Design Lesson

How Cabbage Patch Kids Grew to Rule the ‘80s Toy Market

If there’s a doll that embodies the 1980s, it’s the Cabbage Patch Kid. The first iteration of the famous dimpled dolls was conceived in the ‘70s by an American folk artist from Kentucky named Martha Nelson Thomas. Thomas, who graduated … Continue reading

Which Eames Designed the Eames House Bird?

If you’re a midcentury design enthusiast, chances are the Eames House Bird has found you. And if you’re like me, you most likely assumed this sleek creature was designed by Charles and Ray Eames. In fact, a different husband and … Continue reading

Who Designed the Famous Banana Leaf Wallpaper?

It screams summer while instantly transporting you to a tropical locale, but there’s a great debate among design enthusiasts about who designed the famous banana leaf wallpaper. Was it Dorthey Draper or Don Loper? Don Loper is often mistakenly credited … Continue reading

The History of the Classic Lawn Chair

It’s a classic American design. A recent MH+D cover shows a family happily barbequing and sitting on a set of classic webbed lawn chairs. There’s a comforting feeling that sweeps over many of us when we see these retro chairs. … Continue reading

Eero Saarinen’s Tulip Table Popularized the Pedestal Base

Architect Eero Saarinen (1910–1961) is known for his sculptural forms, the most recognizable being the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, a symbol of the United States’ westward expansion. Other well-known designs include the TWA Terminal at New York’s JFK Airport … Continue reading

The Kit-Cat Clock Was Made to Put a Smile On Your Face

My husband gifted me a Kit-Cat clock soon after we were married. We hung it in our tiny Brooklyn apartment’s kitchen, and its kitschy design worked well with the rest of the space. The thing is, I felt like it … Continue reading