Arne Jacobsen Oxford Chair

We just recovered this desk chair, the Oxford chair, designed by Arne Jacobsen. The original version of this series was designed for the professors at St. Catherine's College, in Oxford, in 1963, and the extra tall back was designed as a symbol of prestige. Jacobsen was also commissioned to design the landscaping and an entire series of furniture for the college at the same time.

This piece was originally upholstered in fabric, but we reupholstered it in a beautiful, butter soft brown leather, that quite literally fits like a glove. It is definitely a prestige piece!

Restored Scarpa armchair & ottoman

We just finished the restoration of this beautiful Scarpa armchair & ottoman, using a naked (untreated) leather, which blends perfectly with the understated elegance of the pieces.

By the Italian designers, Tobia & Afra Scarpa, many of their pieces are manufactured by Cassina and built with an appreciation and use of gorgeous materials, as well as an understanding that comfort and elegance can coincide.

This piece was quite run down when it was brought to our shop, but it looks so lovely and inviting now.

Custom: Woven Leather Sofa

We just finished 2 matching custom sofas - fabricated on site with beautiful espresso stained leather straps, which were woven on the interior and exterior of the frame.

There was quite a lot of precision work involved, making sure the straps are evenly spaced and tight enough all around to support the normal wear of a sofa.

The client had the leather straps imported from Italy, where they were custom made to our specifications of width & thickness - both very important to the engineering of this piece.

The cushions are made with Cowtan & Tout, Soiree Velvet in Cypress Green. Both of these sofas are spectacular, I can't wait to upload them to the website!

Custom Chaise Lounges

Among the custom pieces for the project mentioned yesterday were 3 matching chaise lounges, made for the clients' children. These pieces are unsurpassed in their level of comfort - all down backs and seats, seriously comfortable to sleep on.

Beautifully upholstered in Flax Bermondsey by Classic Cloth.

Were thinking these will get a lot of use, especially during slumber parties!

Inspired by Florence Knoll

We just finished a very large job with many custom pieces. Among them were 2 sofas that were inspired by Florence Knoll and her beautiful legendary sofa.

This is the larger of the two, both are 2-seater with tufting and wood bases.

The smaller sofa is upholstered with a subtle stripe fabric & contrast welt that really brings out the strong lines that make this piece so beautiful. Our back cushions are a little lower than the original, and of course the original base is tubular steel.

More of our custom work can be viewed on our website!

Djinn Chair

This very abstract chair was designed by the famous French artist Olivier Mourgue in the mid-1960s. Our unique and classic hand techniques allow us to restore such a tubular and state-of-the-art piece. 
The name 'Djinn' is in reference to an Islamic spirit that was able to change shape - the low profile of the design was in line with the relaxed, free-spirit lifestyle of the 60's.


The Djinn chair is no longer in production but remains quite collectible. It was originally called the 'low fireside chair', but is also referred to as the '2001' chair because it was featured in "2001: A Space Odyssey". As you can imagine, a red Djinn is quite valuable!

2001: A Space Odyssey

On site with Classic Design: Window treatments

Did you know that Classic Design also fabricates wall upholstery and window treatments? Because these furnishings are almost always in private homes, it's difficult to get photos of the finished product. This past week, we finished an installation in Brentwood, and snapped some photos. The shots taken above and below are hardware and drapes for an outdoor pool loggia area. The fabric is by Lee Jofa.

We also installed Roman Shades in a dining pavilion; as you can see, the top curve of the window posed challenges, but none that we couldn't handle!

Custom Banquette Sofa, Settee, Chair & Ottoman

These pieces were just picked up this morning and are currently en route to their new home in San Diego. This custom banquette sofa is destined for a little conversation nook in our clients' breakfast room.

The cheery blue check fabric is perfect for the often-used space, and is imported from France by Georges La Manach, in Carreau, Amalfi Bleu. Gorgeous. Not shown is the matching ottoman.

We also made a small custom sofa for the clients' guest room using Colefax & Fowler Brasilla Nacre.

The matching bolster pillows really pull together the piece.

Also for the guest room is a matching Bridgewater chair.

You remember our lesson on Bridgewater club chairs, right? 

And how gorgeous are these custom hand-turned mahogany feet?

The mahogany feet are really beautiful set off against the ivory fabric. Finally, a matching custom ottoman completes the room.

Of course, we hope our client is happy and know they will enjoy these pieces for years to come.

Classic Design in Torrance wishes everyone a happy & safe July 4th weekend! Cheers!