I'm usually a fan of a little more warmth and mixture of materials, but how gorgeous and serene is this living room by Canadian designer Jennifer Backstein? I spot about seven different clear, shiny and/or reflective surfaces which, along with the monochromatic color scheme, gives this space its heavenly demeanor.
Maybe its the fact that our world has been a sheet of ice for the past few months (although it's melting at the rate I'm typing this - yesss!) and it seems that a frosty surface is all I have ever known. Maybe its the Hollywood regency glamour that it brings to a space. Maybe its the floating, airy feeling it brings to even the teeniest of living rooms. Whatever the reasons, I love me some lucite.
Lucite is actually a brand name for a type of acrylic resin (also known as PlexiGlass) which was originally developed in the 1930s. Due to its extremely durable yet moldable properties, it was even used for military purposes during World War II. (Example: the windshields on fighter planes.) Since then, it's become a versatile favorite in both contemporary and traditional design and can be found not only in interiors but also in jewelry, shoes and handbags.
Liz Taylor sporting a lucite purse. Image via Johanna Ost.
Marilyn Monroe rocking her favorite pair of lucite heels, via Refinery 29.
Due to today's popularity of mid-century modern design and the high caliber of its most famous designers and manufacturers who produced (and still produce) lucite products, having a lucite habit can become pretty pricey, pretty quickly. But it sure does look pretty! Queue the below lucite twisted, faceted king size bed, for a cool $65k. (Eric, we need this!)
Charles Hollis Jones for Cain Modern via 1st Dibs
Although this is absolutely stunning, not all of us have an extra hundred-thou lying around to drop on some lucite ice. But that doesn't mean we can't all channel the look in our own interiors. The extra bonus? How it brings polished surface space to a small interior without commandeering the entire room.
Studio Apartment via Lonny Magazine
So, I say, let there be lucite! (And let it be under $400 max, please.)
~L.S.
Vintage Lucite Flower Charm Bracelet, $45 via Chairish
Modern Stacked Lucite Lamp, $275, via 1st Dibs
Clear Acrylic Coffee Table, $271, via Overstock
Acrylic Makeup Storage, approx. $25 USD, from Muji
Love the styling of this small entryway console via Devon Rachel (Similar from CB2, $379, here).
Tobias Dining Chair, $79, from Ikea.
Acrylic Side Table + Magazine Holder, $130, from Wayfair
Acrylic Block Frames, $24.95, from Crate and Barrel.
Acrylic Box with Oco Cluster, $89, from One Kings Lane.