design + visuals

D3 2012: New Talent p4

2012-01-31T23:32:00.006-05:00

Here's the last post about the d3 competition at this year's Imm Cologne fair. I hope you all enjoyed the work and don't hesitate to contact the designers if you are interested in knowing more!

The design duo Eric and Johnny are originally from Taiwan but currently they are studying in Berlin. They showed two pieces of work at the fair: J Family Stool and Type Y chair. Both pieces manipulate the process of molded wood to create the unique designs.

Hanging Light is a series of pendant lights by the Canadian designer Lukas Peet. The electrical cords wraps around the center of the design separating the form into two parts, one that can shine on the floor and one positioned towards the ceiling.

Room Moments C3 by Franziska Wernicke of deatilF uses an exclusive tufting technique to create a subtle gradient pattern in the fibers. Because of the way the pattern in designed, this normally two-dimensional object now has a feeling of more depth.

I really want this Living Structure by David Hanauer in my apartment! David questions our relationships to objects in space by presenting this sculptural structure with no real directions on how to use it. This freedom allows the user to position and live with the furniture as they see fit.

Appropriately named 'Bambi' by Caroline Olsson is a piece of furniture that can transform from a coffee table to a small dining table by folding out the legs.

And here's some shameless advertising of my sofa Jam that showed at the d3 Competition. While inserting objects into the sofa, Jam creates a physical connection between man and furniture. In the brief moment of sticking items into the depth of the sofa, one feels a suggestion of intimacy while the warmth of the fabric offers assurance in keeping one’s items safe. You can check my other work here

D3 2012: New Talent p3

2012-01-30T23:40:00.004-05:00

French designer, Raphaëlle Bonamy, mixes visual collage with objects in her design for Gousset, a six tiered drawer system. In order to open the drawers the user must pull the bicycle chain which contradicts our perception of a greasy chain. You can watch the video of the drawers in action here

Lamp is a light source that plays with the notion of physical contact from the user. Sebastian Goldschmidtböing placed the light source in a copper bowl with a rod coming from the center that is meant to tempt the users to touch it. With a soft touch the light will turn on dimly and with a stronger hold the light will grow in strength.

Loveless - school chair by Martin Hirth takes unwanted chairs from the dump and refurbishes them with different upholstery techniques. The upholstery is woven, strapped or attached with tension to the frame, making it easy to take on and off.

I've already posted his back in October, but I was happy to meet and show with Florian Schmid and his concrete stools. To read more about them check out my old post here

Light within Light by the duo Ryan Harc is a poetic look at capturing a moment in time when layers of light shone through a sliding door. I rather enjoy this celebration of using light as a material to create a landscape of light.

Aside by the Paris-based Laurene Barjhoux toys with the idea of interior and exterior spaces. By changing the angle of the blinds, one can control not only the amount of privacy but also completely alter the atmosphere.

I'm always a sucker for work that highlights manufacturing techniques, or in this case something that many see as a production "fault." Pinch by the Finnish designer Arttu Kuisma is a shelving system that uses crimped steel tubes and slots in the shelves to create the entire construction.

D3 2012: New Talent p2

2012-01-28T18:33:00.004-05:00

Kelkheim by Philipp Kliem and Patrick König takes your traditional industrial metal shelves and softens them up by using a construction made entirely from wood veneer.

Aylin Kayser's Schrank11 plays with different senses of scale with 11 cupboards nestled inside each other. The cupboards are able to be taken out and arranged however it fits your space.

Julien Renault created this outdoor furniture collection by using manufactured planks and logs made of recycled plastic. The design takes cues from basic wood construction while the low profiles bring the user closer to the ground and nature.

Apollo by International won third place in this year's competition. This modular system of lights allows the user to create different experiences by layering the perforated shades into different combinations.

Pause by the German designer Andreas Mikutta celebrates a slower pace in life by creating a space for people to rest in tranquility.

Martin Solem wanted to create a barstool that was of high design and affordable for everyone. With his collection named Daddy Longlegs, the simple shapes and clean lines can be replicated in many materials ranging from inexpensive plastics to perhaps marble.

Listen to Your Hands by Lee Sanghyeok won second place this year and is really something you need to see in person. The idea of this table is about communicating with an inanimate object through the sense of touch. Using air pressure, one can open and close the drawers while inevitably affecting the other drawers to move. You can watch the video here

D3 2012: New Talent p1

2012-01-26T23:30:00.003-05:00

Some of you may or may not know, but the past week I was showing my sofa Jam at the Imm Cologne Furniture Fair in the D3 Contest. It was such a great opportunity to meet like minded people who are full of passion and drive for their work. I'll be putting together the next three posts covering the other young designers and what they showed. enjoy!

Miya Kondo is a Canadian designer who studied and currently lives in the Netherlands. Her Composition Light is a family of objects that are able to create different atmospheres of light depending on how they are composed.

Tim Mackerodt is a German designer from Kassel who showed his pendant lamp FALT.leuchte and the fair. This lamp uses a unique fiber-reinforced concrete that is actually folded to make the form.

This is Tick by Jakob Schenk of Schenkworks. Jakob, a German-based designer, uses a bent metal structure to create legs for any table-like surface. (I can't wait to buy a set of these)

This is the winning design of the competition, the Gravity Stool by Jolan van der Wiel of Amsterdam. By using a magnetic material and manipulating magnetic fields, Jolan created a machine that grows it's own products. You should check out the video here

I've been following Formafantasma for little over a year now and it was exciting to walk into the booth and see this bulbous, low chair called Domestica. Based on rural crafts and its archetypes, the chair is more of a recollection of the container farmers used to wear on their backs to carry the harvest.

Magnus Pettersen is a Norwegian designer who currently works and lives in London. With his lamp Tint, Magus decides to contradict the cold, hard materials of glass and concrete by creating a warm soft light.

The Frame Chair by the Berlin-based designer Stephanie Jasny is made to pay homage to the classical Thonet chair. In order to bring this curvy coffee-shop chair into the modern day, Stephanie uses a square cross section and tinted wood to create a crisp and refreshing update to the classic chair.

Nathan Yong: Masters Line in Space

2012-01-06T00:38:00.003-05:00

Nathan Yong is becoming known for his airy, crisp designs that look like he actually got a marker and drew in space.

Rochus Jacob: Rethinking the Radiator

2012-01-04T00:55:00.004-05:00

It was around last year this time that I was working on a radiator project myself, but unfortunately I never had the time to finish it.. All that might change after getting inspired by this approach to Rethinking the Radiator by Rochus Jacob. In this project, along with his other work, his quiet approach to form leaves room for conceptual thought.

Holly Berry: Morse-Code blankets

2012-01-03T00:36:00.004-05:00

There's so many wonderful design objects out there, but the ones that catch my eye are the objects that have something unexpected. For example, look at these cozy blankets by Holly Berry. Yes, the quality is great and the vibrant colorways make you smile. But if you study it closely, the pattern spells "love" in Morse code :)

Interior: Rustic Wood in Florence

2011-12-30T00:38:00.003-05:00

Check out this great home in Florence! I like the mod orange pop colors mixed with the rustic wood construction. It's always interesting to see how someone separates the work and play in their house, I mean look at that dining table, it looks like a conference table!

Dana Barnes: In Knots

2011-12-29T00:55:00.002-05:00

I love this material and texture study done by Dana Barnes using the different techniques of felting, twisting, knotting, tying, netting, and looping.

Kaufmann Merchantile: "Products that will outlast you"

2011-12-14T00:44:00.005-05:00

Is it too late to do the 12 days of christmas? Well here's a wishlist of objects I want from the German-founded company Kaufmann Merchantile whose product exemplify quality and craft.

Postalco Pressed Cotton Calendar:

Market & Fruit Picking Bag:

Tube Wringer:

Wooden Snowshoes (Beavertail):

By they way, their blog is amazing.

Pottinger+Cole: Purpose and Materials

2011-12-13T00:47:00.002-05:00

Quiet, purposeful lines mixed with playing with materials makes the work of Pottinger+Cole so great.

Andreas Engesvik: Corky

2011-12-05T00:55:00.002-05:00

I love the mix of materials and shapes in Andreas Engesvik's Corky carafe and glass set for Muuto.

Ninetonine: Nona Cotbed

2011-11-30T00:18:00.004-05:00

Way back in 2008 I featured Ninetonine's children's furniture in a blog post. Since then this post has been one with a lot of activity and views, so it's no surprise that Ninetonine reached out and asked me to share with you readers a chance to enter their give away for a chance to receive some great graphic bed sheets from their Sal De Coco line.

To participate, you just have to do the following steps in the next 24hours:
1) Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter
2) Sign up for their Newsletter
3) Send them a confirmation email to concursos@ninetonine.es

On December 2, they will send an email with the name of the lucky ones.
Good luck to all!!

Now here's a look at some of their new kids furniture that's still so cute.

Jamie McLellan: Lumber

2011-11-29T00:23:00.000-05:00

Jamie McLellan's Lumber collection for Fletcher Systems uses knuckle joints that are commonly found in log cabins. There is something visually pleasing when people design with simple wood joints.

Dombon-a-tanya: Box Couture

2011-11-28T18:45:00.014-05:00

Budapest based Dombon-a-tanya creates wonderfully crafted bags using a few of my favorite materials, leather and wood.

Uplift and Inspire

2011-11-27T18:45:00.000-05:00

Heading back to Brooklyn from a short Thanksgiving trip home, I need some of this imagery to lift my spirits.

JamesPlumb: Hostem

2011-11-26T11:30:00.023-05:00

When I visit London remind me to stop by Hostem, a shop designed by JamesPlumb. From an antique church pew to hessian panels, the whole shop is tied together with handcrafted details.

Daniel Becker: Victor

2011-11-25T22:00:00.000-05:00

I love your details, Victor by Daniel Becker

Scholten & Baijings: Textiles for HAY

2011-11-15T00:57:00.000-05:00

I've written earlier about Scholten & Baijings' beautiful rugs and scarves, but now their latest textiles for HAY is really something to swoon over... Christmas gift anyone?!

Joon&Jung: Cloud Stool

2011-11-11T23:18:00.001-05:00

Joon&Jung is a design studio based in Eindhoven that combines influence of dutch design with a naive and playful Korean aesthetic. Something peaceful to start the weekend..

Teruhiro Yanagihara: Collection of Works

2011-11-10T21:28:00.000-05:00

Teruhiro Yanagihara's work is the perfect example of artistic simplicity meets architectural form. It's so great, enjoy!

Cordula Kehrer: Bow Bins

2011-11-09T01:07:00.002-05:00

Bow Bins started as a one-off series of baskets by Cordula Kehrer who had the idea of mending old broken plastic bins with weed, rattan, and wicker.

These gorgeously hand-crafted bins were picked up by Areaware and are now being made with a philippine fair-trade organization.

For sale at Areaware:

Studio JuJu: Fresh Perspective

2011-11-08T00:06:00.000-05:00

Studio JuJu Gives us a fresh perspective with these clean and simple housewares and electronic design.

Veronika Wildgruber: Soft Wood, Wardrope, Oasi

2011-11-06T23:03:00.000-05:00

The German designer Veronika Wildgruber creates simply unique designs that play with materials and make you think, "why didn't I think of that?"

Soft Wood

Wardrope

Oasi

Mark Borthwick: Interior Inspiration

2011-11-05T11:33:00.000-04:00

I love my small apartment because I am surrounded by everything I love and things that inspire me. I tend to gravitate towards spaces that are light-filled and vibrant while being filled artfully with collections of objects. Mark Bothwick's home in Brooklyn is filled with Japanese ceramic pots, plants, and musical instruments.. basically it's to the T what I think is a perfect home.

Xiral Segard: Playtime

2011-11-04T21:29:00.000-04:00

This just makes me want a yard so I have place to put them.
Playtime concrete slabs by Xiral Segard.

Seo Sung-Hyeop: Mountain

2011-11-03T01:35:00.000-04:00

These volcano inspired candles by Seo Sung-Hyeop make me smile.

Kiki van Eijk & Joost van Bleiswijk: Workshop

2011-11-02T01:03:00.001-04:00

Kiki van Eijk and Joost van Bleiswijk join forces to design Workshop, a sofa with interchangeable cushions whose textile graphics were inspired by the objects laying around their shop. I applaud Kiki and Joost for two things here.. first being working with your couple on a project is never easy and second the combination of such dense graphics with a simple uplifting frame is just enchanting.

Hans Tan Studio: Spotted Nyonya Porcelain

2011-10-20T22:52:00.000-04:00

Such a beautiful color, texture, and technique by Hans Tan Studio.

Norm Architects

2011-10-17T23:15:00.000-04:00

There was a time in school when I was convinced I only wanted to design furniture. I soon realized that what I liked about furniture (the fact that you live with these items for a long time, an everyday intimate connection with the object..) I could also find in many different aspects of design. I constantly look for studios to aspire to and I must say, Copenhagen based Norm Architects, delivers the perfect balance in thought, style, and projects.

Maxim Velčovský: Local Collection

2011-10-15T23:06:00.000-04:00

Raw and unfinished, Local Collection by Maxim Velčovský for Mint uses parts of London's plumbing network to make these perfectly unembellished vessels.

Inspiration: Casa Talia

2011-10-14T00:16:00.000-04:00

Casa Talia is a B&B in Italy based on slow living that was created and run by architecture couple Viviana Haddad and Marco Giutina.

I want to live here.

Mark Braun: Ton

2011-10-12T23:56:00.001-04:00

I love these simple stools by Berlin-based designer Mark Braun.

Benjamin Hubert: Coracle & Cargo

2011-10-10T21:52:00.000-04:00

Benjamin Hubert created Coracle & Cargo for De La Espada. Both project use artisan craftsmen to create each piece of furniture, rendering them unique with their hand-stitch details and mortise and tenon joinery.

Coracle chair references the small woven boats used in the bronze age. The same tri-weave pattern is used on this chair to create a supporting structure which is enhanced by the detailing of the perforated leather.

Cargo is an occasional chair that is composed of an ash frame and four leather panels that connect using mechanical fixings. The hand-stitching calls to attention the craftsman that created the object.

Every new project I see done by Benjamin Hubert is greater than the last. I am excited to see what the next few years will make of him!

Florian Schmid: Stitching Concrete

2011-10-09T10:22:00.015-04:00

Florian Schmid's project Stitching Concrete plays with a double layer fabric that hold cement between the two layers. The forms are draped around a wooden mold and stitched into shape. They then dry and have the stability of concrete yet the appearance of soft fabric.

Swedish Forest Huts

2011-10-08T22:05:00.000-04:00

Here's a little something to aid your relaxing weekend:

I hope to one day soon spend a while in these magical forest hut getaways found in Sweden.

Kolarbyn:
These traditional grass-covered forest huts are located by the shore of lake Skärsjön. No electricty, only candles–and there’s a floating sauna on the lake.

Urnator:
From creative husband-and-wife team behind the furniture design company and sprawling nature lodge, these primitive buildings are completely handmade. When there, you live like the name–which means “ancient nature”–suggests: building fires, picking mushrooms in the forest, chopping firewood. Even the fences are made from spruce and juniper.

TreeHotel:
This growing collection of seven treehouses has been frenetically circling the internet since it opened earlier this year. Designed by Swedish architects and designers, they’re all uniquely innovative: the bird’s nest is almost entirely covered with branches, and the mirrorcube reflects the trees from the forest in its mirrored surface.

Sophie Cheung: A Product of Geometry

2011-10-05T23:48:00.000-04:00

The recent RCA graduate, Sophie Cheung, displays work with a meaningful attention to detail in the show "A Product of Geometry."

Max Lamb and Studio Glithero: Studioware

2011-10-05T00:49:00.000-04:00

During this past London Design Week, Studio Glithero and Max Lamb have joined forces to show at Gallery Fumi in a show called Studioware.

Inspired by traditional skills found in architectural plaster work, Studio Glithero makes elliptical plaster mirror frames coated in a matte polyester.

Max Lamb presents a series of utilitarian furniture made of standard dowel rods. The form is inspired by traditional English furniture with a taste of the light modernism. Max wanted the forms to be understood and simple enough that artisans outside of his studio could produce the furniture.

Børge Mogensen: Classic Danish Furniture

2011-10-04T00:31:00.000-04:00

If you don't know the name Børge Mogensen, then perhaps you may know his work. Børge, along with Arne Jacobsen and Hans Wegner, pioneered the world of Danish modern design. Below are a few of my favorite works of his, please comment if you have any more you'd like to share!

FDB Chair

Spoke-back Sofa

Spoke-back Chair (I love this color combo)

Hunting Chair

Stone Designs: No Constraints

2011-10-02T14:42:00.000-04:00

After reading how Eva Prego and Cutu Mazuelos from Stone Designs worked so hard to create their own studio so they never have to "censor" their work, you can look at their designs and see that free-spirit attitude. Whether it is a sleeper sofa called "Pallet" for Goher or a unique shelving system called "Guerilla Containers" for RS Barcelona, you can see how their work embodies the idea of no-constraints.

Guerilla Containers

Pallet for Goher

Elisa Strozyk: Colored Wooden Rug

2011-09-30T19:50:00.005-04:00

You may remember Elisa Strozyk back when I showed her wooden textiles. Here she is again, this time with some added color. With the color and the visual texture, these wooden rugs are mesmerizing!

Thorsten Franck: Reduced to the Max

2011-09-29T23:49:00.000-04:00

Thorsten Franck calls his work "reduced to the max--minimum energy structures." It's common in design to "over design." I believe here is an excellent body of work that shows when you simplify, you end up with graphic and classic results.

Out of Balance in Plywood

DIY Holtzklotz

Sicht Kasten (I want this so bad)

Elium Studio: Express Side Table

2011-09-28T23:37:00.000-04:00

I love the pop color and simple line weights of these side tables by Paris-based Elium Studio.

La Clinica: Design and Artisan

2011-09-27T00:39:00.001-04:00

La Clinica was formed in 2010 by Italian designer Ciszak Dalmas when he wanted to bring together designers and local artisans. La Clinica joins from all over the world (Milan, Turin, Sao Paulo) the fresh ideas of the designers with the traditional crafts of the local artisans to produce a nicely balanced body of work.

Clinton Friedman: Fauna

2011-09-26T10:00:00.002-04:00

Here's some nature inspiration for your back-to-work Monday. Clinton Friedman's graphic nature-based photographs are now on cushions, available exclusively at Weylandts.

Mājo: Latvian Design

2011-09-25T20:05:00.013-04:00

Mājo are two designers from Latvia that look at their Latvian folk tradition for inspiration while combining it with contemporary customs. I think the traditional folk feeling in their work gives it a hearty beauty.

Sholten & Baijings: Rugs and Scarves

2011-09-25T12:54:00.002-04:00

Talk about a dynamic duo! Sholten & Baijings, an Amsterdam based design couple, mix crisp minimal lines with a sensitive fine art touch. Just look at these images that contrast hard and soft, whimsical and static, while showing their designs for scarves and rugs for Hay.

Ferm Living: Cutting Boards

2011-09-13T00:09:00.000-04:00

Someone buy me these cutting boards from Ferm Living! Love love love

Kenya Bike Taxis

2011-09-12T00:13:00.000-04:00

These Kenya bike taxis are so colorful, eclectic, and truly inspiring!

SILNT: Adapter

2011-09-09T00:32:00.002-04:00

How resourceful is this? Adapter by the Singapore-based design studio, SILNT (pronounced 'silent'), uses your coffee mug with an wooden tool to organize your pencils. Not too shabby for a firm that works in mainly 2D..

Daniel Martinez & Jérémy Murier: Cross Seating

2011-09-07T00:10:00.001-04:00

This truly lifts my rainy-day spirits! I love seeing student work from ECAL and this project by Daniel Martinez and Jérémy Murier is no exemption.

Cross Seating is a project in collaboration with Kopenhagen Fur.

Ciguë: Aesop

2011-09-05T23:52:00.000-04:00

I wish I was in Paris right now to check out this Aesop store in Le Marais district. Paris-based studio, Ciguë, displays each bottle beautifully by reusing 427 steel caps that are commonly used in the Paris plumbing system.

Maurizio Zucchi: Personal home interior

2011-08-31T23:38:00.000-04:00

I want to live here.

Nendo: Data Clip

2011-08-30T23:59:00.000-04:00

Simple and useful. This Data Clip by Nendo reminds me of my Note design.

Big Game: Bote

2011-08-29T22:58:00.001-04:00

I want to take a long bath surrounded by these boats. Bote by Big Game is a project that explores cork with plastic, a part of a collection of 22 objects in cork by 10 designers for the Portuguese company Materia.

the boats have interchangeable parts

sailboat

yacht

cruise liner

Sule Koc: Halo

2011-08-22T23:31:00.000-04:00

In the same spirit of the last post's minimalism, here is Sule Koc's Halo Sofa.

Decha Archjananun: Weight Vases

2011-08-21T21:20:00.000-04:00

What an excellent study in visual weight by ECAL student Decha Archjananun. The vase has two main parts, the top to hold the flowers up and the weight to keep it all down. Here Decha elegantly explores the bare minimum in what makes a vase.

Nendo: Bell-orgel

2011-08-16T23:24:00.000-04:00

I've always been a fan of Nendo, their work is so whimsical. Inside these three wooden bells you can find mechanisms from children's music boxes.

The hand bell stops playing music when set down.

This bell needs to be wound up in order to play.

Ariane Prin: From Here For Here

2011-08-16T00:31:00.001-04:00

Ariane Prin does more with less by "closing the loop" in her cradle to cradle design. These pencils are made from waste material found around the Royal College of Art.

By using clay from the ceramics department and liquid graphite from the glass department she was able to make the lead. For the body she mixed sawdust with flour. She designed a tool that extrudes the two part simultaneously creating the pencils.

Yi-Cong Lu: Living Tools

2011-08-09T00:56:00.001-04:00

Yi-Cong Lu's Living Tools is a collection of furniture that is able to be reconfigured to fit each space and person's lifestyle. The collection includes a collapsible lamp, wall-mounted desk that can be twisted and hung as a wardrobe or stand as a room divider, and a set of pivoting curtain rails to quickly change the way a room is split.

Martha Stewart: Dip-Dyed Baskets

2011-08-07T23:18:00.000-04:00

This is the perfect image to wrap up a beach weekend, dip-dyed baskets by Martha Stewart.

Uli Budde: Plant pots

2011-08-02T00:42:00.000-04:00

I remember seeing these in person at DMY a few years ago, should have bought one for my ever-thirsty tomato plant! Uli Budde combines your flower pot with it's saucer, allowing you fill it up with extra water that the plant can take whenever it needs it.

H220430: Balloon Bench

2011-07-27T00:30:00.000-04:00

This bench design is the perfect amount of whimsical for a rainy Tuesday night

How is it made? I don't want to expose h220430's secret (there's no fun in that!)

Formafantasma: Botanica

2011-07-24T23:01:00.001-04:00

Formafantasma, has done it again! Known for showing us materials in a new light, the Eindhoven duo takes a look at the world of polymers pre-oil times. "For Botanica we opted to investigate the possibilities of Rosin, Dammar, Copal (a sub-fossil state of amber), Natural Rubber, Shellac (a polymer extracted from insect excrement that colonizes trees) and Bois Durci (a 19th century material composed of wood dust and animal blood)."

I wish they had also explored more into natural dyes for these!

ABC Carpet: Color Reform

2011-07-20T00:34:00.001-04:00

I have to try and make one of these! Color Reform by ABC Carpet&Home is a collection of vintage rugs that were put through a color neutralizing process (while still maintaining their original design) and then over-dyed.

“The Color Reform Collection by ABC Carpet began as a vision to salvage imperfect, vintage carpets and resulted in a revolutionary movement of color. Inconsistencies are the nature of this product and make each piece unique. A carpet once traditional is now a contemporary work of art.”

Jean Baptiste Fastrez: Tomahawk Hair Dryers

2011-07-15T00:16:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it helps to step back and look at things in a new light. Tomahawk hair dryers by Jean Baptiste Fastrez

PostlerFerguson: Brotzeit

2011-07-14T01:00:00.000-04:00

London based designer PostlerFerguson redesigned your packages airline food. There vision is having locally produced raw food served in pebble-like capsules.

Nadadora Studio: Tab

2011-07-12T13:30:00.003-04:00

Nadadora Studio's Tab collection for Sancal is so simple it's stunning!

Jarrod Lim: Idle Chairs

2011-07-11T21:36:00.000-04:00

Hey, I kind of like these (by Jarrod Lim)

Daniel Hulsbergen: CenterPIECE vases

2011-07-07T23:11:00.001-04:00

What a harmonious combinations of materials! Eindhoven graduate, Daniel Hulsbergen, fixes broken Delft Blue vases with basketry; combining the two traditional Dutch trades.

AMT: Strap Collection

2011-07-07T01:03:00.000-04:00

During NY Design week this year, there were a few designs that really caught my eye. Strap Collection by Alissia Melka Teichroew (AMT) in the McMasterpieces show was one that really stood out! I'm currently working on a woven leather container design, and I'll be sure to use these beauties as inspiration.

Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad: Shelframe

2011-07-06T00:42:00.000-04:00

These shelves by London based designer Bahbak Hashemi-Nezhad are perfect.

BCXSY: Balance

2011-06-30T12:49:00.001-04:00

Eindhoven based designers BCXSY have come out with a line called Balance, which are rugs constructed into any configuration needed to fit a space. Using traditional ground loom techniques, the wool is gathered from desert sheep and is woven into the rugs by Bedouin women.

Handmade House: A Guide to Woodbutcher's Art

2011-06-30T00:49:00.000-04:00

Packed with inspirational images, Handmade Houses takes you back to a slower, more spontaneous time of artisan houses. Enjoy these great interiors!

Benjamin Hubert: Roofer Lamp

2011-06-27T09:00:00.010-04:00

Benjamin Hubert has been coming out with some clean and modern designs this past year, for example his Roofer lamp is playful and full of charm.

Champion Pigeons

2011-06-26T17:06:00.000-04:00

Amidst all these design centered posts, I would like to show you the beauty of some champion pigeons.

Nëest: Wishlist

2011-06-25T13:11:00.000-04:00

Here's a wishlist of things I want at the ever-so-amazing Nëest online store.

beautiful.

Samare: Fléchée Rugs

2011-06-24T16:50:00.004-04:00

The Montreal based studio Samare juxtaposes traditional felting techniques with powerful modern graphics in their collection of rugs. Their twist to the native Quebec 'fléchée' motif was launched this past spring at Milan and can be seen as a source of pattern inspiration in some of their older work.

Aleksandra Gaca: Slumber Pouf

2011-06-23T22:52:00.000-04:00

I came across this today and it made me so happy! Slumber Poufs by the Dutch designer Aleksandra Gaca.

Ett La Benn: Kami Pots

2011-06-21T19:50:00.010-04:00

The Berlin-based duo of Ett La Benn isn't afraid to get their hands dirty when making their hand-molded Kami Pots. These pots are made from 100% biodegradable material. They are first molded into shape by hand and then once dry, they are able to be used.

West Elm: Hive Vases

2011-06-21T00:18:00.000-04:00

It's not typical that I post designs that I can actually afford, but today I was in West Elm and saw these beautiful Hive Vases that I have to put of my wishlist. The vintage color and texture is great, but I absolutely love the areas of worn away glaze.

Nendo: Transparent Table

2011-06-16T01:04:00.000-04:00

I'm usually a believer in truth to materials but Nendo's Transparent Table series caught my eye. Casted acrylic to look like wood is far from honest, but the play in the idea is wonderful.

this black table is suppose to look like wood from far away but when you get closer, only then can you see the transparency and that it is actually made from acrylic

However, the clear-top table is suppose to look like acrylic or glass from far away but when you get closer you can see all the wood details, with even an end grain!

Doshi Levien: Impossible Wood

2011-06-14T00:39:00.000-04:00

Impossible Wood by the London based duo,Doshi Levien, is made of 80% wood fiber and 20% polypropylene. The design of this 'wooden' chair for Moroso couldn't be made any other way than injection molding. I think it's great that the heat from injecting the material causes a reaction of the surface of the mold making the final material appear leather-like.

Timothy Liles: New England to CA

2011-06-12T22:31:00.000-04:00

I've always been a fan of the designer Timothy Liles. His designs have a laid back style that I always associated with him being based in the coastal New England area. Just checking his site today, I saw he has moved to California to be the Creative Director at Hurley. I'm interested in seeing how his work evolves from here!

Crested Comb-back Chair

Sweetser Lamp

his recent clock in the McMasterpieces show

David Chipperfield: Piana

2011-06-08T23:21:00.001-04:00

This simple, iconic folding chair by the London based architect David Chipperfield, is constructed with only two screws and one main pivot point.

Matthew Brandt: Lakes and Reservoirs

2011-06-05T23:26:00.000-04:00

After a little hiatus and vacation, I want to kick off the week and share with you some images that inspire me.

Lakes and Reservoirs is a great series of photographs by Matthew Brandt. First he took the photo and then soaked the print in the water that came from each pictured place. I love the concept, colors, textures, everything!

Another Country

2011-04-26T09:00:00.010-04:00

I would love to have a handcraft based furniture studio where I can make work as beautiful as Another Country:

doesn't this remind you of something!? (my Jam sofa)

their style is spot on what I like!

Martin Azua: Jug & Dolce

2011-04-25T08:00:00.015-04:00

Barcelona based designer Martin Azua has the best philosophy on design, which is reflected in his joyous & carefree work. Not to mention, look at those textures, :D

Jug:

Dolce for Nani Marqiuna:

Tortie Hoare: Leather Furniture

2011-04-24T12:01:00.000-04:00

My obsession with formed leather continues and Tortie Hoare's collection isn't helping! In medieval times people boiled leather to form armor. Tortie takes this dated technique and combines it with modern forms.

I know recently there has been an influx of formed leather furniture recently and there has been some controversy if she has "taken" the process from Simon Hasan.. either way, what a beautiful collection she has made.

Paul Menand: Triplette

2011-04-19T23:43:00.000-04:00

What a great space saving solution by Paul Menand!

CHAISE TRIPLETTE Paul Menand by PaulMenand

The Hansen Family: Remix

2011-04-18T00:06:00.000-04:00

I love the branding and look of The Hansen Family. After traveling and visiting studios around the world, Gesa Hansen--a Bauhaus graduate-- decided to open her own studio making furniture that focuses on craft and using local wood.

Sebastian Shönheit: Clean Lined

2011-04-06T23:51:00.000-04:00

Nice clean lines from Weimar's Sabastian Shönheit.

La Mamba: Minai

2011-04-05T00:03:00.001-04:00

I love the proportions in La Mamaba's outdoor furniture collection called Minai. They say it is a form study of relaxation, and I have to agree with them, I want to lounge in these.

Eva Marguerre + Marcel Besau: MOA baskets

2011-04-03T23:40:00.000-04:00

I love the process Eva Marguerre and Marcel Besau used in making their series of MOA baskets. Elastic yarn is woven over a frame and then drenched in resin. This is pulled over a form, where the yarn hardens and holds its shape. I can wait to play around with this idea!

Chiara Onida: Sound Toolkit

2011-04-01T01:00:00.000-04:00

I love the graphic/creative direction in Chiara Onida's Toolkit for Impact Sounds. Each tool is either a different material, shape, or size to create its own unique noise.

Märta Mattsson: Rebirth

2011-03-16T09:46:00.014-04:00

Märta Mattsson, a Swedish jewelry designer and recent graduate from RCA, finds beauty in things that would normally disgust or repulse people. Her rebirth jewellery deals with the tension that lies between attraction and repulsion.

These bugs have been reborn into objects of astonishment.

Sami Kallio: Sliced

2011-03-14T11:48:00.014-04:00

I love this take on the Windsor Chair by Swedish designer Sami Kallio. Such a smart use of materials and manufacturing..

Kristian Nørhave: Sepii Chair

2011-03-13T00:43:00.000-05:00

I've seen a few multi-legged chairs, but this one by Kristian Nørhave of K to N Studio caught my eye. The movement and proportion of the chair by itself is fluid and full of character. The multi legs aren't just for aesthetics though, they function as a sort of rocking chair, where three legs will always be in contact with the floor at a time.

Elisa Strozyk: Wooden Textiles

2011-03-07T13:26:00.000-05:00

Some of you might remember Elisa Strozyk's amazing wooden carpet in 2009, where the Central Saint Martins' Textile grad glued laser cut wood to a fabric underlay. This year she is showcasing her new work with Sebastian Neeb, Accordion Cabinet as part of her new textile furniture line.

Carpet

Accordion Cabinet

Tina Hellberg: Styling

2011-02-23T23:33:00.005-05:00

I've been getting all worked up while looking for a place of my own recently and these beautifully styled images by Tina Hellberg aren't helping the hype!