No material is more evocative of the 20th century than plastic. And of all the plastics Lucite is clearly the most elegant.
Art Deco Lamps
Added 15 July 2020 at 16:28
As electric light became widely available, designers of lighting found freedom to explore the evolving styles of the day.
Brass tacks
Added 30 March 2020 at 18:19
More lustrous than silver but less showy than gold, brass brings instant opulence without being too pricey.
Call of the Wild
Added 30 March 2020 at 17:55
The animal world constitutes the richest & most varied forms on the planet. Living animals have been inspiring designers for millennia.
Gaetano Sciolari Designs & the Movies
Added 18 October 2019 at 08:08
For 4 decades Sciolari Lighting has illuminated futuristic & glamorous movie sets.
Lightolier catalogue featuring Sciolari
Added 18 October 2019 at 07:59
This 1976 Lightolier catalogue features many Sciolari designs.
Willy Daro Biography
Added 19 May 2019 at 11:13
Willy Daro founded his factory "Les Nouveaux Ateliers Willy Daro SPRL" in Brussels in the early 1960`s.
Palwa Lighting History
Added 28 February 2019 at 18:37
Palwa owes much of its success to earlier Bohemian glass producers. In 1724 Josef Palme-Mahl was the first to make crystal chandeliers, a transformation of the earlier Flemish brass crown design but in glass.
Peter Ghyczy Biography
Added 14 May 2018 at 08:41
Peter Ghyczy patented many of his developments, especially for his innovative method of clamping glass and metal together. He used this technique for a new type of "frameless" table.
Jeff Messerschmidt Biography
Added 20 January 2018 at 20:28
Jeff Messerschmidt is an American artist & furniture designer known for his pioneering use of acrylic & Lucite.
Jules Leleu Biography
Added 17 January 2018 at 09:13
Jules Leleu (France, 1883-1961)
Stilnovo
Added 04 December 2017 at 18:34
Founded in 1946 by Bruno Gatta, Stilnovo is a significant part of the first wave of post World War two Italian design companies specialising in the production of innovative, functional lighting.
Mr Lucite Charles Hollis Jones
Added 18 September 2017 at 12:56
Charles Hollis Jones is an American artist & furniture designer known for his pioneering use of acrylic & Lucite.
Paul Kingma Design History
Added 25 July 2017 at 07:30
As early as the 1970`s Dutch artist Paul Kingma designed furniture incorporating natural elements of the Earth in a Brutalist but beautiful way. In the 80`s, Kingma incorporated other materials in relief like fossils, pebbles, copper and brass. Kingma once quoted "my stone tables resist the corruption of time, and support the weight of life".
Edward Wormley Furniture Designer
Added 11 June 2017 at 18:24
Edward Wormley deeply appreciated traditional design, and consequently his work has an understated warmth and a timeless quality that sets it apart from other furnishings of the era.
Pierre Vandel Furniture History
Added 04 June 2017 at 16:12
Pierre Vandel is a talented French designer whose success is international. His avant-garde vision, innovative spirit and rigor pushed him to design original, elegant & timeless furniture.
Olympic Torch brooch Trifari silver 1948 London Olympics
Added 12 August 2016 at 09:29
Trifari torch pin in sterling silver vermeil, by Alfred Philippe, designed in 1947, USA.
Hans-Agne Jakobsson Biography
Added 29 July 2016 at 11:09
Swedish interior decorator & furniture designer Hans-Agne Jakobsson was master of direction & colour of light.
Decorating with Vintage Mirrors
Added 21 May 2016 at 16:02
They may say it`s all smoke & mirrors but mirrors really do offer brilliant solutions to a wide range of interior design problems.
Sculptural table lamps make `Deco Decadence`
Added 25 March 2016 at 07:35
A strong trend this season is a contemporary take on the luxurious Art Deco style.
‘Deco Decadence’ is a sophisticated & serious, almost curated look.
Finish the look with sculptural metalic accents such as these 1970`s table lamps.
Marco Zanuso Biography (1916-2001)
Added 14 September 2015 at 09:18
Marco Zanuso`s `Senior` Chair is the 20th Century Design Classic which inspired this pair of contemporary armchairs made for Roomscape.
Jean Claude Mahey Furniture
Added 17 July 2015 at 20:24
Jean-Claude Mahey came from a family of decorative painters. Today his design company in Paris is family led.
The apartment of Willy Rizzo
Added 05 July 2015 at 20:23
Willy Rizzo’s furniture designs appear to be closely linked to his apartments, both in style & story.
The Bullish Art Market
Added 05 July 2015 at 07:51
Post-War Art, like the work of American painter & sculptor John Chamberlain (1927-2011), is particularly performing well at auction.
Roomscape`s collection of vintage Regalia costume jewellery
Added 05 May 2015 at 15:19
To commemorate the birth of Princess Charlotte, Roomscape presents its Regalia collection of vintage costume jewellery for sale.
Milo Baughman Biography
Added 10 April 2015 at 17:53
Milo Baughman (1923-2003) was an advocator of the social benefits of good design . He is known to have said "Within the total meaning of function, is included the purpose to please."
Giovanni Schoeman Biography
Added 01 March 2015 at 14:59
Giovanni Schoeman (1940-1981) - The Alchemist & The Hitman.
The story of sculptor Giovanni Schoeman is as interesting in life as it is in art.
Marvella Jewelry History
Added 15 February 2015 at 20:19
Marvella has had a long history with the sea themed pieces including the famous "Neptune" line in the 1940’s.
IRWIN Group Prints & History
Added 20 January 2015 at 22:17
IRWIN describes its art as `retro-avant-garde` - a Post-Modern remix of historical images, propaganda & religious icons.
Hillebrand Lighting
Added 23 November 2014 at 08:56
The Egon Hillebrand light factory (Leuchtenfabrik Hillebrand) was established in 1881 in Germany.
Bakalowits Lighting Company History
Added 02 September 2014 at 16:54
Viennese lighting company Bakalowits produced lighting fit for a King. Actually it was the Emperor. In 1892 Bakalowits & Sons provided the first electronic chandeliers for the Viennese Imperial Palace and went on to be the Royal Purveyor to the Court.
Barovier & Toso Lighting History
Added 07 August 2014 at 13:39
In 1991, the Barovier family appeared in the Guinness Book of Records, as the world`s longest-established family of glass-workers and has been ranked the 5th oldest Family Business in the world.
Midcentury Styling by guest Interiors Blogger Sarah Akwisombe
Added 02 August 2014 at 15:09
This month we take a vacation and invited guest Interiors Blogger Sarah Akwisombe to create a room setting inspired by this red hot 1950`s sofa just in stock.
Gaetano Sciolari Biography
Added 01 July 2014 at 18:23
Playfully Sciolari positioned satin finishes against highly polished metal for great optical effect. He broke the rules by combining brass with chrome, to bring out the best of both metals.
John Piper Artist Biography
Added 01 July 2014 at 17:57
John Piper (1903-1992) is quoted to have said ` Abstraction is the way to the heart - it is not the heart itself `.
Vintage Dior Jewellery & Yves Saint Laurent Jewellery
Added 04 June 2014 at 22:02
In celebration of the recently released film Yves Saint Laurent, Roomscape presents this collection of YSL & Dior costume jewellery just in stock.
The Spring Clean 2014
Added 31 May 2014 at 19:11
Bringing together Interior Designers, fabric, rug and furniture companies for a sale of high end extra stock to raise money for Kids Company.
Gilbert Poillerat (1902-1988) - the artist who shaped iron into new forms
Added 05 May 2014 at 14:09
Iron work of the Art Deco period escaped from tradition, to take on new forms & finishes.
Sische Lighting/ Sische Leuchte - follow the company through the years
Added 05 May 2014 at 07:58
Josef Simon & Joseph Schelle founded the German company Sische Leuchte in 1946.
French Decorative Animalism
Added 20 April 2014 at 07:57
In the 20th century animal themes came in & out of fashion in French Decorative Arts. Realistic & surreal animal images of brass, gold, agate, rare stones and other precious materials reflected the wealth & anxiety of the 1970`s.
Vintage Boucher Jewelry/Jewellery
Added 13 April 2014 at 08:38
Marcel Boucher initially he worked for Cartier in Paris and then in New York in 1925.
Trifari Coronation Jewels
Added 11 April 2014 at 13:02
This vintage Trifari orb brooch was part of the Trifari coronation jewels made in 1953 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II`s ascension to the throne. Read more about Trifari`s royal connections on our Blog.
Stilnovo lighting
Added 10 April 2014 at 06:34
Stilnovo was exemplary in developing design beyond function by combining new materials to produce novel forms and textures.
Roger Vanhevel furniture
Added 10 April 2014 at 05:56
The sleek designs of Belgian artist & furniture designer Roger Vanhevel.
Mazer Jewelry (Jewellery)
Added 05 April 2014 at 20:01
Vintage American jewellery maker Mazer produced high quality jewellery using Swarovski rhinestones and crystals.
Carl Fagerlund Orrefors Lighting in Sweden History
Added 04 April 2014 at 17:21
After World War II, Orrefors sought to expand their lighting department and hired the talented and innovative Swedish lighting designer Carl Fagerlund. He remained as lead lighting designer from 1946 until 1980 when he reached international acclaim with his large lighting installations like the Head Office of General Motors and the Kennedy Center in USA.
Maison Bagues Lighting & Furniture History
Added 05 March 2014 at 17:57
Parisian, Maison Bagues was founded by Noël Bagučs in 1860. Initially specialising in bronzes, the company began producing lighting when son Eugčne joined in 1880.
Maison Charles Lighting
Added 05 March 2014 at 17:39
The Parisian Maison Charles Lighting remains family led since it was founded in 1908 by Ernest Charles.
Lobmeyr Lighting
Added 07 February 2014 at 22:03
Viennese chandelier manufacturer Lobmeyr has just celebrated 190 years in business.
Vintage Furniture Amsterdam - DESIGN > ICONS in Amsterdam
Added 17 January 2014 at 19:03
This February the vintage design portal RETROSTART presents it`s annual show DESIGN > ICONS in Amsterdam.
Malcolm Morley Artist - his colourful & energenic scenes have the effect of heightening the viewers’ perceptions
Added 06 January 2014 at 09:51
Although an American citizen, Malcolm Morley (1931 – 2018) was born in London and therefore British enough to win the first UK Turner Prize in 1984.
Raak Amsterdam Lighting
Added 02 December 2013 at 13:16
Colour plays a major role in Dutch design such as this vintage lighting by Raak Amsterdam.
Vintage Rhinestone Jewelry (Jewellery)
Added 21 November 2013 at 18:59
Roomscape presents it`s `Glitter Collection` of vintage rhinestone jewelry (jewellery). Check it out along with the history of rhinestones & Swarovski`s `Aurora Borealis`.
Limburg Lighting, Kaiser Lighting & Peill & Putzler
Added 03 November 2013 at 21:12
From Bauhaus to every House. The 1970`s saw a softening of German design for increased global appeal. Nowhere was this more evident than in German lighting.
What is the difference between Jean Charles Furniture, Maison Jansen Furniture and Maison Charles?
Added 25 October 2013 at 08:04
Signed Maison Jansen, Jean Charles & Maison Charles furniture
Vintage Furniture in Battersea - The Decorative Fair in Battersea October 2013
Added 04 October 2013 at 15:26
This Autumn`s fair had plenty of haunting sightings perfect for the month of October
Kensington Vintage Furniture Dealers, Roomscape, report on Decorex 2013 in London
Added 30 September 2013 at 15:46
Top London interior design event, Decorex, relocated to Kensington Gardens last week. Roomscape was there to report on the top trends. Find out more here!
Gae Aulenti Jumbo table - About the designer
Added 04 September 2013 at 20:27
It was while working as a graphic designer with Casabella Magazine when Gae Aulenti joined her colleagues to form the Neo Liberty movement.
Ico Parisi Furniture - About the designer Domenico (Ico) Parisi (1916-1996)
Added 04 September 2013 at 20:14
Parisi`s pieces are characterised by curvaceous wooden frames or funky, modernist forms of the early atomic age.
Gianni Songia vintage sofa daybed GS 195 for Sormani
Added 04 September 2013 at 20:01
Sormani furniture is featured in the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Victoria & Albert Museum in London, Musée des Arts Décoratifs de Paris and the Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto, Japan.
Vintage Putzler Lighting - the history
Added 04 September 2013 at 19:51
1970`s lighting by Peill & Putzler, Germany, expressed the era`s fascination with the futuristic and sculptural quality of globular forms and materials like brass & glass.
Mangiarotti Italy - About the designer Angelo Mangiarotti (1921-2012)
Added 04 September 2013 at 10:51
Mangiarotti’s designs focused on the essential characteristics of every object with form following the quality of the material.
Pier Luigi Colli Furniture - About the designer
Added 04 September 2013 at 10:48
Pier Luigi Colli (1895-1968) combined materials such as iron, brass, glass & wood, worked by local craftsmen exemplified the Neo-Liberty movement.
Kenneth Jay Lane Jewelery UK - About the designer
Added 10 August 2013 at 09:19
Lane`s brilliant creations attracted clientele like Elizabeth Taylor, the Duchess of Windsor and Jackie Kennedy.
John Chamberlain Artist (1927-2011)
Added 01 July 2013 at 17:25
Chamberlain’s work effortlessly bridges the major movements of the 50s, 60s & 70s. His sculptures are the tridimensional equivalent of 50’s abstract expressionism. Roomscape has sourced a complete original series of Chamberlain 1980`s prints from the `Natural Landscape` inspired by his sculptures from automotive parts.
Francisco Rebajes (1906-1990) - father of `wearable art`
Added 04 June 2013 at 14:47
The father of `wearable art`, Francisco Rebajes (1906-1990). Inspired by exotic cultures such as African figures, Pre-Columbian and Oriental forms, Rebajes created one of his most famous early designs this ‘Ubangi’ head. At Roomscape we have in stock for sale a diverse collection of original vintage Rebajes copper jewellery.
Kinkeldey Lighting Germany
Added 26 May 2013 at 08:59
The Kinkeldey lighting company won the 1969 lighting award from the International Forum Design
Muller & Zimmer Lighting, Germany
Added 26 May 2013 at 08:54
Muller & Zimmer began production of lights in Stuttgart Germany in the 1930`s.
Lennart Bender Poltrona armchairs
Added 26 May 2013 at 08:40
These Poltrona armchairs have all the features of Pop Art furniture: a space shaped fiberglass molded white base with dimpled over-sized cushion.
Neo-Brutalism
Added 22 April 2013 at 19:09
Today`s Neo-Brutalism is about a cutting edge industrial space with an eclectic flair.
Gaetano Sciolari`s Italian lighting added much needed glamour to Brutalism like in Roomscape`s new finds this month: a tubular chrome, brushed steel & glass large chandelier and a gold metal & crystal rods chandelier.
HAR Costume Jewelry from the 1950`s
Added 02 April 2013 at 14:44
HAR jewelry history is mysterious both in design and history. At Roomscape we have for sale a diverse range of vintage HAR jewellery.
Romeo Rega
Added 09 March 2013 at 09:38
This trademark for Romeo Rega with the double `R`s was first used on December 31 1969. A symbolic turn to the 70`s and with all the bubbles of New Years Eve.
Paolo Buffa
Added 05 March 2013 at 23:23
Buffa’s work ranged from the traditional and ornate to the futuristic, but they are all of exceptional quality & refined.
Trifari gold collars & warm metallics are hot in Fashion and Interiors
Added 13 February 2013 at 21:54
Fashion continues its love affair with gold collars. This Grecian trend is expected to feature throughout London Fashion Week.
Kalmar, from handcrafted Modernism to bespoke luxury
Added 18 January 2013 at 16:57
In the 1990`s, owner Thomas Calice ceased production of stock inventory. This has reduced the availability and raised the value of all the quality vintage pieces produced up to then.
Trifari Sparkle
Added 06 December 2012 at 08:44
The 1930`s were a period of outstanding production for Trifari with the appointment of Alfred Philippe, formerly of Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. Philippe led the designs until 1968.
Luciano Vistosi: Glass Making & Glass Discs Chandelier
Added 12 November 2012 at 18:11
Vistosi`s designs of the 60`s & 70`s anticipated both minimalism and 80`s excess. Using white or completely translucent glass shifted the emphasis on the elongated, curvaceous or bulbous form.
Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828)
Added 12 October 2012 at 12:46
Louise Brongniart (1772 - 1845) was five when sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828) carved her portrait.
Emil Stejnar
Added 03 September 2012 at 15:52
When Emil Stejnar was given the decorating job in 1955 of the `Ohne Pause Cafe`, this was his 50`s twist on the traditional cafe globe light.
Poul Cadovius
Added 31 July 2012 at 15:38
Danish architect Poul Cadovius (1911-2011), founded the Cado Company in the late 1950`s.
Niels Jřrgen Haugesen
Added 31 July 2012 at 15:31
Check out these dining chairs called `The String Chair` designed by Niels Jřrgen Haugesen
Vintage Olympic Poster Show
Added 31 July 2012 at 09:05
Twelve British artists have produced the official London Olympic Posters. As the posters have been produced in less volume, they may become very sought after.
Gold Medal for Agent Provocateur
Added 07 July 2012 at 21:00
Luxury lingerie designers Agent Provocateur have just opened a new Boutique in Miami which features this 24 karat gold table from Roomscape.
Out of Africa
Added 10 June 2012 at 22:22
Roomscape reports on African Deco, a major trend emerging from this week’s Olympia International Fine Art & Antiques Fair.
Best Vintage Furniture Shops London
Added 29 May 2012 at 12:59
Roomscape was chosen top 5 in the best vintage furniture shops london by our Commonwealth sister, Australian Wee Birdy.
Kirstie`s Vintage Home
Added 29 May 2012 at 12:39
Tuesday was the perfect sunny day for the launch of Kirstie`s Vintage Home Shop party on the Portobello Road!
Karl Springer (1930–1991)
Added 01 May 2012 at 11:01
Collectors include The Duke & Duchess of Windsor, Frank Sinatra, Jacqueline Onassis, Joni Mitchell and Luther Vandross.
Breakfast at The Wolseley
Added 28 April 2012 at 20:15
It may look as though The Wolseley Restaurant has been part of the establishment for as long as England has had royalty but in fact the building was commissioned for Wolseley Car Company in 1921. Roomscape wall sconces are the icing on the cake!
Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair
Added 22 April 2012 at 09:43
Postmodernism; so playful it didn`t need a funny name
Added 10 April 2012 at 15:22
Postmodernism liberated many, freeing them from the grip of modernism, making it relevant for today.
Sex and Sensibility: The Allure of Art Nouveau Starts 22nd March BBC4
Added 07 April 2012 at 08:39
Stephen Smith leads this series which looks at how the Art Nouveau Movement flourished in the burgeoning cities of Europe at the end of the 19th century.
The Midcentury Show Sunday 27th May 2012
Added 05 April 2012 at 21:28
Mary Queen of Shops Portas and Tyler Brule loved this show last year
Antique coffee tables don`t really exist!
Added 01 March 2012 at 22:44
Coffee tables have only been a relatively recent development in furniture history.
Perfect Vision
Added 12 January 2012 at 01:59
2012 - The Year of the Dragon! For their 1950`s oriental inspired photoshoot, luxury eyeware designer Cutler & Gross, chose Roomscape to keep an eye out for vintage pieces.
Elle Decoration & Roomscape
Added 04 January 2012 at 21:32
Arne Vodder
Added 04 January 2012 at 21:27
The Sophia Loren & Charlotte Rampling of the lighting world
Added 04 January 2012 at 21:19
I know, It’s cruel asking you to choose between two gorgeous creatures, but can two such strong personalities coexist in a home?
Saporiti Style
Added 04 January 2012 at 21:16
Illum Wikkelsř
Added 04 January 2012 at 21:08
Illum Wikkelsř (1919-1999) may be one of Denmark’s best kept secrets.
Which iconic 70′s sofas were inspired by Joe DiMaggio & Marilyn Monroe?
Added 04 January 2012 at 21:02
‘Light up Design’ by Dimitri Brazas
Added 04 January 2012 at 20:58
This project aims to re-introduce the poetry & romantic values of decorative elements and challenge perceptions about the old, the new, the minimal & the ornate through a series of conversation pieces designed provoke & spark the imagination.
Retro returns to Carnaby Street
Added 04 January 2012 at 20:53
Fashion & Furniture
Added 04 January 2012 at 20:49
The angular detail on this coffee table with contrasting black lacquer and patinated brass, is characteristic of Willy Rizzo’s designs with Pierre Cardin.
Willy Rizzo; photographer & designer
Added 04 January 2012 at 20:40
Here is Willy Rizzo giving an interview from his living room and spotted just to the left is a 1970′s Flaminia coffee table. Mr Rizzo points out that the table goes well with his Louis XIV & oriental pieces.
Ooh La La for ‘Leleu’
Added 04 January 2012 at 20:35
This book on Leleu is invaluable for sourcing Deco furniture. All 500 pages are available online!
Is that real gold in Murano Glass?
Added 02 January 2012 at 12:59
A Union with Roomscape
Added 02 January 2012 at 12:50
Mary Portas, Queen of Shops
Added 02 January 2012 at 12:30
Mary Portas working with Roomscape to furnish her new shop
Mark Stacey from Bargain Hunt
Added 02 January 2012 at 12:22
Check out this handy guide to legs!
Added 02 January 2012 at 12:05
Wade Furniture, possibly the best makers of Chesterfields
Added 02 January 2012 at 11:59
Leolux = Leo + luxury
Added 02 January 2012 at 11:44
Vintage Leolux sofas - origins of the company name
Pairs of table lamps seems to be down to Nature & Nurture
Added 02 January 2012 at 11:38
The difference between Chesterfield, Couch, Sofa & Settee?
Added 02 January 2012 at 11:22
Columbia Road is springing up as the new Vintage Destination
Added 02 January 2012 at 01:09
Go with the Grain!
Added 02 January 2012 at 01:03
Is it acceptable to buy vintage pieces made from Wenge wood which is on the Greenpeace Red List?
Was Gucci inspired by ‘Shou’?
Added 02 January 2012 at 00:59
Europe is going ‘Folie’ for Maison Jansen
Added 02 January 2012 at 00:54
Jens Risom, one of the original Playboys
Added 02 January 2012 at 00:46
This photo from 1961 Playboy shows Risom with George Nelson, Edward Wormley, Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia and Charles Eames.
Get Illuminated!
Added 02 January 2012 at 00:39
With vintage lighting, it’s possible to just have a hint of retro or go for that full on period feel.
Spanky Spank Spank
Added 02 January 2012 at 00:34
Designed by Toshiyuki Yoshino for Cattelan Italia, the Bali Chair is spankin’.
Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all.
Added 01 January 2012 at 17:25
Mirrors are the ultimate accessory as the silver surface reflects surrounding colour and therefore goes with everything.
She’s got legs & knows how to use them.
Added 01 January 2012 at 17:19
I don’t know which to focus on – these legs or the beautiful Coromandel wood.
Le Corbusier sofa
Added 01 January 2012 at 17:10
Vintage Cocktail Drinks Bar Hire
Added 01 January 2012 at 15:35
Rent this vintage cocktail drinks bar for your next London party!
Brass Coffee Table - Goldfinger!
Added 13 December 2011 at 16:53
It’s not just the stock market saying invest in metals – interiors have been touched by the gold rush.
Brutalist Coffee Tables
Added 13 December 2011 at 12:47
Appreciating Brutalism is challenging – Could the interest which surrounded it be compared to the present industrial trend?
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