Introducing Smilow Design

If you have visited Mint recently you would have undoubtably come across the exquisite new range of American walnut furniture by Smilow Design.   We were introduced to the beautifully crafted collection back in 2013 and we have now extended the collection to include various models from the current pieces, see photographs below.

The Woven Rush Lounge Chair at Mint.  Constructed from solid walnut with a  hand-woven rush seat & back.

Smilow Design was originally set up by Mel Smilow back in 1949, where he ran the company from his six independently owned stores.  Concentrating on finely crafted products, Smilow was favoured by collectors and interior designers alike for over 50 years.

In 2012 Judy Smilow, daughter of the late the Mel Smilow, discovered the drawings of the original furniture and was inspired to reintroduce the furniture to a new generation of clients.

The Woven Leather Armchair at Mint.  Constructed from solid walnut with interlacing black leather straps.

The High-Back Rail Back Armchair at mint.  Constructed from solid walnut, upholstered in an off-white boucle fabric with a tan leather headrest.
To pay homage to her father, Judy Smilow wrote the article ‘Remembering Mel Smilow’ which was sent out in our newsletter the first week of March to commemorate Mel’s birthday.

” Yesterday was the birthday of our father and the designer of Smilow Furniture. Mel Smilow, born March 5th,1922, designed and retailed modern furniture through his six independently owned stores from 1949 through the late 1970’s.

A champion of affordable, finely crafted, modern design—his work has been recognized and coveted by collectors and well appreciated by his loyal customers for over 50 years. Now, with the reintroduction of this authentic mid-century brand, hand-crafted in America since 1949, the designs and manufacture prove to have truly stood the test of time. Today they are considered “enduring, modern, classics.”

It is with great privilege, and pride, that continuing on as a family owned business, we continue to produce this beautiful furniture reintroducing it to a new generation of consumers. Thanks Dad! “

A photograph of Smilow Design founder, Mel Smilow (1922 – 2002).

Below are clean photographs of the pieces currently on show at Mint.

Woven Leather Armchair, constructed from solid walnut with interlacing black leather straps. Originally designed in 1956 by Mel Smilow. Currently available at Mint.

Woven Rush Bench, constructed from solid walnut with a hand-woven rush seat.. Originally designed in 1956 by Mel Smilow. Currently available at Mint.

Woven Rush Dining Armchair, constructed from solid walnut with a hand-woven rush seat. Originally design in 1956 by Mel Smilow. Currently available at Mint.

Woven Rush Lounge Chair, constructed from solid walnut with a hand-woven rush seat & back.Originally design in 1956 by Mel Smilow. Currently available at Mint.

If you have any questions about any of the pieces shown above or any of the other pieces available in the Smilow Design collection please get in touch at info@mintshop.co.uk.