Romeo & Juliet: A Mid Century Love Story
By Marcy Feld
Irwin Feld Designs
www.irwinfelddesign.com

I know what you're thinking; Romeo & Juliet was written during the Elizabethan Age, which is true. However, the love story I am referring to takes place in the present, and the star-crossed lovers are in fact furnishings AND their story has a much happier ending. Sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone to embrace new and perhaps radical ideas. Crazy you say? Well, we are all entitled to our opinions. All I ask is that you keep an open mind and read the tale that follows

My story is as old as time. My early chairhood was not unique. I was a single Mid Century Modern slipper chair in a world of pairs; a onesome longing to be a twosome; a half yearning to be whole. I lived a solitary life, never quite fitting in. Shuttled from spot to spot and home to home; never in any place long enough to leave imprints in the rug.

For years, I searched in vain for someone to complete me, someone to share my days with, but it seemed that it was not meant to be and that I was destined to live my life ALONE.

Succumbing to my isolated existence, I rejected any efforts to rejuvenate my appearance. Despite my absolute refusal to undergo any sort of make-over, I was dragged kicking and screaming to the upholsterer where I was nipped and tucked into perfection.

As a debutante, resplendent in a beautiful dotted fabric, I was reintroduced to the world and placed on the gallery floor. My flawlessly beautiful appearance masking my inner pain, I summoned all the strength I could muster just to keep my beautifully tapered legs from collapsing.

I was so caught up in self-pity that I failed to notice the wonderfully weathered console I was positioned next to. Mature, with rugged good looks unlike any from my era, I was instantly smitten.

   
Mid Century Slipper Chair + Industrial Blue Console =

The Happy Couple

My neighbors could not help but notice our chemistry and a buzz could be heard throughout the gallery. They said that it would never last because he was not "our kind". After all, he was early 20th Century Industrial and I was Mid Century Modern, how could we ever work together? But he was the console of my dreams; I was his Juliet and he was my Romeo and we were not going to let perceived differences tear us apart.

He had recently retired, after serving dutifully in an Ohio factory for many years. When the factory was closed, he was left there to collect dust. His marvelously patinaed finish revealed the depth and dimension of his commitment to hard work, his sheer survival, a testament to his endurance.

Our differences only served to enhance our individual attributes and our contrasting design foundations enriched the design aesthetic of the entire gallery. The buzz of the naysayers was quelled and the doubters became supporters. We were all so happily integrated that Irwin brought more Industrial pieces onto the gallery floor where they were welcomed with open arms.

   
Pair of IFD Armchairs + Industrial Green Shelf =

Another Great Combination

   
Italian Mid Century Setee + Industrial SlipTable =

Yet Another Great Combination

So now what do you think? Well, while you are mulling it over, I'll share my take on this tale. Sometimes when things are presented in a different light, we are able to gain new perspectives and this story illustrates just that. Mixing periods, especially Mid Century Modern and Industrial, while not quite radical, might be a hard concept to visualize, however, when presented in the proper light, can persuade even the most skeptical.

Good design is always inclusive. It should not be limited by periods or predetermined limitations. Open eyes and minds allow us to see the unseen and to understand what may not be readily obvious, enriching our surroundings as well as our lives.

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