This Art Deco cabinet has a stunning wood grain
A quick trip to Palm Springs during Modernism Week earlier this month did not disappoint. Though I did not take any house tours this time, I did make it, with my dear friend Philip Gill, to the Modernism Show & Sale at the Palm Springs Convention Center – and there were plenty of “wow” moments.
For me, the biggest thrills came with the stunning Art Deco pieces. Which just goes to show that modernism interiors do not have to be ripped from the pages of George Jetson’s playbook. After all, even Mid-Century Modernism has references, a history. I even saw California Craftsman furniture at the show.
A beautiful chrome credenza
One of my favorite pieces was a black credenza with swooping, ivory-colored curved ends (see photo on the cover of the newsletter). Anther gorgeous piece was a dark cabinet with a Macassar ebony wood grain that was just stunning (see photo with terra cotta-colored leather chairs in foreground). I also loved the chrome credenza; I’d never seen anything quite like it.
These are all Art Deco pieces. That’s not to say there weren’t some excellent examples of typical mid-century furniture, streamlined and utilitarian, at the show. A group of black tulip chairs particularly caught my eye.
This Mexican furniture collection is a wonderful example of Modernism but with a Spanish Baroque twist
One of the more interesting twists on Modernism I saw was found in a House of Blu booth that featured a furniture collection called “Mexicalism.” These beautiful pieces (not surprisingly, from Mexico) were wonderful space-age forms, including an iconic amoeba-shaped coffee table, straight out of the Jetsons. But what was interesting was the interior’s Spanish Colonial influence, with darker woods and colors that date back to the Spanish Renaissance. Two armchairs with small horn-like protrusions – evoking a Spanish Baroque style – added a quirky touch.
All in all, the show was a lovely feast for the eyes.