cincinnnatimodern’s favorite things X
10th anniversary “nesting edition”
It’s certainly been an incredible year, hasn’t it?! One thing is for sure in all of this uncertainty – we have all been forced to cocoon in our homes more than we ever thought possible.Never underestimate the power of home to make you feel safe and comfortable, and we can all agree that life is too short to not be surrounded by the things that make you happy.So this 10th annual installment of our ‘favorite things’ gift guide will focus on modern life enhancements & comfort goods in all price ranges.Don’t forget to shop early and see our list at the bottom for shopping local.
To you and yours, we wish you a happy, HEALTHY holiday season and a drama free new year!
Sunshine Day Blanket by Christopher Knight (aka Peter Brady) Home – A warm hug from Peter? Yes, please! And let’s face it, who couldn’t use a daily dose of sunshine during a Cincinnati winter? Love this super soft and great quality throw.
marimekko – We’ve always been suckers for Finnish design, especially the bold colors and patterns of marimekko. Founded in 1951 in Helsinki, it is said to be one of the original lifestyle brands.
Eames Aluminum Group Lounge Chair + Ottoman – This entire line was originally designed for the Miller house in Columbus, Indiana. Looking for a splurge? It might not look like it, but this lounge chair w/ ottoman is quite possibly the most comfortable chair ever designed.
GE Bluetooth Light Bulb – Awesome in the shower. Great sound for a light bulb. Be a hero and give this amazing little gadget to everyone on your list!
AJ Floor Lamp by Interior Icons – ‘Inspired’ by Arne Jacobsen, this copy if his iconic lamp is really nice quality and a fraction of the price of the original. We are not a huge fan of copies, but with the patents up on many midcentury pieces, the struggle is real and sometimes you just need a great lamp without spending a grand!
Cleanplate Lght Switch Plates by TedStuff – the ’super particular’ on your gift list will really enjoy these ‘screwless’ labeled light switch plates. Because really, who can remember which switch is the flood lights?
Charley Harper Door Mats – Nothing says ‘welcome’ like a Harper Ladybug. The Christmas ‘Perfect Tree’ mat is pretty perfect, too.
Racko Game– cincinnatimodern fans Carrie & David introduced us to this 1956 card game. Easy to play with a drink in your hand, it’s perfect for the game lovers on your list or get one to play with family over the holidays.
Cutco Super Shears – in case your neighbor’s kid is selling overpriced knives and you just can’t say no, these kitchen sheers from the ‘multi level marketing’ company Cutco are pretty fantastic! Rumor has it you can even cut a penny with them, although we have yet to try. But we use them for everything else!
West Elm Mirror – pricey but oh so attractive. would look great over a vintage credenza.
Epicurean Kitchenware – Originally made with scraps from municipal skate parks, these eco friendly cutting boards and cooking utensils are a welcome upgrade for any kitchen. The new Frank Lloyd Wright designs are extra cool.
Tiki Planters from The Tiki Shop – Because no cincinnatimodern list would be complete without a Tiki entry, here is our favorite planter – the angry tiki in grey granite.
Swedish Dish Cloths and Eco Scrubbier (from Aritichoke OTR) – One of our favorite things about going to Findlay Market (besides Eckerlin’s pepper goetta & Belgian waffles) is a stroll through Artichoke | Curated Kitchen Collection. These eco friendly scrubbers would make great stocking stuffers. But no need to stop at dish cloths. There is LOTS more in store (and a cute doggie to pet)!
Alexander Girard Swag – These colorful items from our friends at Newfields in Indy are great as stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, or random pick me ups.
Hellerware – In constant supply since the 1960’s, this iconic bright colored stacking plastic dinnerware by Massimo Vignelli seems to be currently (temporarily?) out of production. It has been a staple in our house since the 80’s. Pieces in all sizes and colors can always be found on ebay. Dishwasher safe, but don’t use it in the microwave.
That’s it for this year! But check out our previous lists from 2011, 2012, 2013 ,2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 for many more modern classics!
And don’t forget to shop local:
- City Flea Holiday Market – Saturday, December 12 from 4:00 – 9:00 at Washington Park
- Crafty Supermarket – this year it’s virtual! order from many local artisans.
- Hunky Dory Studio – available online or at Crafty Supermarket
- Fern– THE source for modern plants and planters 6040 Hamilton Ave, College Hill
- MiCA 12/v – corner of 12th and Vine in OTR
- Artichoke OTR – coolest kitchen gadgets anywhere. Adjacent to Findlay Market.
- Leftcoast Modern – new 1326 Vine St. gallery in OTR
- Mainly Art – 3711 Madison Road, Oakley
- Modern Art Jewelry– 8316 Plainfield Road, Deer Park
- Fabulous Frames and Art – the definitive source for all things Charley, Edie, and Brett Harper. Several locations around town including Montgomery, Kenwood, Tri County and Downtown.
- Cincinnati Zoo – memberships and gift items that support conservation and our local treasure
- cf3 – gift membership to cincinnati’s only group dedicated to the preservation and celebration of midcentury modern design & architecture
Thanks to all of our cincinnatimodern followers for a very successful 2020, in spite of it all! We would not be celebrating 17 years of our small business without you! Peace & love to all ?!
featured publications
research + articles
- thesis on the work of architect james (jim) alexander melissa marty, 2002
- benjamin dombar various sources
- abrom dombar various sources
- woodie garber various sources
- rudy hermes various sources
- dick calef various sources
- carl strauss + ray roush various sources
- and the rest
modern books
- 50 from the 50s: modern architecture and interiors in cincinnati udo greinacher, elizabeth meyer, susan rissover, patrick snadon, margo warminski, 2002
- atomic ranch midcentury interiors michelle gringeri-brown (author), jim brown (photographer), 2012
- implosion elizabeth garber, 2018
- charley harper, an illustrated life, todd oldham & charley harper, 2007
- about design: insights and provocations for graphic design enthusiasts, gordon salchow, 2018
- cincinnati's terrace plaza hotel: an icon of american modernism, shawn patrick tubb, 2013
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