I was looking on ebay this morning for some MCM goodness to dream about over the weekend, and I came across this great Eames Soft Pad Chair. Part of the aluminum work group, these chairs ooze style and comfort. Like all good pieces of furniture I think a gently used version looks even better than a brand new one. Don't believe me? Check one out yourself. If you are in SLC you are in luck, because The Green Ant just got two of these beauties in.
We love Kickstarted projects here at Grassrootsmodern. Not only are they a great way to help designers get funding for great projects, they are also a great way to get a cool product for a great price. The Cubby is a great example of that. It's an award winning design that has never made it into production. Now is your chance to help out, and to get a Cubby for you own for only $19. Watch the video below for more details.
Cubby coat hook and storage area
I'm a sucker for a good pendant light, especially one that is a "contemporary lighting system made of noble materials, lovingly made in France". Noble or not the 30 plates of natural oak veneer make for an amazing looking light, especially when turned on.
When it comes to furniture, chairs are my first passion, but tables are a close second. I often overlook the coffee table partly because there are so many cheap coffee tables out there, but there are a lot of amazing ones too. I'm currently getting ready to move into a new home, and I'm looking to upgrade from my Ikea table I got in the "as is" section. Besides the fact that I used a sharpie to make all the scratches disappear, it's just too hight for my taste. Below is a quick round up of some that have recently caught my eye. Which one is your favorite?
(above "two leg table")
Muji aluminum coffee table $185
DIY Factory style cart via HGTV
Conrad Coffee Table : Misewell $1,150
Repurposed flat file. I'd love to find an old wood one of these. Image via Treehugger.
Also, there are the classics….
These awesome Rocking Lamps from mineheart got quite a bit of press during ICFF last year, but I never did see any ordering information. It looks like they are now available to purchase in the mineheartstore and are available with a black or white shade. The £252 price tag is a bit hard to swallow, it makes me surprised that no one has figured out an Ikea hack to get a similar look.
I saw a similar looking coffee table last year in NY, and it just about blew my mind.
About:
The unique cantilevered Bloom coffee table features a salvaged Western Red cedar base fused with a colored top made of peanut and soy non-toxic resin and is finsihed with a clear lacquer. Each base has been hand-salvaged, dried, peeled, sandblasted, and cut to size. The fusion of the two elements creates a seamless connection that results in a heat and stain resistant surface.
Do want.
Bloom Coffee Table by Wood Design $3,900 CAD
Etsy is always a great place to look for good affordable modern pillows, and Bird Mafia doesn't disappoint. Her pillows feature designs inspired by her cut paper dioramas (which are fantastic by the way). My favorite of them is the Sun Kissed Clouds pillow. Organic cotton, hand printed, and all for just $28.
I just can't get enough of this paired down simple modern craftsman aesthetic lately. The Moxo Stool is a simple Ipe stool made in Brazil. It's part of the Caboclas Project, which in and of itself is pretty cool.
The Caboclas Project is an innovative forest management project launched in 2000 with the support of leading Brazilian environmental agencies. It allows members to remain in their communities by providing an alternative income source through traditional woodworking while employing sustainable practices. Comprised of nearly 300 families, artisan members work in communal areas with simple hand tools. Their furniture and other handcrafted wood pieces reflect the rich folk culture and traditions of communities in the Tapajós region. The group's popular animal carvings illustrate these influences. The group uses wood from managed forests as well as reclaimed and dead trees.
Holy MCM goodness! I recently discovered Thrive Furniture and I'm totally blown away with all the great original mid century modern furniture they have for a reasonably affordable price. To make things even sweeter, the Nixon Love seat (top) is currently on sale for $1,349 and the Fillmore (bottom) is only $1039. They appear to have a good selection of upholstery too, including leather. Does anyone have any experience with the quality?
OK, I fully admit it. It's pretty easy to get my attention. I'm sort of like a bird that's drawn to shiny things, except instead of shinny things I like wooden things with bold colors painted on them. So yes, I would like this Cross Paddle from Atelier 688 thank you very much.
While I like the rough vintage look of the classic mechanics light, or a simple bright cloth lamp pendant, the sleek minimalist style of this Work Lamp from the future perfect does have its place. The Work Lamp comes complete with dimmer and bulb.
Valentines is just around the corner and you know you can do better than flowers or chocolates. Nothing says love like a scandinavian inspired pillow by Jane Foster.
Be still my heart. It looks like there are some new pillows at DWR with amazing fabric by the legendary Alexander Girard. While there are several prints available, my personal favorite is the "Arabesque" in Persimmon shown above. DWR exclusive.
Girard Pillows in Arabesque, Persimmon $125 - $285
It seems like my inbox has been bulging lately with all sorts of great Kickstarter projects. The Bike Valet is one that you definitely don't want to miss, especially if you are a bike geek. Made from 1/8" powder coated steel, it's as strong as it is good looking. As with all things that I love, it's the small details that make it work, like the leather lining on the section that touches your frame, and the notch where the two pieces of metal come together. If you are on the fence, and looking for a little more emotional incentive to support the project, read about the devastating robbery the owner/designer Steven recently had in his shop.
There is nothing ordinary about great design, but the Ordinary Purposes Clock shrugs it off like it's no big deal.
Why does one need a table top valet? To be perfectly honest with you, I have absolutely no idea. Still, that doesn't stop me from wanting one. If it's not exactly your thing, make sure you check out some of the other beautiful items that Cincinnati based Brighton Exchange is making. They also have some gorgeous cocktail tables and shelves. I can't even begin to tell you how much I love seeing white oak furniture these days.
Simple, sturdy, attractive. The Standard Chair from Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co. may just be the perfect little chair. With it's classic steel and bent wood design it is available in black or white powder coated steel with a oak seat and back.
I don't know if these lamp shades by Debbie Powell are for sale, but my-oh-my are they gorgeous! They could certainly inspire a DIY lamp shade makeover, don't you think? Check out more of her work here.
Turns out, dual/flip/reversible sectionals are all the rage (remember this Gus-inspired one from CB2?), and I'm totally okay with that. I mean, why would you want to invest in a quality, modern sectional only to have it not work in a future space?? That would be sad. What's not sad is G. Romano brand's newest piece, the Porter Flip Sectional. It looks super comfy yet clean and tailored--and--it's available in 11 fabric options! It's all kinds of 'win'. Moral of the story: fixed position sectionals are lame; flip sectionals are smart. Get one.
I've mentioned before my mild obsession with tables that feature interesting legs. The Hexag table uses a simple yet ingenious system of a powder coated metal leg that clips onto an American Walnut veneered top. The result is fantastic, and surprisingly affordable.
