apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I think I just found my new bed (when I can afford to trade up)... Lovely stuff. Can't wait for them to find an L.A. retailer.

Why is "simple" stil so friggin' expensive?!

No kidding, patrick.

I love that dining table. I want it.

The items are attractive but not very imaginative and way overpriced for furniture that is just made out of planks. It is funny how Modernica still seems
to be one of the only manufacturers to offer good looking modern in the spirit of mass production and affordability. Just my opinion anyway.

I vote "no" to the question. The desing is really simple, basic and the price astronomical. For that kind of price I'd rather go to Flou.

Don't get me wrong, this stuff is beautiful, and I am sure beatifully finished and crafted (and without question WORLDS apart from the likes of IKEA an West Elm). We're also talking solid woods and artful craftsmanship, but it yields a product where the cost is largely prohibitive, or in the very least, aspirational.

Isn't Flou considerably more expensive?... And for the record, I also think the stuff is a bit pricey. But it looks like it's worth it because of the quality. I've seen beds from other showrooms here in L.A. at about the same price point that don't use solid wood and have questionable construction. From what I've seen around here, furniture of this quality tends to priced at least about 50% more than what's shown here. (But for now, my IKEA bed will work as I continue to save pennies.)

Having something made out of solid wood does not make it intrinsically more desireable or expensive..........that is the antithesis of modern design.

too expensive ... eh ... not really. i think BMWs are too expensive too, but that's because i can't afford one. i'm not sure why some people think because something looks simple it should be cheap -- their stuff clearly isn't ikea. solid wood, anyone?

If you click on the link about the site (that goes to a previous posting on AT), someone posted that the oak furniture broke almost immediately on them, and that it wasn't replaced. I guess that's one person's word, but that is DEFINITELY worth some investigation, imo. That seems seriously shady, especially when it is not priced like Ikea.

Sorry, that was de la Espada, but it sounds like the owners are the same owners? That would still be a red flag for me.

AE. You're right, the use of specific materials alone doesn't/shouldn't make a piece of furniture more or less desirable. (Although, I guess it could be argued that the use of less-organic materials or a new, innovative manufacturing process could be enough to label something as a product of "modern design".) But I don't really understand what you're trying say... Is your comment more about the use of wood or about the price point? How do you equate either issue with being the antithesis of modern design?

lisa--
Yes, clearly it's not IKEA. Which is why a coffee table here costs $1000. I understand that (solid) wood and craftsmanship contribute to the price here (and rightfully so). I'm not saying it's NOT worth it (nor am I saying I can't afford it...) I'm just sometimes frustated that a consumer's desire for "simple design" apparently leaves only two choices... particleboard/veneer for hundreds of dollars, or solid wood for thousands. I've also paid top dollar for furniture that is "veneer over hardwood" that is remarkably executed, and some, not so much.

I am a graphic designer... so I know all too well that "simple ain't easy"!!! ;)

the other patrick:
you're right, "simple ain't easy" are words to live by, and i'm no graphic designer. :-) in fact, i tend think that simple is the most difficult thing to accomplish. it always surprises me when people gripe about "simple things being expensive" when i know for a fact -- as do you too, evidently -- that well-executed simplicity is incredibly hard to accomplish.

In response to Enrique .....what I was trying to express is that a}solid wood does not necessarily make something more an item of craftsmanship and b}modern design was originally supposed to make good design affordable to the masses. I am a woodworker myself and I dont see any real craftsmanship here.........just wood planks.

Oh, by the way...........on their site they try to explain how you are responsible for keeping the relative humidity of your home within proper limits or you risk cracking fo the wood.........proper joint design and execution would severely limit this...as I said before.......I dont really see the craftsmanship here. People can be fooled by the mention of real wood.

how is that magazine side table - 4 pieces of wood - $485?? i guess affordability is relative.

Dear all - this is korneel and husani from atlantico.

First of all, we want to say thanks to Maxwell for the great post.

Then, to Enrique - we're glad you like the bed! While we do not have it on show in LA, we do ship there. Hope you can stop by next time you're in NY.

We seem to have sparked a lively debate re price vs simplicity, mass produced vs artisan, and making furniture from planks of wood.

To start with the latter, there is an awful lot to "making furniture from planks", in terms of engineering, manufacturing and material costs. We agree with AE that having something made out of solid wood doesn't necessarily make it intrinsically more desirable - but it does make it more expensive. It is a different product altogether from non solid wood pieces, and it is to each individual to decide whether it is for them.

Also, you cannot equate simplicity with low cost. The fact that there are not a lot of bells and whistles doesn't necessarily mean something should be cheap. The question instead is whether something is well made, using quality materials, and whether you get the right value for money.

The same goes for whether something is mass produced (which we are not) or handcrafted from start to finish by a master craftsman - and everything in between. These lead to different products, at different price points, it's apples, pears and tomatoes.

There's a lot more expensive stuff out there, and a lot that's cheaper. In the end it all boils down to what you like and if you think it's worth it (and - granted - the size of your wallet). Our prices are what they are, we think they are fair for what we offer, and we hope you do to.

To Fiona: De La Espada are our friends, we like them, and they're a member of the team. We're not sure what happened there, and so can't really say anything about it. As for your implied worry, we will deal with every query / comment / concern / complaint / what have you to the best of our ability. If not, I'm sure we'll hear about it here :).

A quick note to AE: as a woodworker you know that at 20% relative humidity - engineering notwithstanding - wood is much more likely to crack then it is at 35% relative humidity. We simply want people to know what might happen and what can be done about this. Why don't you come by? We would love for you to see the product, and to say hi.

This goes for everyone of course: You can always drop by, call us (212 372 8108) or email us at korneel@atlantico-usa.com or husani@atlantico-usa.com. Thanks for all your comments, and hope to see you soon,

k + h.

Thanks for the input from the folks at Atlantico.........all sides are represented now. Sounds like something that should now be discussed over a meal and a bottle of wine........anyone game?

AE, that's a great idea. This is an example why blogs are so powerful; conversations like this one are good for everyone.

Let's talk and set something up -- we'd be happy to host such a meal in our space.

k + h.

No offense to those who love the stuff, but that Atlantico furniture looks like possibly THE most uncomfortable stuff ever made.
I don't care that it's (allegedly) high quality or lovingly made -- after 10 minutes on those flat-bummed dining room stools, I'm outta there. Flat planks, indeed.

I voted no.

Don't get me wrong, I like it. The bed is exactly what I want. I got really excited when I saw it.

Then I saw the price and nearly passed out.

Solid wood, sure. Craftsmanship, sure. But ya know, I could commission the same bed from various woodworkers I know for less than half the cost. And get exactly what I want.

Okay, maybe not half the cost. But still.

In fairness to Atlantico as far as price is concerned......this is a free market economy. Whatever the market bears is fair game.......thats why athletes make insane amounts of money for playing a game. We fork over the cash.

Design. Skill. Artisanship (?). Pride. Brand. Real estate. Buzz. Cachet. Provenance. Import. Export. Fuel. Advertising. Warehousing. Trucking.

All things you pay for when you pay for furniture.

A verse or two of "Kumbaya" anyone? Fiona, where are you? We need you to lead the chorus. Y'all ready?

How old are you guys? And have you really ever shopped for furniture (outside Ikea?) For those who "passed out" after seeing the prices, ever heard of a 6K bed? And those are not uncommon. When I was shopping for a bed, all those I wanted were 6K! 2K sounds like a deal to me!

I have not seen these in person. I would like to see an exploded axonometric showing me that they are as well made as is claimed. The leg-to-beam joint on the tables needs to be done perfectly not just to prevent breaking, but loosening so it does not become wobbly; old fashioned wood-workers would tie the legs together to prevent this. What does Atlantico do?

Another worry: the joints between the planks, especially on the tabletop, opening up over time. Biscuit joinery and glue? Are they tied together at the crossbars?

If these sorts of issues are solved so that this really is long life-time furniture, then it is worth the price. If not, it is little more than solid-wood IKEA.

But I like the aesthetic. More rustic than Danish Modern, heavier than Shaker, more calm and refined than built-up plywood, minimalist but not 'cool'.

I would borrow a Danish detail and bring the bases on the sideboards in so that the mass of the cabinet cantilevers 6"? 12"?.

For any of you in the LA area that want to see Atlantico in the flesh, yolk in silverlake will have most of it in stock by Mid June.

1626 Silverlake Blvd
LA CA 90026
323.660.4392

Just saw the bed made by Atlantico and I love it!

I was also surprised at the price $1495 king size - pretty good. It looks very well made - it is the same people as De La Espada. They have a new website with different photos than the ones here www.atlantico-usa.com. Trying to decide between cherry and mocha finish....

i am interested in this bed as well - any additonal feedback re: quality and comfort would be appreciated...

I love the floating tabletop

WATCH OUT FOR DE LA ESPADA.
THE CORPORATE CULTURE IS BAD NEWS
OUR DLE TABLE CRACKED, AND THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING TO FIX IT. THEY TOLD US SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS - FOR $5,000, ZERO CUSTOMER SERVICE.
LITERALLY, THAT WAS IT. SORRY. GET A HUMIDIFIER. EVEN IF THAT IS ALL YOU CAN DO, FOR $5,000, THEY SHOULD WORK ON THEIR APPROACH.
THEN OUR SIDEBOARD WAS 6 WEEKS LATE, WHEN WE ASKED TO SPEAK THE MANAGER, THEY TOLD US THERE IS NONE. HONEST - THEY CLAIM THEY HAVE NO STORE MANAGER. THEN WE ASKED TO SPEAK TO THE OWNER, THEY TOLD US TO GET THE NAME OFF THE WEBSITE.
BE VERY, VERY CAREFUL BEFORER GIVING THEM YOUR MONEY. THIS IS NOT A TRUSTED OUTFIT.
ONLY WHEN I COMPLAINED TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND HAD AMEX REVERSE THE CHARGE DID THEY START RETURNING MY CALLS.

I just received a wonderful desk/table from Atlantico (the 003), and couldn't be happier. Their products are amazing.

You can add the slightest hint of color and still keep that minimalist look and feel to the home with blown up photographic prints of wildlife in winter.

well for anybody interested, i own the dining table shown in the photos, along with four chairs.
i have been throughly pleased with them.
the quality of their pieces is very good, the hardware used is exceptional, especially for the price point.
i worked in high end modern contemporary furniture showroom, doing both sales and installs for them. which means i get to see how all the finest (_cassina,b&b,flexform,minotti,morosso_) modern furniture goes together and what their shortcomings are.
_Atlantico_ is a very well executed product at a amazing price. if you think this is expensive, go look at the other brands i listed, or, keep shopping ikea.