Shop The Look // Mid Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern refers to the style of furniture, art and architecture popularised during the mid-20th century, the term being cemented by Carla Greenberg in her 1983 book "Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950's". It is seen as one of the most popular, collectable and dynamic periods in international design history.
Designs from the mid-century period combine beauty, innovation , and function for an aesthetic that is utterly timeless. Characterised by their pared-down forms, sweeping clean lines, variety of colour, unique materials and superb quality, the modern day popularity of these mid-century pieces is a testament to the talent of designers of the time such as Charles and Ray Eames, Hans J Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Eero Saarinen and Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe.

Shop the entire Mid-Century Modern range now at Utility.

Featured Product

Mid Century Modern Complete - Tome
Price: £60.00 at Utility
The definitive survey of mid-century design, offering a rich overview of all aspects of the subject including furniture, lighting, glass, textile and architecture.

SPECIAL OFFER

Spend £300 or more on Mid Century Modern furniture, design or gifts and you will receive a free copy of Dominic Bradbury's Mid Century Modern Complete tome.

Click here for more information.

Eames Desk Unit EDU
Price: £985.00 at Utility
The Eames Desk Unit from Vitra was created in 1949, when Charles & Ray Eames developed a new system of free-standing multi functional shelves.

Saarinen Tulip Chair
Price: From £1,140.00 at Utility
Though it epitomises 1960's styling Eero Saarinen's Tulip Chair was actually designed as a project between 1955 and 1957. The moulded aluminium base and fibreglass reinforced plastic shell completes its classic look.

Eames LTR Table
Price: From: £205 at Utility
This small variable side table from Charles & Ray Eames is available in Black, White or Gold and can be still seen today in the Eames House.

Barcelona Chair
Price: From £4,908.00 at Utility
Designed by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe for the German Pavilion at the Exposicion Internacional de Barcelona, it was actually used as a throne for King Alfonso XIII at the exhibition's opening ceremonies.

Womb Chair & Ottoman
Price: From £4,884.00 at Utility
The Womb Chair & Ottoman, designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, was the first piece of mass produced furniture with an integrated seat shell made of reinforced plastic. Saarinen developed the chair at Florence Knoll's request as she really wanted something to curl up in.

Arco Floor Lamp
Price: From: £1,565.00 at Utility
The Arco Lamp from Flos is the epitome of a design classic. Designed by Achille Castiglioni in 1962 it remains one of the most enduring pieces of Italian design.

Frisbi Pendant Light
Price: £280.00 at Utility
A classic 1978 design by Achille Castiglioni. It consists of a polished black and chrome lamp holder under which is suspended a round cream/white disc diffuser on three tensile wires from the cable.

Luminator Floor Lamp
Price: £395.00 at Utility
Designed by brothers Achille & Pierre Giacomo Castiglioni in 1954 the Flos Luminator represents a simple tripod stand with a long galvanised stem on which the bulb is mounted.

Snoopy Table Lamp
Price: £640.00 at Utility
Everybody loves Snoopy don't they? Snoopy is a 1967 design from Flos by Pier Giacomo and Achille Castiglioni and its profile and monochrome colouring reminds us of Charlie Brown's silent yet extroverted beagle.

Alessi Citrus Basket
Price: £94.00 at Utility
This classic Citrus Basket from Alessi was designed in 1952 by Ufficio Tecnico Alessi and is one of the earliest projects of industrial design still in production by the company. No self respecting Alessi collector should be without this one!

Sunburst Clock
Price: £252.00 at Utility
This gorgeous re-edition Sunburst Clock from Vitra by George Nelson embodies the spirit of the day when it was first designed - when everyone wanted to be modern and everything seemed possible.

VITRA Doll No 4
Price: £87.50 at Utility
Based on originals found in the Girard Estate held by the Vitra Design Museum, the partly joyful, partly grim-looking company dolls makes a charming enhancement to any interior.

Hang It All
Price: £207.00 at Utility
Originally designed in 1953 by Charles Eames, it seems almost too good to cover with coats and hats. It was designed to encourage children to hang up their coats, hats, toys etc. When you have something as beautiful as this to them on you would - wouldn't you? Shop the entire Mid-Century Modern collection at Utility today.

Mooore MOOOI

Moooi have been impressing the design world for years, with furniture & lighting that is visually strong, highly functional and individual, such as the Smoke Chair, Light Shade Shade Chandelier, Pig Table and Horse Lamp. 

During Salone 2014, under the art direction of Marcel Wanders, Moooi presented their "Unexpected Welcome" exhibition, showcasing their new and exciting 2014 range in an interactive experience that had all of Milan talking - You can view the panoramic display by clicking here.

We have been steadily adding to and improving our online catalogue of Moooi products and are happy to announce that best sellers such as the Bart Sofa and Container Tables are now available to purchase at www.utilitydesign.co.uk

Joining these best sellers are a host of brand new furniture and lighting pieces that were introduced during Salone 2014 including the playfully elegant Zio Coffee Table and Sideboard, the versatile Prop Light range and the Bassotti Coffee Tables that merge the solid grace of marble table tops with the shiny lightness of classically shaped legs.

Shop the new Moooi collection here now.

Because we're HAPPY - Thanks to Swedese

We've been working hard to expand upon our collection of Swedese products and we're pleased (happy even) to announce that the Swedese "Happy" range is now available to purchase online at Utility. That's not all though; we've also slashed prices across the range & deducted a further 15% in adding the entire Swedese collection to our Summer SALE

Roger Persson describes his furniture design as "a game with lines and curves" and this can be seen quite clearly in Happy; the smiling furniture family made up of dining chairs, stool, armchairs and sofas. 

By adding soft surfaces and forms to an otherwise modern aesthetic expression, he creates a long lasting idiom. Like his other ranges for Swedese, happy is beautiful and functional - comfortable, practical, and possesses a special knack for fitting into all types of environments. We think the range is especially suited to commercial, retail or reception spaces.

"Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth".

Lee Broom Lighting

Lee Broom founded his eponymous British company in 2008 and has since gone on to become one of the UK s leading product and interior designers. In his short career, Lee Broom has launched five furniture and lighting collections, designed over 40 retail, restaurant and bar interiors and has won awards including the Designer of the Year at the British Design Awards in November 2011. 

The latest lighting collection from the man dubbed "the pin up of British manufacturing" is now available to purchase in our online store. Here are some of our favourite pieces.

One Light Only - OLO

OLO is a collection of striking pendant lights that draw on Lee Broom's fashion background. Characterised by its gem-like faceted exterior, OLO references both Art Deco jewellery and late 1970's fashion photography. 2014 sees the introduction of three new finishes. Two stunning matt finishes - matt white and matt gold - producing sharp lines and graphic, angled shadows on its surface. The form of the light is also reinterpreted in solid walnut - the wood grain adding a natural and tactile element to the geometric shape of the shade. A polished gold interior ensures a warm glow is emitted on all.

Shop the OLO Pendant here

Crystal Bulb 

Taking inspiration from the delicate craftsmanship of crystal cutting, the Crystal Bulb combines industrial influences with decorative qualities, transforming the everyday bulb into a beautiful ornamental light fitting. Each lead Crystal Bulb is handcrafted using traditional techniques and hand cut with a classic crystal pattern inspired by traditional whiskey glasses and decanters. The Crystal Bulb, winner of the British Design Awards for 2012/13 is available in a clear or frosted brushed brass pendant or five piece chandelier.

Shop the Crystal Bulb series here

Tile Lamp

The Tile lamp, from the award winning Heritage Boy collection, draws on traditional British manufacturing techniques and is a great example of combining classic shapes with unexpected application. Available in two sizes - blue and white - the Tile Lamp explores the use of traditional glazed tiles on lighting. The lamp is clad in a classic formation giving the impression of an upper surface of a tiled column. The Tile Lamps use genuine twice flared ceramic tiles made the same way they have been for 150 years. The moulds are hand carved and monogrammed for authenticity and are produced by the same factory that produce tiles for the London Underground.

Shop the Tile Lamp here

Introducing 'WRONG for HAY'

Initially showcased during the London Design Festival 2013, "Wrong for Hay", the collaborative venture between Danish design label, Hay and London based designer Sebastian Wrong, enjoyed a successful global debut at Salone Milan.

The collection, which comprises  furniture, textiles and accessories from designers such as Nathalie Du Pasquier, Faudet-Harrison and Lucein Gumy, is based in London and is clearly inspired by the city's creative energy, eclecticism and willingness to explore new working relationships, products and markets. 

 "Wrong for Hay is an opportunity to push the boundaries in terms of curation. We can be experimental and sophisticated but also pragmatic. It's a platform for new work that celebrates London's design culture" says the brands creative director, Sebastian Wrong. 

Hay's principle of good design at accessible prices is central to the collection with Wrong stating that "a huge part of the brief was to hit a certain price point, which is very important for us, and I think we've succeeded in doing that". 

We've compiled a list of what we think are the most exciting products from the new collection and made them available in our online store. Come and take a look!

Click here to view the collection.

NEW - Diesel Living with Foscarini - The Collection

"From rock to Pop, from casual to vintage and from graphics to art."

Foscarini has created some of the most iconic lighting designs of recent times and the Successful Living collection in conjunction with fashion company Diesel promises to do the same through expanding on a range of lights that reflect the company's raw, industrial credentials.

The latest instalment in the Diesel with Foscarini partnership, now available at Utility, is this completely new collection of lamps that speaks a multitude of languages, tells different stories and expresses an unmistakable style: the Diesel lifestyle; Ironic, unconventional, fun, fiery and creative. A way of being and of dressing that also becomes a way of furnishing.

> Click here to view the DIESEL collection.
> Click here to view the entire Foscarini Lighting collection.

Vitra launches the EA101 and EA103 Aluminium Dining Chairs

For visual impact the new EA101 and EA103 (a variation on the Aluminium Group Chair) on the Vitra stand in Milan was hard to beat. The Aluminium Group chair is a design icon in its own right and at home in any office but Vitra have slimmed it down, made it lighter and adjusted the sitting position so it's more conducive to dining environments. It's been launched in a total of 25 Hopsak fabrics which, with their two tone weaves, gives the chair a softer, more domestic feel. Maximum impact can be created by mixing and matching fabrics for a real show stopping look. For practicality it also comes in 3 colours of 'Netweave' - Vitra's more robust plastic webbing fabric. The two models differ in that the EA101 comes without arms whilst the EA103 has arms - ideal if you want a dining chair and carver. Both models are available now for delivery in May.

Sale and Clearance Now On!

We're in July which means one thing - our mid summer clearance and special offers sale is now on! With 15% off all our key brands including Vitra, Kartell, Carl Hansen, Fritz Hansen, Magis, Muller, Cassina, E15, Tom Dixon, Gubi and many others we've also reduced Artemide Lighting and Lightyears Lighting brands by 10%. It doesn't stop there though. We're giving away a free 500ml Waterbobble with every 3 tier Kartell Componibili purchased - which is already reduced at 15% off. Buy any three Orla Kiely items and we'll give you a Multi Stem Tea Towel absolutely FREE! Finally, don't forget to check out our warehouse clearance sale section. With big savings on a number of stock items this is your chance to bag a bargain at a fraction of the retail price. New table, lamp light or chairs? Take advantage now - and happy shopping!

Zeitraum Furniture

We've added Zeitraum to our stable of European contemporary furniture brands. This Germany company, founded by Birgit Gämmerler in 1990. Started in an old flour-mill with loft-style rooms and with the waters of the river Loisach powering its underground turbines Zeitraum still has its base there today. The first designs for chairs, tables, beds and small furnishings were drafted there and the pieces made by local joiners. The making of the furniture was always difficult, the designers preferring clever wooden joints to simple screw-together solutions, or maybe even demanding the use of bone-glue as a natural alternative to conventional resin glues. The architect Peter Gaebelein was brought into the team in 1994 to coordinate production. In the following years reliable manufacturers were found in Germany, Austria and Italy, capable of producing the furniture in larger quantities, whilst still adhering to the strict Zeitraum quality standards. Today, the pure material quality that is Zeitraum's trademark is in huge demand, and the products enjoy international success.
Zeitraum isn't just furniture, Zeitraum is an attitude to life and the things around us. The objects which accompany us through life should have character, whilst also being practical, adaptable and unobtrusive. They are a mirror and an expression of their owner, a servant and a friend. Zeitraum furniture is attractive because of its exceptionally good quality, not because of designer frills. It impresses without dominating – exciting in its simplicity. Don't just take our word for it though see the Zeitraum collection!

Practical and Multifunctional Furniture from Softline

The range of practical and multifunctional furniture from Softline demonstrate Scandinavian design at its best. Clean effortless lines result in a refined presence with each design responding to today's evolving lifestyles. This is particularly evident within the collection of innovative sofa beds - a great excuse to entertain guests and host social occasions acting not only as comfortable seating solutions but transforming into spacious single or double sleeping areas. Easily convertible, the minimalist and stylish contours conceal their alternative use providing the perfect solution to insufficient living space. Each model exhibits individual style, character and size ensuring there is something to suit every household, family and environment. For added practicality the integration of removable covers can be dry-cleaned and replaced if needed as well as new covers ordered if you decide to change the colour. Made in Denmark, they display exceptional craftsmanship and quality and can be selected from a range of fabrics and colours to suit.

HAY Launches the FDB collection

Just released from Danish furniture company HAY is the FDB collection - a range of tables and chairs which is part reintroduction of a 1960s design classic (such as the J77 Chair, pictured), and part new edition of designs. There are five chairs, mainly based on the classic Windsor chair, all of which come in five colours - natural, grey, black, white and coral. What's really amazing ins the price. These pieces are made from solid wood in Denmark and start at just £129.00. Chairs are complemented with a unique table collection with reversible tops - black on one side and white on the other with legs in either black, white or natural. We're sure these prices will make the FDB chairs and tables a huge success. Orders are noe being taken for delivery starting in January 2012

Maxalto Upholstery

We're busing adding the Maxalto Collection to our online store. Part of the B and B Italia Family Maxalto is a timeless collection of premium Italian furniture for the home. Sofas and Upholstery this week - everyone in the warehouse loves the Amoenus range. Looks like the perfect place to lounge watching Comic Relief this Friday.

Summer Sale - Now on at Utility

Our Utility Summer Sale has started online today, so boys and girls get logging on to find that beautiful design piece you've always dreamed owning of at a discounted price during our Summer Sale.

There's up to 30% off Lighting, 15% off Furniture and Accessories and up to 50% off selected lines and ex-display items.

utilitydesign.co.uk

New Utility Spring/Summer Catalgoue - get yours now!

Arriving today into our Head Office and hitting doormats of those of you who have already subscribed to our mailing list, the new Utility Spring/Summer Catalogue is here!

Full of fantastic new accessories for your home and gifts to share, plus the very best of our selection of furniture and lighting. To get yours, just sign up to our mailing list, or email info@utilitydesign.co.uk.

What's hot on the home front!

The authority on colour, Pantone, announced the Colour of the Year to be turquoise, 15-5519 to be precise! So to inspire you to rejuvenate your home and put the dull and dreary days of winter behind you, we have chosen a selection of our favourite turquoise pieces from across out furniture, lighting and home accessory ranges.

Add a splash of excitement to neutral interiors with a touch of ocean turquoise lighting or furniture, or dream about paradise as you sip from these pretty lagoon coloured tumblers.

Coro Tumblers set of 4 £15.00

Utility Winter Sale up to 50% off!

Our Winter Sale starts 4pm Christmas Eve online and with up to 50% off, you'd be mad to miss out.

We are offering up to 15% off furniture, 10% off lighting and up 50% off ex-display and discontinued items.

So make a note in your diary to check out www.utilitydesign.co.uk from 4pm, Thursday 24th December!