I just wanted to give a belated congratulations for Sparano + Mooney for their brilliant home that was recently featured in Dwell magazine. They deserve all the recognition and praise coming their way as does Benchmark Modern who did a fantastic job as general contractor. It's exciting to see Utah get a little recognition for some of the great projects we have going.
Make sure you check out the full slideshow on Dwell and read the article "The New Pioneers".
I like to check in with House Industries from time to time just to see what they're up to, because they're always up to something good! As it turns out, they recently released a series ofserigraphs and prints on plywood featuring some of the typefaces from their collection. My favorite is probably the Stencil 5 Print, using the Eames Century Modern font. I'd love to see it on the plywood, though. Check out all the available prints here and report back with your favorite!
Prints from House Industries: $45 (Serigraphs) / $100 (Plywood Prints)
I often wish I had an amazing MCM home that I could invite all my swanky friends over to for a pool party. Unfortunately I don't, and until I do I will just have to settle for this MCM cut out set by illustrator Max Dalton. There are two sets available, the cocktail party shown above, and a Sunday barbecue cut out. Each on is available for $28, or about $499,972 cheaper than all the cool MCM homes in my area.
The ol' ottoman gets a bit of a facelift with Blu Dot's new Otto Ottoman. It's all in the details with subtle French seams (love!) and three updated colors: aqua, charcoal, and rust. Locking casters provide for ease of movement as well. I don't know about you, but I can always use extra seating and a place to prop up my feet. I just might have to get one.. or two.
It's been a great adventure, but after three and a half years I'm forced to sell my Mid Century Modern home in Olympus Cove. I've absolutely loved living here, the neighborhood is absolutely phenomenal and the home has so much potential. The good news is; #1. Someone is going to get an amazing deal on this house. #2. I'm sure I'll get myself into another affordable modern adventure to blog about.
The details:
Since I bought the home 3 years ago, I completely refinished all the hardwood floors upstairs, and repainted everything bright white. I had a brand new electrical service to the house installed, and two new electrical panels inside. All new can lights were installed in the living room and kitchen. Speaking of kitchens, I completely gutted the kitchen, installed all new electrical and plumbing, new subfloor and white rubber floor tiles. New white Ikea ABSTRAKT cabinetry with black Trespa countertops and a zero radius stainless steel sink . New Gaggenau induction cooktop, integrated Bosch dishwasher and Siemens Avant Garde hood. There is also the double viking ovens I scored off of Craigslist and the GE Monogram refrigerator. Ohh, and the fantastic Bocci 22 electrical outlets all over the kitchen as well. Downstairs my son's room was completely redone. I framed out all the walls and added additional insulation, brand new drywall with a floating detail to eliminate baseboards. A fantastic mural of "Where the Wild Things Are" that took my good friend Tony almost 60 hours to complete (video here). The room got all new can lighting with a couple spots on a dimmer for the mural, new Flor carpet tiles, and a new solid core door with SOSS hinges and a nice reveal instead of door molding. I removed the ugly exterior siding, and took it back to it's old glory of grey Atlas bricks. To keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter a brand new hight efficiency furnace was added, as well as new central AC after I decided the Modern Fan Co. fans weren't going to cut it. To keep all that heat and cold in I had 8" of extra insulation blown into the attic. Needless to say, a lot has been done to the home. I have easily put $20,000 of upgrades into and if I wasn't getting divorced I would easily stay here for another 20 years. My loss your gain. It's priced to move quick, but I need a full price offer, so tell your friends and neighbors and lets get this thing gone.
If you are interested in seeing the home because you are interested in possibly buying, get a hold of my amazing Realtor Geoff Tice 801-971-1311.
If you just want to look at it and shoot the breeze with me, leave a comment below and I'll get back to you. ( I love visitors! )
If you only like looking at pretty pictures on the internet, check out 4206Fortuna for some pictures I snapped of it last week, or Obeo for a virtual tour, or the official MLS listing.
Thanks everyone!
I may not have the slightest clue how to pronounce the name, but I do know that the Siirtolapuutarha Bowl is one good looking bowl. Scandinavian design has an amazing ability to take bold organic graphics and apply them in a thouroughly modern way, and this is no exception. This porcelain bowl is part of the larger Good Company series from Marimekko.
Siirtolapuutarha Bowl available from the Scandinavian Design Center for $20.
As DIYers, go-getters, and otherwise ambitious folks, I thought you'd be interested in learning about Kickstarter, a new way to fund creative ideas. Functioning as a way to help grassroots projects grow by providing a unique all-or-nothing funding method, Kickstarter embraces creative endeavors of all kinds. From art to writing, music or filmmaking, it allows real people to achieve their goals. Users can make a pledge (from $1 up to $2000 or more) in support of a project they're passionate about and that they want to see come to life. You can then see the project through, follow its progress, and interact with the artist, etc. behind it. Think social networking meets canned food drive for the arts.
For example, one project that I discovered and was impressed by is the feature-length documentary Street Fighting Man. Through several inter-woven stories of individuals fighting for their community, it documents the current struggles in post-economic crisis Detroit. Currently, the project has reached about 43% of its funding goal, with only 11 days left. If it achieves its goal, the film will go into full production. If it doesn't, all pledges are canceled, no harm no foul. Of course, the idea is to create successful opportunities for projects like Street Fighting Man - important, pertinent, and unique projects that might otherwise remain unrealized. In the case of this film, it's one that I truly hope achieves success!
Overall, Kickstarter is an absolutely brilliant idea and I encourage you to learn more about it. Discover projects, make pledges if you can, and watch someone's dream become a reality!
More: www.kickstarter.com
Tomorrow marks 32 years since Charles Eames passed away, and 22 years since Ray Eames passed away. They died exactly ten years apart. In that ten year gap Ray worked feverishly to get their studio in order, and help document the work that they did together. Eames Design is the authoritative book on the works of Charles and Ray. Written by former Eames employee John Neuhart and his wife, and under the careful direction of Ray Eames it does a wonderful job of documenting all the wonderful work that emerged from the Eames office.
Picnic season is soon coming to a close, but it never hurts to be ready for a spontaneous adventure! The Folding Picnic Set from XXD includes a corkscrew, salt and pepper shakers, and two sets of plates and utensils - all of which folds into an 8x8x1 inch square. Small enough to fit in a glove box or under a car seat, so you're always ready to picnic wherever you go! I also like how the case itself folds out into a sort of Swiss cross-shaped picnic blanket. Snazzy!
Folding Picnic Set by XXD available from A+R Store: $52
Antennagate got you down, or are you just worried about scratching up your new iPhone 4? While I personally think that the industrial design on the iPhone 4 is gorgeous, and shouldn't be covered up, if you have to at least get something creative and artist designed like this engraved bamboo case from Grove. They currently have 17 different styles each by a different artist.
Grove iPhone 4 artist series cases $89
Let me just say that I love, love, love the recent "pixel" trend. You could splurge on a Cristian Zuzunaga rug or daybed, or you could get your pixel fix with this pillow from Blissliving. The Utopia Pillow is made from 100% cotton sateen and is generously filled with a feather down insert.
So, what's your verdict on pixels in home décor? Yay or Nay?
Utopia Pillow by Blissliving available from Bobby Berk Home: $65
Remember Clocky, the roll-away alarm clock? Well, looks like he's got a new little brother! Meet Tocky, the newest alarm clock from Nanda. Like his counterpart, Tocky won't hesitate to do his job. Jumping from your nightstand and running away, this little clock makes sure you get out of bed when you're suppose to. There is also an internal microphone, allowing you to record whatever sound you think will help with your case of the snoozes. You can even upload mp3s and listen to your favorite tracks while Tocky rolls around your room. And, a touch-screen makes setting your alarm super easy. Available in aqua, kiwi, orange, or white interchangeable "skins".
No that's not a new rendering of a home about to be featured in Dwell magazine. That could be your kids new doll house. The description for the Emerson dollhouse from Brinca Dada reads just like a full sized luxury home;
...six rooms including a living room, kitchen, library/office, master bedroom, bathroom and child's bedroom. With its large, open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows, the Emerson House enjoys year-round sunlight. The modern house features many extras including mitered-glass corners, two fireplaces, sliding glass doors, solar panels, and recessed LED lights.
If you need a bunch of miniature modern furniture to fill up your modern doll house, they've got you covered there as well. They even have some wonderful wooden dolls to play the rolls of father, mother, sister and brother. Pricing seems very reasonable considering the quality of the product.
Emerson Doll house $299 from Brinca Dada.
I love these simple ceramic lights from Perch!, but what makes them even more fun is the fact that you can order them in just about any letter you want. They are normally $129, but are on sale at Gilt for just $80.
Join Gilt if you haven't already (it's free).
It should come as no surprise to anyone that I am in love with these felt coasters. First off, they are felt, and everyone knows I'm a huge sucker for felt. Secondly, they are orange, a color that I am unable to resist. Put the two together and it's a slam dunk. The fact that it's made from an old sweater and only costs $8 for a set of four is just icing on the cake.
Simple Felt Coasters $8 from Mary Zoom's Etsy shop.
It's no secret that I'm a sucker for anything in walnut, so when I spotted this breadboard from Sagaform I was floored. Seriously, look at that wood! Aside from the sheer beauty of this object, it's functional too. (How 'bout that!) The dots catch crumbs and when it's time to clean, simply lift off the top and discard all the bits. I couldn't help but think it looked like a giant pill, too. Which might be accurate, as a good loaf of bread (maybe with some tasty cheese) is my kind of medicine!
Walnut Breadboard by Sagaform available from A+R Store: $50
Pigeon Toe Ceramics is at it again with a new line of products for Fall. One standout is this ceramic and cedar wood birdhouse. The hand-thrown porcelain base is topped with a handcrafted, locally harvested, sustainably-sourced wood, paneled for visual interest and weather treated. Oh, and an 18 inch, vegetable-dyed, braided leather cord is attached for easy hanging. Fancy!
Scan Birdhouse by Pigeon Toe Ceramics: $96
This past weekend Salt Lake City had it's second annual Craft Lake City event. Sponsored by SLUG, Craft Lake City is a celebration of alternative craft, and all things handmade. I was lucky to volunteer and I got to help cary in some of the great items. There was an amazing turn out from artists, and there was even music from great bands like Hello Amsterdam playing all day. After the jump you will see examples of work from my top 15 artists (in no particular order)
If you missed Craft Lake City, make sure you catch Craft Sabbath on the first monday of every month, and the upcoming Salty Streets flea market at Kilby Court.
(1) I really love quilts, and Jess from Urban Patchwork has some amazing handmade modern quilts and pencil holders.
(2) These beautiful belt buckles and jewelry from Bykali were amazing. The use of leaves and other random objects blew my mind.
(3) The Rookery had amazing art work on wood panels, as well as some equally beautiful bound books.
(4) Card Sharks had a wonderful assortment of printed cards and posters from various artists.
(5) There were some of the coolest little stuffed Ninja's to keep you kids safe. Rad Seams had all sorts of great sewn goodies.
(6) Speaking of stuffed toys. The polaroid friend and hipster friends from Lets Be Friends were great too.
(7) There was so much great screen printing there that it's hard to pick favorites, but there from Calamity Industries absolutely blew my mind. I think I need one of these in my house.
(8) It's hard to speak of printmaking in SLC without Leia Bell coming up. I first featured her on GRM a long time ago, and she continues to blow my mind with her fantastic concert posters and art work. Several artists are represented online and at her brick and mortar Signed and Numbered.
(9) Smart and Wiley was putting the letters in letterpress with these fantastic typography inspired prints.
(10) The world of Isabells Umbrella is an adorable place full of the cutest owls and Matryoshka Dolls you have ever seen.
(11) More amazing posters and prints from Potter Press.
(12) Ben Kafton also had some drool worthy hand printed posters, many of which had a strong architectural influence. I'm dying to get a couple of these on my walls too.
(13) There is something about Candace Jean's Giclee prints that I love. I can't quit put my finger on it, but her I just love her style. Prints are available online or in SLC at Blonde Grizzly.
(14) Sycamore Street Press had some great clever and cute letterpress goodies as well.
(15) I wished I could have bought one of everything I saw, but my one purchase I did make was this fantastic longboard by Earth Live Long Skates (ELLS). Not only is the art work great, but I'm inspired by anyone that knows how to make bent wood creations. In fact, in the spirit of bent plywood, I added my own little crafty embellishment in the grip tape. Everything is better with a little LCW.
Whew! There were so many more great things I wish I could have featured. Huge thanks to everyone who showed up and made it a great event!
This one goes out to all the cat lovers! An innovative and inexpensive new pet furniture option, this corrugated cardboard cat cabin (phew, alliterations make me tired), is inspired by Canadian-style hunting chalets. What's more, you can paint it and customize it to your heart's content! So, bust out that puff paint and glitter. You know you want to.
Cardboard Cat Cabin available from GSelect: $24
Dominic French is a London-based photographer whose work I discovered on 
