« May 2007 | Main | July 2007 »
I guess it's because I have a baby, but intelligent, well-designed toys are catching my eye these days. What parent doesn't dream of teaching their child how to ride on two wheels? LikeABike is the perfect stepping stone for kids ages 2-5 from trike to bike in no time.
Image from LikeABike USA
Pinch is the award-winning, husband and wife team of Russell Pinch and Oona Bannon. They have recently launched their Armoire collection, the first line of furnishings where they design, manufacture and distribute directly. The armoires are available in any color you choose, and the solid cherry interiors are created to offer unlimited flexibility.
Architect Wallace Cunningham's philosophy encompasses nature and it's elements into his architecture. What better way to show it than designing a house inspired by the air currents of its location. Hired by the young French entrepreuner Pascal Brandys to create his house in a wild rocky location east of San Diego, the architect achieves catching the air and making it solid.
Caissons support concrete pads stepping down the slope among granite outcrops. By cantilevering, they preserve the natural topography. Three tapered columns, splayed, support each of the 13 undulating traingular panels that make the roof. These units are clad with titanium and will be pre-assembled.
Curved concrete walls are used to outline service areas at the heart of the abode, whole the perimeter is enclosed with mitred glass walls. Inclined at different angles, they look like a curtain. With the roof looking like floating on top of the cliff and seeming apparently weightless, cleverly hiding the strong foundations, the house is an amazing contrast to the usual constructions found in that part of California.
All photos here are from Wallace Cunningham's models-the house is not finished yet.
Dwell NextHouse Model Home Open House Weekend
Saturday, June 30, 2007, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and
Sunday, July 1, 2007, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Bound by a collective commitment to building well-designed, affordable, modern homes, Dwell magazine teamed up with Empyrean International to create The Dwell Homes - an exclusive collection of custom-designed, modern prefabricated homes.
Visit the open house to see products from fabulous 2Modern designers:
Invented by designer Sandy Chilewich and architect Joe Sultan, Plynyl is a woven, vinyl fabric bonded to a soft polyurethane cushion. Currently available in several weave styles, the new Woodgrain will be available in July. Woven to create the look of natural hard wood, this durable material can be used for floors, upholstery and wall coverings. Visit their website for a list of regional an online retailers.
New products and designs from angela adams! Exciting new glassware! Martini, Rocks, Tumbler, and Juice Glassware Sets are a must for entertaining in style. New designs for the Fall and Winter seasons for the Kathy Wallet, Bodine Wallet, Hannah Handbag, and Laptop Bag are classic angela adams. And new Kelly wool rug designs add to the already amazing collection: Kelly Dusk, Kelly Olive, and Kelly Suede.
I'm not your usual jewelry admirer as I don't wear or know much about the topic outside appreciating it as object design. Recently I came across Bilingual Designs through my work with the Changelings project. The Bilingual collection consists of stunning, interlocking rings that are amazing as jewelry as well as highly designed objects.
Bilingual Design, founded by Marta Niegowska in 2004, creates "contemporary, sculptural unisex rings" using sterling silver. These rings are made up of 2 interlocking parts that can be worn as a single ring as a unified form or separated and worn individually. Marta says "the focus of her work is to give people a new experience & perspective on what a ring could be." I know I don't wear jewelry but these might persuade me to.
These just 3 are my favorites, but you can check out the entire collection over at Bilingual Design.
Thanks to Changelings.
For an obvious answer, ask the question which came first, water or the faucet? There are a lot of architecturally magnificent faucets out there, but water is elemental and it needs no embellishment. It cleans, it relaxes and it flows--in a big way--with the Dornbracht new Elemental Spa series of mounted faucets and fittings. These lavish, yet discreet vessels shower down water in all its luxuriousness without intrusion or distraction.
Super cute bags from Holly Aiken. A bit retro with an unexpected use of color, Holly designs and creates bags with attitude. I love the Modern vibe and witty ornamentation. Made of vinyl and crafted with a fashion sense, these bags will get noticed!
Not just for gals, there's a bit of something for everyone. Dads can look cool too with the smart design of the Airship-Messenger Daytona bag. Equipped with plenty of storage and a matching changing pad, being a dad never looked so hot.
i love the graphic quality/allusion to print and textile design in megan auman's work. the contrast of silver on steel is stunning.
until next week,
Annie
The main branch of the Seattle Library in downtown Seattle is a marvel of modern architecture. Designed by Rem Koolhas and Joshua Ramus it opened to the public in May of 2004 and features walls of insulated glass, LEED sustainable systems and an innovative floorplan. It really is a marvel to behold.
All photos from The Seattle Public Library
In an age of monster SUV's and rock-star RV's hogging the roads, it's nice to see a modern twist on the 1940's Teardrop Trailer. These trailers hearken back to a simpler time, but are tricked out now with all the modern amenities one needs: stainless sink, maple interior, glistening aluminum, Sunbrella awnings, LED lighting and ventilation systems. Hit the road this summer in one of these hip, easy to handle, lightweight homes on wheels. 
All new IMOOI jewelry for men and women! Rings like the Wave Ring or Stream Ring are perfect for your boyfriend or brother. Sexy Spot cufflinks bring color to any outfit for a night on the town, while the Lotus cufflinks make any outfit a classic to impress that significant other. Beautiful Cardinal and Rose necklaces are great accessories that require no accompaniment. And for the sporty type, Link and Vine necklaces make great everyday wear.
New Oeuf Sparrow Series! The cute Sparrow Crib couples old fashioned looks with modern motifs, and goes great with the Sparrow Dresser. The new Sparrow Twin Bed is a classic piece that will go with anything, throw in the Sparrow Wardrobe and you have the foundation for a wonderful kid's room!
Valencia is one of the most well known European cities architecturally, since Santiago Calatrava adorned his birthplace with many of his outlandish buildings. Even Norman Foster has designed one of its buildings and SANAA is making the expansion for the Museum of Modern Art there.
The new jewel in the crown of the city is the America's Cup Pavilion, designed by David Chipperfield Architects, with b720 Arquitectos. The pavilion houses all activities for the big international sailing event that has Valencia as its home for 2007. The city saw a big opportunity to add another landmark building to its already venerable "collection" and they struck gold.
The building played a major part in Valencia's securing America's Cup, as last years winner was Swiss. As Switzerland is landlocked, the winner could choose from four cities. Valencia showed that they wanted to take the race a step further and so they won, and architecture won a lovely building as well. An amazing aspect of it is that from final selection to unveiling it took only 11 months, as the schedule was extremely tight.
Essentially the building acts as an auditorium for spectators: the massive terraces are the most advantageous point to watch the fleet of the state-of-the-art sailing boats racing for the ultimate honour in sailing. With glass walled restaurants and lounge areas, it is the home for the privileged few with the plastic pass designed by Javier Mariscal, that gives one access inside. Crew family members, sponsors, organizers and guests can enjoy the view and the facilities while being immediately near the boats and crews coming and going.
The groundfloor area, carefully integrated by David Chipperfield with the surrounding area, has cafes and restaurants that are more accessible to the public, thus making the building agreeable non-restrictive. The massive volume of bare concrete, steel and glass sits near the sea as if ready to sail on its own.
Desiron is back with hip new furniture for you home or office! Fabulous and comfy, the new Hudson Club Chair and Charles Club Chair go great with their sofa counterparts; and the Gramercy Cocktail Table brings the whole living room together. Rounding out the dining room, literally, is the Park Ave Table; in both a 4-person or 6-person version. And a totally new piece, unlike all the rest, is the Terra Console, with a new Rust steel finish.
Thanks to 2modern for asking me to join their portfolio of guest bloggers!
Architect Zaha Hadid and Karl Lagerfeld unveiled Channel's collapsible, futuristic pavilion for its "Mobile Art" exhibition that will debut in Hong Kong in February. Chanel has commissioned 15 contemporary artists to create works inspired by their most famous handbag (quilted leather, rectangular, chain handle - you know the one). The project is meant to appeal to customers, display the brand's heritage in a new way and reintroduce the iconic 1955 bag in an energizing way. Chanel is no stranger to commissioning artists to create works for their boutiques or for new jewelry lines but this collaboration trumps all. In an inspiring statement to the press, Lagerfeld said, "Architecture and fashion are like Russian dolls, one fits inside the other."
For more cool findings check out my blog, designfindfashion, where I post about interesting things I’ve come across and want to share with friends and fellow designers.
i'll take one please.
(teak and leather chair available at skram)
Fun new Kids + Baby furniture from Celery! Rock your baby to sleep, and keep them close in any room in the house, with the easy to move Lullaboo Rocking Cradle. Stylish Lullaboo Changing Table and Crib become tons of fun with an addition of a Chalkboard End Panel. And a must have for any home with kids, the Lullaboo Rocking Pony or Rocking Chair. Getting too old for a pony? Try the Lullaboo Rocking Horse! Big enough for kids and adults!
Q:What's better than Will Ferrel, innovative animation, perfect typography and an amazing concept for a website ?
A:All of the above bundled together in one amazing package !
Earlier this year I watched a great little film called "Stranger Than Fiction," and besides being giddy about seeing Will Ferrel on the big screen, I was totally blown away by the opening sequence where the main character is introduced.
The animation, imagery and the narration was executed brilliantly. Needless to say, when the movie was released on DVD last week I had to run out and buy it.
Here is the opening sequence...
Afterwards, as part of normal design geek tradition, I had to check out the layout and animation of the promotional website to see if it was consistent with the kick-ass opening sequence. Sure enough, it was and they cleverly incorporated exclusive cursor narration, video and an interactive download menu complete with wallpapers and themed buddy icons.
If this site were a person then I would shake their hand... and possibly ask for their autograph.
Posting screenshots of the site is unfair so please go have a play for yourselves ! Click the "Enter the Site" link on the top right-hand corner of this page.
sometimes you just want to have a little fun and these candy wall decals are just the way to do it. as part of fred flares "the next big thing!" - these removable decals will brighten up even the most glum decors. get them here.
The Niekee Centre in the Netherlands is a beautiful example of modern European architecture. The space is intended to be an educational and cultural center for local youth. Another winner for architectural firm LIAG.
Please visit me at 3blacksheep for more modern design, art, and craft!
The work of Stephanie Jendis:
see her work and learn more at:
Sienna Gallery- quite possibly my favorite place to see studio jewelry online. hopefully, one day i'll visit in person (Lennox, Mass.)
from July 20th to September 30th at Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery in the exhibition "Wood You?" (UK)
until next week!
Annie
Urban and edgy, Parvez Taj expresses his environment with vibrant colors, reflecting himself and the city around him. Parvez utilizes film, ultaviolet ink, software and canvas for each piece of art. His stunning, stretched canvas pieces are available here. His affordable pieces allow you to bring the hip, modern art world into your home.
Ted Muehling's pieces are marvelous!. The summer colors and super shapes are perfectly simple and modern.
I also think a morning tea service couldn't get any better than with this porcelain pretty, Designed by Jasper Morrison. These playful pods of light, retro inspired, would look phenomenal in a grouping with a splash of bold color pillows.
This London schooled designer knows a little sumpin' about furniture design. He's designing award winning pieces and creating modern masterpieces for companies such as Magis, Cappellini and Vitra.
This Orly sofa with graphic pillow are exactly what I am dreaming to go with the "glo-bal's" pictured above.
You could design the next classic lounge chair! Dwell Magazine and Blu Dot are teaming up for a Lounge Chair Design Competition! Three finalists will be chosen by a Dwell/Blue Dot jury and their designs will be previewed in August at Dwell.com, the winning design will go into production and join the Blu Dot collection at ICFF in 2008. THe winner will also receive a $5,000 cash reward, the three finalists will receive $1,000 cash reward or credit at bludot.com. The deadline for entries is July 2, 2007. Official rules for entry are here, and a downloadable entry form is here. For questions, email contests@dwell.com.
I love mobiles. I've got a classic Flensted swallow mobile up in our family room.
And one up in my baby's room above her changing table made from sweet vintage wallpaper:
But I am just gaga for Adrift Mobiles. Designed and made by Brian Schmitt in San Franscisco with sustainable materials like bamboo, these mobiles are graceful, modern and captivating. The perfect balance of fluid motion and a grounding calmness.
Photos from Flensted Mobiles and Adrift Mobiles.
An entire floor-to-ceiling kitchen remodel can only be complete when you get crisp, new dish towels. Okay, even if you're not remodeling, add a splash of color with these bright patterns at Tikoli. Their towels have a modern flare, and are of course 100% cotton, machine washable. 
Hierve-Diseñería is a relatively young architectural firm in Mexico City. Created in 1999 by Alejandro Villarreal, "with the purpose of serving society carrying out architectural, industrial design, art and published art projects". Hierve means boiling and Diseñería is a neologism that likens design to a craft as in panetteria (bakery) or carpenteria (carpentry). They translate it as boiling designery, which describes their work concept:the fermentation of ideas, concepts and creativity into realized projects!
The building that got my attention is a small apartment building in a quiet residential road of the Polando district of Mexico City. The main structure is of reinforced concrete, but what makes it unique is the use of 7,900 blown green glass spheres on the façade and inside the building.
They devised an ingenuous system of hanging the balls on rubber and steel cables from concrete juts on the building. The balls were handcrafted in a Guadalajara workshop. Each cable holds 27 balls, fastened by a discin EPDM, a rubber used in the car industry that has excellent weather resistance. The effect is stunning. The project is called Hesiodo (maybe from the ancient Greek myth teller?) and was finished in 2005.
It is a five storey building with 13 appartments in two blocks connected by an atrium on each floor, and a garage underneath. Using the green spheres in the interior as well as the exterior, gives the building a sense of bringing the outside in. I like the colour too! Notice how the use of the spheres gets creative in other parts of the building
One thing is certain: the building's inhabitants do not have a "normal" view of their surrounding area!
All photographs courtesy of Hierve-Diseñería: Copyright © 2007 Hierve-Diseñería SA de CV. All Rights reserved
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.
New York City really needs no introduction. It has been famous throughout the world since its founding in the 17th century, and today is one of the most popular tourist spots on Earth. This vibrant city is both historic and very hip, with its gleaming skyscrapers, incredible arts, and awesome stores. Don't believe me? Just take a look at some of the modern stores, museums, arts, and more you can find in NY below!
Modern Furniture:
Apt NY
Cliff Young, Ltd.
Downtown Furniture
From The Source
The Contemporary Couch
The Conran Shop
Viesso
Wonk NYC
B&B Italia
Babygeared
Modern Architects:
Narofsky Architecture
Melander Architects, Inc.
EOA
Hut Sachs Studio
Messana O’Rorke Architects
Murdock Young Architects
Asymptote
Barry Rice Architects
Modern Architecture:
Soloman R. Guggenheim Museum
Solow Building
Jacob K. Javits Federal Building
Sperry & Hutchinson Building
Modern Art Museums:
Michael Rosenfeld Gallery
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Museum of Modern Art
Whitney Museum of American Art
Rubin Museum of Art
Nancy Hoffman Gallery
New Museum of Contemporary Art
Modern, Etc.:
Times Square
Statue of Liberty
Central Park
Empire State Building
More Things To Do In New York
Here is a link to all the other modern cities: http://2modern.blogs.com/2modern/travel/index.html
(left: Nathan Williams' modular door design; right: Anna McCorvey's radius top door design)
It's only natural that your visitors' first impression of your modern style start with your door. But finding a door design with modern flair is not such an open and shut case. Enter JELD-WEN who just changed the game, with of all things, a student design contest. The winning contestants third year architecture students Nathan Williams, at Virginia Tech and Anna McCorvey at Howard University produced some of the most innovative door designs to date, which were unveiled earlier this year at the International Builder's Show in Orlando.
It's not very often you come across creative designed objects that have to share their lime light with their equally creative titles. After checking out the work of London-based design group El Ultimo Grito, I found myself just as impressed with the witty, creative yet relevant names as the designs themsleves.
--- Mind the Gap --- A coffee table that has a rubber sleeve in the middle for holding magazines
--- Good Morning Moneypenny --- A coat rack where you supply the hanging pegs by putting in rolled up magazines
--- To Open the Little Bastard --- An apron with rubber printed text for grip
--- Don't Run We Are Your Freinds --- UFO inspired pendant light
--- Brainstorming --- Toilet paper + magazine holder (been looking for one of these for ages)
--- What Goes Down Must Come Up --- Retracting laundry basket
--- Plug It --- Adjustable shelving unit
These are just a few of my favorites, you can view the whole collection at the El Ultimo Grito site.
Thanks to Pol Oxygen for the introduction.
Found the perfect gift. Seriously. For me, I have been on an endless search for a cool way to display my salt & pepper near my stovetop. These two doves are perfect.
Not normally a collector of possibly cheeky items. I am more of a 'less is more' person for sure, so adding something to my counter is a little out of the ordinary.
I have always envied the people on cooking shows who can easily pinch a dash of this and that into their recipes at a moments notice. It just looks so cook-showy cool.
So, these 2 doves will not only satisfy my urges to spice up my meals they are odd enough to match my modern kitchen. Made of sand-cast recycled aluminum, the very fair price of $39 is just as super as the design.
This is a great hostess gift, small wedding gift, new home gift or just for you gift.
The second most famous work of Takis Zenetos in Greece is this secondary school building in Agios Dimitrios, in Athens. It was built between 1970 - 1976, which means that it had to overcome the military junta conservatism.
This building constitutes an experimental but utopian creation . The users' (Greek Ministry of Education) failure to take advantage of the building's potential (using it as if it was the typical box school building so commonly found throughout Greece), has made it a symbol of the chasm between the reality of the large state school buildings in Greece and the better future for them envisioned by the architect when he designed it.
Zenetos's building houses a junior high school for 1500 pupils in an innovative circular structure. It has three floors. The plan of each floor includes three standardised modules of 160 pupils each, with four classrooms per module. All of them could be converted into a single huge hall. These modules were placed around a central core where audio-visual aids would be situated. Directly in contact with the core were the teacher's facilities.
This unusual configuration (and extremely advanced for Greece even in this day and age) was selected by Zenetos for reasons of economy in the building and flexibility in its future use.
The succession of louvred roofs surrounding the southern semi-circle of the three floors is stylistically decisive, with a width that fluctuates according to the orientation, thus providing effective protection to the interior without wasting material. The mainly used materials here are concrete and metal.
Fortunately for all, the renovation of the building started by the Greek Organisation for School Buildings in 2000, undertaken by the architectural office Archsign. It aimed at the re-establishment of the role that the building should have as the architect designed it. The electronic library, Zenetos had designed and was not constructed, is added. Let us hope that the few surviving Zenetos' buildings will have the same luck.
Bombarock uses irreverent and classic fabrics to upholster anything from your Granny's wingback chair to a modern armchair to a decadently updated tufted ottoman.
All photos from Bombarock
Beautiful hand-carved wooden rings made by Something's Hiding In Here.
Find Something's Hiding In Here in Brooklyn at the Renegade Craft Fair (this weekend only) and at Arsenal located in Philly (always).
Have a great week!
Annie
For amazing contemporary felt design, look no further than Mogwaii. Their 100% wool throws, cushions, blinds and lampshades take the ancient art of felting and give it a decidedly modern twist. 
Sarah Campbell has also created a line of coordinating hats, totes and scarves.
Located in Venice CA, Ilan Dei Studios blends mid-century modern and minimalism to create a naturally Californian style. The Studio's innovative products include furniture, lighting and complete interior and exterior living spaces.
Fun Urban Landscape China by English designers Snowden Flood
Visit me at 3blacksheep for more modern art and design!
luxurious leather furniture made to sink deep into...
Annie Galvin is a San Francisco-based artist who originally hails from Wexford County, Ireland. She holds a degree in literature from UC Berkeley as well as one in art from Waterford Regional Art College in Ireland, and these dual interests show through in her work, which often incorporates both text and narrative. Annie's paintings range from graphic and simple to figurative and mysterious - what happened right before this?
Annie and her husband Eric have recently started 3 Fish Studios, where, among other things, they are hosting a once a month art-making gathering called Lure, which will happen on the second Sunday of the month (including this Sunday - if you're in the area stop by and meet Annie in person. I'll be there too!)
Annie has two shows coming up this summer in San Francisco, the first opening in late June at Candy Store, and the second opening September 8th at The Salon. Some of Annie's work is available in her etsy store, or e-mail her annie (at) wexfordgirl (dot) com for more information. Annie also writes a fantasic blog, Wexford Girl.
Home is where we are
How do you describe your work?
Girls, patterns,
Mexican wrestlers. I like my work to have a narrative too, some kind of
story we only see pieces of: What news is in the letter she’s holding?
Why are the bear and the girl together in the woods?
I make paintings that people want to hang on their walls. That sounds simple, but it’s really the most important thing for me — would someone want to put this in their house and see it every day? That’s also my main criteria for art that I buy: “Do I want this on my wall?” If I do, then I buy it (if I can afford it).
What is your favorite medium to work in?
I love acrylic, and I
love how durable it is. It essentially turns to plastic when it’s dry
so people can hang paintings in their bathroom without fear of
condensation. But I am contemplating a return to gouache, which I used
when I did the originals for book illustrations (I illustrated a tea
party book and a spa book for girls). Gouache is easier to control; I
can get a thinner line and flatter color. I love what Marci Washington
and Seonna Hong do with gouache.
What medium do you wish that you could work in that you don't currently use?
I want to learn
ceramics. I don’t need to know how to throw pots, but I would like to
make little plates and bowls and draw scenes on them in vibrant glazes.
I love Diana Fayt’s work so much. Her colors are delicious. I would
also like to be able to sew, so I could make 3D dolls of my melancholy
women.
What inspires you?
Textile designers
Josef Frank and Lucienne Day, graphic designers Paul Rand and Olle
Eksell. I love their deceptively simple composition and line, and use
of color. I adore Scandinavian design (and I wonder why so many books
on Scandinavian design are only published in Japan). Other artists
inspire me a lot: the Royal Art Lodge, Camilla Engman, Clare Rojas,
Alex Katz, Mazwell Loren Holyoke Hirsch, Jim Houser, Chris Johanson,
Rex Ray, Amy Cutler – I could go on and on! I’m also inspired by
magazines. My favorite is Vogue, and sometimes I will splurge on
French, Italian, and Australian design magazines.
Who are the girls in your work based on?
I have been drawing
girls since I could hold a pencil. Here are some doodles I did in 1983
in a French textbook that I happen to still have:
