Four of Our Favorite Modern Chairs
Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini Clamshell Tete a Tete
One of our best landscape architect friends, Steve Martino, describes no garden as complete without a few basic elements: a wall, a tree, a chair, and a little water. We couldn’t agree more about needing a chair to enjoy the garden. At the end of a project we’re often called on to help clients select suitable chairs for garden rooms and outdoor living areas.
Comfort and style should never be compromised when sitting around a fire feature or around the table with friends and family.
When helping clients select the perfect chair we consider many things –
Whether the space is
- Formal or informal
What is the appropriate style?
- Modern or traditional
- Eclectic or more uniform
Is there existing outdoor furniture the chairs need to fit in with?
What is the character of the space?
How will the furniture look adjacent to the home’s architecture?
We’re not afraid to mix textures, time periods, styles, or colors, when appropriate. Here are four of our favorite modern chairs (in no particular order):
No. 1 The Acapulco Chair
Land Morphology principal Richard Hartlage's outdoor seating area features a collection of Acapulco Chairs.
A favorite in fun and funky environments, the Acapulco chair is a mesh of modern and eclecticism.
Its origins are thought to come from Mayan hammock weaving technology; though updated with vinyl cord! It first appeared on the scene in Mexico in the 1950s. It’s stackable, can come in single or multiple color weave patterns, and is available in a rocking chair version.
No. 2 The Butterfly Chair ADA the BKF Chair
Originally designed in 1938 by a trio of architects (Antonio Bonet, Juan Kurchan and Jorge Ferrari-Hardoy) who formerly worked in LeCorbusier’s studio, the Butterfly chair features a simple and graceful form. It is shaped with two lengths of molded tubular steel and a fabric sling. The chairs offer an affordable mid-century look, which is perfect on the patio. Customizable fabric sling covers offer limitless color coordinating with a cool vibe.
No. 3: The Knoll 1966 Collection Dining Chair
The 1966 Chair
Designed by Richard Schultz in 1966 the chair epitomizes minimalism and modernism. Made with aluminum, steel, powder coated with polyester mesh fabric the 1966 Chair announces itself in an understated, swanky way. The 1966 Collection is regarded as the first modern outdoor furniture line and is still available today.
No. 4 The ‘Radar’ Hoop Chair by Tempestini for Salterini
This collection of “Radar’ Hoop chairs has a definitive mid-century feel. Note the Salterini leaf lily pad tables too!
John B. Salterini, an Italian emigree, produced wrought iron designs from 1928 to 1953 in New York. The clamshell-family series, designed by Italian architect/designer Maurizio Tempestini for Salterini is a classic and a favorite in our office. Originals can be difficult to find. 1st Dibs is a good source. Be aware of imitations.
Furniture is the finishing touch for the garden. It should look good in its place and provide comfort from which to enjoy the milieu. No matter your style, Land Morphology can help you find the perfect chair for your garden.