2Modern Design Brief

Reclaimed re-uses - modern, clever and refreshed....

duh? right?? It's so logical, simple and modern. image courtesy of mod remod. 

  

Earlier this summer, Dwell mag featured this incredibly cool and curiously tree-house like home. Ever since then, I have been dreaming about the Jakarta domicile and how to re-incarnate the reclaimed sliding doors. I am dying to 're-use' this idea!

Reclaimed Chesnut = rebirth into musical magic. Image found on Salvoweb. A unique site for reclaimed treasures and inspirations.

Is this what I think it is? Modern Chicken coop -- airstream inspired. Found on Jetson Green.

Modern Kids/Baby Gear

This weekend was one of my best-friend's baby shower.  

The time is coming where many friends are married; this is the fourth baby of the year.  All these showers have forced me to learn about all cacophony of baby gear that parents seemingly need. 

I am on a never-ending search for GREAT baby products.  They most certainly exist and really are show-stoppers!  I am always looking for products that I can feel excited about finding, giving, and using.  

Below are two products that I find unique, modern, and a worthy read. 

SuperWagon | Zen by Kaiku Design 

Every seat is a window seat...

Designed and engineered in California to get you and your little ones outside!Provides maximum comfort and ergonomics for riders and driver.18mos +

   

Pebble Mattress by Nook Sleep Systems

Nook presents the world's most considered infant mattress. From a unique air layer that fosters oxygen flow inside the mattress, to the superior softness of all-natural eucalyptus fibers, to the unique pebbled surface that promotes air circulation, every detail is examined for maximum breathability, non-toxicity and smart design in the crib.

 
 
 
 
  

  

Evergreen Solar

Here is an awesome info-animations by Legwork Studio for Evergreen Solar. Super clean, simple and very effective. I think the transitions are amazing - but they are so well done that you need to go back for a second look to see how seamlessly they merged the graphics throughout the animation.

Evergreen Solar - More Electricity from LEGWORK

via

Ice, Ice Baby!

Summer is coming to a close and the temperatures are soaring. To keep cool, or at least brace ourselves for the colder days ahead - enjoy the following photos of nature's ice sculptures. The wind, water flow and temperature changes carve the ice into strange and wonderous shapes.

Just think about how cold it must be...

Below: Andy Goldsworthy

Above: Nele Azevedo, 1000 ice sculptures at Gendamenmarkt public square in Berlin, highlighting climate change in the Arctic region.

It's hot, get naked.

Spencer Tunick, an artist who is famous for working with hundreds of nude bodies in his photographs since the mid-90's is in the midst of several current projects including tackling each state in the US.

above: "Mexico City 1 (Zócalo, MUCA/UNAM Campus)", 2007

His work has spawned an unofficial website/blog too -  his "installations", as he refers to them, are EPIC. They require thousands of participants getting naked and arranged in groups. So understandably, he's get a huge fan base of supporters.

above: at the Bruges Theatre; below: The artist, Spencer Tunick

  

Check out his website for more images - he is constantly repositioning naked people in large groups. Instead of this being strange and disturbing for the common person - it is more like looking at a landscape and then only realizing that it is made of people. There is a Soylent Green joke in there somewhere...

Above: On pink rafts in a Miami pool!; below: Tunick talks about his work and past installations.

Stay cool!

A Parisienne in Brooklyn by Carol VanderKloot

Ok, this year's New York International Gift Fair at Javits Center was so dominated by vintage-inspired, knotty pined, whip stitched, whimsical objet made in China, I needed a break. Plus, many exhibitors showed copious copies of works by Gio Ponti, Alexander Girard, David Hicks, with NO mention or credit given. It's a shame really, with Etsy, the rage and craft making officially embraced by hipsters, why isn't macrame going mainstream? Too bad, as charming, cheerful, hand sewn by a Parisiane in Brooklyn is indeed an option. Sylvie-Pillows lavender sachets are all that and a whiff of lovely. You can gift Electric Birds, opting for functional, delicious smelling eye candy or selfishly incorporate in your travels to keep packables smelling sweet or refresh a room in need of a boost. Besides bringing something lovely, your host will marvel at your choice as products are sold ONLY at small boutiques or through the designer. No re-gifting here, I guarantee it. For pillows, table linens, tapestries and lavender sachets, visit: www.sylvie-pillows.com

Lens Quencher

Saw this over at BTLD and had to share. How many of our photog-nerds have been missing this in their lives?! 

 

My only complaint is that it's not a Nikon lens.

Learn more and buy it here.

Mall Transformation

Santa Monica Place, the mall originally designed in the 1980’s by Frank Gehry while still at Gruen & Associates, has been through a major transformation.  It’s once closed spaces are now an open air plaza merging the existing outdoor 3rd Street Promenade to offer an addition shopping experience.  Maximizing sunshine, airflow and taking advantage of the deck top ocean views from variety of (9,000 sq ft) top floor dining experiences.  Omniplan, in association with LA-based Jerde Partnership, rebuilt the structure with more durable materials, including lithocrete floors, terracotta cladding, and swooping glass escalator canopies, modern chairs, benches and finishings.  Their target environmentally green and LEED certified.    Upscale shops within a casual beach environment and urban experience make it perfect for the Southern California lifestyle. 

Bring your hat, your sunglasses, and oh yes, your wallet.

Have an infinitely modern day!

 

New from 2Modern!

Say hello to urbancase, the newest vendor on 2Modern. This Seattle based company creates objects that contribute to a simpler, pared back lifestyle focusing on basic aesthetic elements...

An old one but a good one

Pashley Cycles

Light weight, faster, carbon fiber are all good things in their proper place. If you aren't putting in the long miles in preparation for the Spring Classics or the Tour de France and are genuinely in love with all things bicycle you might consider taking a look at Pashley Cycles of England. Anything that closes in on its 100th anniversary while maintaining a large fan base deserves some close inspection. As we all know most things, even some of the good ones, are fleeting. In 1926 Pashley Cycles was conceived and in 16 short years it will reach its 100th anniversary while still producing models that closely resemble, if not duplicate, their originals. The Sovereigns (seen above) are available like Henry Ford's Model T in your favorite color as long as it's black with chain guards, fenders, and enough racks to carry your belongings like a gypsy. The Pashley's are built with incredible durability and comfortable cruising in mind, with Brooks leather saddles that in time completely mimic your body contours (for comfort), and built to stand the test of time like the bike it's moutned on. Whether you are a collector or a city bound dreamer in need of non-motorized mobility the Pashley's desrve a closer look.

Images provided by EcoVelo and Salim Virji