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I've recently discovered Bianca's pieces at a design fair last month here in São Paulo, the Paralela Gift Fair. Her lamps took my attention because they use acrylic, textures and some graphics. They're not only a functional light, but also a piece of art. It's a nice mix of technology, with the laser cut process, and simplicity. For more, check out her website.
If you want to explain to somebody what is minimalism, please show the work of Takashi Sato, a japanese designer who knows how to make simple products, stylish and functional. Look this three examples:
Tongs
- A desk lamp made on one piece of aluminum.
Coat Hanger
- A practical stand coat hanger designed with aluminum hangers, that can be remove off the structure.
Hole
- A glass mirror that produces an optical illusion of holes in the wall.
Visit the site of Takashi Sato, here.
Via Designspotter.
CASA Kids is now on 2Modern! It seems odd to say, but they believe furniture should last; they have designed furniture so that it can integrate into an adult environment as well. Great pieces like the Ola! Crib can convert into a Toddler Bed and then a Twin Bed!
I love these cafe style prints I found while browsing Etsy today. The warm colors are great and remind me of a french coffeehouse. Put them in your kitchen or dining area for a bit of cafe chic!
Print One: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6016334
Print Two: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5315399&order=§ion_id=&page=1
Print Three: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5146894
There is a power struggle going on in the bedroom that is far more powerful than sex or the TV remote. The master bedroom often surrenders simply to function, rather than exploring its untapped potential for fashion and fantasy. This is because a couple may not have realized that a master bedroom is a like a secret chamber, which can deliver the ultimate in luxury: privacy, relaxation, and a stronger, more fulfilling relationship. A little help with lighting, color, and fabrics, goes a long way. A master bedroom can become an oasis in the desert that replenishes you with inner peace and exciting liaisons. When it comes to transforming a master bedroom into a sanctuary, 3 things make the difference: lighting, color, and tactile fabrics. This week we examine the importance of great color.
When it comes to color, keep it fresh and beautiful:
There is no such thing as a functional color for a bedroom. Never pick a color because you think that color will make the room bigger, lighter, or more neutral. You don’t want bland for the room that is your sanctuary away from the bustle of the rest of the house.
Choosing color for your bedroom should be as pleasurable as designing an amazing meal, full of exciting, complimentary flavors. Bedroom color should be like the filet mignon you treat yourself to, not the energy bar that keeps you going when you’re running from appointment to appointment. Simply pick a color that you love, because it is going to be the last color you look at before you fall asleep and the first color you see when you open your eyes in the morning. Make it a dark pink that makes that makes you happy, a cool blue that makes you relaxed, or an electric green that makes you energized and ready to face the day’s challenges. One easy way to begin the quest to find your perfect bedroom shade is to start with a color of the rainbow—red, yellow, pink, blue, purple, orange or green—then decide if you want a morning, afternoon or evening version of the color. And if you’re not happy with your choice, don’t be afraid to keep trying until you get it right.
Morning Color
Evening Color
The clothing and accessories of Uniform Studio are
innovative, crisp, and linear. Some almost have an architectural feel to them
that shouldn’t be a surprise as the designer is a trained architect.
Martha McQuade makes clothing
for both women and children with many of the female designs showing up in both
collections. In her women’s wear when she uses gathers it is only just enough
to satisfy its purpose, no over-feminization here. With her pleated designs,
she may use more fabric, yet the garments are still streamlined and never bulky. In
addition, her use of color (or some may say, lack of) is masterful as she
chooses fabric for both its restive neutrals and the rich textures.
Uniform Studio, based in Minneapolis, MN, is available through the store on Etsy. However, to keep up on when the store restocks you should check out the online journal, Uniform Studio.
I like to sometimes pretend I’m the subject in a specific piece of art. What am I thinking, feeling?
Am I cutting up an ex-lover’s letters or my bank statements? Or am I simply in the beginning stage of a papier mache project?
I assume only dear Penelope can answer that…
Link: Penelope Illustration • Penelope Dullaghan » Fine Art.
Long known for its innovative office furnishings and file storage, Herman Miller has now taken on the home with their LifeWorks Portfolio. Their motivation stems from understanding how the lines between home and work tend to blur in our 24/7 lifestyle and that the desk has migrated to all parts of the home.
"We chose to create an eclectic portfolio of products to support a mix of needs and tastes," added Paula Kendra, senior product manager for Lifework Portfolio. "From the classic desk and storage designs of Charles and Ray Eames and George Nelson to the products from designers new to Herman Miller, we want our audience to have a beautifully designed, quality product that provides a sense of satisfaction when they sit down to complete a task."
Blu Dot innovated a storage bench, Cognita, that could be incorporated into a living room area and be utilized in any family functional way as well as for office and file storage.
Files can be stored under bench cushion or you can use it to store blankets. The object is for it to be multifunctional for home and office use.
To learn more about other items within their Lifeworks Portfolio by other designers go here.
Don’t let a little rain stop you from accessorizing! Tray 6 umbrellas are now available on 2Modern in both full and travel size. These umbrellas combine fun and colorful modern designs with high-quality materials to keep you fashionably dry and looking forward to a rainy day. The Blur Blush Umbrella uses a subtle blend of dots to create a designer fashion statement, the Perch Cocoa Gray Umbrella is sophisticated and fun, and the Pinwheel Snow Umbrella was inspired by Japanese prints, with dynamic and playful asymmetrical designs.
It seems to be a new trend on interior design, at least here in Brazil (it was a big hit at Casa Cor, the biggest interior design exhibit in Brazil). Well, I don't really digg it, but the new eco-friendly way (I mean, not killing animals) to decorate your wall it's nice and fun: cardboard, resin, acrylic or wood-made animal's heads.
Maybe, I can get used to it...
