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Homes & Gardens
Homes & Gardens
Megan Slack

It was impossible to find a chic counter stool, until Drew Barrymore designed a mid-century piece that will solve your seating woes

Drew Barrymore.

Working with a small kitchen (like my own) means that my primary dining space is also part of the kitchen. This isn't lost on Drew Barrymore, whose latest Beautiful collection (available at Walmart) focuses on the dining room, or rather, the spaces that double as dining rooms, such as a breakfast counter.

I had always found it impossible to find a counter chair that looked well-designed and sophisticated for an accsessible price point. However, Drew's Counter-Height Stools (available at Walmart) changed everything. The first time I saw these chairs, I was struck by their mid-century modern aesthetic, thanks to their curved, horseshoe-shaped silhouette, and warm, honey-colored finish that feels utterly timeless.

Best of all, the stool is slightly lower than the average counter chair, which is a dream for my 5'11" self. I often find myself feeling like I'm towering over some of my countertops when I host, but these chairs offer a rare solution.

Mid-century modern style has dominated design discussions since its origin in the 1940s. However, as experts explain, their appeal is unlikely to waver, making these chairs a safe investment.

'An enduring trend, mid-century modern design is having a resurgence. Vintage pieces in solid wood, boasting clean (and often curved), simple lines, in warm-toned teak or oak wood hues, are all reminiscent of the design zeitgeist,' comments Stephen Young, the founder of Fishe & Lilly.

While these stools feel indisputably modern, Stephen explains that this style dates back to a post-World War II era, 'where mass production was matched with optimism.'

'It gave way to more functional furniture – the design trend was a rebellion against the ornate traditions of previous decades.'

Drew's chair is my favorite piece so far, but as Stephen explains, we can emphasize the look beyond our kitchen with 'unashamedly retro' low coffee tables, and curved, minimalist sideboards – 'all easy additions to a room to bring a flavour of the 50s to any interior.'

Drew Barrymore's collection is another perfect place to continue shopping for this retro-style look. The dining room chair is just like the stool, only more suitable for a lower table. If you're looking to upgrade your hosting space, these are fit for the job.


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