THIS MOD PIECE FORM BERNHARDTHAS REKINDLED OUR CUBIST FASCINATION

BY GENA ANSELL

American pioneer John Mathias Bernhardt founded his namesake company in 1889 in his hometown of Lenoir, North Carolina, with the uncluttered notion of manufacturing furniture out of the area’s native white oak. Beginning with basic pieces, in time he expanded its product line from dining room to bedroom. In spite of severe labor and materials shortages during World Wars I and II, the company managed to not just survive, but grow in reputation. It remains one of the largest family owned and operated marketers of fine wood and upholstered furniture in the United States. This design, like so many of Bernhardt’s, embodies a sophisticated elegance, but with urban hipness. At a glance, one can see its international influences, from the Mondrian esque sides to Greek pattern motifs on the pillows. Including its trellis’d stainless steel frame, this handcrafted chair blends elegance and comfort. Just be relatively certain where its preferred spot is, because, at 110 pounds, it might require additional hands to relocate.

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But that’s the price of durability.

Bernhardt Luxe Stainless Steel Arm
Chairhorchow.com, $2,109