The Year of Harry Bertoia

Harry Bertoia has had many years of renowned recognition – and 2011 will be no exception. This year will be skeletal, as in obsessed with framework. Design, specifically furniture and accessory design, will be stripped down to wire framework.

Living Etc. predicts the wire frame will be a 2011 shelter trend. I agree. While the authoritative shelter magazine thinks modern versions of wire frames will reign (like this welcoming chair and this structural table), I think the design community will embrace a flood of the classic Bertoia chair (and maybe even a few other vintage wire creations).

Harry Bertoia first created his legendary seating collection in 1952; the confections of industrial rods have been functional sculptures in dining rooms and interior spaces ever since.

Bertoia was an inventor of form and an enricher of furniture design with his introduction of a new material: he turned industrial wire rods into a design icon.”

The best part about a resurgence of classic design is the potential for vintage finds, though the collection is still manufactured to original specifications by Knoll. If you worry that woven wire won’t provide the most comfortable place to rest your derriere – this clever felt solution will ease your concerns.

Simple, curvy steel frames will be everywhere. Furniture, baker’s racks, storage, kitchen accessories (wine storage and utensils), cake stands, etc. Keep an eye out for wire framework in the eleventh year of the new millennium.

Don’t miss the rest of the 2011 shelter trends either.

(Image via Living Etc.)