George Nelson and Charles Eames are often credited with the invention of industrial design in the décor world. Innovative and inventive, many of the iconic furnishings conjured up and brought to life by both these gentlemen still captivate our imagination. Surviving several decades of changing interior design trends, many of George Nelson’s creations are considered mid-century modern marvels. In case of George Nelson’s designs, there seems to be amazing sense of playfulness and holiday cheer when it comes to design. The inventive Coconut Chair is a prime example of that.
by YLiving
Today we have two more marvels from the George Nelson that are equally, if not far more, compelling. Both the Marshmallow Sofa and the Nelson’s Clock Collection are anything but mundane. Moving away from the more serious designs, they ushered in a whole new take on design when they were first created. Visually distinct and yet delightfully modern, they snugly fit into most contemporary interiors.
by ARTerior Design
by Gary Hutton Design
by David Lauer Photography
by Homework Remodels
by Blutter Shiff Design Associates
Playful Marshmallow Sofa
It must be noted that designer Irving Harper was as much the brain behind the conception of many of the George Nelson décor creations as the man himself. While for decades George Nelson took the entire credit for these furnishings (which was dubbed s a business strategy and was something Irving Harper had no complaints about), Harper was the man who actually put the Marshmallow Sofa together in the manner we know it today. The idea behind this chic creation was to create a product that promoted 12-inch diameter self-skinning discs crafted by a businessman in 1954.
by Unique Techniques
by Tanya Burley Design
Consisting of 18 such disks carefully placed in a steel frame, the sofa has been incredibly popular in recent times. Its casual, chic and trendy look makes it a must for those looking to spice up their interiors. Available at Hermann Miller in white, black and loads of snazzy colors, the Marshmallow Sofa looks like a whimsical and cheerful work of art!
by Donahoe Group
by Applegate Tran Interiors
by Phil Kean Designs
by Regencyshop
by Work Shop Denver
Charming Collection of Nelson Clocks
Another interesting piece from George Nelson Associates is the Nelson Clocks. Beautiful, fun and moving away from conventional design, they were among the earliest wall clocks that actually did away with boring numbers, and mundane designs. Created way back in 1947, the Ball Clock, Eye Clock and the Turbine Clock were all way ahead of their time. Probably that is one of the reasons why they seem to be so popular with contemporary designers. Minimalist in their form, most of Nelson clocks double up as lovely art pieces on the wall. There are plenty of George Nelson clocks out there and they come in a variety of colors, shapes and each one seems to vary ever so slightly from the other!
by Lindsay O. Creative
by John Lum Architecture
No design can exist in isolation. It is always related, sometimes in very complex ways, to an entire constellation of influencing situations and attitudes. What we call a good design is one which achieves integrity – that is, unity or wholeness – in balanced relation to its environment.
– by George Nelson
by Stardust Modern Design
by Holly Marder
by Ryan
by Paker Architecture
Eccentric and bold, both the Marshmallow Sofa and the Nelson Clocks have a personality of their own. Many who worked in the design firm at the time say that this also showcases clearly the Irving Harper flair and panache. It is probably best to conclude that the duo simply rolled out several exquisite designs that both designers and home owners are harping about till today. So, which one is your favorite?
by Jan Skacelik