So why is a die hard vintage lover, promoting and producing new furniture? Vincent used to import vintage bars from Europe and they always sold quickly, but they are getting harder to find and the cost is rising. Vincent has a penchant for English bars because of their compact size that fit easily in many home spaces. They tend to be whimsical with a dash of kitsch, perhaps even exotic. Plus, they have enough style to stand out from other furniture of that time.
So when Vincent decided to design a bar he took inspiration from english design, as well as Witco and Tiki culture; more specifically Sven Kirsten's book Tiki Modern, 007 films and fifties diners. The boomerang style is utilized because of the importance of shape in a bar. Obviously the boomerang design is iconic of mid century lifestyle, but it also encourages interaction. It allows comfortable seating for three, while the bend in the boomerang allows better visibility without craning your neck and the person on the end is never forced out of the conversation. The frame also fits better in a corner than a straight bar and provides more shelf space for bottles, stemware and other bar accessories.
Designing bars was a new experience for Vincent, although he loves to design products and has a background in industrial design. A former designer in the ski industry, focusing on research and development, Vincent decided to trade his profession and follow his true passion, mid century design. He also dreamed of living in southern California, so he and his family moved to Long Beach and deja vu was born. The first prototype for the bar started three years ago. Vincent built it himself to assess any possible manufacturing problems. Previous clients have used the bars for various purposes including a receptionist desk for a salon, host stand for a restaurant and in an art gallery. The design was recently revised to introduce a slightly smaller bar that can be broken down for shipping purposes and reassembled by the lucky new owner, saving on the previously high shipping cost.
Vincent has also designed deja vu glasses with tiki and surfer nostalgia, a perfect union with the boomerang bar or for any retro admirer. His other designs include a screen divider made of bamboo plywood, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and is formaldehyde-free for a healthier indoor environment. Vincent's head is swimming with ideas for other prototypes, so when he needs to relax he can be found in the backyard of his Cliff May Rancho home, sitting at his own boomerang bar, deja vu cup in hand.
All bars are made in the USA, in Long Beach, CA. The upholstery on our flagship model can be customized. Or choose the “Laina” bar with dark brown vinyl and a animal print front. Keep checking the website for more options to come!
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Off 4th Street in Long Beach, there’s a Mecca of mid-century modern home furniture called Déjà vu. OC Mod Homes had the pleasure of visiting the shop, and its selection will drag your jaw to the ground. With everything from dining room tables to patio chairs, Déjà Vu is that mid-century time machine you’ve always yearned for. Straight out of the 1950s and ‘60s, their selection features finely crafted furniture at affordable rates.
