2Modern Design Talk - Modern Furniture & Design Blog

Awesome New Furntiure

I'm so excited about 2Modern's newest furntiure, so new in fact, that it's not even up yet. The company is called Magis, and their furniture is so fun and bright, I'm already picking out pieces to buy! Magis has brought back a kind of retro 1950's feel, back when plastics were new and all the rage; and given it a much more efficient and practical function, as well as price. My favorite piece so far, though I'll probably have to rent a second apartment for it (since it wouldn't go with anything I have now), is the Nimrod:



Perhaps if I had an office or studio outside the home I could jazz it up with fun pieces like this. Something I'll probably get right away though, simply because of it's practicality, is the Amleto:



One piece that is almost retro in its look as well as function, is the Air TV Table, since you probably can't set you big flat-screen plasma on it:



Perhaps it can be reinvented as a printer cart. Last but least, just because I like showing off pictures, and this one is so much fun; here's the Boogie Woogie Storage system with the Sussex Bench:

Modern New Orleans

MODERN NEW ORLEANS

2Modern Design Talk is going to take you on a little tour across the United States, looking for the best in modern lifestyle resources by major metropolitan city. We are starting with Seattle and zig-zagging our way to New York. If you have any suggestions for our directory, which we will be constantly improving and adding, please let us know by providing comments to the posts.

Modern New Orleans



New Orleans has always been and remains one of the world's most intriguing cities and special destinations. Even after the disaster Hurricane Katrina brought about, the city is just as vibrant, with more than 800,000 people attending Mardi Gras this year. While some historic sites were able to be saved, the many that were damaged have been restored and renovated to reflect a more modern style, and have helped bring in a modern flair throughout the shops and museums of this historic city.

Modern Furniture:
Nola Furnishings

Herman Miller

Lifestyles Home Furnishing

Scandinavia Furniture

Modern Architects:
John C. Williams Architects LLC

HMS Architects

Lyons & Hudson Architects
Bild Design

Modern Architecture:
The Louisiana Superdome

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Modern Art Museums:
Cole Pratt Gallery

Venusian Gardens Gallery

Still-Zinsel Contemporary Fine Art

Modern Etc.:
The French Market

Mardi Gras

National D-Day Museum

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Here is a link to all the other modern cities: http://2modern.blogs.com/2modern/travel/index.html

Distinctly Modern

If you put me in a group of Modern enthusiasts, I am definitely not the person who stands out as the traditionally "modern" connoisseur or even Modern Extremist for that matter.
I fully appreciate the elegant lines and sculptural arrangements that modern influences have. Surprisingly, I have found myself completely dazzled by the purity of the Le Cob soaking tub made by Omvivo.
If I were designing a bathroom right now, I would order 2 of these. One for me and one for him. This is one thing I don't think I could share...
Inspired by the sensation of the outdoors, the Le Cob tub can create a moment of tranquil bliss and therapeutic consciousness. Imagine soaking in the calm open waters with the sound of a distant waterfall and the warm sun creating a restful and calming place to ease out any of your stresses...

ok if we are dreaming of our special place, then I will also take one of these in the middle of nowhere please...

I have been hanging onto this photo for some time...sometimes I just sit at my desk and daydream about it.

Speaking of dreaming. If you are in the LA area between March 29th and April 22nd. You should stop by the LA Showhouse. Met Home is putting this showcase together with some of the best talent around. This year's house is very modern. Proceeds from tickets benefit Project Angel Food and the UCLA AIDS Institute.

New Pillow Shop @ 2Modern.com

Extra! Extra! 2Modern now has an easy and convenient way to look up and shop for your favorite pillows; the 2Modern Pillow Shop! Shop by Color, Designer, or even Fabric! Or just browse through all the great pillows as usual, it's up to you!

Modern on a Budget

Sure we can all agree that Modern furniture is hip, chic, and all the rave. But it can be, and usually is, pricey. Most of us are on some sort of budget, and therefore can't really delve into and partake of the great modern furniture world, and truly show our appreciation. Though, even when I am not on a budget, I still tend to shop like I am out of habit. If you know where to look, great finds and great prices CAN coexist.

Since I am already furniture shopping, allow me to share some very doable modern outfitting for the home:



Kramfors Leather Sofa, $899 - Ikea



Stollet Table Lamp, $49.99 - Ikea



Pablo Console Table, $249.99 - Target



Pablo Vanity and Mirror, $179.99 - Target



Antique Black Round Pedestal Table, $174.99 - Target



Puzzle Desk, $249 - Crate & Barrel



Genoa Coffee Table, $129.99 - Target

Super Natural Baby

Super Natural Baby is a line of children's lifestyle products from San Francisco. Inspired by the desire to solve some of the issues we face as new parents, the line for infants and toddlers is friendly, fun, and functional, but also grounded in the grown-up mission as artists and designers to make beautiful things that people want to touch and own.

Room Design Inspirations

Anything can be a starting point to inspire interior or exterior space design: A colorful scarf, A special photograph, A beautiful sunset....our senses are inspired by things we come across in everyday life. Read on to see what has inspired me today...

Inspiration:
A photograph I took on a camping trip to Joshua Tree National Park.

Room Ideas:

Iannone Sanderson - Signature 2.0 Console

 
Gus* Modern - Cowhide Rug

Not Neutral - Season Metal Lantern

Blu Dot - Buttercup Chair

Skram - Vidalia Vase

Amenity - Leaf Duvet Cover

Modern Detroit

2Modern Design Talk is going to take you on a little tour across the United States, looking for the best in modern lifestyle resources by major metropolitan city. We are starting with Seattle and zig-zagging our way to New York. If you have any suggestions for our directory, which we will be constantly improving and adding, please let us know by providing comments to the posts.

Modern Detroit

Detroit has had a profound impact on the world – from being the automobile capital of the world to inventing the Motown sound – Detroit has crafted American culture. Today some of the freshest contemporary designs can be seen mixed in with Detroit’s rich history.



Modern Furniture:
Roche-Bobois
Hillside Furniture
Italmoda
Bright Ideas

Modern Architects:
H/F Architecture
Ekocite Architecture
Belvedere Construction
Studio Z Architecture
Redstone Architects

Modern Architecture:
Joe Louis Arena
MGM Grand Detroit Casino
Comerica Park
Belle Isle Botanical Society

Modern Art Museums:
Detroit Institute of Arts
College For Creative Studies Gallery



Modern, Etc.:
North American International Auto Show
The Historical Masonic Temple of Detroit
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
The Detroit Zoo
The Detroit Historical Museum

Here is a link to all the other modern cities: http://2modern.blogs.com/2modern/travel/index.html

Wallter

Put some spunk into your little ones space with wall applications from Wallter - in 3 fabulous new patterns - Fish, Butterfly & Saucers. For easy, no fuss installation these lightweight pieces have a peel-away 3M adhesive backing. The applications can be applied to almost any interior wall or door.

Exuberant and Inspiring Finds

(image by: matterinc.com)
Two cool finds for sure with this entry...
I am always searching for the coolest eco-friendly products out there and I scored when I spotted these two.
First off, a cool LED light for the digits on your home.
Oh, those creatives in California... they are always pushing the eco limit...made by San Francisco based company, Matterinc, these luminaries work by collecting and storing solar energy all day, while you are busy earning the green backs to pay those other bills. In the end, they provide beautifully illuminated, aluminum numbers for you by night.
The aluminum numbers are not only modern and chic but they are anodized as well, to prevent any weathering from all of the elements.
Available in black or silver, any modern dweller will find these outdoor fixtures appropriate for their swanky pad.

My other cool find comes from a well known furniture artist who has decided to dabble in modern home accessories and furniture. Check out Roberta Schilling's new collection for some Brazilian, eco inspiration. Known for her unique, hand painted furniture, Roberta has taken her Brazilian background and pushed the envelope to create a more inspiring and tranquil line of home furnishings. I am particularly drawn to her Arena tables pictured below.

(Areana image by: rscollection.com)

(Tao image by: rscollection.com)

Designer's Eye

Designer's Eye designs include contemporary Scandinavian with clean lines and unique patterns. Products range from blankets and pillows to room dividers and table wear in various combinations of color. With an emphasis on quality and design, the collection is a three-time recipient of the Excellent Swedish Design Award.

Emeco

The Emeco 20-06 Stacking Chair Foster and Partners wanted a simple all-aluminum chair that wouldn't detract from their world-class interiors. Oh, and it had to stack 10 high. And be made of recycled aluminum. And super strong. And fire proof. And light weight. And of course, comfortable. Not so simple. This new chair belongs to the new century. All with lifetime Guarantee. And eco-friendly - made from 80% recycled aluminum. What can be better? View more Emeco products here >

Glass as Jewelery

Last Friday, at the weekly Huntington Beach Farmers Market and Crafts Fair, I ran into Sara Shade, at here booth, selling her handblown pyrex glass art and jewelry. Everything from necklaces to rings, all beautifully made glass designs with glitter and color to match anyone's tastes. Though you cannot buy product from her site, or her myspace page, she does sell at a number of stores and fairs; all of which are listed on her site. Everything is very reasonably priced and made to last, unless of course your unreasonably rough with your jewelry. The best part is the colors and designs do not fade or ware, since they are all glass. Sara is always open to comments and questions on her site, as well as her myspace page.

notNeutral

Fabulous new pieces for spring from notNeutral. The Tetra cabinet series is a favorite - an easy way to add modern flair and storage into small spaces. I'm crazy for the City Plates, they make great gifts - especially for the world traveler.

Modern San Antonio

2Modern Design Talk is going to take you on a little tour across the United States, looking for the best in modern lifestyle resources by major metropolitan city. We are starting with Seattle and zig-zagging our way to New York. If you have any suggestions for our directory, which we will be constantly improving and adding, please let us know by providing comments to the posts.

Modern San Antonio

With its top tourist attractions being the Alamo and other historical buildings from the 1800s, San Antonio is not the type of city you’d think to associate the word “modern” with. But San Antonians of today have clearly proved their stereotype wrong.



Modern Furniture:
Copenhagen Imports
Coleman Furniture
Pottery Barn
Ethan Alan
Alamo City Custom Furniture

Modern Architects:
Michael Graves
Diamante Homes
MSA Architecture and Planning
Vizhnz's Design Group, Inc.
Riverside Drafting and Building Design Services
Dog Team Too

Modern Architecture:
Tower of the Americas
Aztec on the River
Central Library

Modern Art Museums:
San Antonio Museum of Art
McNay Art Museum
San Antonio Art League Museum
Monte Wade Fine Arts Gallery

Modern, Etc.:
Historic Market Square (shopping)
The Alamo
Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Wax Museum
Sea World San Antonio
Six Flags San Antonio

Here is a link to all the other modern cities: http://2modern.blogs.com/2modern/travel/index.html

Design Pursuits

I love to find US based manufacturers who are making a difference in the design community. I recently found LA based, Viesso and I am enamored...
This trio of inspiring entrepreneurs have founded a pretty simple and catchy source for upholstery, and tables alike. By aligning themselves with green suppliers, they have successfully blended fashion and earth friendly choices without sacrificing style. Ready to ship in 3 weeks, you can be on your way to a cosmopolitan fusion for the home sooner than most custom houses these days.

Their interactive site allows you to customize your piece, choosing sizes, colors, fillings and finishes that suit your independent style and aesthetic. Customizing adds a few bills and just a bit more time to your oasis in waiting but worth the wait. You can tell all your friends how totally "DIY" you are now!

Another sensible idea found with this emerging company is their personal touch. Not sure of your talent and need a bit of a nudge in the creative direction? A hundred bucks gets you a personal visit from the specialist. LA based residents can take advantage of this service with a full refund when an order is placed.

These guys will be all over the place in a matter of time. Trust me, in a world filled with imports, emerging domestic suppliers and manufacturers are becoming the minority...I read recently that 'trends are established by trend setters'. never more true...

(all photos by: viesso.com)

Damn Good Design

Two of my favorite designers, Ikea and Apple, have collided in one man's basement. Soyburger is his name and collecting old and vintage Macs is his game. I first found Soyburger's Mac Basement through another great site, Ikea Hacker, and now I can't get enough. As you may have guesses, I'm a bit of a Mac nut, and this man's collection has brought some Macs I didn't even know existed to my attention.

His vast collection of Apple computers is only made even greater by the wonderful way he displays them. As many have pointed out, Ikea looks to be a major factor in his design, but he has definitely sealed the deal and made this display a finished work of art.

Head's Up! Be In the Know...Architectural Digest Home Design Show Is Coming!

The beginning of March signifies the kick off of a really important show for those who are working or actively participating in the design community. New York is host to the Architectural Digest Home Design Show. What I love about this show is that it is open to the public and a guaranteed source for all of your current and upcoming home projects. Whether you are looking to resurrect a tranquil master suite or hoping to create a dynamic outdoor living space before summer hits, the Architectural Digest show provides the stylistic independence you could use right about now.

The show runs March 8-11 at pier 94 in New York. Thursday is dedicated to the trade only so if you are looking to buy, get your walking shoes ready for a fun-filled weekend of walking. The show is open to the public Friday, March 8 through Sunday March 11th, 10:00 am to 6 p.m...

"Autumn Table" by Brad Ascalon Studios

"February Table" by Brad Ascalon Studios

Not only will you get an opportunity to meet modern marvels such as Brad Ascalon from Brad Ascalon Studios (see photos of his work, posted above). His Autumn Table and February Table, which emphasizes organic inspiration, are my favorites... but even choosing just two was hard to do...
I am also really inspired by the reassuringly tranquil lighting and furniture pieces found from Manufacturers / Designers at Desu Design. Look for the Axi Tealight Pendants shown here. These pieces of art exemplify anti-ornamentation and scream sophistication in modern lighting design.

"Axi Tealight Pendants by Desu Design.

Over 300 exhibitors will be showcasing some of the hottest, hippest, trend-setting products so you will not want to miss this opportunity to see product and put your dreams to reality. If you live in the area or are looking for an excuse to weekend in New York, check out the website to purchase your tickets directly. Tickets purchased online are $20 bucks and include a 6 month subscription to the zine. Or miss out on an opportunity to cash in on the freebie subscription and buy your tickets on sight for $25 dollars. Clearly the first option is the way to go!

Context Furniture

Each design begins as an outline for Context Furniture; a profile intended to communicate the essence the object, an ideal graphic icon of “chair” or “stool”. A hardwood stripe is incorporated in every piece, reinforcing the marriage of craft with graphic, industrial with natural, mass production with hand craftsmanship. Integrity of workmanship and planning drives each stage of development and construction of Context Furniture. Each piece of furniture provides an open window onto this process by exposing each layer of development in the final work.

William Earle - W.Earle

William Earle is not a furniture maker. That may come as some surprise, but it's true. Designer? Yes. Sculptor? Certainly. Reading fashion instead of design magazines, he is influenced by the unexpected: Japanese Tea Houses, plastic, Pygmy Textiles, and baseball. His philadelphian roots have given him an East Coast honesty and an innocent sense of romance. William bleeds into everything he makes; and his veneer-work is like no other.

Donna Hay Magazine

By: Holly Becker, decor8

After discovering Donna Hay magazine last month at my local Barnes + Noble bookstore, I can't think of anything else to talk about today except food. I want to cook and eat, cook and eat, cook and eat... And since it's snowing here in the northeast, I just might be doing that for a few days.
Donna Hay is a well known Australian cook, food stylist, and author of several cookbooks, along with her cooking magazine (shown above).  Donna is the Aussie "it" girl in cooking, and seems to be a household name in parts of Europe, too. Her food images are gorgeous, so perfectly arranged, yummy foods in dreamy colors, each bi-monthly issue is like stepping into the land of culinary perfection. Don't let the images scare you though, most of her recipes are (surprise!)  easy, try 10 dishes in 10 minutes and Everyday Easy for those.

Go ahead, spoil yourself on a $9.95 issue of Donna Hay. It's a delicious trip fantastic.

(image from donna hay)

Tobi Wood E-Invites

Tobi Wood has entered the e-invitation world featuring her brilliant whimsical designs on Sendomatic.com. View her electronic collection here - view designs. You can purchase her prints at 2Modern. And learn more about Tobi at her web site.

No Explanation Neccessary

The fist commercials for Apple's new iPhone started airing last Sunday night during the Academy Awards. You probably already know about the iPhone, most people have at least heard the name. And that's what Apple seems to be banking on with this new campaign; no description, no explanation, no list of features, nothing but a look at the phone. In case you haven't seem the commercial, it's on Apple's homepage at Apple.com. Apple, and a lot of other companies have been doing this lately, in what seems to be an effort to tell as little about the product in a commercial as possible. In Apple's case, it's probably best for now, since it's not due out till June at the earliest. But in their best know commercials, the iPod + iTunes commercials, it's only people dancing; no mention of what the iPod is exactly, or what iTunes does. The audience is just supposed to know, or be so intrigued that they go and look it up afterwards; perhaps Apple and Google are in bed together.

Not that I'm complaining, I love Apple commercials, which are usually a hefty cut above the rest. But a lot of the other companies that do this, with less success, probably should tell a little more about their product. Commercials that introduce new drugs and pills, "solutions" to common problems with getting old. "Just go ask your doctor" they claim, as if too lazy to tell you themselves. Some commercials in which you no idea what they are selling, where your just about to ask yourself, "are they selling sex?", it turns out to be a car. Making the car look like something you should have sex with does not necessarily make me want to buy it; but perhaps the "sexy" cars are just another "solution" to problems with getting old. But I digress.

I guess what I'm saying is this new method of non-descriptive commercials works for brand new products which don't come out for another three months.

Blu Dot

Blu Dot does it again with simple clean designs at reasonable prices. New Drift & Series 11 collections are sure to be a hit. Series 11 has elegant and refined lines with thin hardwood edging. Drift comes with bent ply drawers and doors that create a soothing topography - nobless and seamless.