Mid Century iconic furniture design.
Roger Feraud was an innovative French furniture designer who utilised the latest materials of the time, such as chrome plated metal and steel tubes, found in many of his works. He was inspired by the American chemist Linus Carl Pauling who made a model of DNA as a string of spheres and rods in 1951. This inspired Roger to create some of his most famous creations, the "atomic" range, developing into his typical primary coloured painted solid wood balls. This earlier version has been left au natural which we love and are much rarer to find. This design ethos was embraced by many iconic designers such as Eames, Nelson, Saarinen and Herman Miller. This era of design has definately left a lasting impression on the world of furniture and interior design.
History - how atomic furniture design evolved as interior design classics.
Atomic furniture design refers to a mid-20th-century design style that was influenced by the Atomic Age, a period in history characterised by advancements in nuclear science, space exploration, and futuristic visions. This design movement emerged during the post-World War II era, roughly from the 1940s through the 1960s, and it had a significant impact on interior design and furniture.
Futuristic Interior Design
Atomic furniture design often featured bold, futuristic shapes and lines, which were inspired by the space age and the science fiction of the time. These designs included boomerangs, starbursts, and asymmetrical, amoeba-like forms.
Innovative Materials
The period saw the use of innovative materials like plastic, fiberglass, and metal, which allowed designers to create unique and unconventional shapes. Molded fiberglass furniture and plastic coffee tables were iconic pieces of this era.
Colour
Atomic furniture design embraced vibrant and bold colors, reflecting the optimism and exuberance of the time. Colors such as bright red, turquoise, and chartreuse were commonly used in furniture and interior design. Feraud is particularly well known for his pieces that embraced strong primary colours of red, blue, green and yellow.
Pattern
Atomic furniture design often featured atomic or space-themed patterns, including starbursts, atomic particles, and abstract representations of atoms. These patterns appeared on upholstery, wallpaper, and textiles as well as furniture pieces creating a minimalist approach to interior design.
Functional
Despite their futuristic appearance, atomic furniture pieces were designed with functionality in mind. Many pieces were modular or multifunctional, making them adaptable to various living spaces. This piece is a statement in terms of height but the relatively narrow diameter means it can slot into many corners and spaces.
Minimalism
While atomic design featured bold and eye-catching elements, it also incorporated aspects of minimalism. Clean lines and a focus on simplicity were part of the overall furniture design aesthetic.
Atomic furniture design remains a popular style, with vintage pieces highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. The style continues to inspire contemporary designers even now.
If you are looking for similar pieces, please get in touch.