On the subject of knockoffs...
Fun new dining table from Crate & Barrel subsidiary, CB2. If you haven't already looked, check out the recent LA Times article (below) on knockoffs. Sort of reminds you of that Noguchi table doesn't it? Needless to say, this is an attractive table at an attractive price.
"Web of intrigue and desire. Along came our spyder. Seat six down beside her. Handcrafted steel spokes crisscross and radiate in a dramatic black ice finish. Beveled glass top takes in the view."
Link: CB2
Via: Apartment Therapy (CB2)
A living space.
Feature article from Domus on the Dutch Son-O-House:"The Son-O-House is a sculpture that does not spring from a movement trapped in the material. The movement actually remains virtually present in the volume of the structure; it surrounds its material elements and, at the same time, permeates them. The same applies to the sounds emitted by the installation that Van der Heide has integrated into Spuybroek’s project. The speakers do not play music but a droning sound, the key of which varies according to the movements of those present in the various rooms."
Via: Domus Web (registration required)
Get real.
David Keeps at the LA Times writes about knockoffs in the design world.
"Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, but when it comes to design, it can also be the most insulting form of commerce.
Take the classic Ball Clock created by George Nelson, a master of midcentury industrial design. A simple configuration of metal rods and painted wood, the 1948 timepiece, then priced less than $25, was an icon of peacetime that transformed the structure of an atom into a whimsical decoration. On Sunday, Los Angeles Modern Auctions sold a vintage Ball Clock for $1,300. As the hammer fell on the final bid, Ben Storck of Modern One asked: "Don't people ever tire of that clock?
Apparently not. The Ball Clock is one of the most recognizable — and most copied — products of the fabulous '50s."
Link: LA Times
Reference: Ikea and DWR
Move over Kitchenaid.
Right up there with the Dualit toaster, we've always considered the Kitchenaid mixer to be one of the must-have countertop appliances for your kitchen. Then we discovered that Viking makes a countertop mixer. Both come in a multitude of colors. The Kitchenaid maxes out at 6 quarts and 525 watts; the Viking takes you up to 7 quarts and 1000 watts. That's some serious horsepower in the kitchen. Move over Kitchenaid.
Link: Viking
Maximum style and beauty
Reasonably priced "digital thermal prints" that are sure to add a touch of color to any interior."A 'modern digital canvas' is the stylish and affordable art solution for any interior. Our cool modern images are thermally printed and arrive ready to hang. Sized 3-6 feet high and priced $150 - $395. Complete your space with an innovative, M-DC."
Link: md-canvas.com
Kohler and the arts: the Arts/Industry program
We think that Kohler makes some pretty nicely designed products, but this just leaves us speechless.
Link: Kohler
A great home with an unfortunate name by Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects
We really like this cabin... despite its name... and we are not alone as it was granted with an honor award by the American Institute of Architects this year. This resembles no "cabin" we have ever seen, but with the elemental form and use of simple materials, the moniker seems very appropriate. The design is certainly bold, but we think that it fits nicely within its surroundings. And check out that view... we can conceive of no finer picture frame. Plus, we just want to play with that door.
Firm: Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects
Link: 2004 AIA Honor Award
As "Gehry-ish" as we wanna be
An LA Weekly article by Gloria Ohland entitled "Brave New Cityscape" makes an urban critique of icon buildings and their designers.
This is "starchitecture" that pushes the aesthetic frontier but also evidences the self-indulgence that can result from the cult of celebrity and genius. And there’s a strain of machismo running through these trophy buildings, as cocky and detached as they are from the surrounding neighborhoods.
While starchitecture has certainly given L.A. an edge, it’s those who look back as well as forward who will show us the way to a brave new world.
Article: LA Weekly
Handmade plexiglass lamp
Designed by Berlin design studio Double Standards, this light fixture caught our eye for its use of color and material, and its object nature. Clearly this is not a reading lamp.
Double Standards is a multidisciplinary design studio producing a wide range of designs: lamps, interiors, print, film, etc.
Link: Double Standards
First purchasers describe the process.
"We installed most of the wall panels in two days. The beams were extremely heavy, but Kevin and Neal installed all of them. We will finish the exterior walls and install the roof trusses during the 4th of July weekend. Until then, we will put a final coat of waterproofing on the foundation, install the drainage system and Sonny will finish backfilling."
Link: Article
Link: LV Home Kit
Reference: LV Home - Building Update I
Reference: LV Home - Building Update II
Reference: LV Home - Building Update III
Distinctive patterned lampshades
Fun lampshades from UK designer Madeleine Rogers.
"In 2001, Madeleine Rogers left her career in art directing to start up her company mibo. Her intention was to create original, yet affordable interiors products. First off the press were the distinctive patterned lampshades, still a firm favourite, all bearing seaside inspired names and mibo’s now familiar bold colour palette."
Link: mibo
"A revolution in coffee enjoyment."
The guys over at Gadget Madness have a pretty in-depth review of the Philips Senseo coffee maker. The Senseo is a marginally attractive appliance that uses "coffee pods" to brew one or two cups of joe "with a frothy coffee layer that seals in aroma and taste." The Senseo comes in three colors (blue, black, white). The only problem we have is we tend to brew our coffee 10-12 cups at at time in order to get our caffeine buzz. Two cups just won't cut it.
"Needless to say the coffee this thing makes is consistently strong, frothy, smooth, and freakin' delicious. I say this from the vantage point of having consumed every form of caffeine I've ever been able to get my hands on, everything from chewing handfuls of raw beans to Starbucks, from Seattle's Best to Cafe du Monde, toss in some French Market, Cafe Molido, and Medaglia D'oro - you name it. I don't generally care much for brewed coffee, but the drip from the Senseo is probably the best I have tasted from a standard drip coffee maker. The coffee isn't the best part about the Senseo though - the cleanup is!"
Via: Gadget Madness
Link: Philips Senseo
Panels and tiles made from recycled paper
Developed by architect, Eric Rosen, and furniture maker, Joel Stearns, Terraboard is a product made from recycled papers bonded together with glues and hardeners to form durable tiles and panels for a variety of applications. Three basic product lines provide a rand of color and texture options. Custom panels can be made to incorporate graphics, special papers, etc.
Link: Terraboard
Australian landscape architecture firm headed by Richard Weller and Vladimir Sitta
An impressive portfolio of bold landscape designs, theoretical writings, and sketches. Their website is a bit cumbersome and layered, but well worth the effort.
Whilst Room 4.1.3's central expertise is landscape architecture it specifically encourages and supports interdisciplinary and diverse modes of production and discourse. Room 4.1.3 is concerned with translating ecological and poetic readings of places into urbane, innovative, built forms which are intellectually labyrinthine. Therefore, the work is both monstrous and joyous, both popular and personal.
Firm: Room 4.1.3.
Simple and heavy. Is this the perfect glass?
We noticed a trend on some of the other design blogs this morning in that several of them were featuring glassware. For the past few years, we've been using highballs from the Balance barware collection featured at Pottery Barn (yes, Pottery Barn) and we love them. Thick, heavy, sturdy, simple. Pour yourself two glasses of your favorite beverage -- one for each hand -- and you'll get quite a workout curling these 18 oz. behemoths. I wouldn't drink my, uh, non-fat milk any other way.
"Artisans in Poland give these handblown glasses heavy bases and smoothly flared sides that make them a pleasure to hold. Before each glass cools and hardens, the blower uses scissors to cut and shape the rim. Each is oversized to hold plenty of your favorite libation. Made from soda lime glass that's as clear as water."
Link: Pottery Barn
Revisiting a 1972 Classic
Now here is a Gehry chair we can love.
"Frank O. Gehry is one of today's most important architects. Gehry likes to use unusual materials for his architecture and furniture and with the furniture series "Easy Edges" from 1972 he succeeded in lending such everyday material as cardboard a new aesthetic dimension. Although they appear unbelievably simple "Easy Edges" are constructed with the architect's care as well as being very robust and stable. Four models from the series - Side Chair, Wiggle Side Chair, Dining Table and Low Table Set - are now being produced by Vitra."
Designer: Frank Gehry bio at Vitra
Link: Vitra
Lighted Wall Panels
Perfect for groovin' in your space age bachelor pad. The Space Panel is constructed of white fiberglass and features a fixture in the middle. Mount them on the ceiling next to your mirrors. They can also be ordered in custom colors. Groovy, baby.
Designer: Superieur
Link: InMod.com
Link: Spazia
Daly Genik's new building for Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA
Speaking of roof gardens (we always end up with some kind of theme running through our posts) the newly opened building at the Art Center College of Design South Campus features a planted roofscape designed by Nancy Goslee Power. We made a visit a couple weeks ago and took some pictures... should've charged the battery... but oh well...
The first major exhibition to be held in The Wind Tunnel is happening right now: a region-wide exhibition of all the artists graduating the MFA programs at Art Center, CalArts, Claremont Graduate University, Otis, UCI, UCLA, UCSD and USC.
Also see the article in Metropolis about Art Center's long range campus plans... which, we are relieved to know... include work by Frank Gehry. Too bad he doesn't build much.
Architect: Daly Genik
Landscape Architect: Nancy Goslee Power & Associates
Link: Article in Metropolis
Show: Supersonic Jun 12 - Aug 21, 2004
Rooftops, Balconies, and Terraces
Latest book from landscape architect Signe Nielson. From the publisher:
"Great design ideas are combined with practical tips on transforming an outdoor living space into a personal oasis. Lavishly illustrated with hundreds of examples, this book provides a stunning portfolio of hidden treasures and is packed with innovative and useful suggestions. You will be able to make informed choices for everything from style to plant selection.
The book guides you through steps toward composing a sky garden, beginning with key principles of design. Discover endless possibilities for creating a special place, whether a shady nook for relaxation or a dramatic vista for alfresco dining. Bring your airy retreat to life by choosing from eye-catching plant combinations and furniture arrangements. Add the finishing touch with lighting, outdoor sculpture and ornaments, and fountains and other water effects that make a garden uniquely your own.
This is an invaluable resource for everyone planning to renovate or build a rooftop, terrace, or balcony garden. With expert advice and images from a leading landscape architect, you will be inspired to express your personality by adapting the ideas to suit your taste, needs, and budget."
Link: Schiffer Books
Link: Amazon
A stainless steel alternative.
Outdoor showers are the hip thing to have in your yard this summer. Earlier, we featured a shower from Target and one from Restoration hardware. The Target shower, we found out, was made from nyatoh wood, which just isn't quite up to par with the teak found on the Restoration Hardware shower. However, if wood just isn't your thing, we've found a stainless steel model at -- where else? -- DWR:
"The slender Coro Shower has an easy-to-assemble, freestanding design that hooks up to any standard garden hose for convenient beach and poolside rinsing. Attached to a heavy metal base plate (diameter of 17"), it is completely stable and scaled for users of every height. The shower’s all-stainless steel construction is resistant to corrosion, and will provide years of consistent use. Because of its compact and unobtrusive form, the design is a practical addition to even the most manicured of outdoor environments. Made in Italy."
Link: CORO
Designer: Danny Venlet
Link: DWR
Reference: Outdoor Shower, Part I
Reference: Outdoor Shower, Part II
This innovative project is the only one of its kind in the world.
"The Australian Garden will open in 2005. Designed by Landscape Architects, Taylor Cullity Lethlean with Paul Thompson, it will feature the remarkable Sand Garden, an expansive and open garden reminiscent of sparsely vegetated landscapes and the Rockpool Waterway which explores the role of water in shaping the landscapes of Australia, and particularly the beauty of water moving over a predominantly flat land. Also featured will be Display Gardens and the Dry River Walk, where visitors can encounter the beginnings of water flow in our landscape."
Link: The Australian Garden
Firm: Taylor Cullity Lethlean
Engineered wood panel product with excellent thermal and mechanical performance levels.
Parklex panels are manufactured from 100% natural wood fibres and treated with durable resins to create a high performance wood surface product. Different grades and treatments are availble for various applications; exterior cladding, floors, interior wall panels, countertops, etc. The panels are also available in a wide range of colors and finishes.
Link: Parklex
US Distributor: Finland Color Plywood Corporation
Visit this Usonian house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1939
"The Pope-Leighey House is a "Usonian" house which represented Wright's vision of affordable, well-designed housing in a democratic America. The low cost was attempted, in part, by the conventional means of reduction in size, and the use of four basic materials-- wood, brick, concrete, and glass. The reverse board-and-batten "sandwich" walls were an attempt to simplify construction by fabricating the exterior and interior walls as a complete unit. Wright designed the floor plan on a 2' x 4' grid which saved on costly on-site estimation."
Visit: Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House
Minimalist birch ply table and stool
Birch ply tables and stools by designer Corin Mellor."Birch plywood furniture designed by Corin Mellor and made in England for David Mellor Design. These beautiful minimalist stools and tables are versatile and mobile, enhancing almost any architectural environment."
Designer: Corin Mellor
Link: David Mellor Design
Art Deco Sidetable
A beautiful wood sidetable found on the website of Australian custom furniture designer Anton Gerner. Unfortunately, other than the dimensions of the table (480 X 480 X 400 mm) there isn't any detailed info on this table with regards to wood, construction, etc. This is, in our opinion, the standout piece from his Art Deco collection.
Link: Zebrano Sidetable
Designer: Anton Gerner
Designers of landscapes and interior plantscapes
Bay Area designers Davis Dalbok and Tim O'Shea collaborate on landscape designs for gardens and interiors with "a fusion of unique Pacific Rim-styled sensibilities." While we don't necessarily have a problem with the rustic Asian touches used in a sort of interior-design-mode of display, that is not the aspect of Living Green that appeals to us. Rather it is the arrangement, juxtaposition and layering of textures, and colors of their plant material choices that we admire.
Living Green
Beautiful chair from Massachusets-based Szado
Isn't birch ply wonderful? We've used birch ply for lots of things that we've built: shelves, coffee tables, platform beds, the list goes on. The designers over at Szado are also hip to the wonders of birch ply and have used it to create the Spyder chair."The Spyder chair is for people who want to exercise their freedom of expression at home or the office. This curvaceous chair exudes confidence and fun. The smooth planes of wood are angled just right for a very enjoyable sit. And it tends to make people giggle."
The Spyder is available in a maple, cherry, or walnut finish.
Link: SZADO
Via: Sensory Impact
Midcentury designs reissued by Dunbar Furniture
"In 1931, destiny brought Edward J Wormley, a young twenty three year old furniture designer with a fresh new perspective, to the doors of DUNBAR. A gifted designer and student of furniture history, Wormley inspired a global perspective and was instrumental in the introduction of world-class design philosophies into the American interior landscape. With a passion for quality and an eye for detail, Wormley found a perfect partner for his talent in DUNBAR, and remained with the company as Design Director for over three decades."
Now the designs of Edward J. Wormley are available for the first time in over 50 years.
Dubar Furniture
Artist. Dog.
"Tillamook Cheddar is a Jack Russell Terrier from Brooklyn, New York. She is widely regarded as the world’s preeminent canine artist. In her native New York City she has already had six solo exhibitions. Tillie is five years old.
In April 2002 Tillie worked with 25 humans in an incredible feat of interspecial collaboration: the COLLAROBATIONS exhibition, presented at The National Arts Club.
Last year the artist reached another milestone, the first inclusion of her work in a museum exhibition—PETROPOLIS at the New-York
Historical Society."
Artist: Tillamook Cheddar
Via: Artbox Project
Sensuous lighting from Fred Bould for Pablo
"Introducing Aura, a sensuous new lighting addition to the Pablo Collection by designer Fred Bould. The Aura's glowing shade appears to float freely, tethered by its gently coiled cordset tht exits out of a side portal. Aura is injection molded in clear tinted acrylic for optimal clarity and durability."
Designer: Fred Bould
Link: Pablo
Link: Nambé
