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Fashion in Colors / Dec 9 - Mar 26 at the National Design Museum in NY. This exhibit explores the forces of color in the most personal of all design: fashion. The event shows 300 years of Western fashion including costume. I think I need to take a trip to NY just to see this exhibit!
Fun with vectors! Love these limited edition prints by Chris Ferebee of 521. His current work ranges from fiber collages created with unusual industrial textiles commonly found in aerospace technology to digitally generated paintings to limited edition digital prints.
We have looked at what is gone and what is new for modern design in 2005.
Now we will look ahead. After all, modern is innovative, forward thinking and constantly changing.
Here are some currents in the mix for 2006:
Sustainable Modern Design. Being conscious of the environment should always be 'in'...but there is a definite move towards Green Design.
Modern Outdoor : using only FSC, ITTO or IBAMA certified wood.
Iannone : Sanderson : Creating a modern coffee table out of Kerei board, an environmentally friendly material made from the reclaimed stalks of the sorghum plant.
Is it light, is it art, is it furniture? Is it all of the above? Modern lighting designers are making pieces that serve as furniture and art. When the light is off, it looks nice and is functional. When the light is on, it serves as an entirely different piece.
Gus* Modern Lightbox : Serves as a stool, table or lighting piece.
Pablo : Serves as a modern bench, table or lighting piece. Configure several to make an interesting setting for a commercial space.
Customization. Who doesn't want things tailored to them? With modern technology and communication, that is easier to accomplish.
Nurseryworks : The Aerial Crib includes an adjustable side rail, an adjustable mattress height, several decorative slat and end selections, a two drawer optional underneath, and an easy conversion to a toddler daybed.
MoxBox : Select any two Pantone colors or Benjamin Moore paint colors to create your own custom Boopop Coffee Table
DNA 11 : Art Created from your own DNA. A non-invasive kit is sent to you and within 4 weeks, a piece of art is delivered that reflects your DNA. Split screens are available for couples.
Well, that is it for now. 2006 I am sure will be exciting, unexpected and maaahvolous. We can't wait. I hope all of our readers have a healthy, happy New Year and all the new designers have an inspiring, successful journey in 2006.
So we started with which modern furniture designers disappeared in 2005.
Now let's see who was brand new in 2005! That is more exciting! I am sure that I will leave some people out, since there are so many new talented modern designers out there.
Here are some that made quite an impact:
Launching in 2005, Stephanie Waddell is an up and comer with her textile designs. Beautifully patterned modern pillows and lampshades. She is already working on the Spring Collection, which I am sure will be just as spectacular.
Speaking of wonderful new textile designers, Nicole Chiala and Kristina de Corpo launched with new bedding that is as cool as their names. They followed up with some equally stunning modern pillows and stretched wall art.
On the modern furniture front, Jacob Marks launched some beautiful new lines of furniture. He is a master craftsman using only the finest materials. His designs are unique and stunning.
On the more affordable modern furniture front, Brock Brandenberg launched a new line of office/home office furniture that is affordable, good looking and requires no hardware for assembly.
Joe Futschick launched some fabulous new modern lighting that has a very warm and natural feel.
Jeremy Pyles has these magnificent hand-blown glass designs that are very innovative and inspiring. This is modern lighting at its best.
Sorry to all of those that I missed. There are so many wonderful new designers out there, it is hard to capture them all in a brief blog. This list could go on forever.
Looking forward to 2006!
Whew! I don't know about you, but I am tired! The Holiday Season is fun, but it is a lot to take in. I was visiting my sister in Southern California. She has 3 kids ages 1.5, 3 and 4.5. They go absolutely wacky over Christmas and then can crash hard!
This strange week before New Years. Digesting everything that has happened not only this past week, but also the entire year and what is to come in the upcoming year.
This week, I will provide some highlights and lowlights of 2005 as well as some predictions for 2006.
Goodbye Pure Design! Pure Design, based out of Canada, was a favorite of ours. They manufactured furniture and accessories from various designers around the world. We especially loved their modern bar stools and benches.
FYI...OFFI purchased at least a portion of the Pure Design line and has begun to manufacture certain pieces:
Goodbye MAX SF! James Do and MAX SF had some unique designs that had a popular contemporary Asian feel.
MAX SF Folsom Bed
James Do Bench
The Folsom bed was very popular and many of their pieces were found in modern boutique hotels and The W Hotel.
Pure Design and MAX SF suffered from manufacturing issues which caused their demise. We will miss you and hope your designs resurface elsewhere.
Next up...who was new in 2005 and what is to come in 2006.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone that reads the 2Modern Design Talk Blog. Thank you for reading.
We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a healthy and prosperous 2006!
DNA11 creates unique DNA portraits through an extraordinary combination of science and art. The process begins with the DNA being collected using an easy to use, non-invasive DNA collection kit. The result is an amazing and personal peice of art! The double print is great for a unique wedding gift.
Love these pillows from Agnes & Hoss. Heavyweight soft silk on front panel and a faux suede back panel.
I found it! I found my car!!! SANTA I HAVE BEEN GOOD THIS YEAR!
Except that one time. Okay, a few times...I have been bad. But bad can also be good sometimes right? Call me and we'll talk.
Please give me this car and I will be however you want me to be!
Link here for bigger pictures: http://www.marcelwanders.com/
Marcel is an awesome designer by the way. While you are there check out some of his modern designs (lighting, seating, bathroom).
First impressions can be everything.
If you have an awesome modern kitchen (like Xander will soon have;) and billions of dollars worth of beautiful modern furniture and accessories, why hide it behind a plain old door.
Your entryway should state how cool you are right off the bat.
No problem if you have a Neoporte entry system.
Stainless Steel Door
Neoporte Door (image found at www.uncrate.com)
Now if I only had $5k for a door.
Please beware that these are my comments alone, not necessarily those of the rest of the contributors to this Modern Design Blog.
There are no shortage of blogs out there, especially ones that say: Oh I love this and I have to have this and so on...but let's face it people, not everything is great. Some of it can be downright...er...not good.
I give everyone in modern design an A+ for effort. You have to push the envelope. It just doesn't always work.
That said, here is my not-so-likey list before the holidays:
Armani/Casa > not everything, but some of it just sticks out as just plain bad. The fact that the site stinks and has this really cheesy loop in the back doesn't help the experience.
Sorry to do this to you...it is hard to watch. A new armchair called Rachmaninoff.
These are supposed to go together somehow? Put those 2 things together and you have an Ugly Sandwich, hold the mayo.
As always, I look for the bright side. Some of their beds are nice and same with some outdoor furniture.
Want an interesting little break in your day. Go through the Peter Stanick Experience! It takes a few minutes and it is a very interesting adventure into the mind of an artist.
Peter Stanick specializes in digital paintings, manipulated in Photoshop.
Are we there yet?!? Due to my indecision and continued suggestions, the search continues:
So far, the contenders are:
Arclinea
bulthaup
MAISTRI La Cucina
Boffi
Poliform
The latest suggestion is a another strong candidate: Poggenpohl
Poggenpohl may or may not ring a bell. They have been around forever (110 years ago) and was the first German kitchen brand. They are located in 60 countries around the world. Poggenpohl is serious luxury and very high-end, so they are a name that is not for everyone.
All of these designs are by the renowned Jorge Pensi in the Le Corbusier school of cubism.
Plusmodo : very bold and functional
Segmento : I am really leaning towards the lighter wood accents with steel.
Okay, I am getting final feedback, going to showrooms and talking to friends. I may narrow it down to 2 or 3 or just pull the trigger.
Thanks for your help (especially Robbie as always :).
Went on a date the other night with a comic book nerd. He was actually pretty cute. I mean he had a SERIOUS passion for comic books and in a way, there are a lot of very interesting correlations between society and comic book themes, similar to modern art.
Starting Nov 20th, through March 12th, there is and exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art (grand ave. location) showing the MASTERS OF AMERICAN COMICS.
There are 900 original drawings, progressive proofs, vintage-printed Sunday pages, and comic books by Winsor McCay ("Little Nemo"), Lyonel Feininger, George Herriman ("Krazy Kat"), E.C. Segar, Frank King, Chester Gould ("Dick Tracy"), Milton Caniff, Charles Schulz, Will Eisner, Jack Kirby, Harvey Kurtzman, R. Crumb, Gary Panter, Chris Ware, and Art Spiegelman.
Despair (1970) Comic Book cover. R. Crumb
Oh...and another bonus to comic books: Supposedly they are a very good investment. Just find a good place to store them, away from weather, water and other household hazards. They rarely lose money and some appreciate substantially.
Back to some more candidates for my modern kitchen redesign.
So far, the contenders are:
Arclinea
bulthaup
MAISTRI La Cucina
Boffi
Today we will take a look at another wonderful kitchen designer: Poliform
Poliform should be no stranger to those in the Modern Design world. They are innovators and world-dominators in terms of production and distribution. There is always room for those, since they have the budget to really pour money into various design diciplins. In 1996, Varenna became a part of the Poliform Company, bringing the technical knowledge and experience for the kitchen.
Time : Wood and Steel + simplicity...you know I like that!
Planet : more of the same, different layout 
Alea : Unique and innovative, not sure if there is enough space for all my shnizzle.
Eventually we have to pull the trigger here...but there are some other great considerations that I will evaluate soon. Thanks EVAN for your ValCucine suggestion. Love it...
The Kirei Mod Coffee Table by Iannone Sanderson is a graphic coffee table featuring Kirei board, an environmentally friendly material made from the reclaimed stalks of the sorghum plant. Normally an agricultural waste product, the discarded stalks are bonded into a sheet glued with formaldehyde-free adhesives. The result is a beautiful textured material that looks like plant cells.
Customize this bold graphic table from Moxbox with your favorite Benjamin Moore or Pantone colors. The color combinations are unlimited! Moxbox will build the table for you with your exact color specifications.
Moxbox Moxipop Table
A well organized home or small office space will help to start off your new year. There are so many products out there now to help with organization that are catered to the home or small office. Sleek, functional and environmentally friendly designs have been created to work with you, your computer and your paper work. Ergonomically correct chairs and desks also help with health and productivity. Start off 2006 with a new work space with these organization tips:
Take a look at your space
Take a good look at the area that your office is in. Do you like being in this room or location? Is it bright? Some people my use an extra small space or an unused bedroom for their office space. But, you spend a lot of time in this area, it needs to be an area that you like to be. Position your workspace so that you can look out a window or into an interesting view. It is good for your eyes to look up from your work every 15 minutes or so and focus on something in the distance. Make sure there is ample natural light in your space as well.
Primary & secondary surfaces
Don't use an old door or an old desk for your work surface. There are so many new functional and reasonably priced work surfaces available now that will help you work and your space look neat and organized. Work surfaces now have holes for cables, shelves, backboards to hide your computer wires and multiple work surfaces. You will have a primary work surface that will hold your computer and keyboard, then a secondary work surface to the side that will have your secondary tools, papers, and files. An L shaped work surface is good for this. Simply rotate your chair 45 degrees and you are viewing your other items.
Legare Office Systems allow for multiple work surfaces.
Organize for use not storage
Organize your work station putting the things that you use within easy reach. This area is not for storage. You can use a closet or a cupboard for storage. Keep your area as sparse as possible by only keeping the things you consistently use readily available. Give each of these items their own space, and make sure you keep them there. If you find that you do not keep an item in its place, it needs to find a more accessible spot so that it is easier for you to put back.
Versatility is key
Purchase containers and storage that is versatile. Your work habits and needs may change over time. You may use a stacking crate this month, but next month you may wish that your crate would roll up next to you. Changing around your work area once in a while is a great idea, it not only lets your area grow with your work, but you will further organize your space as you change it around.
Lighting
If you can work in an area that has natural lighting, that is the best option. Regardless, every work station needs a surface light. One that is adjustable is best. 
Pablo Kaleidoscope Table Lamp
Your Phone
Put your phone in a location in your work station that your right (or left) hand can easily reach for it and pick it up. Get a headset if you will be working and talking at the same time. This will save your neck from the tendency to want to pinch the phone between your ear and your shoulder.
Shelving
Bookcases are great to house reference materials and items that need to be easily grabbed. Bookcases with adjustable shelving heights are great for fitting in tall and odd sized items. 
Blu Dot D2 Storage & Shelving
Rolling Storage
Rolling bins are the greatest to keep all your office supplies hidden and organized. Push it away while not needed, roll it up when immersed in a project. 
B-Line Boby Trolley
Seating & Ergonomics
A comfortable seat that fits your body correctly will make all the difference in the world. You may sit in this area for hours on end, so make sure your seat is ergonomic, supportive and comfortable. Learn about Ergonomics and how you should sit correctly in your space. 
Humanscale Monitor Arms and Keyboard Systems
A well organized home or small office area can make a difference in your productivity, comfort & health.
Legare Furniture is a reasonably priced, extremely sturdy, and flexible home or small office furniture solution. And the best part, it takes minutes to put together. No hardware at all. Have your home or small office up organized in no time. Customize an office with desks, bridges, extensions, shelves and other accessories to fit your work. All easily snap together.
I continue to get requests regarding resources for redecorating kitchens.
What you don't like my babbling about which modern kitchen designs I am waffling over? Not to worry, I don't take it personal.
Another resource I found helpful was the Kitchen Planning Guide from Smartrooms.
Smartrooms is one of the largest Kitchen and Bath Showrooms in the country and is the #1 dealer of Wood-Mode products in the country. The Wood-Mode line consists of the Brookhaven and Wood-Mode families of products.
The Kitchen Planning Guide has all of the basics you need to get started with your project:
Kitchen Planning Guide
Home Improvement Process
Remodeling Hints and Tips
Measuring for your new Kitchen
Kitchen Measurements
Visit the How To section of 2Modern Design Talk, to get more resources and tips for redecorating your kitchen.
Browsing for a new flat panel TV and I came across a very interesting modern entertainment center made by BDI.
Avion 8527 : Up to 60" Flat Panel TV or Rear Projection TV. Comes in Espresso and Natural Cherry. It has enough depth and height to handle all of your home theater units + cord management and ventilation.
Avion 8528 : Different dimensions, but equally as interesting. Fits a 43" Flat Panel TV.
Taking a little side-road here on my public Modern Kitchen search.
This time, towards the eco-friendly zone. Our friends at Treehugger wouldn't have it any other way.
I definitely love wood accents. There are some contemporary kitchen layouts that are completely wood, and can pull it off. Not exactly what I am looking for, but I thought I should post a few here. If there are other suggestions, please post a comment or let me know.
Berkeley Mills has some nice contemporary kitchen designs. They are well built and functional. The Madera Kitchen is made of sustainably harvested cherry, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Madera : Also available in other sustainable materials such as bamboo.
The Wabisabi is is another nice option.
A friend of mine pointed me to a new exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego Downtown:
WRITERZBLOK ON THE WALL
It is almost ending! It is from Sept 1 through December 11.
I have always had a fascination for this very public, modern art. Some of it is amazing. The fact that most of this urban art is done with simple spray paint, on sides of trucks, buildings, etc. and typically in adverse conditions (dark, rushed and random surface), it adds to my appreciation. I love looking at this artistic expression when going through certain parts of cities.
WriterzBlok is a non-profit collective of artists that offers the youth of southeast San Diego skills in visual arts and opportunities to learn more about aerosol painting through a series of educational programs.
Okay, I'm back.
For all previous Modern Kitchen topics, please visit the Kitchen section.
The finalists so far are:
MAISTRI
bulthaup
Archlinea
Another strong contender is introduced today: Boffi
Xila : Very clean and spacious
wk6 : frosted glass and wood accents becoming a theme here
There are some other nice ones on the Boffi site, but not as good of fits for my needs.
The search for the ultimate modern kitchen continues...
Not Neutral has come out with a new line of dinnerware and barware. The Ribbon pattern is holiday festive but can be used at any time of year. Brand New: Red Ribbon Cooler Glass Set, Red Ribbon DOF Glass Set, Red Ribbon Espress Set, Ribbon Martini Set, Ribbon Serving Platter, Ribbon Small Plate.
I just helped my cousin decorate the bedroom in her new apartment. She had little budget and a craving for a modern look. We found her some great modern furniture at little cost.
Thomas Paul West Palm Tee Pee Pillow $40
Just wandering aimlessly, I suppose, but I found something I liked and something that I didn't.
To be fair, all innovative modern design is good. There is nothing wrong with experimenting and failing...better than staying stagnant or repetitive.
But sometimes that innovation creates great things, sometimes ordinary and other times downright ugly.
In my humble opinion:
Ligne Roset Togo.
First of all...LOVE the orange. That might be why this goes from B to A. I am in love with things that are orange right now. The Togo is very inviting. I want to lounge there with my cat. A big bean bag that still looks good. Sofa, loveseat, corner seat fireside chair and ottoman available.
Kohler Hat Box Toilet
Sorry...I am not loving this. Kohler is doing a big ad push on this and frankly it looks like a garbage can. And function...look at the primary, er, area. Sorry, my aim is not that good!
Kohler Vessels Turnings Lavatory
So I felt guilty by pointing out the poopcan, so I found something I did like (and there is a lot, don't get me wrong, Kohler has quite a few nice items). The basin comes in whites, neutrals, greens, blues, greys and custom.
Covered so far:
Modern Kitchen Basics
Modern Kitchen Design Planning
Arclinea
bulthaup
Where to now Xander? Well, you know we are going to stay modern. We aren't switching gears. Here is a very impressive line with a wide range of options. I will only show a few (my faves).
Ker...I think by now, you know I likes the wood accents.
Atenea Pale Oak and innovative storage with frosted glass.
Parapan Mix it up with the cobalt blue, red and cream. Like the colors, but I am not a RED guy. Maybe switch it out with another color?
Logica Like buttah!
Maistri...another solid candidate for my modern kitchen redesign.
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