Do you have a room in your home or apartment that needs some new energy? A great piece of furniture, art, or sculpture can go a long way towards revitalizing your living space. If you love great design, and you’re looking to redecorate within a budget, auction provides many unique, well-made, on-trend, and affordable options.
Our upcoming 20th Century Design auction on December 7, 2013 in Boston is the perfect opportunity to jump in and try bidding for yourself. To give you an idea of what’s available for new collectors, we’ve selected some of our favorite picks from the sale. Each is an example of quality construction and design at a price point that won’t break the bank.
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Teak Credenza by Borge Mogensen
The simple and functional appeal of Danish design is as strong today as it was half a century ago when Mogensen, along with designers like Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, and others helped establish this well-loved aesthetic. This piece is a statement in simplicty and attention to detail, and it looks great matched with any decor. The quality construction has held up for 50 years, and could easily give 50 more. I see it serving as a bedroom dresser, in a dining room holding table linens and serving utensils, or in a hall or entryway as a catch-all.
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Tulip Coffee Table by Eero Saarinen
In his Pedestal Collection, Saarinen set out to deal with the “ugly, confusing, unrestful world” he observed in the construction of legs on conventional tables and chairs, and wound up with this elegant design that combines clean lines with the luxury of carrera marble. Knoll continues to produce the collection, and to buy this design new you’d be looking at a price tag of over $3,000. I like this piece because its neutral color palate can work with any setting, but its strong lines can also provide the focal point of a room.
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Decorated Bowl, Edwin and Mary Scheier
A husband and wife team, Edwin and Mary Scheier spent much of their married life working together throwing, glazing, decorating, and firing beautiful ceramics. Larger, decorated pieces by the couple have brought upwards of $10,000. As a lovely, characteristic example of their work, this piece offers new collectors the chance to own a Scheier at an affordable price. This bowl would certainly make a statement as an art piece accenting a living room or study.
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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date Watch Silkscreen
Large format art makes a bold statement in a room. If you have a big, white, wall space you need to cover, a signed piece of original artwork like this silkscreen (which is already framed!) is a great option. The neon pop of color recalls Andy Warhol, and provides a fun foil to the luxurious subject matter.
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Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, Herman Miller
Charles and Ray Eames, another husband and wife team, produced iconic furniture designs that have come to represent the mid-century modern movement in America. Herman Miller has been producing Eames lounge chairs since 1956, and rightfully calls them “the quintessential modern classic.” The comfort and luxury of buttery tufted leather complements the rich grain of the bent wood frame, and the weighty aluminum foot anchors the design and completes the chair’s decidedly modern aesthetic. This design always makes a statement, and buying it at auction could be a great investment, considering that one costs $3,000-$5,000 new.
Buying at public auction can be affordable, fun, and rewarding. Check out our full catalog of items being offered, and if you’re interested in learning more, stop by the free public preview at the Boston Gallery on December 5th and 6th. We’d be happy to walk you through the auction process. You might just find a piece that says “take me home.”