Paul László is another one of those names that, though familiar, isn’t as recognizable as other Mid Century designers. Largely influential with his fabulous interior design and furniture, László’s designs are still wildly sought after, even today.
Though trained as an architect, it was clear early on his passions and talents lay in interior design. Laszlo’s work was a perfect combination of Hollywood Regency and International Style. His furniture pieces had clean lines and sturdy designs, but he filled his pieces with exquisite details that gave them a luxurious feel. Experimenting with color, pattern texture and shape, he created an incredible body of work that ranged from chairs, to desks, to couches, to bureaus, to tables to many, many other types of furniture. He was an expert with color, often creating palettes that seemed impossible but worked beautifully. And while his projects were simple, they were never underdone. He was also a forward-thinker, often creating ideas that were far ahead of their time.
Born in Hungary, László got his education in Vienna, Austria and Stuttgart, Germany. Though he received praise early for his design work, like from artist Salvador Dali, he was forced to flee the country and ended up in the United States in 1936. First landing in New York City, it’s said one of the first things he did when getting to the U.S. was buy a car and drive to Southern California. This spontaneous drive proved just the right move for László, as he found the perfect following for his work, opening an office in Beverly Hills. He is known to have worked with such celebrities as Debbie Reynolds, Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Taylor, Ronald Reagan, Gary Cooper, Cary Grant and many others.
One of the most important things about László (and what made him so popular), is that although he lived and worked in Beverly Hills, his talents and skills allowed him to design on an international scale and level, not just whatever was trendy at the time. Also aiding in his popularity was his meticulous detail to a project. In fact, he designed everything on a project, from the furniture, to the fabrics and even rugs, lamps, and other design fixtures.
The year 1948 proved to be an important year for László, when he collaborated with other designers like George Nelson, Charles Eames and Isamu Noguchi and began work on a set of designs for the Herman Miller furniture company. The furniture these top designers created is considered some of the most important contributions to the modern style ever created. Always moving forward, László didn’t last long with Herman Miller, going back to owning a design studio and designing department stores. Sometimes known as the “millionaire’s architect” László is occasionally dismissed as a designer to only the rich and famous, but his designs were so brilliant and relevant, they often worked for a whole range of people, whatever their salary. His furniture is prized today for its elegance and quality, and with its sumptuous details, clean lines and amazing style, it’s no wonder why.
Though trained as an architect, it was clear early on his passions and talents lay in interior design. Laszlo’s work was a perfect combination of Hollywood Regency and International Style. His furniture pieces had clean lines and sturdy designs, but he filled his pieces with exquisite details that gave them a luxurious feel. Experimenting with color, pattern texture and shape, he created an incredible body of work that ranged from chairs, to desks, to couches, to bureaus, to tables to many, many other types of furniture. He was an expert with color, often creating palettes that seemed impossible but worked beautifully. And while his projects were simple, they were never underdone. He was also a forward-thinker, often creating ideas that were far ahead of their time.
Born in Hungary, László got his education in Vienna, Austria and Stuttgart, Germany. Though he received praise early for his design work, like from artist Salvador Dali, he was forced to flee the country and ended up in the United States in 1936. First landing in New York City, it’s said one of the first things he did when getting to the U.S. was buy a car and drive to Southern California. This spontaneous drive proved just the right move for László, as he found the perfect following for his work, opening an office in Beverly Hills. He is known to have worked with such celebrities as Debbie Reynolds, Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Taylor, Ronald Reagan, Gary Cooper, Cary Grant and many others.
One of the most important things about László (and what made him so popular), is that although he lived and worked in Beverly Hills, his talents and skills allowed him to design on an international scale and level, not just whatever was trendy at the time. Also aiding in his popularity was his meticulous detail to a project. In fact, he designed everything on a project, from the furniture, to the fabrics and even rugs, lamps, and other design fixtures.
The year 1948 proved to be an important year for László, when he collaborated with other designers like George Nelson, Charles Eames and Isamu Noguchi and began work on a set of designs for the Herman Miller furniture company. The furniture these top designers created is considered some of the most important contributions to the modern style ever created. Always moving forward, László didn’t last long with Herman Miller, going back to owning a design studio and designing department stores. Sometimes known as the “millionaire’s architect” László is occasionally dismissed as a designer to only the rich and famous, but his designs were so brilliant and relevant, they often worked for a whole range of people, whatever their salary. His furniture is prized today for its elegance and quality, and with its sumptuous details, clean lines and amazing style, it’s no wonder why.
Check out more design influences like Paul T. Frankl, Milo Baughman, George Nakashima and more on our website.
