In the never-ending quest of finding the perfect color combinations for your favorite living room, kitchen or den, I offer the work of Mr. Josef Albers (1888–1976). Albers was an important figure in the Bauhaus in pre-WW2 German and later in the U.S. (chairman of the design department at Yale in the late 1950s), and a bona fide color theorist.

A grid of four or more Albers prints makes for a great colorful wall—perfect for apartments where you’re stuck with Navaho White for the duration of your lease. The selection is from the Josef & Anni Albers Foundation web site: AlbersFoundation.org.

The theory is complex and evolved over the years, but during his career, Albers produced a prodigious number of color-field paintings, beginning with a series called “Homage to the Square” in 1949 (we’re showing “Homage to the Square Ascending,” 1953). These works make perfect paint palettes for today’s rooms, from the bright and sunny to the introspective and demure.

Not unmindful of the practical applications of his fine art, Albers took a stab at home design products himself, as in this set of glass-topped nesting tables. Designed in 1927, they make a strong enough color statement to inspire a room, particularly a room with a “mid-century modern” aesthetic (made by the Vitra Design Museum, available for $2,100 at MoMAStore.org).

Those of you handy with tools could probably make an approximation for a great deal less, and you could paint the tops whatever color you choose. Here’s a tip for a really professional look: Have the tops spray-painted at your local auto paint shop. It won’t be expensive, and the lacquer will be extreme! Or just use colored sheets of acrylic from the local art supply store.

Above are a couple of products by quilt artist Victoria Gertenbach based on Albers paintings (she sells them for $45 at Etsy.com).

So check Albers out. This is the one square that’s totally hip.

Michael Lassell,
Features Director, Metropolitan Home