Mon Oncle is Jacques Tati’s 1958 comedy about Monsieur Hulot, a socially awkward yet lovable character and his quixotic struggle with postwar France’s infatuation with modern architecture, mechanical efficiency and American-style consumerism. The dialogue in this movie takes a back-seat to the lively musical score and visuals.

At its debut, Mon Oncle was denounced by some critics for what they viewed as a reactionary view of an emerging French consumer society, which had lately embraced a new wave of industrial modernization and a more rigid social structure.

Recently I was asked by Satellite-Magazine to write an article about the resurgence of mid-century modern design and I gladly took up the challenge. I’ve been obsessed with Mad Men for a while now and was pleased I had the chance to make the connection between the two. (If you haven’t seen it, get out from underneath that rock and watch it! The sets and the fashion are stunning.)

“The era that gave us mass-produced furniture and the opportunity to “experiment” with our décor is making a come-back in the lush set designs of AMC’s hit show, Mad Men. From Pete’s chic apartment to the Draper’s domestic dream home, everyone seems to be buzzing about mid-century modern, and rightly so…”

You can read the full Mid-Century is Modern Again article over at Satellite. Be sure to check out the rest of the site too!

Read the original 1961 Playboy article about mid-century modern masters Designs for Living.

At the age of 17, Cees Braakman went to work for the UMS-Pastoe Company – a then small chair making company in Utrecht, The Netherlands – where his father worked as the Manager and Head Draftsman. During his apprenticeship he learned to produce the classic designs that were the backbone of the company at the time.

With the end of WWII, UMS-Pastoe regrouped and Cees traveled to the U.S. on their behalf to study the design and production methods of seminal designers such as Ray and Charles Eames and manufacturing companies such as Herman Miller. From this study, he was inspired to experiment with molded plywood and create light-weight, cost efficient furniture for UMS-Pastoe.

The Netherlands has always had a policy of supporting and nurturing design and designers and with Braakman this was no different. The Stichting Goed Wonen (Good Living Foundation) lauded Braakman’s designs and in doing so, raised Pastoe’s status as a forward-thinking company.

Though Braakman designed all types of furniture, from 1955 through the 1960s, he focused on modular cabinetry. He experimented with various manufacturing methods, including units that consumers could customize for their space and assemble in their home.

Permanent Cees Braakman biography is here.

I was digging through some old photos recently and came upon a picture of my first house in Edmonton. Alberta. I was about 21 when I fell in love with retro 1950s design and of course, being a designer I had to go whole hog and furnish and renovate my 1950’s bungalow down to every tiny retro detail.

Since then my tastes have become somewhat more refined, but that pink couch is still with me albeit reupholstered in a beautiful gun metal gray felt, and I’ve packed that turquoise slipper chair I bought for $15 at a farm sale in rural Alberta to Vancouver, Amsterdam, and back to Vancouver again.

Which leads me to wonder… how did your love affair with mid-century modern start?

Danish Teak Furniture is experiencing more and more popularity for its simple beauty, its sturdy construction and craftsmanship, and the aesthetic appeal that it provides to any setting. The internet has allowed word of beautiful Danish style teak furniture to really prosper, as people are increasingly becoming convinced of the style, beauty and comfort that it provides. If you would like to know more about Danish teak furniture, continue reading for a basic overview of its history.

The Features of Teak Construction

Teak is a type of hardwood that is found mostly in Asian countries, but is used for construction in countries all over the world, including (of course) by the Danish themselves. Teak grows naturally in the wild, but is now often harvested specifically for the purpose of making high quality furniture pieces. It is a durable type of wood that has grown in popularity as word of its outstanding quality spreads, as pieces that are well cared for can last for one hundred years or more.

Denmark Makes Teak Furniture Its Own Style

In the middle of the 20th century, Danish furniture designers began really using teak to its full capabilities. In fact, the Danish furniture made from teak in this particular era is quite valuable and is quite a sight to behold. Since teak is such a durable, dependable wood, you actually have a great chance of getting an outstanding piece, even though it will now be 50 to 60 years old, when buying Danish teak furniture from the middle of the century. Mid-century Danish teak offerings were led by such visionaries as Hans Wegner and Grete Jalk, who helped create a contemporary style that endures to this very day.

Why Did the Danish Choose Teak?

Many people are curious as to why such great designers as Jalk, Wegner, and others would favor teak over many other types of wood. As mentioned earlier, teak is well known for its durability and quality, which allowed these designers to know that their work would endure through many years, which is an exciting prospect for any type of artist. Also, teak wood is resistant to such problems as termites and the elements, so fine designers knew that their pieces would serve those who bought them well for years to come. They also favored the bold look of the wood, which makes it suitable for many different situations and environments.

The Future of Danish Teak Furniture

While the Danish continue to depend on teak for furniture making and continually groundbreaking designs, a Danish teak furniture piece will always be a worthwhile, but expensive purchase. After all, teak wood itself is not cheap, and the craftsmanship that top Danish furniture makers provide makes each piece even more valuable to collectors all around the world. Even though many of the designs are beautifully understated and modest, the high quality and gorgeous teak wood always make Danish teak wood a valuable status symbol of sorts.

The Danish continue to do amazing things with teak wood each day, and with teak furniture being so versatile, you simply can’t go wrong with Danish teak furniture.

Lushpad has had over 1,200 visitors in the first two days we’re so pleased with the interest that’s been generated in our site! We’re working to create more content and get more ad listings up so keep coming back.

If you haven’t already, please register with us for the chance to win a design classic! A licensed original Eames molded plywood chair. It’s a beauty worth over $750!