The Ciseal Blog

One of the common misconceptions about the spaces we live in is that as long as you can do what you need to do in a building or room, it doesn’t really matter how it looks.  There is perhaps an ideal in our minds that being surrounded by good aesthetics is simply a surface concern and how something looks doesn't really affect us on a deeper level.  In my earlier days in engineering I certainly felt the push to eschew aesthetics in favor of a product that works and meets the budget.  

Concerning architecture and interior design, there is sometimes a philosophy that we can make use of buildings and rooms for their intended purpose while paying no mind to their appearance and suffer no ill effects.  As long as we can set up 100 desks in a building then our employees will be able to get their work done.  If the room has a bed and some curtains on the windows then that should satisfy our need for sleep.  

The bland, lifeless feeling I get from simply writing those two previous sentences tells me there’s something missing when we settle for function over beauty.  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.”  There is more to our environment than simply functionality.

In 1944, while addressing a debate in Parliament about the reconstruction of London after the Second World War, Winston Churchill said, “We shape our buildings, then our buildings shape us.”  His keen observation brought into focus the idea that the environment we construct around us greatly influences how we feel, think, and act.  The effect is mostly subconscious, but we have all experienced it.  You may notice your mood turning anxious when you enter a cluttered basement or discouraged after spending 9 hours in a bland, beige cubicle farm or relaxed and happy in your friend's warm, cozy living room.  

What evidence do we have that aesthetics affect our moods and outlook?  Can an intentionally-designed, aesthetically-pleasing building, room or object help us to feel happier, more optimistic, or more connected to others?

Fortunately, some very insightful studies have been conducted which seek to answer our questions about how our surroundings influence us.  One of the earliest and perhaps most influential came in 1956 when the positive psychologist Abraham Maslow studied whether a person’s surroundings affected their mental outlook.  

In the study, he decorated three rooms in his university's lab in three distinctive styles.  The first room was the Beautiful Room because it was carefully arranged and decorated to be as comfortable and aesthetically pleasing as possible.  The second was designated the Average Room since it looked like an average university professor’s office.  The third was coined the Ugly Room, and it was a poorly lit janitor’s supply room filled with cleaning supplies, trash, and broken furniture.

Each participant in the study was assigned to one of the three rooms.  While in their assigned room, they were asked to rate a series of portrait photographs on a scale from positive to negative.  A clear pattern emerged.  Participants assigned to the Beautiful Room consistently gave more positive ratings to the portraits than those in the Ugly Room.  That’s some amazing evidence!

We might ideally believe that our mood or judgement is immune to our environment, but we are in fact quite influenced by our surroundings.  When we walk into a well-designed space that’s intentionally arranged and carefully appointed, we see others in a more positive light.  In a well-designed space, our mood improves, we can think more clearly, be more productive, have more fun, and be happier.  It pays to make your space look good.

Photo: Casa Runner

Every February, Palm Springs Modernism Week attracts thousands of Modernist fans from across the globe.  For mid century modern buffs, it’s quite possibly the most wonderful 10 days of the year.  There is so much to see and do during Modernism Week that it can be difficult to narrow it down to what you have time for - even if you’re in town for the whole 10 days.  To make the most of what there is to do, it helps to do some research before you go.  Hopefully this guide will help you narrow it down a bit to help you make the most of what there is to do during your trip.

Many official Modernism Week events sell out months in advance, so it would be prudent to check out www.modernismweek.com as soon as possible to reserve your spot.  Some events can be reserved closer to the day of the event for the more casual planners among us, but it doesn’t hurt to reserve a spot as soon as possible.  There’s a great mix of things to do as well as price points associated with the various events (from free to several hundred dollars).  Here are some of the most popular things to do and events to attend during Modernism Week:  

CAMP

Photo: Atomic Ranch

The first place you will want to go once you arrive in Palm Springs is CAMP (the Community and Meeting Place).  CAMP is located in downtown Palm Springs just next door to Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture & Design Center.  It’s essentially the festival center where you can get yourself oriented to everything that’s going on in town, purchase event tickets, attend a lecture, take advantage of a free event or exhibit, or pick up some souvenirs.  CAMP is also where most tours start from, so it’s good to have it on your radar.

House Tours

Photo: Modernism Week

Historic home tours offer the rare opportunity to walk through historic mid century modern masterpieces like the Desert Palisades Al Beadle Home and many others.  I highly recommend doing at least one of these on your trip.  A slightly different house tour is the Show House which brings together various tastemakers to create unique rooms in one house.  It’s pure interior design eye candy where you’ll find so many ideas that you won’t know what to do with them all.

Double Decker Bus Tours

Photo: Modernism Week

These tours are awesome because the height of the bus allows you to see over walls and landscaping at street level and take in the glorious architecture.  You also get a very informative narrator who will share all of the interesting bits about what you’re seeing.

Walking Tours

Photo: Modernism Week

You can actually do a walking tour on your own year-round if you download the Palm Springs Modern: Mid-Century Architecture Tours app for iPhone or Android for just $5.  It offers three different guided tours and will give you directions from one stop to the next.  It even provides photos and information about the architect and the building itself.  If you’d prefer a human-led tour, Modernism Week has several exclusive guided walking tours in multiple neighborhoods.

Preview and Cocktail Parties

Photo: Modernism Week

Preview parties are the perfect way to get a sneak peak of all of the fabulous exhibitors or step inside an historic home and experience what it would be like to attend a cocktail party in the Mad Men era.  Many of these events are previews, so they’re going to happen before Modernism Week starts, but some of the cocktail parties happen throughout the week, and they’re a great chance to have a bit more of an intimate experience inside an architectural gem.

Exhibits, Lectures & Films

Photo: Modernism Week

CAMP (The Community and Meeting Place), The Palm Springs Public Library, and The Palm Springs Art Museum all host architectural exhibits, lectures and films specifically for Modernism Week, so be sure to check their schedules for the days you will be in town.

Palm Springs Modernism Show and Sale

Photo: Modernism Week

This is the show that started Modernism Week, and it’s easily the most well attended event of the week.  It is a can’t-miss treasure chest of vintage and new mid century modern furniture, lighting, prints, sculpture, and decorative arts.  So, if you’ve had your eye on a George Nelson lamp, an elusive Herman Miller chair, or a Charles and Ray Eames bent ply splint this is where you’re most likely to find it.  You’ll find it at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

Palm Springs Fine Art Fair

Photo: incollect

While at the Convention Center, make your way over to the The Palm Springs Fine Art Fair which features post-war and contemporary photography, sculpture and paintings.  It is a huge fair with over 50 exhibitors, so there’s plenty of interesting pieces to see for everyone.

This was just a small taste of all that there is to do during Modernism Week.  Be sure to peruse www.modernismweek.com before you leave on your trip.  There is simply too much to see and do, so please do your homework before you go!  Modernism Week is absolutely a wonderful time to immerse yourself in the best that Palm Springs has to offer.  

(collected interiors)

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.

1. Keep it Simple

Restraint is key - too many things will look cluttered and hardly create a restful atmosphere.  But what are the essentials?  A lamp is priority in this space (our Michigan Left Lamp is a great choice).  Nobody wants to get up from a warm bed after reading a bit to turn off the light.  Books can also be important here, and giving yourself a few options depending on your mood will help you wind down after a busy day.  Having trouble narrowing it down?  A nightstand with a drawer could be your saving grace.  Depending on how much space you have left, choose one or two more things to round it out.  It could be some art - either on the wall behind your nightstand or a small piece on the table itself, a plant or cut flowers to freshen the air, a candle to set the mood, a special keepsake to bring a smile to your face, or an elegant glass of water will create a cohesive look.

(Better Home & Garden)

2. Respect the Scale

That ginormous antique lamp from your grandmother is probably not the best choice here and neither is that overflowing Christmas cactus you just can’t seem to tame.  Smaller spaces might benefit from wall-mounted lamps - leaving the table itself clear for the other essentials.  Smaller photos or artwork are good choices on nightstands and draw the eye to something more detailed and special.

(Yesterday's Sweetheart)

3. Mix it Up  

You don’t have keep the same 3 things on your nightstand forever and ever.  Play with the things until you love it and then mix it up again.  Switching things out every so often keeps the look fresh and interesting and allows you to be a bit more non-committal about what makes the cut in this valuable space.  Fresh cut flowers in the spring or a smattering of succulents in the winter are great change-ups.  Have a multitude of knick-knacks?  Rotate them out every so often.  This rule is where the fun is at because you can switch and tweak at will.

(Domaine Home)

It really is that easy!  Keep it simple, respect the scale, and mix it up.  Try it out and see how much more restful (or exciting) your nights can be!

Are you looking for a fabulous lamp to set the mood?  Check out our Michigan Left Table Lamp.  It’s my current bedside lamp, and its soft, warm glow is just the restful touch for a calming bedtime routine.

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.

Modern Cork Planters by Melanie Abrantes

These hand-turned cork planters were inspired by vintage planters from the 1960’s.  They’re naturally porous, so they keep plants at the perfect moisture level.  Melanie makes them available in three sizes for all sizes of houseplants.  Take a look at Melanie Abrantes’ online shop.

Perpetual Calendar by Tait Design

Tait Design’s hanging wall calendar is designed to be used year after year.  It’s design is inspired by vintage volvelles.  The three circles move to mark the day, date and month - perfect for the home or office.  Find out more at Tait Design’s online shop.

Walnut Serving Trays by Hunt & Noyer

Fellow Michigan-based designer Kyle Huntoon makes these handsome trays in three sizes for any use you can think of.  The small tray is a perfect desk caddy to keep all of your small items in one tidy place.  The medium tray holds all of those important pieces of mail or paper together and neatly stacked.  And the largest size is made for entertaining - like carrying drink and apps and such.  Check them out at Hunt & Noyer’s website.

SQR Box + Sliced Lid by IN.SEK Design

IN.SEK Design specializes in combining natural concrete and wood in clean shapes that complement any mid century modernist’s decor.  Their bowls, trays, hooks, and planters are to die for, but I’m particularly smitten about their gorgeous boxes.  Each one is a unique design that holds your prized possessions safely and beautifully.  Check them out at IN.SEK’s online shop.

Rope Box by Light + Ladder

Light + Ladder’s Rope Box in Walnut hangs from any wall where you want some decorative storage.  Hang it next to your front door to store your keys, wallet, or phone while keeping them out of sight.  Find out more at Light + Ladder’s online shop.

Modern Birdhouse by KoolBird

So maybe a birdhouse isn't your typical home decor item, but hear me out.  KoolBird’s bird houses are modern takes on mid century shapes.  Imagine hanging one of these in a child'd bedroom or anywhere that might want a bit of lighthearted whimsy.  Find out more at KoolBird’s online shop.

Aspen Magazine Rack by Ciseal

I’d be a bit remiss to not include my most favorite home decor item of all time - The Aspen Magazine Rack.  But seriously, this gorgeously modern piece brings a bit of nature-inspired beauty indoors and onto your coffee table or desk.  It’s a clean, minimal way to corral magazines, newspapers, mail, documents, or your favorite trinkets and treasures.  Check them out in Ciseal’s online shop.

It was tough narrowing it down to eight!  These are just a small sample of the mid century inspired home goods that are being made in the USA right now.  Whether it’s these talented designer/makers or ones closer to your home, please support your local small businesses!

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.

Vases from Heath Ceramics
$24-122
You cannot go wrong with a Heath Ceramics vase.  Just about anyone will cherish one, but MCM fans will truly appreciate their quality and style.

Art Prints from Christian Musselman 
$75-$125
Midcentury architecture and design fans love the beauty in the details of their homes.  Christian’s home portraits capture these details in a distinct modern style that any midcentury fan will love - even if they don’t live in one of these atomic ranches yet.

Tiki Mug from Ooga-Mooga 
$25+ 
Mid Century and Tiki are like those friends who are polar opposites but attached at the hip nonetheless. For an interesting look into why they’re such great buddies, check out Tiki With Ray’s blog post here.  Suffice it to say, your Mid Century fanatic will probably appreciate a tiki mug or two.  Ooga-Mooga is my go-to site to find unique tiki mugs that are both traditional or super irreverent and silly if that's your jam.


Books!  These are some of my favorite books with gorgeous photos and lots of info and history.  Like any good Mid Century Modernist, I can get lost in these for hours.
Michigan Modern: Design that Shaped America $35
Eames: Beautiful Details $42
Miller’s Mid-Century Modern $45
Alexander Girard: popular edition $52

The Ray Tablet Stand from Ciseal 
$80 
Named after Ray Eames and inspired by the Eames LCW bent plywood chair, these handmade bent plywood stands are designed to hold your iPad, cookbook, magazine, and more at a perfect viewing angle while you work, read, cook, play, and watch.

Tree Ring Paintings by focus.line.art
$35+
Artist Tracy Melton’s mid century inspired, rustic, yet modern wood slices may be my new best friends.  I can imagine them perfectly accenting a quaint mid century lake house.  Each piece is one of a kind, hand painted by Tracy himself, and would add some fab rustic modern charm to your mid century fan’s home.

Prints from Jenn Ski
$35+
Jenn Ski’s gorgeous prints feature retro atomic-era abstract patterns in bright, modern bursts of color.  Be sure to check out her other products too - there's sure to be one that's the perfect match.

The Yard Bird from Lunar Lounge
$50
Inspired by Charles and Ray Eames, these handmade birds add that mid mod natural touch to any room.

Trilogy Tray from David Rasmussen Design 
$83
Harken back to when it was considered a bonding experience for the family to gather around the tv with their trays of tv dinners.  The Trilogy Tray is a modern take on those tv dinner trays, and it brings a nostalgic touch to serving appetizers, nuts, or chocolates at your next dinner party.  Check out the other products available too - there are literally so many your MCM fan will love.

Modern Family tree from My Tree & Me
$55-120
My Tree and Me creates custom modern family trees.  The clean, modern designs are available in multiple color options that will go perfectly with mid century modern decor.

Wire Trophy Heads from Bend Goods 
$60-220
No hunting necessary - these wire trophy heads bring nature home with a touch of fun modern style.

The Philip Johnson Glass House Snow Globe from The Glass House Design Store
$75
Is there anything more tranquil than gently falling snow?  This snow globe is custom made for the Glass House Design Store, and it’s a nostalgic take on a modern icon.

Hans Bolling Wooden Duckling Stardust Modern
$78-$148
Try to resist this simply adorable duckling hand crafted out of teak wood.  It’s smooth, simple, playful yet sophisticated curves are sure to bring some harmony and warmth wherever it’s placed.

Aspen Magazine Rack from Ciseal
$120 
The Aspen Magazine Rack's aspen leaf inspired sweeping bent plywood profile is a perfect addition to any mid-century modern lover's coffee table.

This guest post is contributed by Real Estate Unlimited, a real estate group serving clients in the Echo Park neighborhood and other parts of Los Angeles.

Midcentury furniture is characterized by clean lines and inventive contours, and the right midcentury pieces can add timeless sophistication to any space. There’s a thriving trade in midcentury antiques today, with Palm Springs a renowned midcentury mecca, but several furniture design firms have begun to recreate popular midcentury pieces using high-quality materials. In this post, we’ll look at some iconic midcentury items for your home.

Eames Plywood Lounge Chair and Ottoman

Photo Credit: Manhattanhomedesign.com

Midcentury furniture designers were fascinated with smooth, flowing lines, shorn of the elaborate ornamentation of earlier design eras. With its futuristic curves and burnished wooden surfaces, this plywood lounge chair and ottoman, based on a design by Charles and Ray Eames, is a stellar example. This piece also displays midcentury design interest in contrasting textures, with a rich wooden frame balanced by luxurious leather upholstery.

Florence Chair

Several renowned midcentury designers created chairs using this ultra-minimalist compound cube template. This pioneering version was devised by Florence Knoll in 1954, and similar designs are often known as “Florence Chairs.” This design reduces the basic shape of the armchair down to a few spare lines without sacrificing comfort. The cube shape can balance with almost any interior arrangement, adding solidity without dominating a room. Shown here in classic black, cube chairs can also be found in bright contemporary colors like scarlet or burnt orange, making them a perfect accent piece for a neutral palette.

Bentwood Coffee Table

Photo Credit: Glicksfurniture.com.au

Midcentury designers sought to emphasize functionality without sacrificing visual interest or structural refinement. This Swedish modern bentwood coffee table is a paradigmatic example – the simple curve of the wooden structure bends back on itself to create a seamlessly integrated magazine rack. With its plain design and texture, this piece makes a versatile addition to your living room, working equally well as a coffee table or side table.

Le Corbusier Dining Table

Photo Credit: Nest.co.uk

Glass-topped tables were all the rage in midcentury interior design, combining futuristic steel with the minimalist clarity of transparent glass surfaces. This Le Corbusier Dining Table originally appeared as the popular designer and architect’s “LC6” design, but it and similar pieces have been re-created as high-quality replicas. Its emphatic lines and strong steel base provide a powerful central focus to any dining room. This piece’s cool steel-and-glass palette also provides the perfect companion to an accent piece – for example, a dramatic light fixture or lively silkscreen print.

Adrian Pearsall Sofa

Photo Credit: 1stdibs.com

Sofas were a midcentury design favorite due to the contemporary craze for casual entertaining. Designer Adrian Pearsall was inspired by yacht and shipboard interiors, and his source material shows in the polished wood ornamentation in his sofas and coffee tables. His low-slung gondola sofas became a midcentury favorite, a sleek alternative to blockier minimalist sofa designs. His original was copied, but never outshown – consider making this original design the hub of your living room.

The midcentury modern era inspired a wealth of innovative furniture, so you’ll have an abundance of options to choose from when selecting furniture for your home. This guide should give you a foundation for your midcentury stylebook. Why not add midcentury flair to your home with one of these visionary designs?

About the Author: Real Estate Unlimited is a premiere real estate agency located in Southern California, serving Echo Park and nearby neighborhoods. We pride ourselves on our in-depth local historical and cultural knowledge, ensuring that all of our clients are matched with the perfect home in the perfect area. We are passionate about delivering the best service to all of our clients, finding each purchaser a truly unique Southern California home.

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.  

Here are some tips to consider before you go:

1. Pre-screen the sales and put together a game plan.  

Craigslist and EstateSales.net are the two tried-and-true sites for new estate sales.  Look at the preview pics of each sale to see if they have the mid century modern masterpieces you’re looking for - there’s no need wasting your time going to a sale that advertises in it’s title or description “mid century” items only to find a sale full of traditional-style furnishings that just happened to be made in the 1960s.  Once you have your list of sales to check out, decide on the one you need to go to first thing on Thursday morning to snag that one of a kind piece you’ve been craving.  Then make a list - or better yet, a map - of the other sales you want to visit.  There you have it - your game plan is set.

2. Go early and be ready to wait in line if there’s an item you decide you must have.    

At the very least, get there 1 hour before it opens.  It might seem crazy, but how bad do you want that vintage 1968 Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman?  Some sales that have trendy items (hello, vintage mid century modern things) will have lines starting 3 hours before they open on Thursday morning.  I’m serious.

3. Always be ready to pay with cash.  

The first stop on your estate sale hunt shall most definitely be the ATM.  Estate sales are essentially full-house garage sales, so cash is king.  Some pro estate sale organizers will accept credit cards, but the best deals can be had if you’ve got cash to fill their pockets.

4. When a piece of furniture catches your eye, you really should inspect it thoroughly. 

Keeping in mind that the worthiness of a furniture piece is all about what you’re looking for and your expectations.  If your obsession is authentic vintage mid century pieces then you absolutely need to do your research and learn how to identify the real things.  Buying what you think is an authentic, vintage mid century piece only to learn later that it's actually a reproduction from the 1990s because you didn’t look close enough is the worst.  Alternatively, if you’re more interested in the style and don’t care so much about the designer name, then still know of how to spot a quality piece of furniture. 

So, whether it’s a sideboard, table, desk, shelving unit or chair, look it over closely from every side - including the bottom and the back.  Does it have a manufacturer label (if you’re looking for one) that identifies it as authentic?  Is it the quality you expect and want?  Is it made from durable materials?  Is it real wood or a wood grain laminate?  Does it feel solid?  Are the joints tight?  Are there any dents, scratches, rips, or stains?  Will it need to be refinished, recovered, or fixed in any way?  Know what you’re looking for and what you’re looking at and you’ll do great!

5. Stand your ground with the pro resellers.  

Many people at estate sales are there to score a deal on a piece so they can re-sell it in their store or antique show booth.  They’re pros at this game, and while you’re looking for beautiful things to accentuate your home, they’re looking to make a profit and a livelihood.  They’re probably really sweet people in real life, but be prepared for their pushy and sometimes rude behavior around quality pieces.  You have every right to stand your ground and not let them bully you.

6. Be prepared to leave with your purchases.  

Sure, most sales will put a hold sign on your newly purchased sideboard and let you come back and pick it up at the end of the day.  Just know that it’s going to sit there all day with a lot (hundreds or thousands!) of people shuffling past it.  Most will be nice, responsible, respectful adults and leave it alone in spite of their disappointment that it’s already spoken for.  But then there’s the select few who leave their sweating slurpee cup on it’s impeccable top - without a coaster *shudder* - or let their kids stick their gum to the bottom.  If you buy it and cherish it, be ready to drive home with it right away.

That about covers what I’ve learned so far.  Hopefully these tips help you on your next estate sale whether it’s your first or twentieth.  Happy hunting!

With all of the information and entertainment it provides, the iPad (and it's non-Apple 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:

1. Trying new recipes at home is the best, and all of the cooking apps out there make it so easy to find a mouth watering new one and cook away.  The Ray makes it so easy to keep that recipe close at hand while you create deliciousness in the kitchen.

2. We all have those recipes in cookbooks that we keep coming back to and cooking again and again.  Thankfully, the Ray perfectly holds old fashioned books too.

3. Speaking of books, why not display a cherished childhood story that you constantly revisit?  Or, display a photo or piece of art that you love.  We love setting up a photo album on an iPad to cycle through precious photos when the family gets together.

4. The Ray is a multi-tasker at bedtime - use it as a double charging station for both your iPad and iPhone.  Better yet, the Ray is designed to amplify sound from those teeny tiny speakers so you can be immersed in your favorite soothing bedtime tunes.

5. We're all multi-taskers to a certain extent - how can you not be with your web browser, notes, apps, docs, sheets, photos, etc.  The Ray perfectly holds your iPad as a second display for your computer, so you don't ever have to minimize a thing.

6. Don't have your computer with you?  Use your Ray to pull up your favorite inspiration photos to get the ideas flowing.

7. Many days, the best part is when you can put everything aside and just relax.  We love to sit back and let our minds wander inside a movie, and all we need is an iPad, a Ray, and some popcorn!