Embarking on a sourcing expedition to Europe in search of Italian Mid Century Design is both exhilarating and challenging. But do you know what it takes to source exquisite and valuable pieces and to ensure a hassle-free experience? While years of experience help in mastering the process and establishing trustworthy relationships with suppliers guaranteeing a smooth process while buying from overseas, everyone starts somewhere. Buying the furniture may seem relatively straightforward, but the real challenge lies in managing logistics across multiple locations, handling shipping, coordinating collections, and navigating customs procedures. So, what's it like to purchase Italian Mid Century Design Furniture in Europe? What are, according to Designitalia team, the top 10 tips to have the smoothest experience and avoid headaches and overspending?
First of all, it is important to understand a little bit of history about Italia Mid Century design.
What is MID-CENTURY Design?
Mid-century design refers to the design styles and aesthetics that were popular between the 1930s and 1960s. It encompasses various design movements and influences from that time period. This includes styles such as Art Deco, Scandinavian design, and the Bauhaus movement.
On the other hand, mid-century modern specifically refers to a design movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily in the post-World War II era. It is characterized by clean lines, organic forms, and an emphasis on functionality and simplicity. Mid-century modern design often incorporates natural materials, such as wood and leather, and features iconic pieces by renowned designers like Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, and Hans Wegner.
Gufram - Radical Italian Design
Cini Boeri
Additionally, it's important not to confuse mid-century design with mid-century style. While mid-century design refers to the actual design aesthetics and movements from the mid-1900s, mid-century style refers to the contemporary interpretation and incorporation of those design elements into modern interiors. Mid-century style takes inspiration from the past but adapts it to fit present-day preferences and trends. So, while mid-century design refers to the original design from the mid-century period, mid-century style refers to the contemporary reimagining of that design in today's context.
What are the main difference between Italian Mid Century and American Mid Century design?
Italian Mid Century design refers to the design styles and aesthetics that emerged in Italy during the mid-20th century, primarily in the 1940s to 1970s. It was influenced by Italian craftsmanship, artistry, and cultural heritage. Italian designers during this period focused on combining traditional craftsmanship with innovative design ideas. They embraced luxurious materials, intricate detailing, and a sense of elegance. Italian Mid Century design often exhibits a blend of modernism and classicism, resulting in refined and sophisticated pieces.
On the other hand, American Mid Century design refers to the design styles and aesthetics that emerged in the United States during the same time period. American Mid Century design was heavily influenced by the post-World War II era, which brought about an era of optimism, technological advancements, and a focus on mass production. American designers during this period emphasized functionality, simplicity, and affordability. The design principles were driven by clean lines, geometric forms, and an exploration of new materials such as plastic, plywood, and metal. The American Mid Century design movement also embraced the concept of open-plan living spaces and an integration of indoor and outdoor living.
While both Italian Mid Century and American Mid Century design share some common elements, such as a focus on modernity and innovation, they have distinct characteristics influenced by their respective cultural, artistic, and historical contexts. Italian Mid Century design tends to have a more refined, luxurious, and artisanal quality, while American Mid Century design emphasizes functionality, affordability, and mass production.
WHO ARE THE MOST INFLUENTIAL ITALIAN MID CENTURY DESIGN CREATORS?
Mario Bellini
Gio Ponti
The 20th century was witness to the rise of some truly exceptional Italian furniture designers who left an everlasting impact on the world of design. Too many to name them all! Their groundbreaking creations and visionary approach still serve as a profound source of inspiration and influence within the furniture industry today, often commanding high prices in the secondary market.
Among these influential figures, one name that stands out is Gio Ponti, widely hailed as the father of modern Italian design. Ponti had a remarkable talent for seamlessly merging functionality and artistic expression, capturing the very essence of mid-century modernism. His iconic works, characterized by their sleek lines, organic shapes, and a perfect harmony between form and function, continue to be revered for their timeless appeal.
Another luminary in the realm of Italian design is Achille Castiglioni, celebrated for his playful and imaginative approach. Castiglioni had an extraordinary ability to transform everyday objects into captivating works of art through clever material usage. His designs exuded a sense of humor and offered unconventional solutions, challenging traditional notions of functionality while remaining highly practical and aesthetically pleasing.
The visionary contributions of Ettore Sottsass cannot be overlooked. As a founding member of the Memphis Group, Sottsass revolutionized the design landscape with his daring use of vibrant colors, bold patterns, and unconventional shapes. His designs embraced a postmodern sensibility, rejecting the minimalist aesthetic of the time in favor of expressive compositions that pushed boundaries and opened up new creative avenues.
Other notable Italian designers, including Carlo Mollino, Osvaldo Borsani, Gae Aulenti, Mario Bellini, Afra and Tobia Scarpa, and Franco Albini, have also made significant contributions to the field. Each designer possesses a unique style and approach, yet they all share a common passion for craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and a relentless desire to push the boundaries of design.
The enduring legacy of these influential 20th-century Italian furniture designers is exemplified by their iconic creations, which continue to captivate design enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Their unwavering spirit of innovation, dedication to superior quality, and ability to create objects that transcend time firmly establish them as true pioneers of Italian design.
sourcing Italian mid-century design can be a complex yet rewarding journey. here is the top 10 tips for an enjoyable experience.
1) The experience of purchasing Italian Mid Century Design in Europe varies depending on whether you're buying from multiple locations or a single country. If your plan involves visiting multiple countries, you'll likely rely on driving, which means being prepared to rent a car and endure long hours on the road. Renting a car is generally straightforward, but it's important to be ready for potential inconveniences like flat tires or unexpected hiccups along the way.
2) When engaging in purchasing Italian Mid Century Design Furniture in Europe, finding a trustworthy shipping company becomes paramount. This process often involves multiple email exchanges and phone calls to ensure reliability, trust, and efficient organization.
3) The most challenging aspect of the process comes when it's time to collect the purchased furniture and various items, especially if you don't have access to a rented truck or assistance to help with loading and packing the merchandise. In such cases, additional services might need to be arranged. Alternatively, if you opt to rent a truck, it's essential to be well-prepared with basic packing materials to ensure the safe transportation of your newly acquired pieces, especially fragile furniture and decorative accessories.
Mid Century Italian Design is timeless and will acquire value with time
4) Take diligent notes. It's crucial to document all the necessary details, such as shipping arrangements, contact information, and any specific instructions or agreements made. This will help you stay organized and have a reference point throughout the journey.
5) My personal advice tip: do not rely solely on your smartphone, do carry paper! A notebook or agenda sometimes work better than a smart phone unless you are going to loose it anyway!
6) Capture everything in pictures. To maintain a comprehensive record, remember to photograph each item you purchase, along with any associated suppliers or contacts. These visual references will assist you in cataloging your Mid Century Design collection effectively.
7) Additionally, inspect every piece meticulously, avoiding hasty judgments and ensuring its condition aligns with your expectations.
8) Each evening, it is essential to conduct a thorough review of the day's activities. Take the time to log in the relevant details and records of the items that have been acquired. This ensures accurate documentation and helps maintain an organized record of your purchases.
9) Additionally, effective communication with the shipping company is crucial. Discuss important aspects such as crating fragile items, packing smaller items, insurance coverage, custom clearance costs, and delivery options. Inquire about the type of delivery service they provide and how the items will be packed. Request a detailed packing list that includes dimensions, weight, and contents. This level of communication and documentation ensures a smooth and transparent shipping process.
Decide BEFOREHAND which kind of Mid Century Furniture you want to purchase
10) The most important tips of all! Having a clear understanding of what you want is crucial when exploring the vast array of Italian Mid Century furniture and accessories. Without a defined vision, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to focus your attention. To avoid this, it's important to determine beforehand what you intend to purchase for your home or store.
Enjoy these pictures taken during our last Mid Century sourcing trip to Italy!
By knowing exactly what you're looking for, your eyes will naturally gravitate towards styles, shapes, and colors that align with your preferences. This focused approach enables you to quickly identify the pieces that meet your requirements, streamlining the shopping experience and ensuring that you acquire items that truly resonate with your desired aesthetic.
you might end up walking a lot in search of your dream Mid Century Furniture collection
Traveling light is highly recommended when embarking on a journey to find Italian Mid Century furniture. Opt for a backpack and avoid bulky clothing and accessories that may cause damage to delicate items like a lovely glass vase. It's crucial to prioritize the safety of your purchases.
Furthermore, make sure to wear comfortable shoes throughout your adventure. The exploration may involve extensive walking, potentially leading you to remote areas, old warehouses, or sprawling vintage flea markets. Being prepared for long walks ensures you can navigate these locations comfortably and fully immerse yourself in the search for unique and remarkable pieces.
WANT TO AVOID THE HASSLE? BUY THROUGH DESIGNITALIA!
At the end you have to weigh in the pros and cons and maybe relax while we do the job. Why subject yourself to the overwhelming stress of coordinating, driving, and searching when you have the option to entrust all of it to our capable team at Designitalia? We are dedicated to making your experience seamless and hassle-free. Instead of getting caught up in the logistics, take a moment to explore our website, designitalia.com, where you'll find the latest arrivals curated just for you. Should you have any specific requests or unique sourcing needs, don't hesitate to reach out to us directly. We are here to handle every detail and ensure your satisfaction.