It's great to see so many wonderful mid century modern pieces of furniture getting re issued. The latest to be announced is this beautiful Egyptian Stool that was originally designed by Danish architect Ole Wanscher in 1957. Carl Hansen & Son has now acquired rights to the design, and for the first time since 1970 it will be available in the US again. I absolutely love the brass and leather accents agains the dark mahogany. Pricing is likely to be in the $1,400 range. Perfection doesn't come cheap.
It's valentines day, and who do I love? Jimmyjane. It's not just me either, this sex positive company has gotten oodles of good press over the past few years. It doesn't hurt that they have some really beautifully designed products, in fact that good design may be one of the reasons they are a best seller on Fab.
The latest toy to come out of Jimmyjane is the Hello Touch. It's basically two ultra compact vibrators that strap right to you fingers. I'm sure you can imagine the possibilities are endless.
Jimmyjane was nice enough to send a Hello Touch my way for a little hands on review. I have a few other vibrators that they have sent me in the past for review, and I'm always very impressed with the product design aspect of them. The Touch did feel slightly less high end than some of their other products, particularly the wrist cuff and battery holder. Luckily they didn't skimp on the part that counts, the vibrator pods.
Overall I would say the Touch comes highly recommended. Sure this advice is coming a little late seeing as today is already valentines day, but really, do you need a special day to show your love?
Hello Touch $65
If there are any ladies looking for a last minute valentines gift, or any body in general looking for a kick ass weekender bag, I have a solution. I've been eyeing these fantastic canvas and leather masonry bags for a while now. DWR used to have two different sizes in stock, but they were a little pricey. Then yesterday I saw this one on Bespoke Post for $45., and figured I'd take the plunge.
The canvas and leather masonry bag is a classic. Traditionally it was used by mason's (surprise surprise right?) to carry their tools. Now this rugged and stylish bag is just the thing for that last minute out of town trip you've been meaning to go on.
Bespoke Post was new to me, but it seems like a pretty cool idea. It's a monthly gift service (there seems to be a resurgence of these lately) that caters to stylish men. Each month you have a choice of 3 $45 gifts, or you can take a pass. Looking through the past gifts, it seems like they have a pretty solid collection. Any one else already a member? Any feedback?
Bespoke Post
Argh, I'm so over winter already. In fact I think my hatred of cold may have hit a new level today when I actually put a hand warmer in my pocket before leaving for work. While mother nature continues to deliver up cold weather and snow storms, I like to daydream of warm days on the patio.
Yesterday I came across this gorgeous Clam Chair on The Potted Store. After a little bit of digging around, it sounds like they were originally designed by John B Salterini. The originals can be quite expensive, but these new ones seem very reasonable at $295 each. They are available in orange, a lovely pale green and brown.
Clam Chair $295 from The Potted Store
Remember that Chelsea Sofa that Fashion for Home sent me a few years ago to review? Well, even back then I was a bit worried about how well the fabric would hold up to the abuse of two kids and my admittedly negligent self. It only took two years, and this sub $1,000 was looking pretty grimy. The lower cushion had acquired some stains that I was unable to get out, so last night on a whim I grabbed an old orange wool blanket I had picked up for $20 and recovered it. I was surprised how well it came out considering #1 I stitched it all by hand, #2 I was fairly occupied catching up on Walking Dead. Who knows how well the orange will hold up. In the meantime, it looks like I may need to rethink my pillow colors.
What do you think?
One of my favorite places to get coffee in Salt Lake City is Nobrow Coffee and Tea. Not only is Joe the owner a total coffee nerd, he happens to be a design nerd too. So when I heard that they were moving to a new location designed by Atlas Architects I was quite excited. When I found out my friend Jaren from Modern Union was doing the interior cabinetry and woodworking I was even more excited.
This Wednesday was their first official day open (even though the Visual Supply Co crew dropped by earlier during Alt) so I decided to meet Jaren there for a pour over and check it out.
The space is quite a bit smaller than their old location, which surprised me. Personally I think it's a good thing, although I know some people enjoyed being able to find a nice private corner in the old space. There is a really great little courtyard in front that will make a fantastic outdoor space in the summer. In fact, I'm going to go out on a limb and say if you are looking to sit out side in the summertime and have a cup of coffee, you won't be able to find a better spot.
While I was there we ran into Jason Foster of Atlas Architects. No real surprise considering their office is going in next door. Speaking of Atlas, they've done a really nice job with some of the subtle details of the building. The most obvious thing is the material pallet. The building is made of a cinder block with a smooth sawn face that has some nice flecks of color in it.
It's a great look, but combined with the concrete floors and bright white Corian countertops it can be very hard and cold. To balance this there is a good amount of reclaimed wood in the space. The wood is some reclaimed beams that used to be in Trolley Square, a local trolley station turned mall. It's beautiful, warm, and really brings the space together.
To add even more interest to the space there is a beautiful (and rumor has it very heavy) section of an upright piano that is bolted to a wood face in a small nook at the end of the room. That combined with some nice industrial style pendants round out the simple, yet fantastic interior.
Nobrow Coffee & Tea - 179 W 900 S SLC, UT
Atlas Architects
Modern Union
Like architecture? Like movies? The fine folks over at Arch Daily recently put up a list of the top 30 architecture movies to add to you "must see" list. While many of them have to be purchased, there are a few select ones that you can watch for free online, including the fantastic Eames: The Architect and the Painter. Who's seen it? What did you think about it?
ArchDaily : 30 Architecture Docs to watch in 2013
Some Kickstarted campaigns are just destined for success from day one. Okum Made's Everyday Objects is one of them. With 24 days to go it's only a few thousand dollars short of it's modest 17K goal. Along with the backers there has been no shortage of positive press in the blogosphere (ugh hate that word) with sites like MoCoLoco, BLTD and Cool Hunting praising Okum. Well let me just go ahead and throw my hat in the ring too.
Okum and his products show a understanding of the material they are designed in. They are simple forms (hooks, salt and pepper shakers, trivets, bowls), made of simple materials (walnut, hard maple, aluminum) but they manage to make the whole greater than the sum of the parts. Simple, beautiful, useful. What more could you ask for.
The best part is that you can be part of helping this designer become a success, which enables him to make more beautiful things. Do your part. Chip in. Support good design. I did.
Okum on Kickstarter
Okummade.com
It may be a new year, but my obsession with bags continues. The one I've had my eye on lately is this handsome canvas and leather weekender bag from Everlane for only $99. Haven't heard of Everlane? It's yet another "members only" site, this one focused on fashion. One main difference is that they produce all their own product, so it really is exclusive. Love the bag enough to sign up? I thought so...
Weekender Bag $99 from Everlane
I already have lot's of wooden cutting boards at my house, so is it weird that I want wooden plates as well? I love the contrast of the natural woods with the neon edges. I'd love to know what they use for the color. Paint? Epoxy? Anyway sign me up.
Touch of Modern : David Rasmussen
I'm pretty much in love with this rug, and a whole bunch of other ones that One Kings Lane has on sale today.
Priced from $579 - $999.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Origin:
- India
- Construction:
- hand-knotted
- Made of:
- wool
- Size:
- Multiple sizes available. Please see drop-down menu to make a selection.
- Pile height:
- 3/4"
- Color:
- ivory/old gold
- Care:
- Regular vacuuming. Spot-clean recommended.
One Kings Lane - Global Ground
It's no secret that we love Neo Utility here on Grassrootsmodern, so obviously we're excited to see them on fab today. Maybe it's time to get those gorgeous Miller Goodman set's you've had your eye on…
Neo Utility on Fab
Whoa! Is this really Joss and Main? I signed with these guys because they were a sponsor at Alt NYC, and I've been continually unimpressed ever since. Then all of a sudden they hit it out of the park with not one, but two amazing curated sales?
First the Details magazine curated sale is spot on. They describe it as a "stylish man collection" but I like to think it applies to anyone with good taste. There are plenty of deals too, like the $219 tripod floor lamp, $518 Sofa! and many more.
The "right angles" sale catches the tail of the now fading infatuation with triangles and all things faceted. Don't get me wrong, I'm still all about the angles, I just don't see this being the big "in" thing for too much longer. That being said, they have some timeless pieces that I absolutely love. Word to the wise though, look out for knockoffs.
Available at Joss and Main
According to Ample, the Solstice Floor Lamp is "the modern tripod lamp done right." I have to admit, it's pretty banging. As usual with any high quality modern piece, God is in the details. In this case, those details reveal solid walnut legs, hand made natural linen shade, cloth covered cord, and a solid brass socket. Icing on the cake? It's made in Seattle Washington. Ample has lots of other gorgeous pieces as well. Go buy some. If the $499 price tag is too much for you, save you pennies and skip a few dinners out. (short term lose, long term gain) Also check out the not as nice, but cheaper tripod I posted in the On Sale! section today.
Ample Solstice Lamp $499
As you know I like to feature up and coming companies that are making quality beautiful products. RX Made manages to pull that off with ease, and adds to the list of accomplishments by locally sourcing the majority of their material, and even heavily utilizing reclaimed good in their products.
Born out of a Chicago based non profit called Rebuild Exchange, RX Made pairs local job program trainees with the design expertise of Chicago based Strand Design. The end product is an attractive group of products ranging from bottle openers to benches.
It's clear that RX Made is doing good things and making a difference, and you can make a difference too by supporting them. They are launching their products on Kickstarter as we speak. You can help them out for as little as $1or for $25 you can get the handsome bottle opener above. Check out some of their other goods below, then head over to Kickstarter to watch their video and pitch in.
RX Made on Kickstarter
