2Modern Design Talk - Modern Furniture & Design Blog

Modern Outdoor Living

Outdoor living is upon us (well almost). While I wait for those warm days to thaw my bones, I am thinking of some modern ways to spice up the space where I spend many hours.
Sorry for the images... check out Richard Schultz for better images

Found lots to admire at Richard Schultz. You will too.
Love this petal inspired outdoor table. Create you own little cafe with this bistro table. Tops are made of wood and mounted on cast aluminum "spiders". Originally designed by Richard Schultz in 1960, these just scream modern 2007!

Also just love the new Swell seating collection. Available as a sofa, love-seat or single chair. White is so perfect for your modern setting. Spice things up with some cheeky throw pillows from 2Modern and you have yourself a little outdoor bash ready and waiting.

Chill New Rugs by HZL

HZL has revamped their line of hip Arty Couture Rugs with fresh new designs! Now every rug design comes in all shapes and sizes; lounge rug, X rug, or surf rug. Limited designs also available in canvas artwork. Check 'em out!

Modern Cincinnati

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 Cincinnati

Home of the Cincinnati Reds, and named one of the “top 10 cities that rock,” Cincinnati, Ohio is jam-packed with both a rich history and modern culture. With hundreds of art exhibits, sparkling skyscrapers, thrill rides, contemporary furniture spots, and over 4,000 restaurants, it’s no wonder Cincinnati is a favorite destination of modern enthusiasts.

Modern Furniture:
Voltage Furniture
Contemporary Galleries
Pier 1
Furniture by Otmar
Ashley Furniture
Adobe Contemporary Furniture

Modern Architects:
Muller Architects
Rod Sidley Architects
Champlin/Haupt Architects, Inc.
K4 Architecture
GGBN Architects



Modern Architecture:
303 Broadway
Scripps Center
Chemed Center



Modern Art Museums:
Cincinnati Art Galleries
Contemporary Arts Center
Pendleton Art Center
ArtWorks



Modern, Etc.:
Cincinnati Museum Center
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Great American Ball Park
Newport Aquarium
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
King’s Island

Gorgeous Artistry

image: Circles and Squares wallpaper by Florence Broadhust

There's been a recent resurgence of wall paper on the design scene. I would like to see more of it. Personally, it brings back a bit of nostalgia to me. As a child of the 70's and 80's I have fond memories of my mother's decor using foiled papers in the kitchens and bathrooms of our homes.

When I came across a line of exquisite papers (and textiles), by Florence Broadhurst recently, I began to dream of dazzling decors in my place. I have some fantastic little alcoves and wonderfully blank walls that could use some glamour.

image: Turnabouts wallpaper by Florence Broadhurst

Florence Broadhurst had been in the design business for some time, just recently, a great book was published about her life and designs. This book is called, "Florence Broadhurst: Her Secret and Extraordinary Lives" by Helen O'Neil. This is a great gift for the designer in your life.

Florence had a rich history of business savvy and creative endeavors. While she managed to dabble in many things early in life, it is her later life that creates the most interest to me. Ms. Broadhurst developed fantastic designs and revolutionary printing techniques for wallpapers. Her collection of wallpapers, prints, fabrics and more are successfully handled through Signature Prints in Australia, where you can find many more vibrant images and products to spark your interest.

image: Journals featuring various Florence Broadhurst designs, available from Signature Prints.

You really must check out the life and history of Ms. Broadhurst. A fascinating woman and leader in design.
*All images and information has been provided by Signature Prints.

Modern Cleveland

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 Cleveland

When most people think of Cleveland, Ohio, they either think of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, or of Drew Carey lip-synching “Cleveland Rocks” in the beginning of his shows. Its downtown area is covered in skyscrapers, and its proximity to the Great Lakes makes it one of America’s most vibrant modern cities. Cleveland was named the “most livable city” in the United States in 2005, and with its abundance of galleries, museums, festivals, shopping, dining, and nightlife, it comes as no surprise.



Modern Furniture:
Designers Touch
SharpFurniture
Daniels Home Furnishings
Earla’s Furniture & Design Center
Casual Home

Modern Architects:
Herman Gibans Fodor, Inc. Architects
Vocon Design, Inc.
HWH Architects
Ka Architecture

Modern Architecture:
Cleveland Trust Tower
Terminal Tower
Federal Court House Building
North Point Office Building and Tower

Modern Art Museums:
Cleveland Museum of Art
Museum of Contemporary Art, Cleveland
Shaheen Gallery – Modern and Contemporary Art

Modern, Etc.:
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Cleveland Botanical Garden
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
West Side Market
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

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

Hold It!

If your in the San Diego area, there's a store definitely worth checking out: Hold It. The whole store (which didn't allow photography) is modern, contemporary home furnishings and accessories; among which, is a lot of product we at 2Modern carry! Just being able to see the product in person made a huge impression! Some of the products at Hold It were:

• Inhabit - Shangri La Bedding Collection


• Inhabit - Weeee Pillow


• Inhabit - Lifesaver Pillows


• Inhabit - Quattro Retrosuede Pillow


• Inhabit - Shangri La Wall Flat


• Inhabit - Braille Wall Flat


• Pablo - Gloss Lamp


• Pablo - Isabella Lamp


• Pablo - Brazo Table/Floor Lamp


• Pablo - Light Table Bench

Since Hold It doesn't really have a website, they directed me to their parent company - BoConcept. Having looked all through this site, I couldn't find any of the product that was in the store, or from 2Modern; but they do have some beautiful modern pieces worth taking a look at. Even better is the "Design Your Home" program on the site, and "Designs & Ideas" like this:



Hold It - Contemporary Home

1570 Camino De La Reina

San Diego, CA 92108

619.295.6660

I'll Take One Please!

I pretended that I won a bunch of money this weekend and went shopping for some finer things to spruce up my pad. Here's what I found...

I am pretty sure my dining table would look so modern and absolutely enchanting with 3 of these beautiful vases lining the center of the table. Lladro is teaming up with some wonderful designers to capture a contemporary approach to objects for the home. I can imagine something pink and delicate topping it off... or... just leaving it empty...yes, empty, this piece is a work of art on it's own and needs nothing more.

I also really love what's happening over at Henry Hall. These folks have really stepped it up and honestly I can't stop redesigning my backyard just so I can fit a few of these dramatic loungers in my world. I am pretty sure a mojito and a good pile of design magazines, on a hot Huntington Beach day would make for the perfect dwelling. If you are a modern enthusiast and need some dynamic inspiration for your pad, check out this company... quickly now! Summer is almost here!

I am pretty sure a new bathroom is in the works for me. Whether I have the cash or not, I am SO going big! Why not right? I mean this is the place that evokes beauty for me. This is where I give myself facials, this is where I drink my morning ritual of green tea, or coffee, on really frazzled days... Not only does a rejuvenated bathroom put value back into your home but seriously folks, a lot happens in this place and it should leave you with a feeling of therapeutic reinvention and gorgeous vogue inspiration. I am pretty sure I can't live without this clay sink from Agape. Can you?

I will keep dreaming about things that are visually intoxicating. Hope you find pleasure too.

More Then Just Wall Decals...

A lot of people know about Blik wall decals and applications, they were at CA Boom 4 a couple weeks ago, and of course, notNeutral sells them on 2Modern.com. But a resent trip to their site yielded much more then just lots of wall decals. Their line of Autographics are unlike any car decals you've ever seen before, all customizable to fit your tastes. Forget racing stripes, how about a Grassy Marsh scene on the side of your car?

Glass Stiks turn any glassware into awesome one-of-a-kind art that will really draw a crowd. Endorsed by Oprah (who can argue with that?), these packs of little decals are perfect to personalize and mark glasses for each of your guests. Buy each decal type separately, or buy a mix pack of all of them.

Prose is a great way to really personalize any space, and a great way to advertise. Fill out a short form with the font, color, letter height, and what you want to say, and your favorite phrase can be on your wall for all to see. Submit your brand name or motto for your store.

Last but not least, new Re-Stik™ are removable wall decals of Bliks best selling designs. Can't decide where to but your new decals? Don't stress, they're removable! GREAT for renters who can't really paint or customize their pad; throw up a few Re-Stiks™ and then take them with you when you move out.

Modern Louisville

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 Louisville

Frankfort is Kentucky’s capital (thx Iana!), but Louisville should be as it is what some people refer to as “the northernmost Southern city and the southernmost Northern city in the United States." It shares a culture both with the Midwest and the South. Most famous for the Kentucky Derby, Louisville’s skyline has begun to rise with sleek modern buildings since the 1980s, and it doesn’t show any signs of stopping.


Modern Furniture:
Scorpio Interiors
Calico Corners
Pier 1 Imports
Ashley Furniture
Contemporary Galleries

Modern Architects:
Architection
Design+ Architects
Legacy Homes
Nolan & Nolan
Doumas Architects
Reese Design Collaborative

Modern Architecture:
Aegon Tower
Humana Building
Kentucky Center

Modern Art Museums:
Zephyr Gallery
Chapman Friedman Gallery
Kentucky Museum of Art & Craft
Kentucky Center for the Arts
Goodall Gallery

Modern, Etc.:
Thomas Edison House
Slugger Museum
Louisville Palace Theater
Kentucky Derby Museum

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

Angela Adams New Products!

What we have all been waiting for - new modern rugs and bags from angela adams just in time for Spring! Nasturium Dusk Wool Rug is soft and botanical. I can't decide what bag to get - Island Tote or Charlotte Handbag but the Kenga Pool pattern is fabulous.

Special Spaces at High Point Furniture Market

I spent a lot of time scoping out new product this year at the biannual High Point Furniture Market. I found a few places that really captured my attention.
First off, I love Oly. This company shows in this wonderful old building with fantastic architectural details. The atmosphere sets off their product well and you feel like a special shopper the moment you step into their space. There is always good food, great music and interesting people in the Oly showroom, not to mention, they know how to throw a great party after hours.

(Oly Showroom)

The Oly product line is beautiful. They make anything from case goods to upholstery and their outdoor accessory line is one of the best out there right now. Their use of color in their display's is so serene and relaxing. As a designer myself, I am always taking mental notes as I walk through their showroom. Check out their site when you have a moment so that you can find where to buy the Oly product.

(Oly Showroom)

Another company that I really like is Accents by Design. I have written about this company before. Luiz, owner and finder of great things, is still working hard expose us all to great accessories made from all over the world. Recently, Luiz has expanded his business to include a line of outdoor furniture. Beauty at it's best. The outdoor line is sure to be one of his biggest and best finds yet. Check him out.

I also came across Bermanfalk. I thought this was a nice classy line of case goods. A bit on the transitional side, there are a few items in this line worth checking out even for the modern enthusiasts. This Canadian based company is making strides with their use exotic woods and beautiful finishing techniques.

Spin Baby Spin!

One of the many awesome designers at CA-Boom was Spin Designs, modern mobiles and jewelry. Really hip and reasonably priced, Spin's mobile's definitely made an impact.







Spin's necklaces and bracelets were like nothing I have ever seen before.

Modern Nashville

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 Nashville

Named the United States’ Music City, and Tennessee’s capital, Nashville always has something new and exciting mixed in with its rich history. With the largest metropolitan area in its state, downtown Nashville pierces the sky with its modern buildings and lights up the streets with its modern art and architecture.

Modern Furniture:

Highbrow Furniture

Mad Mod

Nouveau Classics

Pier 1 Imports

Ashley Furniture

Modern Architects:
Gilbert McLaughlin Architects

Maxwell Johanson Maher Architects

Barton Riley

Everton Oglesby Architects

HST Interior Elements



Modern Architecture:
Nashville Convention Center

Viridian

BellSouth Building

One Nashville Place

Modern Art Museums:
The Art House

American Artisan

Art & Invention Gallery

Sarratt Gallery

Modern, Etc.:

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Grand Ole Opry
The Parthenon

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

Desiron Is Back!

Desiron is back and hotter than ever with new upholstered pieces and bold statement pieces including tables, seating and storage. The Turner Chair is offered in 3 wood finishes and 5 lucious fabric choices - Microsuade, Technocalf or Mohair. Comes with and without arms. Lucio Console is streamlined and sophisticated offering 4 doors and adjustable shelving inside. View the whole collection...

CA Boom 4! What I Saw...

I visited CA Boom 4 on Friday and it was a nice change in pace. Located in Santa Monica, this weekends show is promoting itself as "the west coast independent show". They pretty much got that right. I saw lots of new and emerging modern companies with interesting products. Check out 407. This company is based in LA and is producing some really sleek and fresh, modern furniture. They produce both upholstery and casegoods. They have successfully tackled both subjects well. I was also super into this skateboard line, Bottega Montana produced by two Italian skilled brothers who have trained in product design and architecture. The boards are made from black walnut and white oak. Showcasing their new Paul Smith Edition of boards, these 77 skateboards will be scattered between Japan, Europe and the States while decks last. I know the vinyl sticker thing seems to be emerging everywhere, I still like it and am still partial to Blik. I found their booth with packs of other people. Clearly by their popularity, these guys understand pop culture graphics. Their selection is urban and colorful. Prices aren't bad either so, you can change your mind as often as you want. Check out their site, spruce up the pad. I also visited the Not Neutral and Nurseryworks booths. The sensible places for anything baby and kid. Both of these brands cater to the exploding baby business with purity of materials and cleanliness of design. Perfect for the cosmopolitan family today, you can find both of these lines available in depth on 2Modern.com notNeutral rocker shown. 407 grass ottoman shown

Lights Up

Lights Up does it again with fabulous new fabric patterns and pieces. Tall Nikki Table Lamp is sophisticated with a modern edge - very versatile, just how we like 'em for our ever changing moods. Cancan Table Lamp sports some new fabric choices - Cornflower is perfect for fresh summer updates. Love Cancan Floor Lamp in Burnish Chintz for a warm cozy glow.