The Ciseal Blog

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.

"The modern handmade movement continues to impress and inspire us with  its diverse talent and incredible ingenuity. The artists on this 1st Handmade 100 represent their particular genres of craft with skill and imagination."

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 huge thank you to Sarah Jane Stone, the editor at Atomic Ranch magazine, for reaching out to me about including two Ciseal products in their recent issues.

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.

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.

I like to think of myself as a reformed engineer - one who has gone from a complete lack of knowledge about the creative arts to fully embracing the important role art and design have in a technology-driven economy.

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.

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.

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.

It’s June, and every year around this time I start dreaming about road trips.  Being born and raised in Michigan, some of my favorite destinations like Traverse City, Mackinac Island, Tahquamenon Falls and Pictured Rocks are “up north.”  While driving to these destinations, I’m usually dreaming about soaking in their natural beauty on quiet hikes, sampling local brews and eats, and relaxing under the stars.  These dreams are usually in full swing as we drive through another destination that most wouldn’t even think to stop at and explore: Midland.