By Raymond Loewy
Located in Chattanooga, TN
A visionary convergence of mid-century modern elegance and Space Age daring, this Raymond Loewy DF-2000 media cabinet is more than a functional storage solution—it is a sculptural manifesto. Conceived in the late 1960s by Loewy’s Paris-based design studio, Compagnie de l’Esthétique Industrielle (CEI), and brought to life by Doubinsky Frères in France, this iconic credenza embodies the era’s bold experimentation in material, form, and color. It channels the futurist spirit while celebrating Loewy’s industrial design genius, enshrined in objects as varied as Air Force One’s livery and the Coca-Cola bottle.
Its presence radiates visual energy through a front-facing array of injection-molded plastic drawer fronts, their pop-art hues graduating effortlessly from vibrant orange to red—a striking signature of the DF-2000 line’s forward-thinking palette. Each drawer front, polished to a glass-like sheen, rests gracefully within the restored dark mocha of the case’s doors and side panels, which have been meticulously repainted to harmonize with Loewy’s intended contrasts. Even the back panel, preserved in its original state, bears witness to the piece’s integrity and its 360-degree appeal.
The DF-2000 line’s innovative spirit shines through in its modular functionality: Loewy applied automotive-inspired efficiency, designing interchangeable doors and drawers that could be easily refreshed or reconfigured—anticipating the modern appetite for personalization. This particular cabinet, restored with precision and devotion, reveals not just a surface sheen but a rebirth of structural poise and sleek durability, while maintaining the tactile integrity of its materials.
In scale and stance, this credenza commands attention; a specimen both of sculpted form and practical elegance. Its presence grounds a room, yet it uplifts it—each drawer, each surface, a deliberate articulation of mid-century ambition: to transcend mere furniture and become an icon of tomorrow’s aesthetic.
For the discerning collector, interior designer, or enthusiast of design heritage, this Raymond Loewy DF-2000 media cabinet offers more than storage—it delivers a narrative, a technical feat, and a cultural artifact reanimated through conscientious restoration and timeless design.
The restoration team pulled no punches on this authentic Raymond Loewy Media Cabinet Credenza, and the end result exceeded our expectations. Every inch of the wood doors and side panels were re-painted to match the original dark mocha color. The back panel was in very good condition, so we left it original. As you can see, this unit is fully finished on the back and attractive from every direction. The orange, infection molded plastic drawer fronts were finally buffed and polished to a glassy shine. The cabinet is supported by a brand new plinth base that we fabricated in our workshop. It's painted black to match the original. Except this time, we used solid pine instead of composite material. Lastly, we covered the painted white top with a sheet of white laminate to increase durability and practicality. No need to worry about water marks and scratches with this new top. The industrial strength Formica is also ideal for TV and stereo components...
Category
1970s French Futurist Vintage Mengel Furniture Co.
