Custom Updates for Classic Designs
APRIL 22, 2010
Mid-century modern furniture has timeless appeal, and flea market finds can be lifetime favorites, but a classic piece in a cool new pattern can 
update the look of an entire room.
There are plenty of options for customizing the classics. Shabby-chic fashion and housewares emporium Anthropologie helped give the trend a boost with classic pieces done in quirky fabrics. Top modern furniture manufacturer Knoll offers seemingly endless options in custom fabrics for their iconic mid-century designs–including unexpected glamour from top fashion houses like Proenza Schouler. Modern furniture company Design Within Reach offers an impressive collection of custom fabrics and colors for their sofas and chairs, so you can customize your Eames Lounge Chair in raspberry Spinneybeck leather or your Arne Jacobson Egg Chair in the same crisp Paul Smith stripes as your favorite shirt. Unica Home will upholster their furniture—like this Aalto armchair—with fabric provided by the customer. Companies like Ceylon et Cie specialize in more luxurious and exotic fabrics for modern pieces and older antiques.
If you want to update your own old good things, local craftsmen like Olek Lejbzon & Co. can refurbish your classic favorites to give them new life. You can go even greener when restoring or updating older furniture: Sites like Green Home Guide provide tips on using non-toxic stuffing and fabrics.
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