There is no designer more famous than the Eames. The duo, formed by husband and wife Charles and Ray, created some of the most iconic pieces of furniture in the history of the sector. Their collaboration with Vitra made the brand what it is now. The design of the Eames become legend between the industrial design lovers and their pieces are in all the important houses.
Their contribution was formed by the exhibition of a series of their works and by an interview, in diagram form, that was discussing the significance of the design in the sector and in every day life.
The questions below were raised by Madame L. Amic, the answers by Charles Eames.
Q: What is your definition of ‘Design,’ Monsieur Eames? A: One could describe Design as a plan for arranging elements to accomplish a particular purpose.
Q: Is Design an expression of art? A: I would rather say it’s an expression of purpose. It may, if it is good enough, later be judged as art.
Q: Is Design a craft for industrial purposes? A: No, but Design may be a solution to some industrial problems.
Q: What are the boundaries of Design? A: What are the boundaries of problems?
Q: Is Design a discipline that concerns itself with only one part of the environment? A: No.
Q: Is it a method of general expression? A: No. It is a method of action.
Q: Is Design a creation of an individual? A: No, because to be realistic, one must always recognize the influence of those that have gone before.
Q: Is Design a creation of a group? A: Very often.
Q: Is there a Design ethic? A: There are always Design constraints, and these often imply an ethic.
Q: Does Design imply the idea of products that are necessarily useful? A: Yes, even though the use might be very subtle.
Q: Is it able to cooperate in the creation of works reserved solely for pleasure? A: Who would say that pleasure is not useful?
Q: Ought form to derive from the analysis of function? A: The great risk here is that the analysis may be incomplete.
Q: Can the computer substitute for the Designer? A: Probably, in some special cases, but usually the computer is an aid to the Designer.
Q: Does Design imply industrial manufacture? A: Not necessarily.
Q: Is Design used to modify an old object through new techniques? A: This is one kind of Design problem.
Q: Is Design used to fit up an existing model so that it is more attractive? A: One doesn’t usually think of Design in this way.
Q: Is Design an element of industrial policy? A: If Design constraints imply an ethic, and if industrial policy includes ethical principles, then yes – design is an element in an industrial policy.
Q: Does the creation of Design admit constraint? A: Design depends largely on constraints.
Q: What constraints? A: The sum of all constraints. Here is one of the few effective keys to the Design problem: the ability of the Designer to recognize as many of the constraints as possible; his willingness and enthusiasm for working within these constraints. Constraints of price, of size, of strength, of balance, of surface, of time, and so forth. Each problem has its own peculiar list.
Q: Does Design obey laws? A: Aren’t constraints enough?
Q: Are there tendencies and schools in Design? A: Yes, but these are more a measure of human limitations than of ideals.
Q: Is Design ephemeral? A: Some needs are ephemeral. Most designs are ephemeral.
Q: Ought Design to tend towards the ephemeral or towards permanence? A: Those needs and Designs that have a more universal quality tend toward relative permanence.
Q: How would you define yourself with respect to a decorator? an interior architect? a stylist? A: I wouldn’t.
Q: To whom does Design address itself: to the greatest number? to the specialists or the enlightened amateur? to a privileged social class? A: Design addresses itself to the need.
Q: After having answered all these questions, do you feel you have been able to practice the profession of ‘Design’ under satisfactory conditions, or even optimum conditions? A: Yes.
Q: Have you been forced to accept compromises? A: I don’t remember ever being forced to accept compromises, but I have willingly accepted constraints.
Q: What do you feel is the primary condition for the practice of Design and for its propagation? A: A recognition of need.
Q: What is the future of Design? …
No answer….
If you like the design of the Eames and are interested in great designers, why don’t you gives this post a go ….
Do you need ideas to renovate the kitchen? This is the post for you! This post aims to share with you a few ideas to take inspiration from if you are going through the redecoration of your kitchen.
Below you can find a showcase of different styles, different finishes, different colours… Some of them are easier to achieve, others require more effort/money. But there is really for all tastes. Let’s have a look together to some ideas to renovate the kitchen
I would love to listen from you! Leave a comment or get in contact, if you want to have a chat or want some advice or simply more ideas to renovate the kitchen!
N1. Contemporary full-on
Let’s start with this amazing all-round design. Contemporary interiors are often oriented towards a consistent look thoughout the house. The kitchen is often a fluid space connected to the living area, an extension of the living itself. Open plan and large spaces. The neat lines and the contrasts of materials are a must.
This minimal space with modern lines is the perfecr solution for the contemporary living. Spacious cooking with the central island. The dining space is in the kitchen, open plan and spacious storage. The whole is made interesting by the contrast of the two materials: light timber for the kitchen, basalt for the wall/store.
There is nothing that says ‘luxury’ better than marble… what do you think of this kitchen? Marble island and splashback contrasting with black laminate. A few brass/golden details make embellish the design for a real gorgeous space, suitable for both contemporary and classic-style homes.
The richness of textures in this design is simply astonishing. The glazed white tiles and the terracotta floor brighten up the dark coloured furniture and the green walls. The long wooden table with the benches gives a sense of community and big family. While the chandelier elevates the room to the condition of noble space.
This mono colour space is so soothing and relaxing. The subtle rustic vibes speaks a language common to summer holidays in the Mediterranean Sea… the clean lines and simple design are functional. The perfect space for a chilled dinner.
Wide island to have the space for proper culinary art (don’t you feel like you want to try to make your own bread?). Plenty of storage in this bright and refined kitchen. The contrast between the dark wood of the island and the white cupboards and marble provides the room with interest. Please to notice the details of the ceiling… what’s not to love?
The contrast between the dark wood and the white walls produces and interesting space. The big windows and the rooflights bring the light inside. The details in different materials (brass, marble, textiles, different woods) create texture and depth to the design.
N8. Edwardian-style kitchen
I am absolutely in love with this kitchen! Spacious, elegant, full of incredible details. The wooden island is original looking and incredibly interesting. The fin-de-sigle metallic hood gives richness to the overall design. The skylight is not for All, but the design is complete already without it.
N9. Minimal colourful
Super playful, contemporary, minimal. Perfect fit for a minimal house, for an industrial space, even for a vintage space (reminds of a certain 60’s design). The simple lines are evergreen. The pastel pink is simply so trendy. Perfect for the house of a young creative.
A kitchen that seems straight out of an experimental design advert of the 60’s. All steel, contemporary looking, compact. Ideal for open spaces, provides the space with an industrial-chic vibe.
I love marble, I have previously stated that for me marble is synonym of elegance. This is the perfect example. In a design otherwise extremely minimal, the marble creates interest and gives texture to the room. The juxtaposition of steel, black laminate, timber and marble is well balanced and thought through.
Let’s start saying that this is not for everybody. Although very professional-looking and probably extremely functional, this is not everybody piece of cake. Personally, I quite like the idea of a shiny steel kitchen, especially if enriched by different textures of the materials.
Well, as I am from the South of Italy, I cannot avoid to introduce a bit of Mediterranean freshness in the mix. Blu patterns created with the use of ceramic tiles typical of the area of Amalfi, white walls, small ceramic art pieces, jugs and bowls, create the perfect combination for a bright and rich space.
Simple but effective, this pastel colour kitchen is such a nice and bright and relaxed space. You can really see that someone put this design together with love. I would definitely love to live there. Easy space for an easy life.
Take a few classic pieces, paint them bright pink, cover the walls in green glazed bricks, and here it is, you have obtained an accomplished design! The details in copper are essential to pull everything together and enrich the palette of materials. But don’t be fooled, it is not an easy design. Avoiding the kitsch is a task for a savvy designer.
I generally have a fascination for ceramic tiles. I always keep a lot of samples with me, simply cannot get rid of them. It is because the tiles are like magic wands. With the right tile, laid in the right way, you can make all the difference in a room. Look at this kitchen, for example. The vertical pattern is adorable and playful, and together with the dark blu clean lines of the furniture, creates one of the easiest and most accomplished looks I have seen. (Without the tiles it wouldn’t be the same).
Mediterranean style, yes, but this time we move a bit north, towards the Cote d’Azure. Mediterranean Sea is about white walls, decorated ceramic, tones of blue… This kitchen is the perfect example. Elegant, simple, fresh, extremely clean. Perfect as it is.
French design is a bit like their food: Complicated but sublime in its execution. Extremely elegant and classy, this kitchen combines elements of the rustic style with an extremely bright mix of classic pieces. The result is stunning.
I have a thing for pastel colours interiors lately – if you follow my Pinterest profile you can easily figure it out. This kitchen is not as extreme as others that I liked, but still, very fresh and bright and pastel-y. A wise choice of elements creates a well balance interior, with hints of colours without over-doing it.
This is the kind of interior that even men can like. Rustic elements (timber beams, the fireplace…) along with contemporary lines and design. The contrast between new and old wood gives so much richness to this room that it is impossible to dislike it.
Hope that you found something that you like. Get in contact if you need more ideas to renovate the kitchen or any advice on how to renovate your house.
Surfing the web I was captured by this amazing lighting pieces made of glass. At first I thought to myself “this is another Italian brand” as the pieces recall the italian tradition of blown glass. The design of the lamps and pendants has some resonance from Murano and the Northern Islands indeed. I was very surprised in discovering that the brand is nonetheless British and proudly made in Britain.
Curiosa & Curiosa is all about the chromatic combinations. Together with the juxtaposition of sinuous and traditional lines they create a contemporary range of design items to decor our spaces.
The richness of the colours, the simple and fresh shapes… Even the simplest space immediately becomes vibrant and creative. For the best addition to an elegant room, the made in Britain caught me completely by surprise.
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