DesignPhiladelphia 2010... Wow. What a trip! As you know, I was invited to attend this year's event by the fine folks from DuPont / Corian. To be honest, I wasn't sure what to expect. As it turns out, it was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had in a long time. The exhibits were fascinating, but what truly made this experience so special were the incredibly genuine, warm, intelligent, and stimulating people that I had the good fortune of meeting. It was affirming and empowering all at once. I wasn't expecting that.

Read the rest of the post after the jump!

Dupont invited five bloggers to this event and we all had the opportunity to meet designer Todd Bracher on a one-on-one basis, as well as a group lunch. I can honestly say that Todd is one of the most inspiring people I've ever met. He has a genuine love of life and truth, and is on a never-ending quest for knowledge and ways to improve the human experience through design. To hear the process behind his work was fascinating, to say the least. [For a little taste of what I'm talking about, check out the video above, which was part of Design Boost 2010.] Be sure to check out his portfolio, as well.

The main event of this whole trip was the Carte Blanche exhibit launch, held at the Corian Design Studio. The exhibit features the work of 25 international designers and artists, who were tasked with the challenge of creating something from a single piece of A4-sized, white Corian. From the cheeky to the seemingly impossible, it was interesting to see the many varied interpretations and possibilities that were achieved. One of my favorite pieces was Moucharaby. The mass and the mesh. by designer Philippe Délis (third image, left side). The moucharaby is a natural ventilation system common in North Africa and the Middle East, that consists of a tight latticework that accelerates the air's passage. I loved seeing it re-interpreted in this new material and scale. Check out all 25 designs here. Also pictured: Looking Forward by Stefan Diez and Liasons by Inga Sempé.

We also had the opportunity to explore some of the other Corian-related exhibits, including this outdoor conversation room featuring modular Corian walls by DIRTT, as well as the Woven Car by artists Anne Conte and Jeanne Wiley. Unfortunately, the Woven Car exhibit was closed at the time we were scheduled to see it, but I was able to take a few photos through the window and meet with the artists later in the day. This was the first collaborative project for Ann and Jeanne, who took an old, rusted-out MG Midget and gave it new life through recycled and overstock materials. The entire exterior is made from recycled seat belts that were woven by hand, while the interior is comprised of pieces of Corian cut-offs. You can learn more and see the whole thing here.

I was also impressed with the Corian Design Studio, which had this incredible table, seemingly made from a single (and giant) piece of Corian, suspended between two rooms. I couldn't stop touching it! It may have been the single most-photographed thing on my trip - I was that obsessed. Isn't it strange what catches your eye sometimes?

As you can see, this whirlwind trip was packed full of visual and intellectual stimuli! I can honestly say it was one of the most inspiring experiences of my life, both on a personal and professional level. Itweeted this while I was there, but it bears repeating: It's always nice to be reminded that there are genuine people in the world. I was not expecting to connect with so many*. So, a huge, HUGE thank you to DuPont for inviting me to be a part of DesignPhiladelphia 2010. I'll never forget it!

*Have you ever had experiences like this, where you were expecting something a little more formal / all business, and you walked away with renewed faith in humanity or even just new relationships you hadn't anticipated? I'd love to hear your stories!

Here is another great film documenting mid century modern architecture. Modern Views is specifically about modern architecture in the Pacific Northwest. I LOVE seeing projects like this and I'm glad to see people realizing the need to document and preserve good architecture.

I love, love, love these retro home illustrations by Paul Rogers! They were created as an accompaniment to an article in Los Angeles Magazine exploring the last 50 years of LA residential architecture. Check out the whole series here!

Link: Paul Rogers

I have quite a few friends who are really into backyard chickens. Having grown up in rural Utah, I'm kind of over it, plus I don't think chickens are allowed in my loft. That being said I am still always keeping my eyes open for good coop designs. The two that caught my eye this week are the Breed Retreat by Frederik Roije, and the Noog. More photo's after the jump.

Breed Retreat by Frederik Roije via
Noog

Oh, here I go with my mobile obsession! I can totally picture this one in a nursery or as part of a more playfully decorated home. Also, did I mention it's made from walnut? That's worth about 50 bonus points right there!

Handmade from American Black Walnut by husband and wife duo Teal & Gold.

Sunshine and Showers mobile by Teal & Gold: $45

Here is a great Ikea hack by Chris over at Man Made DIY. With a little ingenuity and a trip to the hardware store he was able to turn an Ikea VATE lamp into a Noguchi inspired beehive lamp. Best of all it will only cost $15 which includes the lamp purchase and about 1 hour of your time. I fully intend to see some reader results on this one.

Full instructions for a DIY Noguchi lamp at Man Made DIY

Perhaps a little known secret about me is that my absolute favorite color is baby blue. Also little known is the fact that I have wanted a vespa scooter for years. Maybe I'll buy one this winter and restore it for the spring time. Or maybe I'll just buy this fantastic Vespa scooter print from the Modern Archive.

Scooter Print $20

I have a couple of bikes to store in my new loft, including the handsome trek district. While I have seen a few cool bike holders before, I am really liking the bike shelf made by Chris Brigham of Knife and Saw. While they are available for order directly from Chris ($300 for Walnut, $270 for Ash) I think I may need try a DIY version in the coming weeks.

Bike Shelf $270 - $300 from Knife and Saw

GRMers - I'm super excited to let you know that I'll be heading off to the nation's largest design celebration this week: DesignPhiladelphia. In its fifth year, DesignPhiladelphia boasts over 450 participating designers and 150 exhibitions, as well as countless lectures, discussions, and workshops.

While there, I'll be attending DuPont's Carte Blanche Exhibition, discussing design with Todd Bracher*, and admiring the car weaving skills of Jeanne Wiley, amongst other things. If you're headed to this event or are in the area, come find me! I'll be the short girl with glazed-over eyes and a constant smile: living in design heaven!

Of course, I'll be keeping my ears to the ground and my eyes peeled for new affordable-modern designs to share with and keep you inspired, so stay tuned!

Learn more about DesignPhiladelphia here.

*If you have questions for this talented designer, send them my way!

[A huge thank you to DuPont for sending me out to this event as well as hosting the Carte Blanche and Dialogues on Design events!]

Grassrootsmodern is proud to once again be a sponsor of another fantastic Salt Lake Modern event. This time we are not doing just one house tour, but an entire neighborhood. TheWestshire neighborhood is an incredibly unique neighborhood that contains over 150 homes all designed by MCM architect Ron Molen. If you have never been out there before you absolutely need to go, and if you have been out there before, this is your chance to tour 4 of the best houses out there.

Check out the Salt Lake Modern facebook page for details. See you out there, make sure you say Hi!

I'm not usually bowled over by much of West Elm's offerings, so two posts in one week is sayin' a lot*. Take these porcelain Origami Banks, for example. That's some legit, bowl-over power right there. Playful, modern, and did I mention for a good cause? Five dollars from the sale of each bank goes towards St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Way to be, West Elm. Way to be.

Origami Banks from West Elm: $22 - $24

*Seriously. Have you seen their newest catalog? Loads of cool stuff!

With as much as Capree and I obsess over felt, we may as well change our name to Feltrootsmodern. That being said, a reader sent me this link to the Fluent Stash from Nau and I couldn't resist sharing. Nau is one of our sponsors here at GRM and last month I reviewed the Motil messenger bag. Based on my experience with that bag, I would venture to say that this Fluent Stash a winner as well. Nau doesn't just do bags either. I just picked up a poletariat shirt and some cargo pants and I must say I am completely in love. Not only are all of their products super high quality, they are all 100% sustainable, even the felt.

Fluent Stash felt bag $80 from Nau

Well, it looks like I just found my design Kryptonite: walnut and felt in the same product. Thanks for the sudden case of wobbly knees, Blu Dot. Thanks a lot.

About:
One outlet, multiple electronic thingamajigs to plug in, let the Juice Box help balance that equation. Mitered walnut box with felted wool removable top tames the tangle of cords, while concealing a power strip of your choosing.

Juice Box by Blu Dot: $99

Capree may have been the first to do the unthinkable, blog about Martha Stewart on GRM, but I'm hot on her heals. It seems like old Martha has more tricks up her sleeve than modern pet accessories. In a decidedly huge step forward she has released a new line of kitchen cabinetry that is available through your local Home Depot. While most of it leaves a lot to be desired, the Weston collection shown above looks like it has some series potential. I have no idea on pricing yet, but assuming it falls in line with the rest of Home Depot pricing it should be pretty good. The one real question I have is how the hardware compares to that of your standard Ikea Kitchen? If it can match that quality, it may worth some serious consideration for those on a budget.

Thanks to Allison for the tip!

Martha Stewart modern kitchens at Home Depot

I spotted this fun, retro-inspired mobile in West Elm's newest catalog and got a little lusty for it. Designed in collaboration with artist John-Paul Philippé, this three-tiered mobile can be hung against a wall, in a window, or from the ceiling. Made of soldered/cast metal, which will tarnish and allow a unique patina to form over time. This is definitely going on my holiday wish list!

Three-Tier Mobile available from West Elm: $49

I suppose it's Goldilocks and the three chairs in this case. Limited edition, hand-pulled screen prints on vintage file folder cards. I love the diagram-style drawings and the color fields of silver ink. Fancy!

Goldilocks Print by Haunted House of Projects: $30

These beautiful, laser-cut steel pendants are a fun and unique twist on the traditional drum-style light. I love the organic leaf motif that's repeated throughout the collection. There are three styles, each available in small and medium: Loop, Vertical, and Cluster. My favorite is Loop, pictured above. Check out the other styles here. Available in white or black.

Leaf Lights by Megan Auman: $117 - $144

Art, like laughter, needs no translation. So even though I never got past high school spanish these wonderful prints by Barcelona based Judy Kaufmann still speak volumes to me.

Judy Kaufmann prints $10 - $30 on Etsy

More images after the jump

Gorgeous work from photographer Dean Kaufman. You may recognize some of his images, as he has photographed frequently for various architecture and interior design magazines. (He even shot all three features and the cover of the Dec/Jan issue of Dwell.) I love his soft, clean style. Check out his portfolio and let me know what you think!

Link: www.deankaufman.com

More pics after the jump!

Due to my recent divorce I've recently found myself lacking lots of basic kitchen items that I had grown accustomed to. Like a couple weeks ago when I boiled up 5 pound of yukon gold potatoes only to find I had no mixer. A quick rummage through the drawers revealed that even my old trusty hand masher was gone. Later that night while eating some mildly smashed potatoes I vowed to keep my eye out for a good hand held potato masher. The Smood by Dreamfarm has caught my eye. Simple, sturdy, and it looks to be very efficient as well. Check out the You Tube video after the jump if you don't believe me.

Smood potato (and everything else) masher $19