Are you in the market for a mid century style sofa, chair or ottoman? The new Avenue 62 line from Younger Furniture might have just what you’re looking for — and here on Retro Renovation we have an exclusive sneak preview of all 16 new designs. This stunning new line of vintage inspired furniture line will be introduced to retailers at High Point next month (October 2012), and will arrive in stores by December.
Younger Furniture first appeared on Pam’s radar when she wrote the story about the mid century wall panels that Dave made for his living room, and a reader commented to ask where Dave got his sofa and chairs. Pam dove into research and wrote a number of stories about this great looking furniture, including in the super popular 28 places to shop for an affordable mid century modern style sofa. She connected with Meredith Younger Spell, President of Younger Furniture. And when Meredith contacted us to ask if we would like to feature an exclusive sneak peek at the new Avenue 62 sneak preview on Retro Renovation, we jumped on the opportunity. You know how Pam lives for her Breaking News.
For this story, Meredith provided wonderful background about Younger Furniture and about the development of their new Avenue 62 line:
If you would have told me when I was 15 years old and started working in the factory in the summer that I would be president of Younger Furniture one day, I would not have believed you. When I decided to give working for my Dad a try when I was 25 years old, I never would have thought I would fall in love with the business and with this industry the way I have. Life is full of surprises!
Sometime last year I was brainstorming ideas and thinking and planning as I do constantly, and I had a moment: We need something different, we need something original! Something that defines Younger, gives us a voice and sets us apart. Who are we? What do we want people to think of when they think of Younger? To answer this question, I began doing a ton of research. Online and in books I started looking at furniture of every type and category, from every era, and from every country. As I looked, I saved everything I “loved” or everything that really “spoke to me.” I labeled the photos with my thoughts, they were things like… “LOVE” “Retro in a good way” “retro gone wrong” “if this is wrong, I don’t want to be right” “GENIUS” “OBSESSED.”
When I had a whole stack, everything I had pulled was from the late 50’s, 60’s and early 70’s. Prime mid century. I loved the lines, the finishes, the fabrics, the wood, the angles, the ingenuity, the originality, the genius and the courage these styles had. They all said something! They made a statement that I heard. They spoke to me, big time!
Avenue 62 is not retro collection per say. It is a collection that uses mid-century and everything it stood for as an inspiration, but reinterprets it, revives it and renews it for today’s modern customer. To people of my generation (30 something and 40 something), this IS NEW! I had never seen lines and design like that until I started doing research on generations past. To people that were lucky enough to experience life in mid century America, this collection will remind them of “the good ole days.” We want to introduce this definition of style to a new generation. These ideas and this collection have been very inspirational to both my father and me. It was so funny that something I thought I was discovering on my own was such a huge part of my father’s past — and I didn’t even know it! It really bonded us and solidified us as a team in this business. Avenue 62 is really a father and a daughter, one generation and the next generation, fusing mid century design with today. We can’t wait to share our vision!
We wondered — how did Meredith come up with the name for this new collection and when will it be available?
Avenue 62 is inspired by iconic mid century style, but reinterpreted, revived and renewed for today. I have named it “Avenue 62.” This is a new and fresh direction for us, and it’s a new and fresh interpretation of mid century style… so its an “Avenue” for us. Then 2012-1950 = 62.
This collection will be introduced to retailers across the country at the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, NC in October 2012 and will be arriving in stores by December.
Wow — what a great collection with an equally great back story — plus how fun are the names of the pieces in this collection. I always love to hear about a family business that prides itself on quality and good design — right here in the good old USA to boot! A gigantic thanks goes out to Meredith for sharing her story and allowing us to show you the sneak preview of the Avenue 62 line.
Those are quite the legs on the “Draper” ottoman above!
Armless sofas like the “Harper” sofa above, are great for impromptu naps — plenty of room to stretch out.
I’m really digging the lines of the legs on the “Lewis” sofa above. This curvy and sleek silhouette would fit perfectly into a mid century modern living room.
The “Velvet” sectional above would feel at home in either a retro or a modern household.
I love the boomerang style legs on the “Trudy” chair — it would look lovely with a vintage Heywood-Wakefield coffee table and end tables, don’t you think?
The great thing about this collection is its versatility: If you decorate in retro, mid century, modern or even a more traditional style — one of these pieces would surely fit right in in your living room or den. I can’t wait to see the range of upholstery colors and finishes available for these new styles will be available in. Harper sectional in orange??? Please!
Which design is your favorite readers?
Lauryn says
Love Younger and love these new designs. After looking to no avail for a vintage sofa, we decided to spring for a Younger sofa. We bought the Mikel (which suits our 1939 house) and absolutely love, love, love it. The quality is outstanding, it’s super comfy, looks perfect next to our vintage Lane end tables and we love that it’s a family owned company making things in the U.S. Cannot recommend them highly enough! Thank you, Meredith and Mike. (And thank you, Pam, because I discovered Younger when you did your sofa post awhile back!)
hannah says
Lauren – good to hear about first hand experience with a company. I appreciate a bargain, but I also like quality.
What sort of Lane end tables do you have? I have 2 Lane ‘Perception’ end tables. One step, one not. Got them from a great seller on eBay 2 years ago, mint condition for a song. It was the shipping that killed the great deal otherwise. But when I see what they’re going for, I know, I did get a deal with shipping considered.
Lauryn says
Hannah, I’m not sure what kind they are, not even sure what kind of wood it is. They’re step down, but I’ve not seen anything quite like them out there. The wood is GORGEOUS and they are in mint condition. They were a housewarming gift to a woman back in 1957 and they stayed in the same exact spot until we bought them from the woman’s granddaughter a few months ago. We were not even looking to buy anything, but one Friday around midnight I was shamelessly trolling craigslist and when I saw them, I said, “Honey, do you want to drive to Des Moines tomorrow?” Four hours round trip and worth every drop of gas. She even threw in a perfect vintage candy dish. Someday, when I’m not so technologically challenged, I will post them on one of Pam’s uploaders!!
Don says
That’s Great!
Can’t wait to see them in person at Oct mkt and get some in the store!
These styles go great with the fabrics Younger has always carried.
Nice Job!
Laura says
I am in a state of overwhelming squee. We actually ARE in the market for new LR furniture. As many will likely note, however, there is no retailer near me. I do LOVE this line, though, and look forward to seeing pics. of the real deal.
Lauryn says
These guys carry Younger: http://www.smartfurniture.com/ and I think it’s free delivery!
Monet Vail says
Clara, I’ve noticed that Younger Furniture is starting to show up online more and more as their popularity grows. I’ve seen them online at http://www.directfurnitureatlanta.com and smrtfurniture.com. Maybe worth a shot for this gorgeous collection!
MidMichigan says
The “Dylan” sofa reminds me of the Flexsteel, “Thunderbird” sofa, a timeless MCM classic design. My wife and I were planning on new furniture soon so this post was perfect timing. I hope that there’s a leather option; all these designs are fantastic.
gsciencechick says
I agree, the Dylan in leather would look amazing. I do remember seeing some “fabric vinyls” in their swatches, but this is trying to recall from a year ago.
Lynne says
Oh, yeah, sure, these come out right after I have bought a room full of Rowe! The only thing that makes me feel better is that I don’t think there is a retailer within a million miles of me.
Lauryn says
http://www.smartfurniture.com/ carries Younger, free (I think) delivery!
Monet Vail says
and here http://directfurnitureatlanta.com/product-category/featured-brands/younger-furniture/
Jamie D says
I was thinking the exact same thing! I love my Rowe Dorset sectional and overall I’m happy with the purchase…buuuut…
I really like the legs on all of these much better.
We went with Rowe for the same reason – there’s no Younger dealer nearby and I wanted to sit on the furniture in person before ordering.
Lynne says
Hey! I got the Rowe Dorset sectional too! We’re really happy with it so far…how about you?
Lynne says
Duh, clearly she said they are happy with the purchase! What I meant to ask was were they happy with the way the sections meet up? The spacing in the “cracks” on mine are inconsistant. I got the curved middle section.
Jamie D says
Sorry, Lynne, I missed your reply and only saw it now.
I’m happy with our sectional. But we don’t have the curved piece – we have the chaise lounge at the end. I know the delivery guys had to really shove it together to get the sections to really “click” into place – perhaps yours isn’t fully clicked together?
Granted, it hasn’t seen a lot of hard use yet either. Our living room isn’t totally finished and still needs paint and a big TV, so we don’t sit on it much yet. But it looks lovely and is very comfy so far.
Tasha says
Wow, what a collection! And I have to say, the Draper ottoman legs are similar to a vintage Danish modern (or approximately, don’t know if it’s really Danish) armchair we have, that we’ll be recovering soon to bring it back to full glory. Love it!
gsciencechick says
Wow, these are phenomenal! We almost ordered a Younger sofa, but then we found a vintage sofa at at estate sale. At the time, all their fabric swatches were available in any piece, so I hope this continues for this line. They had a very good variety.
Also, I just got a Lane dovetail coffee table from e-Bay, or else the Draper would probably work great in our LR.
Probably my favorite is the Edie chair. It’s very much inspired from the
“Dr. Melfi” chair from the Sopranos. DH loves this style, too.
We have a local store that sells Younger, so I will look forward to seeing them around the holidays!
Stacey says
I love the Dylan sofa, followed closely by the Lewis. Actually, it’s hard to choose my favorite – I love them all! I’m so glad to see designers reinterpreting the modern look from the mid-century and making it available today. Because try as I might, I’ve never been lucky enough to find a vintage one to purchase.
hannah says
Well, it’s nice to see that revival for this style and era is continuing and not dwindling.
One thing I hope, is that they offer color/pattern choices more from the era and not the ‘sage, gray, teal,red, black’ etc color palate. I’m SO tired of sage I can’t even tell you.
Another thing I hope, is that I can afford it. 🙂
BlueJay says
Hannah,
You’ve hit the nail on the head! New MCM-inspired furniture needs some thrilling color!
hannah says
Glad I ‘hit the nail on the head’ on SOMETHING today! lol
Well, in my research when going for a new car, doesn’t matter if it’s Ford, Toyota, or Dodge. Basic color palate: Red, Silver, Black, Gray, White, Gold, Blue. As I drive around in my new car, I note more and more that my car now looks exactly like any other make out there. Weird.
I don’t want the same experience when I finally take the dive for a new living room suite. When I’ve window shopped online over the last couple of years for a sofa/chairs, it’s nearly the same thing. I think Thrive is the only exception that has a wide range of color/pattern fabric choices. Still, not a whole lot to choose from (no avocado, for instance) IMHO – due to the nature that someone who LOVES MCM is not making the textiles!
Janet in CT says
Wow! Great idea and wonderful styles! I can’t picture them from sketches and need to see them all upholstered to make a decison on a favorite sofa but I think for now I like Harris the best. I do however like most of the chairs. I personally do not like sectionals at all, and the idea of a velvet sofa really turns me off but that is just me. Saw to many ugly cheap velvets over the years. Now I want to see what fabrics come in the salmon to go with my retro early sixties drapes! I certainly wish them luck as furniture is not an easy product to do well.