We’ve seen quite a bit of Eames designs on the pages of White Cabana over the years. Charles and Ray Eames have designed some of the most iconic pieces, and these pieces continue to be used in traditional and contemporary spaces around the world.
The molded rocking chair is made of 100 percent recyclable polypropylene, and it is supported by a wire frame and wooden rockers.
Eames Rocker Armchair, $545+
Classic campaign style furniture goes well in modern, traditional, eclectic, and monochromatic spaces. In short, a campaign dresser (or writing desk) is a great investment piece because it can float around various spots in a home.
Kristie’s campaign dresser in the front hall (full house tour)
So what’s the brief history of campaign style? Well, Sarah Beaumont wrote,
“During the height of the British Empire, officers on lengthy military campaigns in India and South Africa needed lightweight, durable furniture that could easily be transported. But they also didn’t want to sacrifice the creature comforts they were accustomed to. So British furniture manufacturers like Chippendale started designing pieces specifically for the military that gave them all the rugged functionality they needed, and all the luxury they craved.”
Of the recognizable details of the furniture, she further explained, “Leather straps and canvas seats made objects lightweight and easy to fold up. Recessed brass handles were added to drawers and brass angle pieces were used on furniture corners to protect them from being damaged while in transit.”
It’s hard to resist those brass and leather details even today!
 campaign dresser, $1895 USD, Williams-Sonoma
campaign dresser, Dering Hall
campaign writing desk, $249 USD, All Modern
vintage campaign chest, $445 USD (on sale), Charish
campaign dresser, $949.51 CAD, Crate & Barrel
Source: Laurel & Wolf
Jean ProuvĂ© was a French industrial designer and architect. While he may not be as well known as designers like Eames and Herman Miller, ProuvĂ© certainly made his mark in the design world. One of his most recognizable works might be The Standard chair. I first came across the chair when I stayed in this Paris apartment. It was love at first sight! Not only do I like the design, but the chair is incredibly comfortable. It’s little wonder why it’s a sought-after piece by designers and collectors of beautiful design.
photos via Vitra
Jean Prouvé chairs in the Rue Bonaparte apartment (where I stayed in 2014)
Galerie Miquel Alzueta, via Pastolux
Airhouse Design Office, via Contemporist
Paris apartment, via Architectural Digest
Designer George Nelson was a director at Herman Miller from 1945 to 1972. During his time there, he managed to recruit other design greats such as Charles Eames and Isamu Noguchi. He also continued to develop his own designs – desks, clocks, and benches – what we now recognize as some of his trademark designs.
Nelson’s saucer lights, in particular, have become a favourite among designers (and white lovers like me!). The lights, manufactured by Herman Miller, come in a variety of shapes, but have common elements:Â white, steel wires, translucent plastic covering.
The Bubble may be one of Nelson’s most recognizable lights.
Nelson Saucer Pendant, $395-$1295USD, Design Within Reach
Piero Fornasetti was in Italian painter, sculptor, interior decorator, and engraver. He may be best known for his pieces that include the image of a woman’s face in black and white. The face is that of operatic soprano Lina Cavalieri. In addition to this face, many of his pieces include images of the sun, time, and architectural elements. Now, his son Barnaba Fornasetti continues to design in his father’s name.
Fornasetti’s plates are quite popular in the world of interior design. These and other Fornasetti pieces add whimsy and interest to many spaces as you can see in the images below.
Colette May, via Elements of Style
Colette May, via Elements of Style
 via Archimir
via Est Magazine
If you have some time to spare, I encourage you to watch some of these behind-the-scenes videos of the Fornasetti Atelier. I enjoyed watching a bit of the design and manufacturing processes of Fornasetti’s pottery, textiles, and metal work.
