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More George…

Because clearly this weekend, I can’t get enough George.

You know how sometimes you want something so badly and for so long that when you finally get it, it can’t possibly measure up to your imagination and expectations? Well, that’s not what happened.

I have pined and dreamt of a George Nelson bubble lamp for as long as I can remember. (Okay, total hyperbole, but roll with me here, people.) So when my birthday came last month and I got birthday money from family (I heart birthday money!), I decided to take the plunge and buy myself a bubble lamp.

At first, I didn’t want to pay full price for a new one. Plus, I had heard other bloggers wax on about how lovely the warm light was from the vintage ones. However, as I looked at Ebay and other sites, I just didn’t have the confidence in the state of the lamps that I wanted to. And honestly, the prices weren’t that much better. (What has happened to Ebay? It is IMPOSSIBLE to get a good deal there anymore.) And because I seem to have a ‘why pay less’ disorder, I went to Modernica and bought a new one…a 25″ saucer for $329. The good news? No tax and no shipping, so that made me feel a little better.

What also made me feel better was getting rid of this:

Now to be perfectly honest, I didn’t find this fixture as offensive as some other members of the family. In fact, I kind of liked its very atomic MCM vibe. However, once that big white box appeared on my doorstep, I knew me and the Jetsons light fixture were going our separate ways. (Any thoughts on what I should do with it? Is it worth putting on Craigslist? Think anyone would want it?)

I love Thanksgiving and I love cooking for a crowd, so more than anything I wanted that lamp up for my Thanksgiving dinner. And you know what I am thankful for? A husband who not only know how to do things like that, but who also does it willingly on Thanksgiving day so my vision would be complete. Now the dining room is almost finished. Just need a rug and to recover the chairs of our wonderful Drexel dining room chairs.

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Tags: Dining Room, George Nelson, george nelson bubble lamp

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Categories Decor, Designers, Dining Room, Products, Uncategorized

Modern Classics: The George Nelson Bubble Lamp

9 Sep

I covet a George Nelson bubble lamp. Actually, I covet a variety of them. So it’s no surprise that I loved this post below by Apartment Therapy. I also love these George Nelson Bubble Lamp inspired necklaces by Alexandra Keller that I found on Etsy. Super cute. Super reasonable ($30). You know, in case anyone wants to buy me a present.

Modern Classics: Nelson Bubble Lamps

If there was a top ten list of the most recognizable modern design pieces ever, there’s no doubt George Nelson’s Bubble Lamps would be on it. Though they come in quite the variety of sizes and shapes, their core design — a space-ship like, self-webbing plastic lamp — is the look that many folks gravitate to when looking for an element to add a touch of modern design to a space.

First created in 1947, Nelson Bubble Lamps were designed to be made up of materials that were developed for military use, which was typical in the postwar era. You can learn more about their history and read about them in George Nelson’s own words in this history of the bubble lamp.

Its rich history aside, the soul of the Nelson Bubble Lamp is its ability to blend perfectly with many different styles and also stick out just enough to add a punch of personality. Some might call a Nelson Bubble Lamp a safe choice (they’re not a crazy color or particularly “loud”), but we don’t think so. Any time you use one of these lights in a space, there’s a strong energy that permeates the whole room. It’s a bold choice, and a classic one. We grabbed some shots from around the web that show how great George Nelson Bubble Lamps look in a variety of spaces, from traditional to very modern.

Check out other Nelson lamp perfection at the blogs below.

1. Simple and bright at The Brick House
2. Corner classic in Marsi & Robert’s Bright and Tidy Southern Ranch
3. Looks perfect with wood. John Lum Architecture, Inc. via Houzz
4. Living room lovely from SF Girl by Bay
5. With the wood ceiling, from another angle by John Lum Architecture, Inc.

6. Hollywood regency via Desire to Inspire
7. Vintage and dramatic in the Brooklyn home of Jordan Provost and Jason Wong via Design*Sponge
8. A lucky break in Dwell Magazine
9. Simple and sleek in Vancouver via
10. Global-inspired in a dining room by Aaron Hom

What do you think? Feel like you need one for your space now? Find resources for where to get one or more in this post.

Tags: Alexandra Keller jewelry, george nelson bubble lamp

Comments 8 Comments
Categories Blogs, Designers, Products

Top 10 Mid-Century Decor Must-Haves

31 Jan

Think of this as the David Letterman list (am I dating myself?) of the top ten things I think say mid-century design in a home. When I think about my hopes and dreams for this house, only half of it is structural. The other half is decor…furniture, object d’art, accessories. So I started making a list for myself that I thought I would share it with you, dear readers. This is an ‘in my opinion’ list. My opinion. Brandy’s. It’s as eclectic as I am (i.e. mis-matched and slightly askew). And I am sure I will miss something that you personally love and think is a ‘must-have’. I have no Florence Knoll or Le Corbusier or Mies Van der Rohe, all of which I love but I had to make some practical choices based on my own home. So pile it on in the comments. Tell me what you love too and share it with other mid-century ~~crazies~~ enthusiasts like us.

Whether you buy an original or a replica or a used piece, there are many ways to fit these into your home based on your budget. (I know there are soaring debates about authentic versus replica, but let’s just say I don’t judge. Some replicas are quality; some not so much. Everyone needs to do whatever they need to do within their means and values.)

10. Flokati rug: Ebay vintage 4×6 $40, New 4×6 $139

9. George Nelson bubble lamp: Original 16″ vintage on ebay $450, New authentic from Design Within Reach $329

8. Catherineholm enamelware: Must buy it vintage on places like Etsy or Ebay. Never seen one out in the thrift store wild, but I have to believe they are out there. The set below is priced at $380 on Etsy, which feels a little high to me. You can find good pieces upwards of $50 for the smaller ones.

7. Some kind of owl something: Easy peasy. Dig an old macrame out of your mom’s attic or pick up this slightly kitchsy but wonderful owl wallpaper by UK designer Abigail Edwards.

6. Noguchi coffee table: Authentic from Herman Miller for $1399 or a replica from Rex Kelly for $349.

5. George Nelson platform bench: 5′ at Design Within Reach $779 or 5′ replica at Lexington Modern for $349

4. Eames lounge chair: Herman Miller $4499 or replica at Kardiel for $1249 or another replica at Rex Kelly for $849.

Eames Lounge Chair

3. Eero Saarinen Tulip chair and table: From Design Within Reach $1807 for the table and $1440 for each chair or from Designer Seating on Amazon $1130 for the set. 39" Eero Saarinen Style Tulip Dining Table with White Marble Top and 4 Tulip Side Chairs

2. Danish teak credenza: These are everywhere but not cheap. If you are lucky, you will find a decent inexpensive one in a thrift store or you can look for them on Ebay (like the one below for $1750) though some are $200-500 if you are willing to do a little work. Also check your local craigslist. You never know.

1. Eames fiberglass shell chair: What can I say? For me this is the iconic must-have piece in any color in any style. I love them beyond words, especially the rocking chair, which I would want in celery and can only find at Modernica for $375. Not too bad. Rex Kelly also has some replicas, a $99 side chair I just ordered for the new desk, so I will let you know how that works out. Stay tuned.