January 11, 1952

Detroit News Quilt History Project; Michigan State University Museum; Susan Salser

Detroit, Michigan, United States

A portion of an Edith B. Crumb interior design column.

Modern Pieces Utilize Iron, Glass, Marble and Plastics​
By Edith B. Crumb
Home Furnishings Writer
Chicago, Jan. 11. - Whether traditional or modern, that which is easy to live with and easy to use keynotes the new furnishings now on display in the Merchandise Mart and American Furniture Mart here.

Those good old stand-bys, early American and French Provincial styles are still found in large quantities; but, in many pieces, combined with modern fabrics to give them the happy quality of being good mixers with the new or old.

Pine and maple in their rich honey finishes are still with us and cherry pieces are shown in more natural finishes, getting away from the red cast.

Duplex Groups
In the modern field, black metal frames for tables and supports of seating pieces take away any effect of bulkiness and yet offer a maximum of comfort. Interest may be added to a room by furniture which combines wood with metal, including chairs, sofas and tables known as the "Duplex" group because identical pieces may have either black metal or natural or wood frames. Tables in this line utilize glass, marble or wood for tops.

Other materials used for table tops are travertine and Novaply which is a laminated composition of wood chips and shavings. Brought to a high polish this has the appearance of marble and is warp proof.

Multi-purpose furniture is evidence of the genius of designers and their knowledge of the problems of home making from the standpoint of time-and-step-saving.

Buffet Wired
A buffet with drop leaves at the ends, heat-proof top (including electric outlets for coffee maker and toaster) and a series of English tray drawers, cupboards and sliding tray as a work or mixing counter takes the place of several pieces of furniture.

What has the appearance of a small two-drawer mahogany chest opens into a telephone table with seat. The top "drawer" which has a double front is hinged at top and bottom to fall forward to become...
See Furniture - Page 23....

Courtesy of The Detroit News Archives.