‘Turkel Talks’ About The Mid-Century Modern Phenomena

What are ‘Turkel Talks?’ Insightful, refreshing, informative commentaries about a broad range of topics from Miami’s expert branding guru, Bruce Turkel (Turkel Brands). Bruce helped create noted brands like Nike and Bacardi, has been a captivating speaker at leading universities and television stations (would you like to see his Fox News commentary on the Trump and Clinton campaigns?), and has just authored the best-selling book “All About Them.” I will also boast that Bruce and his wonderful wife Gloria recently bought the coolest house in my neighborhood, an inspiring Mid-Century Modern home that turned the heads of everyone who passed through (I was the listing agent)!

No secret the Turkels are collectors of Mid-Century Modern forms; their art, accessories, furniture, and their homes ooze the era – take a look at the pictures of the home they left behind in Pinecrest (would you like to buy it?)! A recent ‘Turkel Talks’ highlighted the life of Mid-Century Modern – I think you will enjoy the read!  Following is a re-formatted version:

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————

The midcentury aesthetic was a response to — and celebration of — the new world optimism that erupted with the economic boom after World War II. Architects and designers of the times were willing and encouraged to use new shapes and new materials. They also worked to embrace the revolutionary idea of indoor-outdoor living in

Midcentury modern is a style of architecture, interior design, and product and graphic design that was created from roughly 1933 to 1965. Its development was the work of architects and designers including George Nelson, Eero Saarinen, Richard Nuetra, Arne Jacobsen, Charles and Ray Eames, and more.You know midcentury modern it by its clean lines, pared-down forms, and natural materials. As well as its seamless interaction between both the rooms and the between interior and exterior spaces. In case you’re still not sure, you saw midcentury modern design in all its glory on the show Mad Men.

The midcentury aesthetic was a response to — and celebration of — the new world optimism that erupted with the economic boom after World War II. Architects and designers of the times were willing and encouraged to use new shapes and new materials. They also worked to embrace the revolutionary idea of indoor-outdoor living in their joyful designs.

Midcentury has been around for more than 80 years. But stylish consumers – as well as architects, interior designers, furniture manufacturers, retailers, and set designers – are still inspired by the beautiful and sensible approach.

That is why you see midcentury classics such as Saarinen’s Tulip table, Noguchi’s coffee table, Knoll’s sofas, and Castiglioni’s Arco lamp everywhere you look. And it’s why design-forward companies including Design Within Reach, Restoration Hardware, Luminaire, and Herman Miller do such brisk business stocking these classics.

According to The New York Times, midcentury modern remains the rage almost 20 years after it was reintroduced. “If anything, it’s even more popular then ever. Flip through a shelter magazine, shop at a mass retailer like CB2 or West Elm, and it’s all variations on a spiky-legged-chair-and-Tulip-table theme.”

The New York Times quoted “a range of insiders” for their take on midcentury:

LIZ O’BRIEN, 20th-century decorative arts dealer: “I continue to find super-exciting things. That happens often enough to keep me hooked.”

JILL SINGER, a founder of the design magazine Sight Unseen: “It’s beautiful materials, classic simple shapes that can seem timeless.”

JIM BRETT, president, West Elm: “I don’t know if there’s another time period with such a prolific amount of beautifully functional designs.”

MICHAEL BOODRO, editor in chief, Elle Decor: “It looks particularly good in lofts, in glass towers. The upkeep is easy.”

Learn more about real estate in Pinecrest, Coconut Grove, South Miami, Coral Gables, High Pines, and Palmetto Bay, by contacting Val Byrne & Associates at [email protected] or at 305-323-6231. Val Byrne – Working For You!