Inspired by the Eames house we look at how to create a cosy, curvy space.
Post-pandemic, we want to feel cocooned in our home and work spaces, as well as closer to nature. There’s a shift towards buying more curved furniture in our homes (as reported by Pinterest) and we’re also bringing more of the outside in and creating plant-filled spaces to help us feel closer to nature.
The Eames House
Both Matt and I are always inspired by Charles and Ray Eames - “the couple who shaped the way we live” according to the BBC. Perhaps the most important figures in twentieth century design, their iconic designs are still much loved.
We’re also forever inspired by their home, built in 1949 in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles. The Eames House is now a museum and foundation that exists to inspire and preserve their lasting legacy on the world.
What we love about it, is that it feels like a family home, filled with light, plants and gently curved furniture that still feels exceptionally modern today. The family of the Eames run the foundation today and regularly share stories of family life at the house through the generations.
Taking inspiration from their home. We’ve picked some of our favourite pieces to make your space feel softer. You don’t have to rethink a whole room, but an investment piece or two can transform the way a room looks, as can adding curved mirrors and rugs to help you feel cosier.
“Take your pleasure seriously”
Charles Eames
The idea for the ES106 Soft Pad Chaise came from a long-standing friend of the Eames', film director Billy Wilder, who was looking for a recliner for relaxing in and taking short rests. Six cushions joined together with zips are attached to the aluminium frame and there are two loose cushions for extra support, making this one of the most comfortable and iconic pieces of furniture around
The 42 chair - also known as the “Small Paimio” - was designed by Alvar Aalto for the Paimio Sanitorium in Finland in 1932. It showcases all Aalto’s work - smooth curves and contours and remains iconic today.
Designed by the grandfather of Danish design Arne Jacobsen, the Egg Chair was originally created for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. Jacobsen desired to create a piece that contrasted with the rigid modernist exterior of the building. It’s defined by its soft and organic curves.
Artek A440 Pendant Suspension Light
A brand that we buy for our own home over and over, the Artek Pendant A440 was designed by Alvar Aalto for Artek in 1954. The sister to the smaller Golden Bell lamp, the A440 is larger and made of hand-blown opal glass that gives it the sculptural feel and diffuses the light ever so softly.
The Sillon - the French word for groove - is inspired by the Art Deco movement. Designed by Sebastian Herkner for &Tradition, the sleek and sophisticated design comes in three sizes, 46, 66 or 96cm diameter, and with the choice of a brass or chrome frame. Grouped together or hung separately they looks equally as stunning.
For your home office. The Palette Desk is an exciting addition to the Palette Tables collection by design maverick Jayme Hayon. The simplicity of its powered coated legs is mixed with the playful rounded lines of the desk top and its material combination: the colourful ash wood top creates contrast with the brass or marbled elevated ring. The Palette Desk is almost like a multi-tiered sculpture that doubles as a desk inspired by the work of Alexander Calder.
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