What do you get when you mix old school Bosnian craftsmanship with Washington DC modernism? Manulution. Such is the name of this amazing little company that was founded in 1927. If you want to get technical, Manulution is really a subsidiary of Rukotvorine, but what really matters is the furniture. It's everything that a piece of modern furniture should be. Well designed, not afraid to show it' origin and craftsmanship, and reasonably priced. I'm particularly fond of the Daisy Collection.
What's your favorite?
Manulution
Sadly, this picture mostly reminds me of the Burke tulip base sitting in my breakfast nook waiting for restoration. Happily, the Visual Philosophy Etsy shop is full of wonderful mid century modern inspired posters and prints. Right now, I'm strangely drawn to the coffee related ones, but maybe that's just because I haven't had my first cup o joe yet.
Which is your favorite?
Visual Philosophy prints $24
On my way to Palm Springs last week I stayed in LA for one night in a AirBnB apartment. It was tastefully decorated, bright and cheery. Looking around though, it was obvious that there was a lot of Ikea furniture in there. A lot. Not that I'm anti Ikea. God knows I've bought my fair share over the years. But what does one do if they are on an Ikea budget but are looking to express their individuality. Pretty Pegs is a Swedish company that makes different styles of legs so you can swap out your Ikea ones.
Anyone try these?
Have any other good sources for furniture legs for DIY projects?
I posted a while ago about some great modern wooden spoons that had colorful handles. I've been in love with the idea for a while, and wanting to try a DIY myself. Unfortunately there just aren't enough hours in the day. The good news though, is that someone has done it, and shared all the secrets. The picture above is from Little Bit Funky who made a great combo with unique spoons and bright colors. Check out House Of Earnest too for a more color subdued but equally charming version (picture below).
Thanks to the Wantist for the links. :)
Have any of our readers tried this? How did it go?
Using an actual pig for a piggy bank is so inside the box. Me, I'm getting a Rhino bank.
Kooroo animals may be making the coolest things in Kansas right now. With a small collection of locally made ceramic piggy banks in shapes like camels, buffalos, and lions, Kooroo is looking to add a little fun and quirkiness to your day. Piggy banks not your thing? Make sure you check out their letterpress too.
Kooroo
I'm always on the lookout for creative shelving solutions. This one comes from a collaborative design based out of Mexico called Masiosare Studio. The Paraleelos shelves are formed by two vertical ladders that hold the horizontal cross pieces. Smaller square shelves can be placed wherever needed. Originally designed for the Estudio in San Ángel project, they are now working on mass producing the piece. More information as well as a video is available on their website.
Masiosare Studio
I first found out about Four Eyes Furniture by reading some comments by one of our readers. Ever since then I have had the Four Eyes website open in my browser, and I keep on going back and looking at it. It's good design, solid construction, and it is made by one guy who is really passionate about what he does. What more could you ask for.
Four Eyes Furniture
Check Four Eyes out on Facebook.
I may have mentioned it before, but I just moved into a new place, and I'm still desperately trying to get everything organized. The one thing that the house unfortunately lacks, is a good amount of closet storage. There is a spare room in the basement that isn't really being used, and I have been thinking about using some sort of closet organizers to make if functional for clothes storage. Anyone have experience with California Closets or the like?
Lane by Post is a UK based graphic designer that makes wonderful prints for the home. Prints are very reasonably priced for the size and are available framed, or unframed. Which is your favorite?
Lane By Post
I seem to have amazing luck when it comes to Tulip tables. When I first moved to Salt Lake City, I found an old tulip table base behind my apartment next to the dumpster. While that particular one unfortunately met an early moving related demise (long story) I have recently stumbled across a similarly amazing deal. A good friend and owner of local, and absolutely amazing MCM furniture store Green Ant, hooked me up with a base and laminate top for a screaming price. The top is a bit larger than I need, so I'm thinking about cutting it down smaller, and the base needs a good sanding and repaint.
Does anyone have any good restoration resources for Saarinen Tulip tables?
Looking for your own Tulip table? Check out The Green Ant, or these Tulip Tables for sale on Ebay.
Photo via.
I am moving (again) and I'm in need of a new bed frame. I'm pretty set on making my own, so last night I sat down with my girlfriend and started looking for inspiration. I came across this brilliant design by German based Tojo called the V Bed. It uses inexpensive plywood, and a simple accordion style construction to make an unique and functional bed. It's not quite what I'm looking for, but it's definitely getting stored away in my head as a great idea. Tojo has a couple other accordion inspired designs on their site worth looking at.
Tojo V Bed
Photo's via
It's getting more and more rare these days to see people producing furniture from solid wood. I'm glad to see companies like New Breed embracing it.
About: New Breed was founded by John Lindsay and Alex Paradiso, two designs and craftsmen of radically different styles and personalities. What they share is a love of original design centered around environmental sustainability and unique aesthetics blended with mass production techniques. New Breed furniture is made right here in the United States and has received much acclaim for it Petaply Series of real wood furniture.
New Breed Furniture $250 - $3,500
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.
Eames Soft Pad Chairs on ebay
The Green Ant
Photo via
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.
Naos Pendant light
Summer is just around the corner, and that means it's time to have some quality porch time with your favorite refreshing beverage. I'm sort of obsessed with all sorts of bottle openers, the more interesting the better. The Kebo was designed by RUSH3 product design studio and is a modern take on a vintage design.
Kebo bottle opener $24
Coat rack designed by Anna Lee Nashem. Brilliant idea, and could be an easy DIY project. I've got plenty of black pipe laying around...
Via www.annaleenashem.blogspot.se/
For those that have been reading my blog for a long time, you may recognize the name Mark Haslam. He was they one that did a lot of hand holding and hard work for me when I built my addition behind my house in Sugarhood. Back then he was working for Benchmark Modern, and together they went on to do a lot of great modern projects, including a few I was able to do some work on. The House 2 project I featured last year was my first big job with my new side company Modern Union.
In my dreams I have my own forge so I can cast my own aluminum and bronze creations. Until those dreams come true, I'll just have to enjoy looking at beautiful pieces like this 
I've said it before, and I'll say it again. It seems that everything that 
