Here are some great colorful sturdy little tables for a kids play room. Made out of steel covered in fabric, these nesting tables could make great play things in a kids room. Available in a variety of colors the 17" and 13" cubes combo will set you back $159 shipped to your door.
Kids Round Cube Tables $159 from Evinco
I spotted these super fun, abstract paintings on Etsy and had to share! Leah of Studio Zen is based out of Washington state and, when she's not outdoors enjoying the wonders of Nature, spends her time joyfully creating original art. Combining acrylic paints, oil pastels, and colored pencil, she creates delightfully cheery and colorful pieces.
Leah has this to say about her work: "My art often reflects my need to add happiness to the world around me by celebrating color, nature, life and love. Since everything here is original and created by me with my own two hands, you will not find pitch perfect lines or computer-generated perfection. What you will find are unique artworks created with love and attention to detail. Creating art makes me happy and I hope it brings happiness to you as well."
Check out the Studio Zen shop for more original paintings at prices that are sure to make you smile!
Original Art by Studio Zen: $28 - $130
I have been geeking out lately about the Case Study House program, and I was amazed and surprised to find that Arts and Architecture still has all of the original Case Study house articles available on their website for free. It's an amazing wealth of information, and a must read for anyone interested in Mid Century Modern Architecture.
All images from Arts and Architecture.
It's pretty much a known fact that I'm a total sucker for textiles. So when I saw these rugs from Swedish designer Lena Bergstom, my eyes widened and my heart did that little fluttering thing it does when I get super excited about something. And then I let out what might have been an audible squeal.
The Bjork Rugs have such a beautiful textural quality, the result of weaving cotton and wool fibers together. Aptly named (Bjork is Swedish for Birch), these rugs definitely call to mind those beautiful trees. The designer explains, "I've been inspired by the rough black and white trunk which has a strong graphical presence and a unique structure. The leather edging alludes to the inside of the bark."
While these rugs certainly aren't cheap, the quality and beauty far surpasses anything you might find at your local IKEA. Plus, hello, leather edging. That's just fancy.
Bjork Rugs by Lena Bergstom: $250 - $750
Inspired by Design is a new online video series that is sponsored by Kohler. It focuses on "extraordinary architecture, sustainable and affordable construction, and progressive design shaped to the needs of the people who use it". I was admittedly skeptical at first, but after watching some I am actually impressed. The first couple episodes cover everything from a shipping container studio to die for, to prefab housing by Res 4, to my personal favorite the 100K house project.
Growing up, my parents collected unique chess sets that they found throughout their travels. Though I haven't carried the tradition along in my own family, I've always been intrigued and charmed by the many, many forms a chess set can take. I'm particularly fond of this minimal, cherry and maple wood set from Lanier Graham, designed in 1966. I love how it reduces the pieces to such basic forms and symbols; it's no wonder that it resides in the MoMA's permanent collection! Luckily for us, it's re-emerged and is available for purchase. I may just have to get one!
Chess Set by Lanier Graham available from the MoMA Store: $65 / $52 for Members
[Price includes pieces only.]
Brooklyn-based architecture firm Delson or Sherman has a way with light. Looking through their portfolio, it's the one thing that really stood out (other than how amazing all their projects are)! By combining plenty of access to natural light, translucent materials, and lots of reflective surfaces, many of their residential spaces have a distinctly clean and understated feel. I would definitely be happy in any of these homes!
Check out the rest of their portfolio here.
Lots of images after the jump!
I featured Studio Dunn back in May for some of their gorgeous and affordable lighting. At the time I didn't make mention of any of their other furniture as I felt it didn't fall into the "affordable" category. The week after I posted about their lighting Studio Dunn managed to land a "New Designer" award from ICFF.
Still impressed with their work, I went back for a second look today. The Barrington Chair shown above is $660. It's more than a stretch to call it "affordable", but it seems to me there is plenty of value in it. It's a gorgeous artisan designed and crafted piece of furniture that is made right here in the states. While we can argue value all day long, in the end it comes down to one thing. Would you buy it. For me, as gorgeous as it is, I don't know that it is what I would spend my money on. How about you?
Would you pay $660 for the Barrington chair? Why, or why not?
I'm a bit intrigued by this candle holder from Dutch designer Hanna Zoon. It seems the classic object got something of a face lift, a very modern, sexy face lift that is. I'm not sure I would have much need to actually carry it around, but it certainly would be lovely as a decorative object! Made of aluminum, it fits any standard dinner candle. Available in white, grey, and a particularly cheery yellow.
Candle Holder by Hanna Zoon available from GSelect: $22
The Bendino Lamp boils the traditional desk lamp into 2 dimensions. Made of powder coated steel this flat metal lamp sits 10" high and comes in a variety of colors. Produced by Pulpo.
Bendino Lamp available from Sleek Identity for $72
Ed Dreier was one of Utah's great mid century modern architects.
Grassrootsmodern is proud to be a sponsor of another great SLModern event. It will be held in a beautifully remodeled Ed Dreier home in the Federal Heights area. The event is Saturday June 12th from 5:00 - 7:00. Due to limited capacity, RSVP is required by June 9th. (801) 533-0858 or via email rsvp@slmodern.org.
Our SLModern events usually fill up quick so RSVP soon if you want to come. A $10 donation is encouraged for non-members. You can join Salt Lake Modern for $40. Make sure you join the Salt Lake Modern Facebook page as well to get the latest information about mid century modern preservation in Salt Lake.
A big thanks to the other sponsors as well;
The Green Ant
Pollard Architecture
Utah Museum of Fine Arts Young Benefactors
Poliform
Red Cap Cards was founded in Beverly Hills, California by Hal Mertz and illustrator Carrie Gifford. They offer a range of cards from seven international artists, including my personal favorite Blanca Gómez. Be sure to check out the whole quirky collection here!
Greeting cards from Red Cap Cards: $3.95
[Top Images: Blanco Gómez // Bottom Images: Jon Klassen]
I've never really felt the need to have a folding "card" table until now. The hairpin legs and orange top on this beauty are tempting enough, but when you consider the $66 price tag it's almost a no brainer.
Orange folding table $66 from Kikkerland
I just spent a good chunk of time browsing through the portfolio of Irish firm Odos Architects, and all I can say is WOW! I would love to live in any of these homes. One of my favorite little details is the open fireplace in the concrete floor of this house - super cool, though probably not particularly child or pet friendly. A lot of Odos' residential projects have some great Eco features as well, like the grey water harvesting system of the 3 Mews House, for example.
All in all, they've got a pretty impressive portfolio going. I'd suggest you head on over and check it out for yourself! Meanwhile, enjoy the few appetite-whetting photos below!
You may have seen photo's of a crazy orange couch that turns into a bunk bed. The manufacture of the crazy contraption is Clei, and they have a lot more than an orange couch going for them. Distributed in the US by Resource Furniture, Clei has a broad line of impressive space saving furniture. The above video is from a Core 77 interview with Ron Barth, President of Resource Furniture. Needless to say I was incredibly impressed with the systems. Pricing is rumored to be on the high side (think $8,000 for a bunkbed) but if you are trying to make a very small space functional the price just may be worth it
I found out about this event about a month too late, unfortunately! From the looks of it, it might be worth the trek to Portland. Until I can make that happen, these photos will just have to do.
About:
Street of Eames is Portland's annual modern home tour. Each April, this citywide event recognizes the city's best examples of mid-century modern and contemporary modern residential architecture. The goal of the tour is to raise money for after-school programs for homeless students at two of Portland's public schools. Street of Eames is essentially a home tour to help the homeless. In the past four years, the tour has raised over $400,000. This event is 100% volunteer effort, so every dollar raised goes directly to after-school programs.
Have any of you been to this event - or - do you know of any similar events taking place? Share in the comments!
Learn more: www.streetofeames.com
More eye candy after the jump!
I just noticed that Gilt has Menu Kitchenware on sale for 50% off normal prices. I absolutely love their porcelain tea pots and cups. Gilt also has some other great sales going on right now like Jonathan Adler, Alessi, Thomas Paul, Modern Twist, and Nooka Watches to name a few. Gilt is members only, so if you are already a member, you know what to do. If you aren't a member yet, it's free to sign up.
MoMA currently is featuring products from Portugal in their online store.
Destination: Portugal, a new MoMA-exclusive product collection, highlights more than 100 lifestyle products usually found only in Portugal. Available for a limited time only, the collection presents fresh, contemporary interpretations of the country’s colors, forms, materials, and traditions by established and emerging Portuguese designers.
My favorite's are these cork and ceramic items from the "Whistler" collection. Items include a teapot ($25), tea cup ($10), sugar and creamer ($12) and a spice rack ($75).
I just spent way too much time playing with InMod's "design your own pillow" tool - it's so cool! They have patterns to suit just about anyone's taste, including a Modern Classics theme featuring silhouettes of iconic chairs. I really like their Organic and Retro themes the most, though. After you've picked a pattern, you can play around with different fabric choices and colors. The pillows are surprisingly affordable too, especially considering they're "custom". So, head over and check it out. Be warned, you may lose a good chunk of time!
Design Your Own Pillow from InMod: $40 - $50
P.S. They also have a coordinating design your own bedding tool!
This morning I woke up to the most awful sight out side. Snow. Just when I was sure that it was all gone it sneaks it's way back into my life. It makes me want to grab a hot drink and curl up on the couch until another day. This Cup and Saucer set from Not Neutral will do just right.
Not Neutral Intelligentsia Cappuccino Cup and Saucer set available from Design Public for $32.