quality, and a continuous journey of crafting stories, one furniture piece at a time.