Fifties Fireplaces

November 9th, 2010

Sometimes you just need a mental break to oogle something inspirational. I found this gem of a book last week, 'Contemporary' by Lesley Jackson, so I thought I'd share some images. As the weather has turned colder in Scotland, the images of the central hearth had an appealing warmth, so I've chosen that as the theme for this set. A design phenomenon began in the 1950's, featuring fireplaces as a dominant point to center the aesthetic composition of the home around. Some were of subdued materials and asymetrically set aside, whilst others were expressive, flamboyant, and dominant. Although architects of the midcentury fully supported advances in central heating, the psychological benefit of an open fire was irresistable and added a visual warmth to a minimalist house. Enjoy!

William Pereira & Associates, 1963 Higgens & Ney, London, 1954 Blane Drake, Phoenix, 1950 Crites & McConnell, 1964 Buff, Straub & Hensman, Bass House in California, 1958 Buff, Straub & Hensman, Bass House in California, 1958 Arne Jacobsen, Odden Charles Eames & Eero Saarinen, Entenza House, 1945-49 Jackson, Lesley. 'Contemporary'

Caroline Engel for Danish Teak Classics

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