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Modish is a social-networking community of modern design enthusiasts from all walks of life. Recent finds and prized possessions are shared by members in a format resembling show & tell. We are a good-spirited, fun group and the site is an invaluable, ever-expanding and evolving resource for 20th century modern design enthusiasts. Posts on all forms of vintage modern design are welcome (Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Mid-century Modern, and more). Your active participation makes this all work.

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April 2004 Issue of MODish.net

Beauty Follows Form: Decorating with Vintage Modern Ceramics

See everything as art! Repeating this mantra mindfully imbues life with a renewed sensitivity to the beauty that surrounds us in both the natural and man-made world. Since the beginning of recorded history, humans have demonstrated a need for beauty in even quotidian, utlitarian objects. In the rush of our modern world, we often forget the renewing power of art and design in our lives.
During the mid-20th century, the design and aesthetics of high and low brow ceramic ware reached new heights. Today, a growing number of people, recognizing the art in American mid-century modern dinnerware, collect and display this ware as accents and focal points in their interior decor. Thematic displays can be based on color, shapes, styles, manufacturer, or designer. This corner Heywood-Wakefield bookcase features the 1950s-60s ceramic designs of Michael Lax: Raymor Capri (Hyalyn Porcelain, Inc., 1953) and Primaries (Iroquois China Company, 1968).
Who ever said bookcases just had to shelve books? Mix it up! Juxtapose vintage ceramics with metal and glass objects right next to your favorite books.
Making wall decorations out of your favorite plates can create interesting displays. This is an arrangement of Raymor Modern Stoneware.
China cabinets are for china! Creating theme cabinets are always fun. This display contains the designs of Ben Seibel, including Raymor Modern Artware, Raymor Modern Stoneware, and Raymor Modern Glassware. Change your cabinets frequently for a change of pace. This cabinet is getting a bit crowded, but appears less crowded with the doors closed.
Who says you can't create a display in the bedroom? This display features Metlox's California Freeform.
Make the most of your kitchen cabinets. Decorate the tops with coordinating vintage dinnerware. Consider decorating the tops of freestanding refrigerators. Metlox Mobile dinnerware is matched with the purple in Catalonian glassware.
Use your new collecting finds as centerpiece decorations on the dinning room table. Coffee pot attributed to Ernest Sohn (Hall China, c.1960) and salad bowl by Michael Lax (Primaries, Iroquois China, 1968).