refer: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/319829/list/modern-icons-the-great-nelson-bench
Designed by George Nelson in 1946, the Nelson Bench is one versatile and hard-working piece of furniture. We've talked about George Nelson here before (see links at the bottom of this ideabook). He was a master at creating mid-century modern furnishings, from pendant lights to clocks; marshmallow sofas to benches. Today we'll take a look at how Houzz designers are using his platform bench today.
Nelson believed in the marriage of form and function, and of beauty and utility. This sturdy platform bench functions as a table and is strong enough to serve as extra seating. Here the beauty of the wood warms up the mostly white space.
If you click on this image, I've tagged some of the other iconic pieces that punctuate this light and airy open floor plan.
Aren't the touches of green combined with the wood, white and windows just sublime here? The bench is a great part of this modern ensemble, and I wonder if it inspired the aesthetic of the staircase across from it.
Placing a bench in this hallway transforms it into a MoMA-esque gallery. The base is made of ebonized wood. The bench is also available with more slender metal legs, but of the two, this version is the modern icon.
Here the bench functions as a clever perch for artwork. This designer has planned out the furniture, artwork and lighting very well. This image shows the entryway in
this loft.
The bench can also serve as a sturdy base for an oversized vase or sculpture. Its simple lines do not steal attention from the artwork.
Here the bench is an excellent choice for a coffee table. It looks wonderful with a
Womb Chair.
Here is the bench in an Eichler house. I noticed the other day that Houzz member baffler had a wonderful photostream that includes several modern homes.
Here are more of his Eichler images.
Here the bench straddles a spot just this side of indoors. If these people were having a party, they could easily pull the bench outside for extra seating.
Look familiar? I've definitely used this image when talking about some of the other modern icons in the room, including that Nelson Eye Clock on the wall. If you look down the hallway on the left, you'll spy a Nelson bench.
