Plastic Fantastic Retro Lessons For Up To The Minute Style


by Tom Heath - Date: 2008-10-20 - Word Count: 513 Share This!

An oft malignedmaterial, with undeserved links to tackiness and cheapness, plastic is actuallya wonderfully adaptable material that has played a massive part in designhistory. The explosion of creativeness that was the 1960's saw this new anseemingly limitless material inspire the great designers of the day to createsome of the most iconic pieces of furniture the world has seen. Without plasticdesigners such as Joe Columbo, Verner Panton and Eero Aarnio would perhaps haveremained relative unknowns. Timeless pieces of work that defined the era suchas Aarnio's globe chair, or the Panton chair would not exist. Whether you knowthese names or not, chances are you and somebody from every generation of yourfamily will own either pieces by such designers or pieces directly inspired bythem, such is the measure of their influence. 

If used correctly,plastic is the most effective way of achieving the increasingly popular "modernretro" look that is shaping contemporary design at the moment. For those fearinga themed look, do not fear, you will not be asked to roll on the psychedelicprint wallpaper and don a feathered headband. The trick is to subtly accentyour existing modern room with a key plastic piece that gives a knowing nod topast times. A very popular example of this can be seen in most design magazinesat the minute where an eclectic dining set up of either a battered oldfarmhouse table or an ultra minimal lacquered white dining table is matchedwith a set of brightly coloured plastic Panton chairs. The single piece ofergonomically moulded plastic and signature bright colour that makes up eachchair provides an extremely satisfying contrast to the tables described.

A single seater chairto match your existing settees is also a brilliant way to introduce a level ofretro cool in your home. Or perhaps a tulip dining or coffee table. Circular inshape standing on one hour glass shaped leg; a tulip table is a very chic wayto introduce plastic into the home. Create stunning contrast by adding someultra luxurious faux fur rugsor throws.

If this all feels alittle to adventurous but you would like to add a retro theme a smaller stage,why not use clocks or lamps which were often used muses for the designers ofthe period. Most good home design shops will stock a wide range of remakes ofthe Citra clock by Gino Valle. Not a commonly known name, his clocks howeverare widely copied, usually coming in the shape of a plastic tube which containsa flick book style display. Before you hit the shops an shell out for an albeitvery convincing remake, why not have a root through an elderly relativesunwanted knick-knacks or have a sift through some second hand stores- extrakudos is gained through having original pieces, and should you decide toredecorate someday, you may stand a chance of making a little bit of unexpectedextra cash rather than the usual visit to the tip!

From now on, when theuninitiated make the mistake of dismissing plastic as nothing more thansomething your loaf is wrapped in, invite them around to your uber cool pad andallow them to admit how wrong they have been.

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