I've always loved pendant lights like this, but the Phrena Lamp is something unique. Taking inspiration from the simple act of opening a book, this light ships flat and fans open: no time consuming assembly required, the accordion folds do all the work. The Phrena is made of white Tyvek and can be configured for up or down lighting. White cord kit and plug included.
Phrena Lamp available from Velocity Art and Design: $78
There is no better price than free, and that's exactly how much you should be paying for scrap wood. No matter where you live, I guarantee that there is a nice supply of scrap wood somewhere not to far away. So go out and collect it all, and follow these directions from Instructables and you can have a amazing looking and nearly free table just like the one pictured above. Even if you don't think your DIY skills are up to it, what's the worst that can happen, messing up some free wood?
Modern Scrap Table DIY at Instructables
These modular storage cubes are made from zBoard, a water-resistant, recycled paper product made from almost 99% post-consumer waste. Light weight, yet sturdy, each cube holds up to 50 lbs. The Six Mix storage system is available in six different colors to mix and match to your heart's content: white, green, orange, espresso brown, and cedar wood. These would be perfect for a kid's room, don't you think?
Six Mix Modular Cubes available from Re:modern: $140 for a set of 6
Dwell Studio was one of the first big players in the modern bedding industry. I remember looking at the strong geometric prints on some of their first duvets and being totally in love. Since it was my first love, I want to still like their products, but this preview of the spring 2010 collection has me wondering. Even some of their 2009 line is a little too much for me.
Comment below. Has Dwell Studio lost their touch, or am I just not hip enough to see how great they are?
Ah, there's nothing to make you feel better about life than to reduce, reuse, and recycle while simultaneously creating a comfy spot for your furry friend. At least that's the idea behind these dog duvets from Molly Mutt.
Just fill one of the "Stuff Sacks" with old blankets, worn out clothes, or pillows that have seen better days. Then choose from one of the many stylish duvet covers, and you've got yourself one smart looking (and smartly designed) dog bed! Fido is sure to love it, since it will be filled with smells of home and his favorite people. An added bonus is that the cover, and the cozy contents, are machine washable. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and patterns.
Dog Duvets from Molly Mutt: $20 - $45 / Optional Stuff Sacks: $10 - $15
[via Dog Milk - the newest site in the Design Milk family!]
I love these ceramic salt and pepper shakers from Perch! They definitely have an Alexander Girard feel, don't you think? Like all of Perch's products, they're handmade in Brooklyn, NY.
Bonnie and Clyde Shakers from Perch: $52
Is it weird that I can get excited about something as boring sounding as a stapler and tape dispenser? Weird or not, I am loving these ordinary items made sexy by Urban Prefer. The simple yet attractive white minimalist design might make those meaningless office tasks just a little more exciting.
If you speak Taiwanese, get them here.
Anyone know if these are available stateside?
The holiday of love is just around the corner, why not show how much you care with these unique letterpress cards from Portland-based printing studio Egg Press? I've been a fan of their products for a long time, and am always delighted when they release new designs. I think any V-Day would be extra special with one of these sweet cards! The Underwear Bear is one of my faves - which one catches your fancy?
Valentine's Cards from Egg Press: $2.50 - $6.00
I have a mild obsession with Angela Adams, so it's exciting to see her designs in a (relatively) more affordable textile form. I've been saving up for one of her wool rugs, but for now I may have to just pick up a pillow or two. These linen pillows are hand-printed and sewn in Maine. Available in two sizes: 12x22 and 18x18.
The blog Unhappy Hipsters made a bit of a splash over the weekend. In case you haven't heard of it yet, here you go! The anonymous author pokes fun at modernism, with tongue planted firmly in cheek. The tagline itself made me chuckle - "it's lonely in the modern world". I'm glad there's someone out there reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously!
Enjoy!
www.unhappyhipsters.com
House Industries is a US based type foundry, a rarity these days. They will be releasing a new "Eames Century Modern" font collection and to celebrate, they are giving away a handful of tours at the Eames casestudy home in sunny California. To enter to win fill our the catalog form and type the words EAMES HOUSE in the comments box. More details after the jump.
Win an Exclusive Eames House Sunset Tour Tours by Eames Demetrios and Lucia Atwood, grandson and granddaughter of Charles and Ray Eames. Date: March 11, 2010 Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
As part of a celebration of our release of the Eames Century Modern font collection, House Industries will be drawing three names to join us for this exclusive look into the inner sanctum of one of 20th century’s greatest design teams. Sitting high atop the Pacific Palisades and overlooking Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean, the Eames House was built in 1949 as number 8 in the series of Case Study Houses and is still recognized as a revolutionary use of space and materials. Interior tours of the Eames house and studio are normally only available to members of the Eames foundation.
If you wish to participate in this drawing, please fill our catalog form and type the words EAMES HOUSE into the COMMENTS box:
The drawing will take place on Friday, February 19, 2010 and will notify the winners no later than February 23, 2010. As much as we would like to pay for travel costs, winners must figure out how to make their own way to the Eames House. We will supply detailed instructions to all drawing winners.
For more information on the Eames House and the Eames Foundation, please point your internet browser to:
www.eamesfoundation.org
Punxsutawney Phil may say we have six more weeks of Winter, but I've turned my thoughts towards Spring: blooming flowers, buzzing bees, and chirping birds. To get a jump on the season, I'm considering one of these colorful and cheery Birdhouse Balls from Danish company Bagus. Available through Design3000, these ceramic orbs hang easily from a sturdy branch or garden hook. I'm not entirely sure if they ship to the U.S., but it doesn't hurt to ask!
Birdhouse Ball available from Design3000: 36€ or about $50
Here is a great reader question that I thought someone might have some good ideas about...
I am looking for a really large, modern poster or wall decal that looks like a subway map. Any ideas on where I could find it?
Cameron
I mocked up a quick photo to show what I think Cameron is looking for. Does anyone know of a company that sells something similar?
Oh, now these are some fabulous salt and pepper shakers! Made from refined white clay, each shaker is a beautiful contrast of glazed and unglazed surfaces. Their spinning top shape will add a touch of playfulness at mealtime. Handcrafted and designed by Chris Stiles.
Tops Ceramic Shakers available from A+R Store: $36
Furniture from Urban Outfitters seems too good to be true. Take this "Mid Century Sofa" for example. Great simple classic style and priced at a mere $480. The downside? It seems like any reviews I've read in the past have been pretty unfavorable as to the quality of the furniture. Also, I'm always sketched out by the thought of buying furniture that is only available online.
Anyone have any feedback about this sofa, or furniture from Urban outfitters in general?
Mid Century Sofa available from Urban Outfitters for $480.
I spotted these retro looking bread boxes at Target the other day and was pleasantly surprised by their high-quality, all-steel construction. I've got my eye on the turquoise one, but they are also available in white, black, red, green, and yellow. (White and Black available in stores only.) The price for these fun kitchen accessories? Only $14.99 - nice!
Steel bread boxes available from Target: $14.99
Here is a trailer for another great film by Design Onscreen that is due out sometime this year. Currently in post production, Desert Utopia: Mid Century Architecture in Palm Springs traces the history of modern architecture in Palm Springs from the earliest days to the preservation issues facing the region today. This looks like another fantastic film, and kudos to Design Onscreen for focusing on this wonderful documentary niche.
Suport Design Onscreen by buying DVD's or making a donation.
ScanWood is one of Denmark's largest manufacturers of wooden kitchen utensils. Besides their beautiful products, I'm really quite enamored with their recent package re-design - a clever way of showing that their products are sustainable. I'm not sure if these are available for purchase online, but there are two stores in the U.S. which carry ScanWood utensils (one in Vermont and the other in Arkansas). Their catalog is worthy of a perusal, regardless.
See more at www.scanwood.dk
If you have been thinking about getting a Fatboy, now is the time. Design Public currently has a sale going on where if you purchase any fatboy over $229 you receive a FREE fatboy Point. (Until 1/31/10)
After selecting your fatboy purchase (Original, Headdemock, Outdoor,Metahlowski, Island, Avenue or Block), simply add the Point to your shopping cart and the price will be deducted from the total. SWEET!
These little vinyl critters from SWIGG are super cute! The material allows for easy cleaning, while the silk screened graphic allows for endless smiles. Stuffed with poly-fill and poly-pellets for some heft. Available in various colorways in Giraffe, Rhino, or Beaver.
Critters from SWIGG: $28 for 2