Hot Design

It's getting colder out, and that means it's time to utilize the fireplace. Whether or not you own one or would like to make one, below are a couple designs from AK47 as well as a DIY project from Karen Bertelson, my new favorite blogger.

I've been wanting to build a firepit for my deck, and Karen Bertelson's DIY Firepit is perfect: Modern as well as inexpensive. (How I love inexpensive DIY projects) Materials include any metal planter, wire mesh, glass frames, marine silicone, gel fuel, and cheap rocks which you can get for around $2.

 

AK47 also has a smart, modern way of storing your fireplace necessities. The flexible furniture molds to it's contents, and can store anything from firewood, to newspapers.

 
 

The Sheer Kitchen...

With a futuristic design, the Sheer Kitchen by Gatto Kitchens is surely a conversation starter. 

 
The upper half of the sphere of the Sheer Kitchen automatically rises and attaches to the ceiling, where it provides lighting and ventilation. The lower half contains a circulator work top, a double sink, four burners (including a lava stone burner), three bottle coolers, a pullout table, two electric outlets for small appliances, and storage space for rolling trolleys. However, a freestanding wall unit contains the refrigerator, an oven, cabinets and four folding chairs. The best part of it all, the kitchen is made of partially lightweight and durable carbon fiber so that you can take the kitchen with you when you move. Enjoy !!!

Modern Marvel

All was a flutter yesterday afternoon and into the night at the New York Design Center’s What’s New, What’s Next, a virtual, in-the-flesh celebratory open house with programs by editors from top design and shelter publications, dealers, curators, authors and designers about every imaginable topic. Yours truly was present for the New Curators Event where bloggers were situated in showrooms on the 4^th floor, and invited to yap, post, + tweet away about products, findings and news from the day’s events.

                 Frank Lloyd Wright Chair commissioned for Drexel family from 1955 

I am convinced that my gig was the swellest, perched in the extraordinary Weinberg Modern, a newly opened showroom of incredible vintage modern findings, furniture, accessories, books and outsider art. So many incredible things, and by names rarely seen: Tony Paul, David Cressey, Alvin Lustig, Maurice Martine, Josef Frank, and atypical pieces from familiar names: Frank Lloyd Wright, Marcel Breuer, Brandt, Ponti, Nelson, Vignelli, and myriad others. I could barely contain my excitement.

                Sirrah AM-AS Series Table lamp from the 1970's found in Italy 

Owner/founder Larry Weinberg, is a font of information. It was fascinating listening to stories of his hunt process, venturing to estate sales, antique shows, yard sales at 3 AM no less in pursuit of illusive finds. His first piece: a Noguci table for $24 in Delaware. His collection of Robert Lustig paintings and 20^th art by unnamed artists is simply superb. Plus, he is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly and dogs are welcomed too.

               Herman Miller Sculpture 

Please, if you find yourself afoot and near East 33^rd Street, I strongly encourage a visit. Or, if you must, please go online to www.weinbergmodern.com. 

Weinberg Modern 

New York Design Center

200 Lexington Avenue, Suite 420

New York, NY

Monday – Friday, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm

646.291.2059

 

 

"Good Design"

 

German Industrial designer, Dieter Rams’ ten principles to “good design”-

Good design is innovative.
Good design makes a product useful.
Good design is aesthetic.
Good design makes a product understandable.
Good design is unobtrusive.
Good design is honest.
Good design is long-lasting.
Good design is thorough down to the last detail.
Good design is environmentally friendly.
Good design is as little design as possible.

Having worked as head of design at Braun for 30 years and also designing furniture for Vitsoe, his approach to "good design" continues today and has influenced many, including Apple.

Less and More, a retrospective of Rams' work was carried at The Design Museum in London 2007-2010.

~via dwell 

New from 2Modern: Leucos, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Heller, Fatboy, Shine Labs, and more

Introducing the new Metallic Soul Bag from Fatboy! This fashionable bag has the same familiar feel as the origanl Soulbag, but this shiny variant gives a different shine to the soul.

 

Oeuf has added walnut options to their popular Sparrow Collection which include their Dresser, Crib, and Conversion kit.

 

Everyone loves Blu Dot's line of versatile Strut Tables, but now we can love them in a new color... Slate! Available for all sizes of the Strut Table, Strut Coffee Table, Strut Console Table, and Strut Square Coffee Table.

Introducing Shine Labs on 2Modern. Shine Labs offers a meticulously curated collection of contemporary lighting and accessories that will captivate audience with their unique designs. Between lighting, vases, and votives, you'll find something from their collection that you will love.

 

Heller has released their Left Twist Cube in multiple gorgeous colors. Each Color Cube is made of one piece roto molded polymer and is perfect for indoors or outdoors.

 

Petunia Pickle Bottom has released 2 new items and several new colors to their existing items for the fall of 2010. The Sashay Satchel moves effortlessly from satchel to backpack, and from diaper bag to handbag, defining modern style. Hello, little black dress? Meet the Sashay Satchel. The Wistful Weekender is the day and night bag that expands and contracts as if by magic. Have Weekender, will travel. Both of these new bags are lightweight and earth-friendly, made from certified organic cotton. They each have internal pockets and a removeable, wipe-able changing pad.

 

We are happy to introduce Leucos on 2Modern. Leucos has progressed alongside the evolution of design, exploring new techniques of glass manufacturing and developing “light” through constant engineering innovations. With its artistic philosophy focused on the value of design, the company’s offerings continue to mature, emphasized by collaborations with renowned international designers.

New on 2Modern: Knoll Kids, EVRT, FLOS, Bholu, and more

Brand new to 2Modern, Knoll Kids is a collection of spirited, modern furniture scaled for a younger generation. With the largest amount of fabrics and colors offered yet on 2Modern, we are proud to be one of the few online retailers to offer the full line of Knoll Kids products. The Child's Barcelona Chair was created in 1929 and features a pure compositional structure that now epitomizes modern architecture. The Womb Chair is GreenGuard certified and was designed by Finnish designer Eero Saarinen in 1948. The collection of Suzanne Lounge Seating is a versatile line that can be used as modular seating.

 

Introducing EVRT Studio on 2Modern! Developed by designer Brian Everett, EVRT Studio offers a collection of modern art prints, available on archival quality canvas and complete with frame. The artwork ranges from and combines elements of painting, drawing, photography and graphic design. Brian Everett has carefully selected three designs exclusive for 2Modern art enthusiasts: Atlas Oats, Birch Trees, and McGee - available only on 2Modern.com!

 

2Modern is happy to introduce new modern lighting from Flos. With a mix of floor, ceiling, hanging and table lamps, we've added a wide variety. Starting with the Tab Table and Floor lamps, these items have a simple modern feel to them. We've also added the KTribe Floor and Wall lamps, the Smithfield Ceiling and Pendent, and the Chasen S2 Pendent. All these lamps have wonderful designs and will fit most contemporary styles. Last but not least, the Nebula Pendent. This is a very unique pendent that has that wow factor.

 

Fatboy celebrates the summer feel with a new peaceful and loving parasol. Overgrown with a sunny and iconic Scandinavian flower print by Marimekko, the Fatboy Flowerpowersol represents the ultimate summer feeling.

 

bObles' popular Tumbling Animals are now available in cute obstacle course sets. The Small Obstacle Course is a 5 piece set featuring Fish, Crocodile, and Chicken. The Large Obstacle Course is an 8 piece set featuing Fish, Elephant, Crocodile, and Chicken.

 

2Modern is pleased to introduce Bholu - our newest vendor, featuring bold and free designs. All Bholu Rugs, Pillows, and Throws are handmade by traditional artisans from rural and urban communities in India, following Fair Trade standards. The Bholu collection of wallpaper is a collaboration with Porter's Paints, one of Australia's leading paint brands. All of Bholu's products can be mixed and matched with one another - there are no rules, so be brave and embrace Bholu's bold, free style.

 

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...

Lugging With Color

Paul Smith Wash bag and Courier Bag @Rapha

It sometimes seems like carrying our things around with us feels like being owned. If you're going to carry your things around with you, as most of us have to, why do it in black nylon with a sense of military precision when you can add some color and quality to the sorrowful act of carrying and being owned. Paul Smith/Rapha allows you to do exactly this. From a small wash bag for your toiletries all the way to a larger courier bag for your computer or books a patchwork of colorful cycling jerseys or cyclists passing a Paul Smith striped Mini Cooper can be displayed on your carrying gear with a sense of style that says way more about who you are and how you approach life than black nylon, is anyone really black nylon?? These bags are well made in heavy canvas with monsterous zippers and hand stitched leather so that you can be stylish for quite a few years to come. Break the mold.

Iconic Washing-up Bowl

 

It´s an entirely new way to clean your dishes. The shape of the Washing-up Bowl changes according to what you put in it.

  www.normann-copenhagen.com

Book Harp

Book Harp Shelf by Swiss Designer Hanspeter Steiger.  Ingenious and attractive design solution to house books.

~via architonic - photos by Rainer Schaer