I'm heading out to LA this afternoon, so I figure it's only fitting that I put a little video up of one of my favorite Mid Century Modern homes in LA, Case Study House #22, the Stahl house. Unfortunately it looks like they won't be offering any tours while I am there, but maybe next time.
That glossy incarnation of Besta is getting a face lift in a new, on-trend grey! While I still prefer white over the other high gloss options, I think the grey is a nice addition. Coupled with the red and black, this series definitely seems a bit bachelor pad-ish, though. What do you think of the new color? Should it stay or go?
So I got this email tip the other day. All it said was "These guys deserve some action..." and had a link to doublebutter.com. All it took was one quick glance at the website and all I could think was yes. Yes they do.
Based out of Denver the creative minds behind Double Butter are kicking out some amazing scandinavian inspired modern pieces. Don't expect to get them at Ikea prices, but do expect amazing hand built pieces that you can be proud of for years to come.
See the rest of the line at Double Butter
Thanks Jacob for the tip.
Sleek and minimal, just the way I like it. This clock from Swedish company SMD Design is a bare faced beauty in white lacquered aluminum. Clean and simple, it would look great pulling time-telling duty in the bedroom, kitchen, living room, or office! Where would you put it? I'm thinking it might look pretty sexy on top of our piano!
SMD Table Clock available from Scandinavian Design Center: $47
Where do you keep your wash cloth in your super clean zero radius kitchen sink? For years, we have been rocking a little suction cup metal basket that we scored at Muji, but this Magisso cloth holder is looking pretty sweet. Instead of using suction cups, it uses two magnets to keep it in place. On that is stuck to the backside of the sink with double stick tape, and one attached to the stainless steel cloth holder. Simple genius.
Available from Urban Butik for $40.
OK, this light is a little scary looking - I'm afraid it might come to life and sting me. But, the idea behind it is pretty genius. The Trask Lamp is an LED light source that ships flat packed and can be sculpted into table, task, or track lighting. Totally customizable and downright brilliant!
According to MIO, the Trask Lamp is a true example of eco-centric design. Its size, shape, light source, and packaging were all chosen based on material and manufacturing efficiencies. In addition, this lamp welcomes the user as co-designer, pushing the boundaries of design and self-assembly.
Designed by Jaime Salm and Roger Allen for MIO. Made in the USA of laser-cut, powder coated steel (recycled content) and LED strips. Available in silver, white, and chartreuse. Ships August 1, 2010.
Equal parts Ball Clock and Chemistry 101 make up the formula/inspiration for this Decorative Molecules set from Ferm Living. A playful decorative accessory for kid's rooms and living rooms alike. Each set consists of 24 molecules (4 colors, 6 pieces of each color), and wooden sticks to connect the dots. Ships in a wooden gift box.
Decorative Molecules available from Huset: $65.75
I was looking through some pictures of my friends capital hill home for sale, and fell in love with his DIY electrical conduit handrail. The effect is simple, functional and totally fits in this late 1800's home with a modern interior. The staircase and railing become the center point of the home and look great against those old brick walls.
More info on the home for sale here
and more great pictures after the jump.
Fellow bring-your-lunch-to-work types will certainly appreciate this new lunch box from Black + Blum. The Box Appetit includes a water-tight lid with an integrated sauce dipping area, a separate sauce/condiment pot, an inner dish to split up foods, and an all-in-one knife/fork utensil. I love the idea of the removable inner dish, because it allows you to microwave hot dishes while keeping the rest of your lunch cold. This brilliant container is made from BPA free polypropylene and copolyester, and is microwave and dishwasher safe. Available in black, lime, blue, and orange.
Box Appetit by Black + Blum: $22
If you live in Salt Lake, and you love mid century modern furniture, then surely you know about The Green Ant. Shop owner Ron Green has been giving insight, advice and amazing pricing on vintage modern furniture and accessories for 12 years now. In an effort to say "Thank You" to all the wonderful people in Salt Lake that have supported them over the years, they are having their annual Anniversary Sale. Today through Monday the 17th everything in the store is 20% off. That means if there is something you have been pining for, now is the time to get it. If you haven't seen the shops new location at 179 E Broadway it's worth it for that alone. Make sure you tell Ron "Hi" for me!
The Green Ant
The Green Ant Facebook page
(photo's via YHO)
I think we know where Jonathan Adler got his inspiration: these designs were created by Japanese ceramicist Masahiro Mori more than half a century ago. I'm definitely digging the trio of pigs, with their barrel shape - or maybe "sausage shape" is more accurate. Each design is available in either white or black glazed ceramic.
About:
Masahiro Mori was born in 1927 in Saga, where the area is famous for its production of ceramics. He devoted his life to making household tableware for modern daily life in a novel design, producing more than 800 household items which are on market now. These animals were designed as sculptures more than 50 years ago!
Animals by Masahiro Mori available from Tortoise General Store: $18 - $55
2Modern co-founders Greg Finney and Jennifer Sitko recently announced a new endeavor: an exclusive 2Modern lighting line! The collection features modern table and pendant lights handcrafted in the USA. Each style is available in almost 15 different colors and/or patterns, many inspired by nature and retro graphics. The collection falls within a pretty affordable range of prices, too. Check out the entire new line here!
2Modern Lighting Collection: $150 - $300
I got this question from Bray, one of our readers the other day;
I've been looking around for ages for a comparable in style alternative to the alvar aalto bar stool. It's 500 bucks and i just can't do it for 4 stools. have you come across anything as simple but less expensive? Any help would be much appreciated.
I have a couple ideas after the jump, and I'm hoping that our fantastic readers can share some other tips. Anyone have a good idea?
It's hard to match the Aalto stool for classic style. But here are a couple ideas that may or may not be acceptable, and a lot easier on the wallet.
This Diesel Industrial stool from Amazon while a little industrial, definitely has the retro look. $124 from Amazon
The Felix Walnut Barstool from crate and barrel have the same low back that I love on the Aalto stool. The cromed bases are a lot lighter visually than the Aalto, but it still may be a good fit.
$129 from Crate and Barrel
When all else fails, look to Ikea. The DALFRED barstool has the classic vintage look and a similar visual weight as the Aalto. You could just about get 4 for the price of one of anything else.
$39 from Ikea
KAPOW! That's what these new pillows by Ross Menuez for Areaware are doing for me, especially the Dot pillow. Check out the Feather pattern for a real pop of color. If you're in the market for some splashy home accessories like these, head on over to areaware.com, where all Kuma pillows are available now for pre-order. They'll be shipping out mid-June.
Kuma Pillows from Areaware: $48
I've seen a ton of "vintage" sellers on Etsy, but none of those shops have been quite as excellently curated (nor as MCM minded) as the Sunday Times Market. The husband and wife duo behind the shop are self-described "vintage-aholics and collectors of everything Danish Modern", and it shows.
Aside from their exquisite taste, another thing that stands out (and really sets them apart), is their beautiful product photography. Even if you weren't in the market for a tin helicopter, you're going to buy it because it looks so dang good. But enough talk. Go explore the Sunday Times Market for yourself!
[Also, check out their sweet blog for more vintage-y goodness!]
Here's a super simple DIY project to get those cogs turning on a Monday morning! I spotted this IKEA hack a little bit ago and was pretty impressed by the pure simplicity of it. I imagine the whole thing would take maybe 5 minutes? It's a great jumping off point, too, if you want to go crazy with drilling holes in things. Click here for more pics and to read all the instructions.
It seems like I come across lots of indie woodworking shops that are making nice modern furniture, but rarely do I find quality lighting. Studio Dunn has it both. While the furniture is amazing, it's a little expensive for me. The Cumberland Lamps on the other hand are both gorgeous and affordable. These beautiful hand blown lamps have a simple elegant shape that would look great in any modern home.
Available from Studio Dunn for $130 $175.
I'm a huge fan of toys that encourage creativity and imaginative play, so when I spotted these wooden toys from British design duo MillerGoodman, I got pretty excited! Choose between the ShapeMaker and PlayShapes sets, either way I don't think you'll be disappointed (and neither will your kid - I almost forgot these were for children)!
The ShapeMaker set is comprised of 25 colorful, geometric, hand-printed blocks that can be arranged in a seemingly infinite series of shapes and images. PlayShapes is a modular set of 74 geometric, wooden shapes that can be arranged and stacked to create 3D images. Each set is made of environmentally friendly rubberwood.
For a hint at all the possibilities, check out the clever video above!
Wooden Toys by MillerGoodman available from Unica Home: $75 - $150
When it comes to Kartell products I usually find myself on the fence. While I think they do some innovative and amazing things with plastic, to me they usually come off looking "cheap" even though the price is not. This E' Pendant lamp however may redeem itself. The price really is inexpensive, and if you choose the matte white or black then it may actually look really good.
Kartell E' Pendant lamp available from Design Public for $106
I'm not usually one for "nautical" themed decor, but this Barnacle Centerpiece is cool enough to have me make an exception. Each barnacle is about the size of a baseball and can exist simply as part of an objet d'art or be put to use as a vase.
Barnacle Centerpiece available from Anthropologie: $38