Have I mentioned my obsession with the contrast between wood and metal on furniture? Are you sick of it yet?
To bad, because I'm not anywhere close to being over it. This weeks fix comes from Colorado based Board by Design. The Hnui (knuckles) table and chair are made of powder coated steel and ash wood. I think they are pretty much the bee's knees.
What is a "soak salver", exactly? It's designer Sharif Pendleton's term for the common coaster, though his laser-etched bamboo creations are anything but ordinary! They feature graphic patterns like plaid, argyle, houndstooth, and geometric repeats - all treated with a special sealant designed to look better with age. Check 'em all out here.
I keep seeing sexy pictures of Gus Modern sofa's around, and every time I remember I still haven't mentioned to anyone about the 20% off sale at Bobby Berk. Luckily there are still two weeks left before the sale is over.
If I had my pick? I'll take a dark gray Atwood please.
Designed by Mash Studios for CB2, the Grid Media Console has a playful air, what with its polka dotted, powder coated steel panels and all. Which, might I add, pair quite nicely with the white oak veneer and aluminum handles. Yes, yes, I am wholly enamored with this little beauty. What do you guys think?
I just picked up one of these awesome insulated metal water bottles made by S'Well from Fab.com for $26. I got the plain silver because come on, we all know it's what's on the inside that counts.
Get yours here, or sign up if you haven't already through this invite link.
It's been a while since I have posted a Way Back When video, but this new video by Vitra has gotten me in the mood again.
I'll admit that, in the photo at least, this lamp shade looks a little bit like an under-stuffed bed pillow. BUT, I think it could work really well in certain modern homes, especially ones with a more organic aesthetic (lots of white, wood, minimal decor, etc.). What do you guys think? Also, did I mention that this shade is only $5? Yeah, chew on that.
Lately I seem to be finding good things in pairs. Yesterday I found the fantastic furniture of Smart Woodhouse, a Chinese design firm full of soulful modern designs, and today I find another asian firm with a beautiful portfolio of work. Truck Furniture is a Japanese design group that shares my view on furniture design.
We design the kind of furniture we want ourselves, regardless of fashion
We respect the properties of the materials―wood, leather, steel―we use and never pursue novelty for its own sake.
We create furniture that can be used for a long time.
Details on pricing and availability on this A-Frame stool are slim, but that doesn't stop me from loving the simple material pallet and joinery details.
Check out Whatiftheworld / Design Studio for more great work.
Habitation is an Etsy shop that creates handmade pillows and other housewares from reclaimed materials such as burlap coffee sacks and vintage fabrics. Their offerings are pretty scattered as far as decorating styles go (something for everyone!), but my two favorite pieces are pictured above. Check out more of their goods through the link below!
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.
Holy smokes, guys! These handmade iron pitchers are absolutely gorgeous. Crate&Barrel definitely channeled their inner Mid-Century Danish designer with these puppies. Available individually or as a complete set.
Now your favorite furry friend can dine in glorious Mid-Century style, thanks to the fine folks behind ModPet. This raised pet feeder sports sexy aluminum V legs beneath a birch plywood top. Available in two sizes and four hip colors.
Here is the extent of my knowledge about record players.
#1 I want one.
#2 This one looks amazing.
Yep, that about sums it up. Seriously though, I have been craving something to play some of those old 7" EP's that I collected back in the day. So far this one is pretty high up on my list.
Any other vinyl loving audiophiles want to point me in the right direction?
My ever-growing stash of artwork and prints is about to get bigger thanks to Jill C. Lee, the talent behind Beau Ideal Editions. I spotted her colorful screen prints on Etsy a little while ago and have been coveting them ever since. I'm especially obsessed with her "You, Me, and Everyone..." series, pictured above. Check out more of her work here and snag a print or two from her shop while you're at it!
Here is another brilliant key holder concept. This time it has been paired down to it's simplest form. By adding a strong magnet to the back side of the light switch plate it creates a place to put your keys when you get home. I like that when it is not in use, it disappears. Seems like this could be a real easy DIY project too.
I've officially reached the point in life where I am very skeptical about good deals, so when I see a MCM inspired sofa that also converts to a bed for $649 I start to wonder. That being said, this Modern Yellow Sofa Bed does look pretty sweet. To sweeten the deal up, there is free shipping within the 5 boroughs of NYC.
So who's going to check this one out for us?
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
I love these clever and playful modular 
