Natural materials like wicker and rattan have an almost magical ability to create a tropical feel year-round, indoors and out. That was certainly the case with this lounge setup, seen here back in the mid-1950s.
The Takani group of casual rattan furniture, was shown here in a setting by interior designer John Wisner, who also designed these vintage pieces for Ficks Reed.
All of the pieces had a light sandalwood finish, and were available with a variety of iridescent, embroidered Pompeian cloth and coordinated stripes.
Two sofa upholstery fabrics seen here include a bright aqua blue with a pattern featuring small rectangles of the same color in slightly darker and slightly lighter shades. The chairs had a cool and breezy stripe with aqua, light mint green and blue.
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Summer patio furniture in the 50s finally had some long-awaited glamour, so much so that it didn’t need to stay outdoors — it could be used indoors as living room or family furnishings.
The harmonious blends of wood, rattan, metal and stylish fabrics in gentle colors were a welcome change from the typical, and gave fifties furniture real versatility.
The tropical furniture, together with other pieces, such as a red lacquer-top table from Japan, gave this group an elegance that was compatible with the kind of Asian treasures seen in this space.
The three sofa units included an unusual and aesthetically important angled section that enhances the group when entertaining.
In the back corner of the room, you can see a matching accent table that was specifically made to fit the space formed by the couch’s angle.
