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Jens Risom (1916-2016) changed America's perception of Danish modern furniture. One could argue, though, that Jens Risom’s spot in the canon of mid-century American design is one marked by displacement. Some of the accolades heaped upon the great designers should rightly have gone to Risom, who, with Hans Knoll, began priming the market for modern design as early as 1941 with the Risom-designed 600 line for Knoll. It included the first Knoll chair ever.

Edgeland House, built on a cliff-top lot in Austin by architect Thomas Bercy for lawyer and writer Chris Brown, is topped by a living roof that helps it blend into the landscape. The concrete, steel, and glass house is divided into two distinct public and private halves.
Edgeland House, built on a cliff-top lot in Austin by architect Thomas Bercy for lawyer and writer Chris Brown, is topped by a living roof that helps it blend into the landscape. The concrete, steel, and glass house is divided into two distinct public and private halves.
In 1992, Vogue celebrated its 100th anniversary with a roundup of the top supermodels, all dressed in a classic white button-up shirt.
In 1992, Vogue celebrated its 100th anniversary with a roundup of the top supermodels, all dressed in a classic white button-up shirt.
A portrait of the designer. “Architecture, to me, is the most beautiful of the arts. I always knew that I wanted to design, but only [if I could] create products over which I had total control.”
A portrait of the designer. “Architecture, to me, is the most beautiful of the arts. I always knew that I wanted to design, but only [if I could] create products over which I had total control.”
The sofa is a prototype that never went into production—the base slides out and the two cushions become flat for sleeping. Today, one can buy Risom furniture from a variety of sources, including Knoll, Design Within Reach, and Ralph Pucci.
The sofa is a prototype that never went into production—the base slides out and the two cushions become flat for sleeping. Today, one can buy Risom furniture from a variety of sources, including Knoll, Design Within Reach, and Ralph Pucci.
An orange chair and cream ottoman of Risom's design.
An orange chair and cream ottoman of Risom's design.
A low stone wall surrounds the perimeter, which Jens planted with trees in order to create a buffer between the house and the surrounding vista.
A low stone wall surrounds the perimeter, which Jens planted with trees in order to create a buffer between the house and the surrounding vista.
This shade has a levity about it that works well with both muted neutrals and darker colors. Benjamin Moore’s Blue Seafoam (2056-60) is a good example of a relaxing blue paint color that works well for interior and exterior walls.
This shade has a levity about it that works well with both muted neutrals and darker colors. Benjamin Moore’s Blue Seafoam (2056-60) is a good example of a relaxing blue paint color that works well for interior and exterior walls.
On the north-facing facade, it’s easy to discern where the original glass doors used to open directly to the deck. In spring of 2012, Block Island contractor John Spier replaced the entire wall of glass panels.
On the north-facing facade, it’s easy to discern where the original glass doors used to open directly to the deck. In spring of 2012, Block Island contractor John Spier replaced the entire wall of glass panels.
Originally, glass doors opened to the deck, but after years of gusty winds, it was decided that a side entrance, protected by a sliding steel door, would be the preferred entrance.
Originally, glass doors opened to the deck, but after years of gusty winds, it was decided that a side entrance, protected by a sliding steel door, would be the preferred entrance.
A bright-yellow “R” sign, from a truck that used to deliver furniture from Jens Risom Design, sets off the southern facade. When Jens designed the house, he stipulated that he wanted cedar shingles, not the asphalt ones that came with the original design from the catalog.
A bright-yellow “R” sign, from a truck that used to deliver furniture from Jens Risom Design, sets off the southern facade. When Jens designed the house, he stipulated that he wanted cedar shingles, not the asphalt ones that came with the original design from the catalog.
The Risom plot, located on the northern portion of the island, is bordered by a low stone wall, an aesthetic element that appears throughout Block Island.
The Risom plot, located on the northern portion of the island, is bordered by a low stone wall, an aesthetic element that appears throughout Block Island.
Mid-century designer Jens Risom's A-framed prefab family retreat, located on the northern portion of Block island, is bordered by a low stone wall, an aesthetic element that appears throughout the land.
Mid-century designer Jens Risom's A-framed prefab family retreat, located on the northern portion of Block island, is bordered by a low stone wall, an aesthetic element that appears throughout the land.
Rocket Gallery Jens Risom Furniture
Rocket Gallery Jens Risom Furniture
Chris Hardy and Jens Risom's Vens collection is on display at now at WantedDesign.
Chris Hardy and Jens Risom's Vens collection is on display at now at WantedDesign.
Happy 50th birthday, Flos! If only we had taken a photo of the Bouroullec in attendance.
Happy 50th birthday, Flos! If only we had taken a photo of the Bouroullec in attendance.
In the living and dining area of Jean Risom's Block Island family retreat, mostly vintage Risom furnishings share space with a few new additions, the view facing north is framed by the wall of glass. Photo by: Floto + Warner
In the living and dining area of Jean Risom's Block Island family retreat, mostly vintage Risom furnishings share space with a few new additions, the view facing north is framed by the wall of glass. Photo by: Floto + Warner
The structure occupied an area of the Design Village within the space of Poltrona Frau, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
The structure occupied an area of the Design Village within the space of Poltrona Frau, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
The living room is outfiited with Jens Risom chairs found on eBay.
The living room is outfiited with Jens Risom chairs found on eBay.
Mid-century walnut coffee table by Jens Risom, $1600. Read Amanda's article about Risom's family home off the coast of Rhode Island here.
Mid-century walnut coffee table by Jens Risom, $1600. Read Amanda's article about Risom's family home off the coast of Rhode Island here.
Jens Risom’s 100th birthday in May inspired many tributes to his remarkable career by admirers and family. He is pictured here in a photo taken in the 1990s on Block Island, Rhode Island, with his four children, from left: Tom, Helen, Sven, and Peggy.
Jens Risom’s 100th birthday in May inspired many tributes to his remarkable career by admirers and family. He is pictured here in a photo taken in the 1990s on Block Island, Rhode Island, with his four children, from left: Tom, Helen, Sven, and Peggy.
The dining area features an ash table designed by Desai Chia and created by Gary Cheadle. The chairs are by Jens Risom. - Leelanau County, Michigan Dwell Magazine : September / October 2017
The dining area features an ash table designed by Desai Chia and created by Gary Cheadle. The chairs are by Jens Risom. - Leelanau County, Michigan Dwell Magazine : September / October 2017
Chris Grimley and Kelly Smith transformed a cramped apartment into a family-friendly home. The room shared by Mae, three, and her little brother Roen, one, features a custom prototype mural by FilzFelt, their mother’s textile design company. The carpet is by Flor, and the child-size chair and Amoeba table are both by Jens Risom for Knoll.
Chris Grimley and Kelly Smith transformed a cramped apartment into a family-friendly home. The room shared by Mae, three, and her little brother Roen, one, features a custom prototype mural by FilzFelt, their mother’s textile design company. The carpet is by Flor, and the child-size chair and Amoeba table are both by Jens Risom for Knoll.
In the guest bathroom, Givone installed a hand-chiseled sink made of 17th-century marble quarried from the hills outside of Rome.
In the guest bathroom, Givone installed a hand-chiseled sink made of 17th-century marble quarried from the hills outside of Rome.
Renowned designer and architect Jens Risom sourced parts from a catalog for his customized A-frame and had them delivered in pieces to his remote island site off Rhode Island, helped to raise the aesthetic profile of modular construction.
Renowned designer and architect Jens Risom sourced parts from a catalog for his customized A-frame and had them delivered in pieces to his remote island site off Rhode Island, helped to raise the aesthetic profile of modular construction.
By knocking down walls, Dominguez was able to open the previously cramped kitchen and add extra cabinetry and counter space. He was also able to make room for a peninsula with a waterfall edge.
By knocking down walls, Dominguez was able to open the previously cramped kitchen and add extra cabinetry and counter space. He was also able to make room for a peninsula with a waterfall edge.
The kitchen’s original galley layout was retained, and the walls and utilities were kept in place.
The kitchen’s original galley layout was retained, and the walls and utilities were kept in place.
Risom's chairs were cheap and easy to manufacture, making them an ideal wartime design. Photo courtesy of Knoll.
Risom's chairs were cheap and easy to manufacture, making them an ideal wartime design. Photo courtesy of Knoll.
The Risom Stool, $348
The Risom Stool, $348
Kate sits in the living room, which is outfitted with vintage Eames and Jens Risom chairs.
Kate sits in the living room, which is outfitted with vintage Eames and Jens Risom chairs.
Urbio is the magnetic modular system that attaches to any surface for indoor or outdoor vertical gardening and home organization. Configure in myriad ways for creative display of everything from spiky succulents to colorful Sharpies--perfect for any household with children or gardening enthusiast.
Urbio is the magnetic modular system that attaches to any surface for indoor or outdoor vertical gardening and home organization. Configure in myriad ways for creative display of everything from spiky succulents to colorful Sharpies--perfect for any household with children or gardening enthusiast.
HAPPY HOUR TROLLEY Designed by Zürich-based designer Alfredo Häberli, the Happy Hour Trolley is suitable for a wide range of functions— not just to hold your favorite beverage. Its chromed iron structure make it ideally suited for use as a side table in the living room or for additional storage in the bathroom. Tripod wheels make it an adaptable piece for any home.
HAPPY HOUR TROLLEY Designed by Zürich-based designer Alfredo Häberli, the Happy Hour Trolley is suitable for a wide range of functions— not just to hold your favorite beverage. Its chromed iron structure make it ideally suited for use as a side table in the living room or for additional storage in the bathroom. Tripod wheels make it an adaptable piece for any home.
It's not quite Hemingway's movable feast, but a well-stocked Happy Hour Trolley may come close. Designed by Zürich-based Alfredo Häberli for BD Barcelona Design, its legs are crafted from durable chromed iron.
It's not quite Hemingway's movable feast, but a well-stocked Happy Hour Trolley may come close. Designed by Zürich-based Alfredo Häberli for BD Barcelona Design, its legs are crafted from durable chromed iron.
Happy Canada Day!
Happy Canada Day!
A salvaged 19th-century soaking tub wrapped in stainless steel is topped by Hudson Reed faucets.
A salvaged 19th-century soaking tub wrapped in stainless steel is topped by Hudson Reed faucets.
In legendary designer Jens Risom's home, the painted white brick fireplace is flanked by wood bookshelves that join to form a mantle.
In legendary designer Jens Risom's home, the painted white brick fireplace is flanked by wood bookshelves that join to form a mantle.

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