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
I don't know how I have gone all this time without falling in love with Sagaform! This wonderful Swedish company has a wonderful selection of kitchenware and home accessories. While A + R and Unica home have a decent collection of Sagaform goodies, taking a look at their online catalogue shows that there are a whole lot of things not so readily available. Anyone know another good online retailer to purchase Sagaform from?
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 are an Alessi fan, I suggest you head on over to Gilt.com ASAP! They currently have a smorgasbord of Alessi goodies at their usual bargain basement discount prices. The sale started yesterday, and experience tells me that these things usually sell out pretty quick. Remember, Gilt is for members only, but it's free to sign up.
Alessi on Gilt.com from $17 - $168.
Created by Japanese design studio &Design, the Pentagon and Hexagon watches are inspired by soccer balls. I love the contrasting face/hands! Made of an ABS plastic case, acrylic crystal, and a polyurethane band. Available from the MoMA Store. Minimalists and soccer fans rejoice!
Pentagon and Hexagon Watches: $75 ($67.50 for MoMA Members)
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.
An extra helping of eye candy for your Monday morning! All images are from a villa renovation by Studio John Irving, based in New Zealand. Wish I knew more about it or had some before shots for reference. Oh well, it's gorgeous anyway! Enjoy!
See more here.
I received this reader question from Michelle last week, and figured the best way to get some quality advice was to let the rest of our readers answer the question. So here it is;
I have the kids Junior Panton chairs and would love some feedback on what table the 'design inclined' out there would team the chairs with. Seeking a working table. Somthing sizable enough to sit and draw at, yet looks fabulous with the Panton.
Many thanks
Michelle
Got a question? Contact us!
Never heard of Robert Rummer? Don't feel too bad, most people haven't. Robert Rummer was a builder in the 1960's in the Portland area who built many gorgeous mid century modern homes. Here is a great little interview with him that also shows a couple of the homes that he built. Enjoy!
I realize Winter may be winding down (at least on the West Coast), but I thought these new space heaters from Plus Minus Zero were pretty sweet. With a sleek shape and ceramic heater, this little guy will definitely keep your toes warm and look good doing it! I really like the unobtrusive buttons on top, too. This heater has a high/low setting as well as a timer with 1, 3, and 6 hour settings. Available in blue, red, or green. The price seems a bit high, but if looks are important to you, it may be worth it.
Available from GNR8 Design: $389
I want to be over vinyl wall graphics. I want to think that all the cool stuff has been done, and it's all just getting boring now. I want to but I can't. Blik just keeps partnering with amazing artists like Amy Ruppel and make great graphics like the Night Owl shown above. This large sized, 28 piece masterpiece will set you back $65 and an afternoon of DIY time. I'll take one please.
Night Owl wall graphics $65 from Blik.
Oh boy, do I have house envy! I stumbled across this gorgeous home on flickr, which belongs to Martha McQuade, the founder, designer, and artist behind UNIFORM Natural. I love the fun mix of mid-century and new, but what really does it for me are all the wonderful textures throughout the house. This space is very modern, but looks so, so cozy! Definitely a warm, livable home. I would love to call this place mine, wouldn't you? Say, Martha, are you game for a house swap? Check out more images below, but definitely stop by her flickr page for the full set of pics.
