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  • Writer's pictureSara Fattori

Classic Midcentury Color

Updated: Dec 15, 2019



Exotic Butterfly Fabric / Pattern by Josef Franck / FSchumacher

JOSEF FRANK, an Austrian-born architect, artist, and designer together with Oskar Strnad, created the Vienna School of Architecture, and its concept of Modern houses, housing and interiors. Unlike Le Corbusier's principle of "a home should be a machine for living", Frank created his own style of modernism with color at it's core and valued "hominess" and comfort.


Austria suffered from a severe housing shortage after World War I, and Frank emerged as a leader of a group of design activists who campaigned for affordable homes which today seem very bleak as compared to his cheerful fabrics. The workers’ apartments he designed had attractive views, good airflow and abundant light.

Below, a casual dining space by Kate Ridder, still looks fresh and new. Kate Ridder is one of my favorite American Interior Designers. She is not afraid of color and her interiors are classic (enduring).

A fabric for valance by Josef Frank with a beaded chandelier and natural rope dining chairs
The interior designer Kate Ridder used one of Josef Franks fabric designs in this 2014 kitchen. A wonderful whimsical botanical pattern that has endured for over time.



For further discovery see: Svenskt Tenn displays Josef Franks design work.

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