NOT in the store: Richard Schultz desk

Take a look at this beautiful rosewood executive desk by Richard Schultz for Knoll. My SIL sold it before he could even get it to the store, and it's so impressive that I can understand why. I would have loved seeing it, but I'm sure he was thrilled that it turned around so quickly.

Sometimes things sit for a while; sometimes they fly out the door. And sometimes they just fly.

I'm eager to get the whole story. He hadn't even mentioned to me that he had found this desk. I'm wondering if it was a grab-it-before-somebody-else-does Craigslist purchase and if someone stopped him on the street as he was loading it into his trailer and bought it on the spot. Believe me, much stranger things happen in this business.

Rosewood executive desk by Richard Schultz for Knoll

Petal power

The latest buzz around our store is about the Richard Schultz petal coffee we just put on the floor. This beautiful piece has been completely restored, with newly lacquered petals and a freshly powder coated base. The table is 42" in diameter and would look fantastic with a sectional sofa.

Richard Schultz petal coffee table

Spring will be here...eventually

Although there will inevitably be more cold weather to come, even in the mild climate of North Central Texas, spring will eventually arrive, so it's time to start making plans for outdoor entertaining.

My SIL recently found a beautiful Salterini patio set that sold before I was even able to get this post written. Still, this photo of it is inspiring me to get my own Russell Woodard set sandblasted and powdercoated before springtime officially arrives.

Recently sold Salterini set

Maybe one of these sets will make you want to clean the barbecue grill, begin to think about what kind of flowers you want to put in big pots on your patio and maybe even start the search for that perfect set of furniture.

Woodard tete-a-tete
1stdibs.com

Richard Schultz set
diamondbeachcondorental.com

Salterini double chaise
ironrenaissance.com

Woodard spun fiberglass patio set
ebay.com - galleryanderson

Woodard Sculptura set
psmodernway.com

Salterini set
ironrenaissance.com

For about three years, I've been trying to identify my patio set, which I bought on Craigslist on the super cheap. I had just about given up on finding out who manufactured it, but as it always happens, I ran across a company that restores vintage patio furniture, and they had a set. According to their identification, it's a rare Woodard set, which I suppose is why I've had such a hard time finding pictures of it anywhere.

My Woodard patio set last fall...now in desperate need of a new paint job

One last look

2011 was a great year for Mid2Mod. We opened our brick and mortar store, as well as an Etsy store. We have bigger and better things planned for 2012, which we'll be announcing very soon, but even as we move forward, I'm giving one last admiring glance over my shoulder at some of the pieces I would have been thrilled to bring home for myself.

I actually considered buying a few of them, but my SIL and I have the clear understanding that if he offers me the super-duper MIL rate and someone comes in willing to buy a piece for the full price, they take it home. The standing joke is that we're in business to make money, not to decorate my home. (Trust me, the same rule applies to things my daughter wants for their home!)

Here's my countdown of the 10 items in our store in 2011 that I loved most...the ones that got away.

10. C. Jere' Trees Metal Wall Art

9. Salterini Outdoor Chairs

8. Danish Lounge Chairs

7. Packard Bell Space Age Stereo

6. Teak Room Divider

5. Paul McCobb Northcraft Lamp

4. Ib Kofod-Larsen Shell Chairs

3. Alvar Aalto Paimio Chair

2. Adrian Pearsall Gondola Sofa

and the one I wanted most...

1. Richard Schultz Daybed for Knoll

Even though I would have loved to own these beautiful pieces, I want to thank the customers who bought them and let you know that we appreciate your business. I am certain all the pieces went to wonderful homes where they will be treasured and handled with care.

Fall is finally in the air

Fall doesn't come quickly to North Central Texas. Our blistering hot summer lingers for as long as it can, so when we finally awake to crisp air, it's cause for rejoicing. In celebration of cool autumn mornings, I thought I'd share photos of items in harvest colors that we have in the store now or have already sold...great for creating a cozy seating spot or a beautiful fall tablescape.

Fall Color Things for Sale in the Store

Swag lamp

Leaf dish

Gold Murano art glass vase

Root bowl

Brown sommerso vase

Brown art glass bowl

Jens Quistgaard Kobenstyle fondue pot

Italian vase

George Nelson lamp

Baumritter Danish style chairs

Fall Color Things We've Already Sold

Blenko decanter

Swivel chair

Danish chairs

McCoy vase

Velvet daybed

Art glass bowl

Danish chair

McCoy Unipet bowl

Carter Brothers scoop chair

Bowl, Italian

Richard Schultz for Knoll daybed

Richard Schultz for Knoll

Richard Schultz (1926- ) studied at at Iowa State University and the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. He went to work for Knoll in 1951 to work with Harry Bertoia. While working for Knoll, he designed beds, daybeds, chaise lounges, coffee tables, sofas and desks.

In 1966 Florence Knoll asked him to design a collection of outdoor furniture that would withstand the climate in Florida, where she had a home. Now probably best known for his outdoor furniture, Shultz has reissued his 1966 collection and continues to design new products.

From knoll.com and richardshultz.com

Petal table
1stdibs.com

Enameled cocktail table
1stdibs.com

Rocking chair
architonic.com

Armchairs
treadwaygallery.com

Rosewood and chrome coffee table
mid2mod.com

The most recent addition to our store is a daybed Richard Schultz designed for Knoll in the 1950s. It is in spectacular condition, having been reupholstered in a Knoll fabric. It has an adjustable cane back that is simply beautiful. 

Richard Schultz daybed for Knoll, 1950s...for sale at our store

Back view of the Richard Schultz daybed for Knoll

Close-up of upholstery fabric