DIY Pet Bed :: Hindsvik

I love the idea behind this über simple pet bed created by the good folks behind Hindsvik, a shop specializing in vintage goods.  Shop owners Daniel and Valeria set out to create a cozy nook for their cat, Lambi, while still maintaining the aesthetic of their modern, Scandinavian-inspired home.  Using plywood, they built a simple cube, re-enforced it with hidden brackets, and then constructed a soft flannel cushion to go inside.

The real reason this bed works so well is the fact that it blends seamlessly with their plywood floors.  You might not be able to achieve such a unified look in your own home, but this is definitely a great jumping off point.  Imagine covering the exterior with a colorful carpet tile - instant scratching post!  Or wallpaper.. or staining it to match your floor.. The possibilities are endless!

Check out Daniel and Valeria's post for a how-to guide and more photos.

Meanwhile, what do you think?  Would something like this work in your home?  How would you customize it?  Share in the comments!

color dynamics

The color has been discussed by artists, scientists, philosophers and color theorists for the last 2500 years. The study of color is a complex field with a variety of systems that utilize aesthetics, art, physics, psychology, physiology,and symbolism.

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Newton once observed that white light can be produced through the mixing of light of specific wavelengths. Later, Goethe opposed Newton's approach, claiming that science and mathematics had no role to play in the theory of color. However, Newton's theory was based on the “additive mixture” rather than “subtractive mixture” of pigments and paint and it was as valid as Goethe's observations on complementary colors, after images, and the more subjective aspects of color harmonies.

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There are many other great names that have contributed to the definition and classification of color harmonies, systems and methods. I enjoy reading all of them, regardless of whether I agree with them or not. But when it comes to the practical concerns, I am most interested in the methodology for achieving pleasing color harmony. With the accumulation of methodologies and knowledge, it has become clear that each set of the color palette must be selected to design a pleasing appearance and also to achieve a strong overall impact.

One of the first steps to determine a set of color selection is to consider the lightness, chroma and hue in conjunction with the rhythm, proportion, and scale; the quantity, intensity and weight of each color could potentially create a different impact on the design work. The interaction and the relativity of color provide a great deal of possibilities; there is no right and wrong way to use color but there are many ways to achieve great results.  

 

Too Many Balls In The Air?

Sometimes you feel like you have too many balls in the air?  Not for Ratcliffe Fowler.  They are just enough as we can see from his Nike Ball Man in play. Each strand hangs in suspense from the ceiling, forming the shape of an athlete at play.  A total of  5,500 skill balls weighing a total of 4.75 tons.  One out of place might bring it out of balance.

 

Balancing the balls in this kinetic sculpture at BMW’s Museum, Munich, is exquisite. Simply, beautiful.  There is nothing simple about how it fluidly performs.   Art+Com created the 714 metal orbs which drop out of the ceiling, dance around much like synchronized swimmers do performing their water ballet.  The orbs eventually create the outline of a car, yes a BMW, then glide onto a mirrored floor.  Enough said.  Please watch the performance and enjoy the music while waiting.

Have an infinitely modern day!

Concrete Wall

Talk about transforming a space.  Try using these realistic wallpapers from Concretewall, developed by Moment Kommunikasjon.

See more here.

So cool.

2Modern Design Brief

Nature Inspired trends and visual delights from the design world....

Tree bark, Tree stumps, Tree cross-sections...whatever your name for this trend it's big and getting bigger! This tree inspired rug was spotted on BLTD.

A trend that crosses all mediums of design...spotted - Bark inspired footwear! Found on Design Scene.

For that modern cabin in the woods! Found on Dezeen. 

Bark-art by artist Parvez Taj. Modern motifs blended with organic textures have created a unique and urban decor accessory. 

Visual Journaling @Pikaland, A Sneak Peek

Pika Artist Bootcamp 3: Create Your Own Story and Character Developmet

"Often one on the largest obstacles to overcome when creating a story or plot or new work of art is the need to pre-think the story rather than letting it have an organic origin. Sometimes this puts the brakes on it completely! Nothing happens because you put too much pressure on the work looking completely as you see it in your minds eye, you intimidate yourself with your left brain way of thinking! It's as if you're seeing Mt. Everest as a 29,000 ft tall mountain instead of a series of single steps that happen in an instant and organically. A mountain is intimidating, the steps aren't! First graders don't have this mountain view, children very rarely experience the un-doable (unless an adult instills it in them!). Children attempt things, they learn, they fall down and stand up. For this first weeks assignment we will silence the fearful adult and invite the adventurous child! Discovering new ways of operating and finding out what might be hidden within your left brain adult self!

-Excerpt from Week 1, Assignment 1 Breaking Barriers of Pika Artist Bootcamp 3: Create Your Own Story and Character Development Through your moleskine we'll unravel and discover your own unique voice! From the grocery store to the cafe to your desk and a friends hand, you'll tote your journal with you wherever you go,gathering source materials, inspirations, new ideas-- pasting, cutting, spilling, inking, stamping, photographing, creating along the way!!

What personality will your moleskine take on?

What stories will you have to share?!

What exciting new characters will you create?? > Don't be afraid, take the plunge and discover something new about yourself this Fall through Visual Journaling!

Limited space still available! Enroll in our Visual Journaling Course by Sunday Sept 5th! Also check out our second Installment of Making Your Mark The first installment completely sold out and was a total blast! From looking at art in person to targeting your specific likes, fears and inspirations, we'll journey as a class through your art and help find and polish your creative voice! Now how's that for an awesome Fall semester! :D Treat yourself, learn, grow, and most importantly jump start your creative fire!

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

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Acapulco Chair

Oficina Kreativa is a creative work group within the field of art, architecture, and design. Jacob Fasting and Kirsten Krogh founded the office in 2008. It is located in Mexico City and Copenhagen. Oficina Kreativa is engaged in the design and production of furniture and in theoretical and artistic practice. It is based on an exchange of ideas between Scandinavia and Mexico – a cultural import & export.  

And here a collection of them in my favorite space in Copenhagen - CPH Square showroom.

Oficina Kreativa is introducing the new Acapulco Mini for the kids. Just as cool - only smaller. 

www.oficinakreativa.com

Modern Homes

These modern homes from Sarasota Studio for Modern Architecture exemplify the spectacular beauty and simplicity of the well designed and built modern home.

BRADEN RIVER HOUSE

BRADEN RIVER HOUSE

   
SCHROCK=SOLSTICE HOUSE

SCHROCK-SOLSTICE HOUSE

Studio for Modern Architecture