I've had my eye one these Stump stools from Kalon Studios for a while now, and I can honestly say that they are growing on me more and more. In fact, they may even be moving from the "want" list to the "need" list. At $85 a piece for a unique hand made wood stool, I also think they are a great deal. I secretly want to try my hand a making a set myself too. Don't tell.
Chinese design firm Smart Woodhouse seems to know a thing or two about clean minimalist design. Their work which is composed mostly of beech wood furniture with rounded forms has more of a Scandinavian feel to it than the more traditional angular mimiimalism of the east. The end result however is a simple, warm and beautiful. Now if only there was a way to get a hold of their stuff stateside. I would gladly pay $520 Chinese Yuan ($80 USD) for that coat rack.
Beautiful and brilliant foldable wooden chair concept by redbit studio out of Croatia. It's a shame that concepts like these never make it into production.
Hello there beautiful geometric shapes and colors. Yes, you do look fantastic both on that quilt and on those cards.
Carson Too makes some of the absolutely most beautiful modern quilts on Etsy, but if you don't have the funds for a big purchase you can still get in on the goodness by picking up a set of his greeting cards. I suggest getting some cards now, and starting saving for the quilt for Christmas. You deserve it.
Cards and Quilts by Carson Too on Etsy
Unfortunately for me, I don't have a dog any more, but if I did I would seriously be considering this dog bed by Pet Lounge Studio. The Bambu Pet Hammock is not only one of the most original dog beds I have ever seen, its definitely one of the better looking and more practical. As with any kickstarter project, it only goes into production if enough people support it, but with already $10,000 pledged and 22 days to go, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that this one is almost a slam dunk for getting funded.
Usually I'm saying that I wished I would have thought of this. This time I'm saying I did think of this, and now I wish I would have actually done it. The c/dock is a new Kickstarter project for all of you who use your iPhone as an alarm clock. Made from a solid piece of Walnut with either an aluminum face, or a glossy resin face. The c/dock incorporates a usb cable into the mix to keep your iPhone charged up for you.
Honestly I would have like a plain walnut face option, but besides that the execution seems pretty great. If you like it, support it.
Up until yesterday if you would have asked me where to get good mid century modern tile, I would have said Heath Ceramics was the only place. But that was yesterday. Now I've got my eye on Clayhaus. They may be the new kid on the block, but they have a very strong line up of modern tiles. The influence of early modernists is apparent in everything from their Bauhaus inspired name down to their fantastic color palette. Icing on the cake for me is the fact that it is all done by a small husband wife team. I love supporting the little guys.
This shelframe just shot right to the top of my list of "why didn't I think of that" ideas. About:
The shelves are designed to occupy a space normally reserved for a framed picture or painting, and they act so as to frame compositions of everyday objects.
The cable tension allow the shelves to support heavy objects while the silicone pads create a self-securing system that grips the wall as the shelf becomes loaded. This also means that the shelf does not tilt to one side if heavy objects are placed unevenly.
I especially appreciate the smaller details of the shelf like the semi recessed balls on the ends of the cable, and the joinery between the sides. For the record, this shelf and a monkey hook would make for the quickest installation ever.
Lots of pics after the jump.
Powder coated steel combined with wood is like strawberries dipped in sour cream and brown sugar, absolutely delectable. When you add the option of Marimekko fabric (with the stool, not the strawberries) you have a nearly infallible combination. The Giddyup Stool is just such a combination. It's available in a number of different colors, and with a variety of wood, fabric or even leather seat options. All hand made in Portland Oregon by Quartertwenty.
I know my list of design obsessions is getting pretty long these days, but obsessed is the only word that really describes how I feel about people pairing white Corian with oak. Which is why I was very excited to see this project by UK based MGNG. Details are few and far between, but the execution is absolutely lovely. Check out some of the detailed pictures after the jump. The leg-to-table joint is to die for.
Apló Table by MGNG
This colorful seating collection is made from steel bicycle tubing and perforated leather, a combination that makes for a good looking and extremely lightweight chair (or lounger or stool). Available in 16 colors, each piece is made-to-order and hand-welded by the designer Max Lipsey. Check out his site for more info on ordering your own!
It's not uncommon in the design blog world to see a cool idea that never makes it to market. When the Flexible Love expandable furniture pieces were first being featured everywhere I figured they would never be available. I'm happy to report I'm wrong. Industry Gallery in DC is now the exclusive US seller of the Flexible Love line. I was also pleasantly surprised to see how affordable they are too. Pricing is between $200 - $800, which for something that seats 8 - 16 people, is pretty amazing.
Modern and Terracotta aren't two words that usually go together in my mind, but Swiss designer Tomas Kral is out to prove me wrong with these terracotta lamps.
In case you haven't noticed I'm really on a "craftsmanship" kick lately. While I am still passionate about affordable design, I find so much value in furniture that is well made. YLiving did a nice little interview recently on Chicago based Ali Sandifer Studio. While the article does focus a lot on the actual wood used to make their furniture, I think it's a good snapshot into the thought, time, and effort that goes into one piece of furniture. It sort of puts the $2,800 price tag into perspective a bit more.
I have this ever increasing love and appreciation for well crafted woodwork. Markus Bartenschlager is one of those guys that takes his work seriously. His detail work in both his furniture and cabinetry is gorgeous. I'm particularly in love this morning with this kitchen designed by architects of WORKSTEAD and built by Bartenschlager Woodwork. You can see more pictures of it and other work by Markus on his website, or read an article about it in Dwell
I just rolled back into town last night and I'm still sorting through all the great things I saw at ICFF and on the roadtrip home. One piece that did stand out for me at the show was this 7 Drawer Miniature Chest by Brian at Volk Furniture. Volk is a Brooklyn based company, and all the furniture is designed and made by Brian in the Brooklyn Navy Ship Yard. I had some time to look at this piece and some of the best parts about it are hard to capture with a picture. The detail work is superb, as is the tactile quality of the whole thing. The waxed wood drawer slides were flawless and make the piece feel very special. The knobs were salvaged off an old pump organ, and the drawer liners I believe were found by Brian's girlfriend. Modern, handmade, personal, beautiful, just the way furniture should be.
One of the most fantastic things I saw at ICFF was called Crafted by Urbancase and Teroforma. It is a collaboration between, surprise, Urbancase and Teroforma. Urbancase made the amazing sidebar liquor cabinet show above, and Teroforma made matching barware to go with it. They had a matching geographic pattern which was etched into the glasses and laser cut into the wood cabinet. The end result is absolutely stunning. I'll let the photo's speak for themselves. Lots more after the jump.
Urbancase and Teroforma Sidebar project
One of my favorite collections at ICFF this year was from Brooklyn-based furniture makers UM Project. I simply couldn't resist their playful combination of colors, form, and material! More specifically, I fell hard and fast for the FWD Credenza with its pops of pink powder coated aluminum, matte-lacquered ash, and satin brass (yes, ALL of those things on a single piece of furniture!!). I also loved their new LUM Lamp, which presents an interesting combination of 60s Pop and Art Deco styles - sounds crazy but looks awesome. Check out more of their work and let me know what you think!
I've been on sort of a wood and steel kick lately. This chair by Portuguese design group gud is a great example of that. The powder coated steel elements create a nice contrast to the oak.
I'm still sorting through the information overload of ICFF, but I already have some favorites. Being surrounded by all that fantastic furniture really made me appreciate the difference between CNC made furniture and good old fashioned hand made furniture. In fact I'm already setting the ground rules for an ICFF 2012 drinking game that will involve taking a shot every time I hear "5 axis CNC".
KWH Furniture is one of the good guys. They are making beautiful modern furniture using traditional joinery methods and finishes. Their credenza piece at ICFF even included hand made brass handles. (pictures after the jump) The work was absolutely beautiful, from the smallest detail on.
