Steve Chase lived in and worked out of Palm Springs, California, but he created luxury spaces and furniture for projects that took shape all over the world. A consummate art collector and brilliant interior designer, Chase was involved in every aspect of the rooms he designed and attracted many high-profile clients, including Gerald and Betty Ford, Farrah Fawcett and Gene Hackman.
Chase was born in New Hampshire and attended the Rhode Island School of Design as well as the ArtCenter in Los Angeles. After completing his studies, he joined Arthur Elrod and Associates — a celebrated Palm Springs-based firm that created colorful interiors and furniture for a range of Hollywood stars and more during the height of the mid-century modern era. Chase worked with Elrod for more than a decade before establishing his own business in 1980.
Chase designed his furniture to meet the sensibilities and personalities of his clients, and his work ranged from the traditional to the tastefully unconventional. While he created sculptural brass side tables that boast striking brutalist forms, there were also understated chrome-framed coffee tables with fossil shell tops. For his seating, Chase’s palette ranged from bright pastels to modest earth tones, and his vintage sofas are known for their signature tufted-channel backrests and seats. The plush cushioning was most prevalent in his Monterey seating collection of chairs, sectionals and sofas manufactured by the firm Martin Brattrud Inc., which produced most of Chase's designs during the 1970s and '80s.
Chase supported a number of charitable organizations and strongly advocated for the Desert AIDS Project (DAP), a volunteer-led initiative to combat the HIV epidemic in Coachella Valley. He lent his design talents to improve their office space, and used his influence with celebrities to enlist their help on the project. Chase also joined the Contemporary Art Council Acquisitions Committee at the Palm Springs Art Museum and eventually bequeathed more than 130 works to the institution when he passed away in 1994.
In 1996, the DAP created the annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards to honor him. Today he is remembered for his humanitarian giving as often he is for his furniture designs and lively interiors.
On 1stDibs, explore an array of vintage Steve Chase chairs, tables and lighting.
Studio Raku Ceramic Vase by Garry Ubben for Steve Chase
By Steve Chase
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful studio Raku Ovoid pink ceramic vase design in the 1980s by Garry Ubben for Steve Chase. The vase is signed Ubben and retains the Steve Chase la...
Ceramic
Ceramic Vase by Claudia Frignani, Wunderkammer Studio
By Wunderkammer Studio, Claudia Frignani
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Ceramic Vase by Claudia Frignani for Wunderkammer Studio's limited Lefka collection. Claudia Frignani is a Milan-based designer, ceramic artist, and creator known for her unique scu...
Ceramic
Brass Vase by Walter von Nessen for Chase
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brass vase by Walter von Nessen for Chase, c.1930s, USA. The solid patinated brass Art Deco vase features a tulip opening and four incised rings around the bottom of the vessel. Impr...
Brass
Bjorn Wiinblad Studio Line Ceramic Vase for Rosenthal
By Rosenthal, Bjorn Wiinblad
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
A beautiful oval shaped Rosenthal vase made for the Studio Line ceramics. Wonderful cobalt blue body, with a design from the 1001 nights series, beautiful colours and gilding. ...
Ceramic
Monumental Lidded Amphora Style Ceramic Vessel, Custom for Steve Chase
By Steve Chase
Located in New York, NY
Truly monumental Amphora style ceramic vessel with a separate lid. This piece is from an Indian Wells estate completely styled by Steve Chase and was custom ordered for Mr. Chase. I...
Ceramic
Large Vintage American Studio Ceramic Raku Bud Vase, 1999
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Signed and stamped American studio Raku vase dated 1999. The form features a rounded, full-bodied base that tapers inward to a short, flared weed pot-style flute, giving it a strong ...
Ceramic
Robert Kuo Copper Hammered Willow Vase Retailed by Steve Chase
By Robert Kuo
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A Robert Kuo copper hammered willow vase, retailed by Steve Chase for $1580.00 in the 1990s. It bears the Steve Chase inventory label and the retail ...
Raku Vase
Located in Dallas, TX
A Japanese style Raku vase. Raku is a style of pottery, first practiced in the 1500's, characterized by the removal of a clay object from the kiln at the height of the firing, causin...
Stoneware
Ceramic Bubble Vase by Siup Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Ceramic bubble vase by Siup Studio Dimensions: D10 x H15cm Materials: Ceramics Siup is a small design studio based in Warsaw. The concept is created by three friends – Martyna D...
Ceramic
Studio Pottery Ceramic Vase by Peg Tootelian
By Peg Tootelian
Located in Chicago, IL
Nice Petite Textured Studio Pottery vase by Peg Tootelian. A studio handbuilt piece. The neck/top is intentionally left uneven. Illinois artist PegTootelian apprenticed with Edna Ar...
Pottery
Vintage Mid-Century American Studio Pottery Raku Vase, Signed
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A striking American mid-century studio pottery vase, hand thrown and finished in a white crackle Raku glaze with a carved black geometric band circling the center. The contrast betwe...
Ceramic
Contemporary LAAB Fringe Chawan Vase Raku Ceramic White Crakle
By LAAB Milano
Located in monza, Monza and Brianza
Fringe Chawan wide vase Stunningly made and decorated by hand, this chawan bowl will make a gorgeous centerpiece for a sophisticated dining table during a special occasion. Fashio...
Ceramic
Raku Ceramic Vase by Andy Ruble
Located in Soquel, CA
Dramatic raku style ceramic vase by ceramic artist Andy Ruble (American, b 1970). Metallic russet, grays and orange lend to earthy organic aesthetic. Signed...
Ceramic
Three Graduated Bronze Vases Patinated with a Great Tortoise Patina
By Steve Chase
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A nice set of three bronze tortoise patinated vases designed by Steve Chase. We are not sure who made them but they are great. Each rime has an added lip and each is scaled to the va...
Monumental Organic Floor Vase from Steve Chase Estate
By Steve Chase
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A beautiful designer original organic floor vase from a vintage Palm Springs estate designed by the late, great Steve Chase. This handmade piece is signed inside the mouth of the vas...