The Ciseal Journal

Here are some of our favorite Mid Century inspired furniture pieces designed and made by independent American craftspeople today.  

White and neutrals are the perfect backdrop for minimalist perfection.  Take a look at those clean, modern, Scandinavian inspired homes that feel warm and welcoming in spite of the blustery darkness outside.

Life happens literally around my coffee table and before I know it, there’s a cluttered mess awaiting me when all I want to do is curl up with a puppy snuggle and movie night.

We’re always on the lookout for American made goods to fill our homes.  The right lamp sets the perfect mood of the room it’s in, and all of the options available today make us feel like kids in the candy store.  There are so many makers out there creating quality, unique goods that we just had to share our favorites.  Here are five lamps we’re drooling over right now.

R. Buckminster Fuller perhaps said it best, “When I am working on a problem, I never think about beauty........ but when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.”

A nightstand’s look can make the difference between a calm, quiet reprieve and an anxious, restless sleep.  The things you put on it, under it, or next to it are all up to you and the mood you’re hoping to achieve.  But how do you create an oasis of a bedside table?  There are countless ways to style this small space, but with three simple rules you can easily create a special respite for winding down after a long day.

It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Mid Century Modern decor.  The clean lines, pops of bold color, and natural materials make my heart flutter a bit at each glance.  Each product I design is majorly influenced by the vintage Mid Century decor of the 50’s and 60’s.  But I’m not the only one.  There are countless others right here in America who are inspired by the mid mod classics to design and make their own take on modern decor today.  That’s why I’m excited to share with you some of my favorite Mid Century Modern inspired home decor items designed and made by hand right here in the USA.

Mid Century Modern’s resurgence isn’t fading anytime soon, and I'm guessing there’s probably someone in your life who’s a fan.  There are so many great mid century gift options today, so I've done my best to narrow it down to some unique products that are sure to be adored.  Whether that special someone is obsessed with the classic, retro Mad Men look or they're a fan of the modern, clean mix of natural and industrial decor, there’s something on this list for them.

Estate sales are the place to be if you’re looking for vintage mid century finds directly from the loving homes they’ve lived in.  Depending on where you live, the estate sales could be flooded with well-priced, genuine midcentury pieces just waiting for their next forever home.  In the Detroit area for instance, the sales around Bloomfield Hills are great for finding that authentic, designer-labeled midcentury treasure.  Not only are the things for sale gorgeously mid century, but many times the homes themselves are worth the trip as well.  Estate sales in mid century modern neighborhoods near you are where you need to be if scoring a vintage treasure is your quest.

With all of the information and entertainment it provides, the iPad (and it's non-Apple tablet counterparts) is just about a constant in our lives.  Here at Ciseal, we find ourselves using our tablets all over the house and office, and the Ray tablet stand is always a close companion.  We even find ourselves using the Ray with iPhones, books, and even art.  So, how can you get the most out of your Ray tablet stand?  Let us count the ways.