Sunday, April 13, 2014

modernica and la downtown modernism: super efficient shopping

I really do enjoy trolling online, retail and flea market venues for mid-century modern collectibles. So, if I may self-proclaim — I am becoming somewhat of an aficionado. with opinions. 

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles

Like this chair? Absolutely beautiful laser cut plywood and pretty typical of what you uncover at Modernica's Downtown Modernism spring event. 


I went this year specifically looking for patio furniture. At last year's event, I realized that very good deals on refurbished vintage pieces were to be had.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles


Last year at this event, we acquired two of these chairs, without the foot stools in BRIGHT green. They are really comfortable in spite of their odd shape.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles


Look at this amazing bar, strung with tubing. Superdeduperty tempting.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles


Wire chairs are cool but not comfortable.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles


I kind of obsess on Eames but have yet to own any. I liked the weird light sculpture thing too. 

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles


Nice set of Saarinen. Which I own one tiny piece of and display proudly in our bathroom. Frankly, I have been wanting another stool and one of those end tables. But I passed and kept my eye on the ball.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles


I am interspersing cards of dealers whenever available. Some of the vendors work the flea markets and have no cards, but others graciously accomdoated.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles
The Modern Era
This is the only place to go in Southern California when looking for a lamp.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles


Eames molded plywood! These chairs are my someday hit list. Very comfortable chairs both then and now. I would much rather get vintage than current day. I like the patina and the price break (half off or more), frankly.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles
foundatspaces.com 

Cool midcentury-modern ceiling fixture.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles


Pots. I love a good vintage pot.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles


Preway!!!! I have been stalking these on Craigslist and eBay for a few years. I have even discussed with my husband at length what color would be best and would we prefer, new Modfire (which I love), vintage Preway or a built-in patio fireplace.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles

And, I had my husband and his truck with me because I knew we were looking for a good deal on patio furniture.
Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles
Mock Pottery
Because I understand Preway condition and pricing and what "complete" means, and had husband pre-sold, this baby was mine. Instagram has patio pictures, but I promise more later.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles
This says Melinda Forster Urban Earthen ... but Google gave me nothing. 

I was incredibly interested in the brutalist nightstand, but had already blown my wad.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles

Badly recovered Saarinen. Poor thing.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles


And, the guy I was looking for.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles
CaliforniaFurnitureRestoration.com

This patio set really caught my eye. I did not love the bright turquoise / robins egg blue as much as the shape and weight, plus Brown Jordan to boot. So pretty. Brian Lee (pictured below) custom finishes many outdoor sets from the fifties, sixties and seventies.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles


We worked it out. Pictures to follow as well! He also had this orange set which quickly sold too.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles

These look kind of Adrian Pearsall, huh?

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles


Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles
www.goodoldfurniture.tumblr.com/
Pretty, pretty Hey-Wake.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles

Another Adrian Persall? Yum Yum. Makes me want a bigger house.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles

And, super cool bar cart.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles


This dealer has no cards and is found in all the usual places including the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles

This living room set is so utterly cool. And practical. None of the prices were crazy or ridiculous. Walk in with $300 cash, and walk out with something fabulous.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles

This looked for reals to me. I think these Sputnik Atomic light fixtures are wonderful. Wouldn't it look great over a bathtub or a dining room table?

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles

This looks like Hey-Wake tiki furniture? I am no expert.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles

The smalls! These tables were manned by a mother/daughter combo. Lisa Cliff is the mom, who also sells jewelry. I bought something off of each table. Easy to guess what if you have been to this blog a time or two. I have a couple of well known soft spots.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles

We did a stop by the Modernica factory.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles

Their Fiberglass Madness color promotion is a good idea. I really like the calico chair from week 13.

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles

Dog and husband ready to call it quits. I got quite a haul and was happy to have the muscle, the truck and the furry company (very dog friendly venue).

Modernica Downtown Modernism Los Angeles


If you are local to Southern California, and love mid-century, keep an eye out for the Downtown Modernism show next year! The dealers, selection and truly competitive pricing are worth the trip.

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14 comments:

  1. Wow, how did you keep from wanting one of everything? An Eames molded plywood chair is still on my wish list too.

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    1. I felt that way last year and knew I wanted to go this year with a bit of a budget. Show is right up our alley. Really great idea by Modernica.

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  2. Wish I'd gone to this while I still lived down there! I just scored a pair of Homecrest wire chairs like the bright orange one in one of your pics. Love the color on that one!

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    Replies
    1. They just started this. Last year was the first show. I hope Modernica keeps it going. Quite a mid-century public service. The Homecrest wire chairs tempted me! Nice.

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  3. I found an orange Magestic metal fireplace last Summer. It looks very similar to the Preway. We use it on our patio, love it!

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    1. Very cool! We are quite excited about the Preway.

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  4. Love that Preway....and the patio set. Great taste. You ARE an aficionado! ;)
    Can't wait to see new patio pics.

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  5. Can't wait to see it in action--that should take care of the chilly evenings in Corona del Mar.

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    1. We tried it out once. It heats up really nice. BUT want to convert to gas, with glas in bottom, blah blah. Always a project.

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  6. The Eames plywood chairs are like some I almost bought for my dining table...and the cloth speaker / lamp combos are nice. Glad I wasnt there, or I would be in trouble!

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    1. The Eames plywood chairs are super comfortable. Maybe next year.

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  7. Wow! Spectacular finds, Rebecca! This looks like a lot of fun.

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