As Good As New: Decades of Design

1960s In the mid-sixties, Warren Platner began designing a collection of seating and tables using nickel-plated bent wire as a structural and decorative element. While many of his pieces have been in continuous production since then, the easy chair and ottoman, shown here, were just recently reintroduced by Knoll Studio. Easy chair, 39 3⁄8″ W × 37″ D x 38 3⁄4″ H, $8,989; ottoman, 25 3⁄4″ W × 26 3⁄4″ D × 16 7⁄8″ H, $2,576.Knoll, Boston, (617) 350-0811, knoll.com

Recently we were invited to a friend’s apartment for dinner. Given her impeccable credentials—a former editor at a prestigious shelter magazine, a ten-year stint in Paris, a decorator with an impressive client list—we knew her home would be a wow.

As we suspected, the apartment felt positively up-to-the-minute. But during the cocktail hour, we realized the space spanned more than two centuries of decorating history. From the André Dubreuil Spine chair designed in 1986 to the Le Manach curtain fabrics first seen in the 1800s, our friend had assembled a truly timeless collection of furniture and accessories.

Here, in the spirit of that delightful surprise, is a collection of pieces that have remained in continuous production (or have been reintroduced while remaining faithful to their original design intention) for a long time. We think they look as good as—maybe even better than—new.