Well not really, obviously. One can’t argue with the major contributions to the world of design and architecture made by Charles and Ray Eames. However what one can argue with is one’s brother-in-law!

Mine showed up the other day to tell me that he wanted to buy an Eames lounge chair and ottoman.

Now I think we can all agree that it’s a nice piece. First produced in 1956, Charles Eames said his goal for the chair was the “warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt.” It was the culmination of Charles and Ray Eames’ efforts to create comfortable and handsome lounge seating by using production techniques that combine technology and handcraftsmanship.

My problem is not with the chair itself. My problem is the lack of imagination of my brother-in-law and for that matter of a vast number of people who aspire to buy Eames furniture.

What I’m saying is that the design industry hasn’t stopped. Chairs are still being designed today. Surely it’s far more interesting to find the next classic rather than blandly plump for the out-of-the-box classic.

So ok you’re busy, you haven’t the time to research; well that’s what we’re here for …

Here is a selection of options I came up with for my brother-in-law. Now I’m not saying these are better, more stylish or guaranteed future classics, but what I can say is they are contemporary, they are from “the now”!

1. Mart chair, B&B Italia, designed by Antonio Citterio, 2003
A bit like Eames’ use of new technology, the Mart seat results from a new production technology for thermoformed leather.
I think this chair is stunning, and it looks like a tongue.

2. UP5, UP SERIES 2000 designed by Gaetano Pesce, 1970
‘A female figure tied to a ball-shaped ottoman symbolizing the shackles that keep women subjugated’.
Check this out, just fantastic, no need to wonder if this is going to be a classic; it already is …
Ok this is from 1970, but it’s in my life time which works for me.

3. Stingray rocking chair, Fredericia Furniture, designed by Thomas Pedersen, 2006
There is a lot of futuristic furniture being designed quite understandably, but few are able to fit in your home as well as this.

Now I don’t know if you agree with me or not. You may walk out today and buy a living room full of Eames classics and sit in them laughing at me. But hey, I’d think you were wrong, that’s just the way I am.
Until next time.