I love Unison's bedding and pillows and I was completely amazed at some of the sale prices that they have on their website. Some of their duvets are 70% off of the original price. The pinstripe duvet shown above for example is only $42 for a queen. That's seems like a great deal for a 220 thread count 100% cotton duvet. Their pillows are 30% off and are on sale for $36.
Check out all the sale goodies at Unison.
I received the new Rejuvenation catalog this week and didn't waste any time getting to the Mid-Century Modern collection. Like all of their products, each of these lights is handcrafted, made-to-order, and based on historical designs. Almost all are available in a variety of finishes, as well. I love the hourglass family, whose designs are all based on the 1959 Stockholm series manufactured by EJS lighting. Super sexy on all accounts! Be sure to check out the whole MCM collection, I don't think you'll be disappointed!
Pictured: Astron Tri - $445 | Spektr - $129
I was reading a post over at Fresh Home about HIVE Modular prefab homes. Priced at around $185 a square foot these homes aren't exactly amazing from a price point, although there are certainly more expensive options, nor are they particularly amazing from a design standpoint (see more photo's after the jump). So with all these tepid comments, why even post about them? One thing I think they did get right is the size. The B Line small home pictured here is around 990 sq/ft, and it got me thinking. One area that can save you more money than anything else with a new home is cutting back on square footage. I can attest that our 2,000 sq/ft home is more than we need with two kids. With that in mind, a pat on the back goes to HIVE Modular for offering a modest selection of "small" modern modular homes.
So, I've been thinking about a kitchen remodel for a while now and one thing that definitely needs remedying is our countertop "situation". We have some really lovely Formica that reminds me of something my dog may have regurgitated. While I enjoy experiencing that thought every time I chop onions or butter my toast, I'd prefer a new, uh, perspective. I love the look of concrete countertops and feel it's a project I just might be able to pull off. I've read the Instructables entry, which was a bit overwhelming, and I'm wondering if any of you dear readers have experience with this particular DIY project? How difficult was it? Any tips, tricks, or other advice? Was it worth it? Can a novice DIYer pull it off? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Image: Trueform Concrete
We've featured the gorgeous salvaged cardboard lights from Graypants, and the corrugated plastic city honeycomb lights. Now it looks like there is another contender throwing their hat in the ring. Shiner is the newest kid on the block, and while they make some amazing looking reclaimed cardboard lights, they do a lot more than that too.
Based out of Atlanta Shiner has a focus on modern eco friendly furnishings. In addition to lighting they have tables, chairs, even bowls. Pricing for cardboard lighting is sub $100 and seating is in the $300 range.
A while ago we were looking for a new side table for our living room and I'm a little sad that this one didn't exist yet. I love the sculptural shape and high gloss finish, and that persimmon color is fantastic! Made of recycled aluminum, this little number is light weight and even suitable for outdoor use. Definitely a fun and reasonably affordable option if you're looking to liven up your space.
Martini Side Table from West Elm: $129
Here is a fantastic hour long documentary on the life of the great master Le Corbusier. Done by Jacques Barsac in 1987 this film is full of wonderful vintage footage. Unfortunately it's all in French and the only subtitled version I have found is in German.
If anyone knows of a version with english subtitles, please share!
I've always loved pendant lights like this, but the Phrena Lamp is something unique. Taking inspiration from the simple act of opening a book, this light ships flat and fans open: no time consuming assembly required, the accordion folds do all the work. The Phrena is made of white Tyvek and can be configured for up or down lighting. White cord kit and plug included.
Phrena Lamp available from Velocity Art and Design: $78
There is no better price than free, and that's exactly how much you should be paying for scrap wood. No matter where you live, I guarantee that there is a nice supply of scrap wood somewhere not to far away. So go out and collect it all, and follow these directions from Instructables and you can have a amazing looking and nearly free table just like the one pictured above. Even if you don't think your DIY skills are up to it, what's the worst that can happen, messing up some free wood?
Modern Scrap Table DIY at Instructables
These modular storage cubes are made from zBoard, a water-resistant, recycled paper product made from almost 99% post-consumer waste. Light weight, yet sturdy, each cube holds up to 50 lbs. The Six Mix storage system is available in six different colors to mix and match to your heart's content: white, green, orange, espresso brown, and cedar wood. These would be perfect for a kid's room, don't you think?
Six Mix Modular Cubes available from Re:modern: $140 for a set of 6
Dwell Studio was one of the first big players in the modern bedding industry. I remember looking at the strong geometric prints on some of their first duvets and being totally in love. Since it was my first love, I want to still like their products, but this preview of the spring 2010 collection has me wondering. Even some of their 2009 line is a little too much for me.
Comment below. Has Dwell Studio lost their touch, or am I just not hip enough to see how great they are?
Ah, there's nothing to make you feel better about life than to reduce, reuse, and recycle while simultaneously creating a comfy spot for your furry friend. At least that's the idea behind these dog duvets from Molly Mutt.
Just fill one of the "Stuff Sacks" with old blankets, worn out clothes, or pillows that have seen better days. Then choose from one of the many stylish duvet covers, and you've got yourself one smart looking (and smartly designed) dog bed! Fido is sure to love it, since it will be filled with smells of home and his favorite people. An added bonus is that the cover, and the cozy contents, are machine washable. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and patterns.
Dog Duvets from Molly Mutt: $20 - $45 / Optional Stuff Sacks: $10 - $15
[via Dog Milk - the newest site in the Design Milk family!]
Cut bottles are nothing new, I have seen a slew of them for sale from various shops over the years. What is unique about these particular ones is that I actually know the person who made them. My friend Tyler of Plastolux fame picked up bottle cutting kit and ended up with some amazing looking cups.
Being the good guy that he is, he shares all the tips he learned in case you want to do it yourself. If you are not up to the challenge, no problem, he is selling them for cheap on his Etsy shop. Don't see the one you want for sale? I have a feeling that if you beg, cry and plead he would make a new one just for you.
Plastolux glass bottles available from Etsy for $9.
I love these ceramic salt and pepper shakers from Perch! They definitely have an Alexander Girard feel, don't you think? Like all of Perch's products, they're handmade in Brooklyn, NY.
Bonnie and Clyde Shakers from Perch: $52
Is it weird that I can get excited about something as boring sounding as a stapler and tape dispenser? Weird or not, I am loving these ordinary items made sexy by Urban Prefer. The simple yet attractive white minimalist design might make those meaningless office tasks just a little more exciting.
If you speak Taiwanese, get them here.
Anyone know if these are available stateside?
The holiday of love is just around the corner, why not show how much you care with these unique letterpress cards from Portland-based printing studio Egg Press? I've been a fan of their products for a long time, and am always delighted when they release new designs. I think any V-Day would be extra special with one of these sweet cards! The Underwear Bear is one of my faves - which one catches your fancy?
Valentine's Cards from Egg Press: $2.50 - $6.00
The Utah Heritage Foundation is having a Mid Century Modern Architecture photo contest. Sponsored by Pictureline, not only will the winner get some great prizes but they will also have their photos shown at the Utah premier of Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman. If you feel your architectural photography skills need a little help, tomorrow Feb 6th there will be a free architectural photography workshop taught by retired U of U professor Peter Goss.
For more information about both the contest and the workshop, visit the Utah Heritage Foundation website.
I have a mild obsession with Angela Adams, so it's exciting to see her designs in a (relatively) more affordable textile form. I've been saving up for one of her wool rugs, but for now I may have to just pick up a pillow or two. These linen pillows are hand-printed and sewn in Maine. Available in two sizes: 12x22 and 18x18.
What do you get when you put a Swiss graphic designer and an architect together? While it sounds like a cheesy joke, in the case of noon softspace, what you get is some great modern kids products. Among their products you can find...
...blankets, curtains, pillows, pocket bags (for a changing
set) and a mini pocket for pacifiers/dummies. All products are designed with a modern touch, to be fun and useful, with sewing techniques of quilts.
Noon Softpace
Prices from 13 -130 euros.
The blog Unhappy Hipsters made a bit of a splash over the weekend. In case you haven't heard of it yet, here you go! The anonymous author pokes fun at modernism, with tongue planted firmly in cheek. The tagline itself made me chuckle - "it's lonely in the modern world". I'm glad there's someone out there reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously!
Enjoy!
www.unhappyhipsters.com