Dali’s Lips and Smeg Fridge: Bringing the 50’s Touch to Your Home
Posted by Elissa Sheldon on Monday, July 2, 2012
The 50’s were considered by many as the era of revolution and excitement. Following the devastating impact of World War II with the world having at least recovered to a certain degree, a new generation of buyers was born in a world of baby boom and atom bombs. In contrast, do you know that several iconic fifties designed home furniture and appliances aren’t actually from that period? Regardless of the size and type of your home, classic pieces such as Salvador Dali’s settee and Smeg fridge would surely fit in.
The SMEG fridge
The Smeg fridge integrates a great deal of fifties design. It comes in a variety of candy coloured fridges with chrome lettering and curved edges softening the boxy shape, which we typically see from American diners. It was designed in the 1990s, but would look at home in the kitchen of any mid-century domestic goddess. This period unquestionably witnessed several developments in the kitchen with the introduction of new consumer goods and other innovative materials.
During this period, the housing was also cheaper and rather small. Because of this, open plan kitchen layouts and fitted kitchens became increasingly popular. Disposable plastic wares also became so popular then, while domestic electrical appliances became more stylish than ever before. Two of the most stylish products ever introduced in the 50s are large fridges and Microwave ovens. It is very clear how Smeg successfully incorporates the inspirations of fifties design with its products. It certainly makes a statement.
Dali’s ‘lips’ sofa
Compared with Smeg fridges, Salvador Dali’s iconic settee is not from the 1950s either. In truth, this was designed in 1937. There are two possible reasons why it was considered a retro version. The first reason is because a lot of the fifties design are similar with those from the 1930s. Thirties modernism emphasised function over form, with little ornamentation and simple, clean lines - ideas which went well with the abstract, geometric patterns of the ‘50s. Art deco was another influence. The second reason is because some of the Dali designed chairs closely resemble with those that truly come from the 1950s. Arne Jacobsen’s ‘Egg’ chair is one good example.
Although plastics such as Tupperware became so popular in the 1950s, the ideas and concepts from this period remain influential up to this day. To bring additional style to your home, now is the right time to get retro fifties designed home appliances.
The SMEG fridge
The Smeg fridge integrates a great deal of fifties design. It comes in a variety of candy coloured fridges with chrome lettering and curved edges softening the boxy shape, which we typically see from American diners. It was designed in the 1990s, but would look at home in the kitchen of any mid-century domestic goddess. This period unquestionably witnessed several developments in the kitchen with the introduction of new consumer goods and other innovative materials.
During this period, the housing was also cheaper and rather small. Because of this, open plan kitchen layouts and fitted kitchens became increasingly popular. Disposable plastic wares also became so popular then, while domestic electrical appliances became more stylish than ever before. Two of the most stylish products ever introduced in the 50s are large fridges and Microwave ovens. It is very clear how Smeg successfully incorporates the inspirations of fifties design with its products. It certainly makes a statement.
Dali’s ‘lips’ sofa
Although plastics such as Tupperware became so popular in the 1950s, the ideas and concepts from this period remain influential up to this day. To bring additional style to your home, now is the right time to get retro fifties designed home appliances.