Everyone seems to get caught up in the Madness.  If like me, you are finding it difficult to say goodbye to March Madness and the excitement and unpredictability that ensued, fear not because the Madness continues in April, Mid Century Modern - Mad Men Madness - that is.

Yes, April abounds with Mid Century Madness and we at Irwin Feld Design couldn’t be happier because we live and breathe Mid Century Modern Design each and every day.   Not only has Mad Men the sexy, stylized and provocative AMC drama returned to the airwaves, but thanks to Lumen Lighting and Design’s *Mad for Mid-Century Design* contest happening right now on http://olioboard.com, you have an opportunity to create a little madness of your own!

For those of you who are not familiar with it, Olioboard, featured on both  the Today Show and the Nate Berkus Show in February, is a fun and intuitive to use social commerce site which allows users to create two and three dimensional mood boards which can be shared AND shopped!  The site is easy to navigate and does not require a software download.  Olioboard has already organized a huge library of interior design related images that you can just drag and drop into your creations and if you can’t find what you are looking for, you can add images from other websites and your computer as well!

AND Please....Don’t forget to vote for your favorite boards!  Our very own Irwin Feld along with incomparable lighting designer James Bedell will be selecting the gift certificate winners from the 25 boards with the most votes by the end of the contest on the 16th!

Good Luck & Good Fun!

We are rapidly approaching that time again; that much anticipated moment when we move our clocks ahead one hour and “spring forward”.  Despite losing a much needed hour of sleep, I relish that pivotal moment because it means that I have made it over the hump of another cold, dark winter and spring and summer’s renewal are just weeks away. 

But as I rush to pack away the coats and boots anticipating days of shorts and flip-flops, I give pause and recall the greater appreciation I have for spring and summer because of winter.  It is Old Man Winter with his short frigid days, his bare limbed trees and stormy gray skies that instills within each of us endurance and strength, not to mention the ability to make great strides in difficult times and …immeasurable amounts of snow, sleet and freezing rain.

While youth and its vitality are enchanting and alluring and surely the hope of our collective future, after all, who can resist a cute baby, puppy or kitten?  Respect and esteem for the elders whose many contributions and sacrifices have made it possible for a new generation to flourish, must never be taken for granted nor overlooked.

We are reminded of that everyday as we scan the Gallery and see our CF Modern benches standing shoulder to shoulder with the icons that paved the way for their success.  We acknowledge the “Greatest Generation” of craftspeople whose skill and ingenuity made it all possible and embrace our Mid Century masterpieces and the new generation they have given birth to.

So, as we prepare to move ahead to the longer and more temperate days of spring and summer and the bounty of imaginable opportunities the future will bestow, let’s salute and honor all who came before us and planted the roots that afford us the opportunity to “spring forward” and blossom.

Holiday Greetings from Irwin Feld Design,

Where Mid Century Modern sparkles and shines.

From case pieces to lighting to seating galore,

Artwork and mirrors, accessories and more.

Majestic dining tables restored with love,

Spotlighted by sputnik chandeliers hanging from above.

A pedestal desk with a tripod base,

A sleek floor lamp with a shade of lace.

Credenzas and dressers and beautiful chests,

Five thousand square feet of furnishings welcome our guests.

Versatile buffets with tapered legs and casters,

Timeless design created by masters.

Now Gibbings! Now Ponti! Now Wormley and Kagan.
On, Frankl! On, Seibel! On Ratkai and Baughman.
With Jere and Probber, Stuart, and Springer,

Longo and Sonneman et al, each one a winner.

No need for the chimney, our door will do,

A magical kingdom is waiting for you.

With wishes for Holidays joyous and dear,

And health, happiness, peace & prosperity throughout the next year.

Have a wonderful Mid Century Holiday!

 Autumn has arrived with all of its spectacular colors and aromas and the excitement is palpable.  The once brilliantly green trees are almost bare, their leaves now blanketing the ground and snow seems to be in the forecast for some as early as…today.  After over five months of bringing the indoors out and utilizing our outdoor living spaces during those long and lazy days of spring and summer, we are preparing to do an about face.

Despite the fact that is still only October, seasonal commercials have begun to permeate the airwaves thrusting us into into:

t h e  H o l I d a y    Z o n e 

And while we would prefer the old school holiday season that begins on Black Friday, we also believe that to be “forewarned is to be forearmed” and that the extra month (if you can stand the plethora of commercials) is a gift; the gift of time.

With Halloween around the corner, we are getting ready to embark on that frenetic, exciting and unpredictable marathon of indoor entertaining that begins at the end of the month and goes on and on and on…and on.

So take a deep breath, pour yourself a cocktail and use the gift of time, not to become overwhelmed, but rather to plan, prepare and revel in the long season. 

This is a joyous time in the Gallery.  The anticipation of so many celebrations and the lifetime of memories that will be made are not lost on us.  We know all too well the importance of holiday celebrations in our lives and are delighted when our Mid Century masterpieces play an integral part.  After all, these pieces represent the talent and design ingenuity of our greatest generation.  They have been lovingly restored and re-invented, offering clients a unique opportunity to own a one of a kind piece that has stood the test of time and is available for immediate delivery.  And let’s be honest, who can resist that kind of opportunity?

Whether you are hosting your first or one hundred and first celebration this season, there is a lot to think about. So let’s get started.

Today we will lay the foundation for holiday entertaining and focus on four key elements that need to be considered when preparing your home for the season.

 1.  Lighting                                                                                              

 2.  An amazing dining table                                                                           

 3.  Extra, multifunctional seating

 4.  Mirrors 

Regardless of your design aesthetic or your budget, there are a multitude of options available, and we always recommend that you purchase the best quality that you can afford. 

By the end of October summer’s endless days are little more than a memory.  When we turn the clocks back at 2 am on November 6^th, evening will turn into an afternoon affair and supplementing the rapidly diminishing natural light becomes crucial.  This is the time to let your imagination shine and select appropriate additional lighting for your home, especially the areas you plan to use for entertaining.

The centerpiece for holiday entertaining is most often the dining room. If you have large celebrations and have adequate space, a large table or a table with an extra leaf or two may be best.  If your celebrations or space are on the smaller side, a smaller table will probably be more appropriate.  Whatever the size, chose a table that you LOVE and everyday entertaining will become a special event.

No holiday season would be complete without adequate multifunctional seating.  This most often comes in the form of benches and ottomans that can be stored under other pieces if necessary and then moved to wherever they are needed, whether as extra seating at the dining table or as additional conversational seating.  The options are endless.

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And there is no better way to enhance the sparkle & dimension of any space than the addition of a beautiful mirror.

So put your thinking caps and prepare to enter...

 t h e  H o l I d a y    Z o n e     

Begin the planning process early because while some of us (Irwin included)  are often inspired and creatively motivated by the adrenaline rush of last minute preparations, most of us benefit from early planning and organization.  And while there are sure to be a few bumps in the road, the season will be infinitely more enjoyable and      N O T  scary at all!

Sometimes it is truly difficult to remember how really lucky we are.  Day to day life can be overwhelming when the fairytale lives we were promised by the Cleavers and the Reeds have not quite materialized.  But we are here as active participants in the only game in town, and for that, Irwin and I are eternally grateful. 

While summer has given way to autumn and the trees are awash in a golden hue, there are still signs of new bloom.

A subtle yet powerful reminder that despite the fact that life can change in an instant forcing us to recalculate the direction our path will take, we must move forward with hope, love and support.

We are now more than halfway through the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and from the NFL to our own back yards (and soccer fields) awareness and funds are being raised.

As many of you know, we have a commitment to Susan G Komen for the Cure.  We participated in Holiday House NYC in 2009 and 2010 and have also, with the support of our friends and colleagues in the design industry, sold our first Pretty in Pink 4 Life Bench this past February.   ALL the proceeds went directly to the Connecticut Affiliate of Susan G Komen for the Cure.

                                       Pink- the color of life                                                         

We currently have another A M A Z I N G custom Mid Century Pretty in Pink 4 Life piece available for sale. We collaborated with Sunbrella and produced this fantastic ottoman, which is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use all year long.   And may we add that it would make any young girl feel like an absolute princess?  ALL the proceeds from the sale of this ottoman will once again go directly to Komen CT. 

 We are hoping to find this wonderful piece of reinvented Mid Century style a new home before the end of the month and would appreciate your help spreading the word

So, Get your PINK on and celebrate the only game in town: Celebrate Life!

While it is Wordless Wednesday, I prefer to think of it as almost wordless, because although these images speak for themselves, I cannot refrain from just a bit of banter while I introduce, what I hope will become a weekly post, IFD Focus.

Today's premiere IFD Focus is on case pieces, a furniture classification with roots extending as far back as ancient Egypt.  While the materials, artistry, and construction of this integral classification have changed throughout history, its basic function remains the same: Storage.  And who doesn’t need more storage?

So without further ado, allow me to present some of the latest case pieces to arrive on our Gallery floor. All multifunctional, all beautifully refinished, all built to stand the test of time by our Greatest Generation and all are testaments to the enduring beauty and functionality of Mid Century Design.

Whatever the function, wherever the room, there is a case piece that will accommodate  your needs. The Mid Century Modern genre offers an array of styles that will blend seamlessly in a variety of design formats, affording you authentically unique decor.

Irwin always reminds me that I don’t remember many things and… he is correct.  While he has a stellar, almost savant memory, I must admit that a good number of my brain cells have gone south over the years and as a consequence, I am always searching for something I have misplaced.

I have mislaid eyeglasses and keys, jewelry and checks, hats, gloves, food and just recently, Charlie, our dog. I unknowingly left him in the hallway overnight and had no idea he was missing until our doorman called us to say that he was sitting in front of an apartment on another floor.

While I have searched through my building’s recycling for a misplaced letter and the oven (YES the oven- it’s hereditary, unfortunately) for keys, I have never misplaced my feelings; I embrace them and wear them on my sleeve.

So while I must admit that I forgot the song we danced our first dance to at our wedding (and I will NEVER live that down), I have not forgotten the first Valentine’s Day gift Irwin gave me all those years ago, a gold lariat.  He will probably be surprised to read that I recall the gift because it was something we did not keep.  The truth is, he had ordered it through his aunt and had never seen it until it arrived in the mail that very day.  Although we sent it back because it was not what we expected, I kept the box and have it still.

Why am I sharing this?  Because over thirty years later I can still close my eyes and remember him handing me that small gift wrapped box.  I can still recall the excitement and anticipation I felt on that very first Valentine’s Day. The sensation is palpable.  It is that way with matters of the heart.  And while a small wrapped box always brings a smile to my face, I have learned that there are greater gifts to receive…and give.

This year my Valentine’s Day wish is simple: To find a home for our Pretty in Pink 4 Life Bench and to hand Komen CT a check for ALL the proceeds.  Our commitment to Komen for the Cure is deeply personal. It is for us, a matter of the heart. 

Giving someone you love a gift that keeps giving; a gift that has stood the test of time and is now stronger, more beautiful and vibrant than ever, is precious.

How perfect that this simple, elegant bench represents so much and so many.  And  Valentine’s Day, a celebration of life and love, reminding us that it is and will always be a matter of the heart, is priceless.

After an extended holiday/weather delay, I am back with our first post of the not-so New Year.  With yesterday’s ice storm behind us and another wintry mix scheduled for the weekend, I am taking a moment to sit back and relax before welcoming yet another Snow Day.

Yesterday was Groundhog Day and while some of the furry forecasters of spring canceled their previews due to inclement weather conditions, it seems that two local favorites, Punxsutawney Phil and Staten Island Chuck emerged and did not see their shadows, indicating an early spring this year.  While I am not endorsing the power of their predictions, I can only pray that they are correct and that I can rid myself of the excessive guilt that has plagued me.

You see, Irwin & I feel somewhat responsible for this winter’s worrisome weather patterns.  I can’t help but wonder what the past six weeks might have been like had we opted for a tropical inspired holiday for Holiday House NYC this past December, rather than our family’s beloved non-calendar Holiday: Snow Day.  

While "Everyone Loves a Snow Day", this season to date has proven to be too much of a good thing and after learning that age old lesson, “be careful what you wish for”, I am going to press my luck and return to the well one more time to request that a freeze be put on winter.

Yes, I am digging my way out of winter’s glaze and setting my sights on a different kind of ice to carry us through the balance of this brutal season. I am focusing on the crystalline beauty and majestic glow of these timeless gems that offer us sparkle and warmth and put a positive spin on the phrase “ice in the winter”.

So, as we wait patiently for spring and additional daylight hours, feeling the warmth of the sun baking through our windowpanes please accept our apology for the awful weather and join us as we enjoy the icy beauty of these Mid Century masterpieces.

I am substituting this glistening beauty:

With theses glistening beauties:

And these icicles:

with these icicles:

And these super-sized frozen wonders:

with these super-sized masterpieces

And, as we forge ahead galoshes in tow, ever ready for the next relentless, bone-chilling blizzard or ice storm, a glimmer of color and the promise of springtime are always within reach.

As Irwin welcomed spring into the gallery with these:

We welcome you to begin to conjure up spring-like thoughts with these:

So stay safe and warm and remember, as winter's reign comes to an end and spring emerges, the warm glow and beauty of our favorite brand of ice will remain.

As many of you already know, earlier this month Pantone announced their Color of the Year.  While I always pay attention to design trends, I don’t always follow them.  However, this year’s Color of the year, PANTONE® 18-2120 Honeysuckle spoke to me in ways that reached beyond the color spectrum.

As stated in Pantone’s press release, “Energizing Honeysuckle Lifts Spirits and Imparts Confidence to Meet Life's Ongoing Challenges” and I couldn’t agree more.  It personifies the essence of life itself.   Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute®. stated that “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.”

So let’s embrace the power of this color and harness it’s restorative essence so that it not only “ is guaranteed to produce a healthy glow when worn by both men and women”, but actually improves the physical quality of their lives.

Let’s use it in home design and apparel, cosmetics and accessories, but more importantly, let’s use it to save lives!

Let’s all Think Pink today and everyday as we support Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Here is the perfect way to start:

While our custom Mid Century Pretty in Pink 4 Life bench may not be Honeysuckle, the restorative power of its Pink hue cannot be denied and its sale will mean so much to Komen CT who will receive ALL the proceeds.

As we approach Christmas and the New Year, an opportunity to give a gift that continues to give is paramount.  Won’t you please help us find a home for this bench so that everyone can celebrate the New Year “In Living Color”.