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Growing up in the middle of the California's Arts & Crafts capital of South Pasadena, Mark's interest in architectural design and furniture was influenced by Greene & Greene designs and the California bungalow that has been so popular since the early 20th century. His diverse background, which includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology in material cultures, attendance in the interior...

Fantastic Plastic: 21st Century Chic (2 comments)

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A few years ago I, like many others, became obsessed with a plastic molded chair that is the modern version of the classic Louis XV arm chair. Kartell, The Italian company behind the production of this chair, made 21st century plastic furnishings chic and stylish. From table lamps to lounge chairs, all forms of plastics are being used to create furnishings. We can find polycarbonate furniture and lighting pieces from table lamps to ceiling light pendants to desk and dining chairs.

I love visiting the Kartell showroom as well as other outlets where plastic is being used in a whole new, updated and upscale way. As I delve farther into the topic, I find that plastics are used just about everywhere in our homes. Epoxy, a thermoset plastic, was commonly used to seal garage floors but this material is now being used to coat modern European cabinet doors for durability and sleek look. This product can also be used to finish concrete interior floors as well.

Recycled plastic can be found in public restroom partitions to residential countertops. Many companies now sell products, from tile to furniture, made from recycled milk cartons and water bottles. So think outside the box when choosing furnishings and even finish materials and see what makes modern plastics fantastic and chic.
The epoxy finish on these modern cabinets creates a sleek and shiny surface that is modern and highly durable. I love the use of the plastic based finish for the cabinets.
by European Cabinets by Design  
Several different plastics are at work in this great New York dining room. The Saarinen style dining chairs are plastic ploycarbonate on metal bases that sit on an epoxy finished concrete floor that is shiny, sleek and durable.
by Edward I. Mills & Associates, Architects PC
These modern lighting fixtures are creating by strands of fiberglass, another type of plastic over a round form that is popped or deflated after the strands harden. Another great and ingenious use for plastic and the fixtures are fabulous.
Grunsfeld Shafer Architects › North Shore Modern  
The Slow Chair from Vitra is constructed of plastic and is a great example of modern furniture design using plastic. It's sleek and chic. Also, the decorative plastic hanging decor is also constructed of plastic. I used the same product in a client's home to fill an airshaft that was surrounded by windows. It's a great conversation piece that is made entirely of plastic!
by vitra.com
The new, modern, outdoor furniture being produced by companies like Kartell, are awesome and fun pieces. No longer do you need to dread finding boring patio furniture to furnish your outdoor spaces. Pick a sofa like this all plastic one to create an outdoor living room!
by Studio ST Architects, P.C.
I love the combination the Diane Einstein mixed together. These other Kartell polycarbonate chairs truly create a modern statement. Placed together with epoxy finished cabinets and funky black and white upholstery, plastic is now 21st century chic.
by Einstein Design Group
Here fiberglass is the material chosen for these window frames. Fiberglass is strong and affordable for windows and is another great example of the use of plastics.
by Susan M. Davis
These vintage plastic chairs are right at home in this modern kitchen/dining area. What used to be so retro and vintage are now modern chic in today's interiors.
by Klopf Architecture

comments

I love the vintage look of the plastic chairs in the last photo and they are also very comfy.
sara1972 says:
The modern lighting fixtures in the hallway are absolutely stunning-what a great design from plastic!
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