Inspiration

Edward Wormley: Midcentury Mix Master

“Modernism means freedom…freedom to mix, to choose, to change, to embrace the new but to hold fast to what is good.”

-Edward Wormley

Edward Wormley practiced this philosophy for over four decades as one of the most significant designers of the 20th century. Combining the finest materials with outstanding craftsmanship, Wormley’s designs quickly became iconic. He attended the Art Institute of Chicago and took his first job in the interior design studio of the Marshall Field & Company department store. In 1931 he was recruited by Dunbar and quickly became their Director of Design.

On Madison has assembled some beautiful examples of Edward Wormley’s designs. We can’t think of any better homage than to say his pieces are truly timeless.

From top to bottom, all vintage Edward Wormley: Dunbar Early Wing Chairs, Grey Oasis Sofa, Yellow Splayed Leg Ottoman, Dunbar Armchairs, Dunbar Chocolate colored Party Sofa, Dunbar Petite 2 drawer chest, Sculptural side table, Dunbar Wingback chair.

Grand Entrances

Everyone knows that making an entrance is “de rigueur” on the red carpet. Chic women plot every detail necessary to turn heads at important parties and events. But creating the entrance to one’s home is equally important, and choosing the elements can either produce wows or major disappointment.

On Madison is undertaking the restoration of a mid-century post and beam building here in Pasadena and the entrance will be the “honey-stop-the-car!” factor. With that in mind, we have assembled a collage of fabulous mid-century entrances that have us slamming on the breaks.

Image credits from top to bottom: Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi’s 1956 Harold Levitt-designed house / Cereza House by Warm Architects / Caulfield House black gated entryway / Brazilian Architecture wall pattern / Midcentury Modern Yellow screen / A. Brandt Ranch built home from 1967 / Gold MCM Room Divider / Concrete Block patterns / Bel Air MCM Home / Palm Springs Chic MCM Atomic wall / La Tellera Museum, Spain

Modern Hieroglyphs

Man has been painting on walls, clothing, artifacts, and himself (or herself) since the beginning of time. Kids and grownups alike can’t resist the idea of a big blank wall and a crayon, even though their moms or the law have threatened consequences if they dare use those walls as big canvases. But these days, using almost everything as a potential canvas has not only become permissible; it’s become downright respectable.

Graffiti’s moment has come and designers are recruiting street taggers to customize even unexpected objects, turning them into functional works of art. Take a peek at how On Madison has paired ancient scripts with modern day items that are referencing these ancient languages in a fresh way.

Handwritten Japanese Katakana

Porter Teleo‘s “Signs and Signifiers” Hand Painted Wallpaper

Robert Loughlin‘s “The Brute” Chair via Casa Moderno

Porter Teleo‘s “Tangled” Handpainted Wallcovering

Ancient Pallava Script

Kelly Wearstler & Shantell Martin Collaboration Egyptian Hieroglyphs

Los Angeles graffiti artist RETNA paints the Pasadena Museum of California Art

In keeping on trend with the graffiti craze, On Madison has commissioned local graffiti artist Peter Lloyd Jones (aka GUTS) to customize a late 19th century Asian scroll table as well as a pair of mid-century French Bergere chairs. We’ll unveil the smashing results in a future blog post a few weeks from now. Stay tuned!

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