Designer Diana Lin is redefining the traditional lamp with the creation of her D Light Bubbles. This string of 12 food grade silicon bubbles have an LED light in each "pod". You can squeeze them, hang them, or pile them up. Whatever you want. The light quality changes depending on how you have them arranged and just how squishy you happen to be feeling.
Available from GNR8 for $149 or direct from Diana Lin for $140.
Ah, it's that time of year when the design gods start showering us with new collections. And I'm certainly not complaining - I'm super excited about these new pieces from Heath Ceramics. The Summer 2010 collection represents an ongoing series of glaze experiments, where two glazes overlap to create a third color. I don't know about you, but I like this new direction!
To me, these colors just ooze 'summer'. I can almost feel the warm sun and taste the homemade lemonade just by looking at them! Each piece is hand dipped and the result resembles "the horizon line of a summer meadow – the inspiration for the Summer collection." Sounds absolutely dreamy.
This new collection is comprised of a pitcher; 12x12 platter; large modern cup; tumbler; bud vases; 6x12 platter; deep serving bowl; vegetable bowl; and a vase collection: bulb vase, single stem vase, and multi-stem vase. These items may be purchased individually or as sets of various configurations.
If you're eager to get your hands on these little bursts of sunshine, be patient. The Summer '10 collection debuts April 1st. Until then, feel free to "Oo" and "Ah" over Heath Ceramics' other collections!
If you are like me, and it has been a while since you have checked in with the 100k house guys, maybe it's time you get over there. First off, Chad and his lovely wife have been in the home for some time now, and inspired by unhappy hipsters have taken a wonderful series of interior photographs. You can see the whole set on Flickr. Feel free to add captions where appropriate.
Secondly, the Postgreen team has broken ground on their second house, dubbed the Skinny Project, and are well on their way in the planning of a third development known as none other than Awesometown. I have the utmost respect for the Postgreen guys, and it's exciting to see them having so much success!
I know a lot of people having babies these days and typically I dole out Blabla dolls like some sort of fairy godmother whenever a new kiddo arrives. But these handmade animals from Sopa de Principe have me reconsidering my usual go-to gift. Each little animal is made in Buenos Aries and baby friendly (the eyes are soft, cloth "buttons"). They're a little pricey, sure, but they're unique and actually quite large. (Sizes range from 9x7" all the way up to 43x40" - the Perro Grande.) I'm sure though, with a little know how, you'd be able to make something similar - and one of a kind. These quirky dolls are available from LAMA (Latin America in the Modern Age).
Cute dolls all the way from Argentina available through LAMA Designs: $30 - $80
My obsession with anything white and porcelain continues, and this month it appears that it is sponsored by Sprout Home. They have a couple great new items including these porcelain jars that look like tin cans. Sure the whole "I look like a (insert misc common item) but I'm made of porcelain" craze is getting played out quick, but I still fall for it every time. Prices on these beauties are $12 - $15. If you are feeling a little more obscure, you may be more inclined to pick up a porcelain milk carton for $14.
I've been a fan of Pigeon Toe Ceramics since they first debuted in 2009. Each handmade piece is so beautiful, clean, and tactile. The new 2010 collection does not disappoint, either. Fromcolorful nesting bowls to hanging test tube vases, each product offers a fresh new approach to a very old and traditional medium.
Like all of Pigeon Toe products, these new pieces are infused with a sense of wit and charm. The faceted hanging tray is definitely my favorite new item in the collection. What's yours?
Pigeon Toe Ceramics Spring 2010 Collection: $28 - $144
I don't quite remember the bread crumb trail I followed to get to Per Ranung's portfolio, but I can say it was worth it! This Swedish photographer has an eye for simplicity and a total control of lighting. He makes all these amazing interiors look even better, a task that's harder than you might think. Be sure to check out the rest of his work and bask in the beauty of all those Swedish homes!
I have blogged about Form 3 before. Based out of Tomales California they design and build amazing homes and custom furniture. They just finished up a recent project that I thought was worth sharing. The home shown above is new construction, but they were able to reclaim 80% of the wood from the old home.
The interior is full of custom furniture in typical Form 3 style. I really love the contrast of concrete and wood that they use in a lot of their projects. This whole home was built for around $200 a square foot, which is not cheap but by California standards it's not bad at all. More photo's after the jump.
A fun twist on the ol' piggy bank, the Emergency Money Box made me a chuckle. If you want to get to your money, be prepared to break the glass! Designed by Suck UK.
Emergency Money Box by Suck UK, available from Sirtified: $16
I've really been enjoying the Scandinavian design influences lately. They just have a way of being clean and modern but without becoming too sterile. In my search for inspiration I stumbled upon Nestled In, a Finnish blog started by a young married couple. The photography is amazing, and their home is lovely. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Anyone have any other favorite Scandinavian influences online?
I love the geometric/architectural nature of this waste basket by Chris Collicott. It ships flat and folds into shape - how cool is that? I'm curious what it's made of (a detail that wasn't listed); any ideas?
O'Snap Foldable Waste Basket available from Kikkerland: $22
We can't get enough felt products here at Grassroots Modern! These fun coasters from Etcetera Media are made from industrial felt and come in four reversible color options. Protect your tabletops and practice your math skills all at once. This could be a fun way to help the kids learn, too - just add candy!
PlaceMaths Coaster Set from Etcetera Media: $22 / set of 5
I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record about Gilt, but they just keep on having amazing deals. I just picked up two 3' x 5' Flokati rugs for $158. A little stitching and that will make one nice big rug for an amazing price! The rugs are hand woven 100% New Zealand wool. Approximate pile height 3 inches and contains 50 grams of wool per square inch for comfort and insulation. Available in 2.5'x8', 3'x5', 5'x7', 7'x9' and 8'x10'.
You need a personal invitation to sign up for Gilt. Get yours here!
This Fridays "Way back when" is a film by Eames Demetrios on the history and the production of Charles & Ray Eames' famous Aluminium Chair. I'm always fascinated to watch the actual design and manufacturing of furniture, and this video doesn't disappoint.
Technically, these are folded greeting cards, but I think they'd look lovely in a simple frame and hung as prints! Drawn digitally and printed on 100% recycled, heavy weight card stock.
Set of 4 Chair Cards from Nouveau Designs: $8
We've blogged before about Modern Twist and their wonderful products and they keep coming up with great new ones. The Kidz Box is the new kid on the block. It is a placemat made of food grade hand silk screened silicone featuring art from independent artists. The Kidz Box also comes with 6 non toxic dry erase markers so that your little artists can color and doodle on the mat. The mat easily erases with a damp cloth. I can't wait to see what other prints they come up with.
Kidz Box available from Modern Twist for $26
The use of pixels in home decor and accessories has been a noticeable trend for a while now. Most of the items I've seen though have been super pricey, designer pieces. If you'd like to get in on this trend without spending a boatload of money, consider the Squared Silly Rug from Flor. This 3x5 rug is available in four different colorways and boasts a low price of $159.99. Buy multiples of this modular rug to cover larger areas. Made from nylon with 41% post industrial recycled content.
Squared Silly Rug by Flor: $159.99
I've been wanting to take a knife skills class, you know, so I can cut and slice, and chop and dice like a pro. I think having a sexy, modern knife block like this one from Crate & Barrel would encourage such skills, don't you? Perhaps not, but it's still pretty to look at! 100% Rubberwood with white painted finish and 6 slots. Knives not included.
Modern knife block from Crate & Barrel: $19.95
P.S. Any local Utahns know where one might find a good knife/cooking class?
I stumbled across Terofoma yesterday and was impressed by the collection of dinnerware and flatware that they have. My favorite is the Oyyo White collection shown above ($17 - $130) but I am also a sucker for their new felt flatpack breadbasket shown below. Why is it that I get so excited about anything made of felt? Pricing on the breadbasket is still pending, but it should be available this spring in soft white, spring green, deep brown, and quite grey.
If you live in SLC here is a nice little collection of modern furniture and lighting for sale. I don't know the seller, but feel free to contact them through Craigslist if you have any questions.
