Image courtesy of Meet Minneapolis/Lane Pelovsky
We’re always on the lookout for iconic designs in real-life use, especially when they pop up so close to our home base here in the Twin Cities. A Midwest Home article called “Empty Nesters Opt for New Condo and New Style” fits that bill. You can read the whole story here, but here’s the short version: After retiring, Don and JoAnne Heltner decided to move back to Minneapolis where they had grown up, met and wed. They settled in a condo in the Loring Park area but wanted a fresh start from the traditional aesthetic they had moved from in Illinois. The answer? Modern design, of course! Lucy Interior Design catered to the couple’s new space and lifestyle, which would involve frequent visits from the Heltner’s young grandchildren. With this in mind, the timeless pieces chosen not only would give the look they wanted, but the practicality they needed with functional designs and durable materials.
Based on a painting of JoAnne’s by Jasper Johns, a color palette of bright blues, reds and yellows emerged:
We used these colors to circle some design elements that looked familiar or especially piqued our interest:
Blue: George Nelson Saucer Pendant Lamp. Nelson was one of the founders of American modernism who designed much of the 20th century’s most iconic furniture.
Red: Saarinen Tulip Dining Table. Eero Saarinen was a Finnish architect and designer who used neo-futuristic influences in his Tulip table and chairs. He also collaborated with Charles Eames to create the Organic Chair.
Yellow: iittala Nappula Candle Holders. Designer Matti Klenell was inspired by an interestingly shaped chair at the Nuutarjärvi Glass Museum.
Red: Vitra Panton Red Chairs. Designed by Verner Panton in 1960, this was the first chair to be manufactured completely out of plastic in on single piece.
Blue: De Stijl art book. Dutch for The Style, Die Stijl was founded in 1917 with artists like Theo van Doesburg and Piet Mondian being most recognized with the movement.
Yellow: Vitra Panton Red Chairs. Here, they are used as (kid-friendly) seating at the dining table.
Red: iittala Nappula Candelabra. A centerpiece version of the Nappula candle holders spotted earlier, it acts as both a holder for candles and artful sculpture.
