Sometimes it's the little things that really make something wonderful. For example, this Ameico BULB pendant from Design Public looks the bees knees but I have a feeling it just wouldn't be the same without that sweet light bulb (not included). Even so, it's one good looking pendant and the $175 price doesn't seem to shabby either. Now where am I going to find one of those light bulbs....
I love the colorful, abstract paintings of Savannah College of Art and Design (BFA) and Parsons School of Design (MFA) grad Jeff Lewis. He has exhibited worldwide and currently has artwork available on 20x200.com. I can totally picture his work in a super modern/minimalist loft, can't you? I think I'll start saving up now (for the loft) and for one of Jeff's original pieces. Until then, check out prints of his work here.
We've been on the hunt for a good looking modern humidifier for a long time. Last year we finally bought the Air-O-Swiss which was lovingly dubbed "Eva" (from Wall-E") by our 2 year old son. While we were happy with it, we ended up replacing our furnace and installing a whole house humidifier. The whole house humidifier is expensive but oh so convenient.
This year it looks like there is one more option when it comes to stylish humidifiers. The Cube steam humidifier like most other stylish humidifiers comes from Japan. WIth a 2.6 L tank and 8 hour capacity it sounds fairly equivilient to our Air-O-Swiss, minus the easy pour filing. Priced at $108 it seems like a good price for a good looking humidifier.
Ah! New favorite illustrator alert! I ran across Pam Wishbow's portfolio and am completely charmed by her 50's, Tiki-ish aesthetic. Browsing her site will surely put a smile on your face! Check out her shop for available prints and card sets.
About: I'm an Illustrator from New Jersey who is in the market to relocate somewhere in the Midwest after conquering the Deep South. I'm from a family of mathematical-minded people which seems to have left me with a need for efficiency and logic. Don't worry, this doesn't make me cold and boring, it just leaves me with more streamlined ways to goof around as well as a predisposition for loving terribly amazing sci-fi. It's all about problem-solving, which if you've ever seen my Tetris scores, you'd know for a fact I am pretty darn good at.
Remember, there is just one week left to enter to win a Little Bert chair from Little Nest. To enter to win all you need to do is comment on the original post and/or share this tweet with your friends. Max of two entries per person (1 for a comment and 1 for a retweet). Last chance to enter is Dec 24 at midnight.
World renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer turned 102 yesterday. According to Designboom, instead of spending a day relaxing with his family he spent the time working on "piles of projects". To celebrate his birthday I thought I would share a clip from an interview several months ago. Enjoy!
A friend of mine recently turned me on to UK shelter mag LivingEtc by unloading about 6 or 7 issues on me. I've been poring over each and every one with zeal! SUCH an inspiring magazine! I thought I'd share the wealth, so to speak, with these Christmas decor ideas from the pages of LivingEtc. So, sit back, and get inspired! Be sure to stop on over to their site for more modern Christmas eye candy.
More images after the jump!
[All images from LivingEtc]
If you are looking for one last thing to wrap up and put under your Christmas tree, look no further. I recently received this book "Julius Shulman Modernism Rediscovered" from a friend, and it has absolutely blown my mind. Starting in the late 30's and continuing all the way through the mid 70's, this Taschen book has some of Shulman greatest work. It has been said the Shulman is single-handedly responsible for America's love affair with modern architecture, and after reading this book I can see why. The best part of all is the incredibly affordable price, a mere $20. Available from Amazon for $20.
SLC fans rejoice, there are even a few pages dedicated to the beehive state.
Reconstructing Ideas creates collages that are equal parts typography, vintage ads, and plain ol' awesomeness. Mundania Horvath is the creative mind behind this art and design studio based in Pittsburgh, PA. Check out more of her design work here.
Inspiration:
The city of Pittsburgh to me is a pulsating life source, a constantly revived heartbeat in a body of architectural skeletons. Growing up near this city, I’ve been inspired by the notion of demolishing the old to rebuild it in a way that allows you to see it with new eyes - paying homage to history while always looking ahead. I was surrounded by the looming remnants of steelmills, abandoned warehouses and weather-worn advertisements emblazoned on the sides of buildings. All of them put there one time with a purpose, still remain there tarnished and a testament to time, the way it changes, the way it doesn’t change anything.
Like what you see? Reconstructing Ideas has an Etsy shop! Prints available from $10.50 - $22.95.
Traditional Christmas trees not really your thing? Thanks to Thomas Hourdain, there is a great alternative to that big bushy green thing. These Sapinos measure 40 cm (15.7") high and are perfect for someone who is looking for a non-traditional Christmas tree. The artist series features 15 tree's decorated by graphic designers from France, Italy and Brazil. If you think you have the skills, you can even order a plain white one to "decorate" yourself.
I don't own a bread box, but the Bread Bin from Morph has me thinking that I really need one. I didn't know I needed one, but apparently I do, because this melamine and beechwood beauty is calling my name (and it won't stop). I'll take one in white, please.
Here's another great modern home for sale in Salt Lake City with some amazing interior elements and a great neighborhood. Located in the 9th and 9th area, this home was built with the environment in mind. It has an ICF foundation and SIP construction with R40 in the walls and an amazing R80 to top it off. It even has one of my favorite things, radiant heat. The price tag is set at $685,000 which is a little steep for my blood, but for all the green construction that has gone into this thing it's probably a good deal. For more details and lots more pictures, check out Utahmodern.org or the Realtor Andrew Stones' blog.
Yasha Butler creates some of the most beautifully simple ceramics I've ever seen! I really love her Off Circle collection, with its subtle color glazes and organic shapes. Each of her ceramic pieces has an incredible tactile quality - I just want to reach through my monitor and touch them! Be sure to check out her gorgeous porcelain jewelry as well.
About: Taking cues from nature, such as the smoothly textured surface of a sand dollar, the malleable shape of a jellyfish, and the clean curves of a sand dune, I create forms that calm and encourage the act of touch. I employ the pure feel of bare porcelain with the hues of bone, water, stone and small splashes of intense color. Utilizing the stark contrast of light and shadow, I emphasize the contours of my pieces and delineate their boundaries. Although my inspiration draws on organic matter, I aim to create forms far from those found in nature.
Looking for some last minute stocking stuffers? Here are a couple cool/unique products that I found over at Fredflare.com. These Talking Japanese Watches come in a variety of colors, and you can even mix and match parts. Best part of all though is that with the push of a button it will tell you the time... in Japanese. On sale for $15.
The Repro Depot note card book includes 24 retro patterned cards and envelopes. These kickback patterns could be just the thing for the MCM lover on your shopping list. $16
The white Russian Dolls are actually Russian Doll Measuring cups! Includes six standard measuring cups made of sturdy plastic. Stack them all together inside the largest 5" doll or spread them out. $16
Last but not least are some retro inspired headphones for the music lover. Imported from Japan these Zumreed Headphones come in lime, pink, blue, white or black. If you want the white, better act quick. There are only two left! $65
Ah, two things I love: typography and felt! The Eat, Drink, and Be Merry coaster set from Pepper Sprouts is laser-cut from thick, industrial wool felt. A cheery way to protect those tabletops!
A vintage film (mid-1960's) on the importance of architecture in everyday life. Produced by Ann Seltman Smart, formerly of WPTF-AM in Raleigh, North Carolina. Narrated by Ted Daniel.
I really enjoy Meg Hunt's illustrations! They have a touch of 50s and 60s whimsy that is so endearing! Be sure to take a gander at Meg's portfolio. If you like what you see, check out her shop, where select illustrations are available as screenprints.
Sometime finding good Christmas ornaments can be a little tricky. While we have already featured a good selection of modern Christmas ornaments and decorations, here is a new twist on the classic glass bulb. We are Land Rich has come up with the great idea to put dried plants inside of a simple glass bulb. I love the end result. If you're a little bit clever I'm sure you could figure out how to do it yourself, or you could leave it to the pro's at We are Land Rich.
These Designer Emulation Kits (DEKs) would make great stocking stuffers or humorous gifts for your mod cubicle buddies. Designed by Mark McKenna, each DEK has one super-bright LED powered by a single 9 volt battery. Available in three styles: Lucellino Lamp, Arco Floor Lamp, and Tizio Lamp.
Whenever I see photos of houses like this one, I have a hard time believing that people actually live in them. Kind of like when they discover some crazy new deep sea fish: it's hard to wrap your head around the design, especially when you've never seen it in the wild. But there it is, in photos! Look, even a bed - so someone lives here, right? Anyway, the Cape Schanck House was designed by Australian architecture firm Jackson Clements Burrows. The impressive cantilever design maximizes the expansive views of the surrounding area.
My favorite part of the home, though, is the black and white kitchen. It's really inspiring to see all of this great architecture coming out of Australia. Be sure to check out the rest of the Jackson Clements Burrowsportfolio - you won't regret it!