Mid-Century Marvelous!

It's no wonder that so many of us love mid-century modern -- the clean lines, bold colors and materials  such as teak, stainless, and molded plastic are just as chic and comfortable as they were 60 years ago. We recently had the chance to help a hip and enthusiastic couple furnish and decorate their mid-century home in Oakland -- a dream job for us!

We had fun with color in the living room. You'll see the awesome orangey-red popping up throughout the home.

Note how iconic pieces such as an Eames Lounge chair and Noguchi table mix with the destined-to-be-classic leather Karlstad sofa. We scored the paintings at Urban Home in Emeryville.

This shot shows the classic beams found in many mid-century homes.

The dining room features a clean-lined wooden table paired with molded plastic chairs (we love the surprise of two random reds among the whites!). And don't overlook the Nelson Saucer pendant and Spindle clock.

Check out the gorgeous entryway/stairway -- the windows are perhaps the best design element of all! (Although the Moooi Random Light -- a new modern classic -- is pretty nice too.)

Here's a view of the outside of the house -- and another look at those impressive windows.

We'd like to thank Bobbi Jo and Martin for allowing us into their home. It was our pleasure to help them bring color, comfort and style to their sleek mid-century jewel.

All photography courtesy of Lauren Hosmer.
Plant design by Marco Marchesini Landscape Design.

Using Autumn Colors in a Modern Way

Even though it's close to 80 degrees right now in Berkeley, there's no doubt that Autumn is here. The leaves are changing colors and there are pumpkins everywhere. If you want to incorporate the gorgeous Fall golds, oranges, greens and browns into your home decor -- but dried corn husks and squash centerpieces just aren't your thing -- try these more modern ideas.

On your wall: the classic George Nelson Spindle Clock adds just a pop of orange; artwork such as Homage to the Square 1964 by Josef Albers radiates warmth.

On your floor: the on-trend chevron pattern in rich autumn colors. (From Home Decorators Collection)

Above are our own fall-colored treasures . . . throws, pillows and little accessories that we have collected over the past few years. Notice the modern mix of patterns and textures.

Finally, the October 2011 issue of Elle Decor shows the power of persimmon -- on textiles, tableware and even lamps. You can see these items online at Elle Decor.