Timeless Design -- Modern Design from the Past in the Present

One of the most important things I learned while I was studying for my degree in Interior Design was this: Good design never goes out of style.


Above, George Nelson Bubble Lamps, 1947

Bubble Lamps, designed by Architect and Designer George Nelson in the 1947, were a staple of the modern home of the past. The ingenuity of this design was in the ability of the homeowner or interior designer to combine multiple shapes, or use individually, to create a flexible lighting scheme. The series was designed with organic modularity in mind, as the lamps could be hanging ceiling fixtures, sconces, floor, or table lighting based on the hanging accessories chosen. Bubble Lamps enjoyed one of the longest production runs, as these lamps were sold well into the 1970's by Herman Miller, and originally sold for about $14 each. In the 1990's, Modernica resurrected the production of the Bubble Lamps, to much popularity, as they are still a favorite among designers due to their ability to complement today's contemporary design.




The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is one of the most recognized icons of American furniture design. The effectiveness of the design has garnered it it's own celebrity status, as the lounger has been featured in popular movies, television, and print ads to this very day.

Above, the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, designed in 1956

From the Herman Miller website:

The Eames lounge chair and ottoman is the culmination of Charles and Ray Eames' efforts to create comfortable and handsome lounge seating by using production techniques that combine technology and handcraftsmanship. Its heritage goes back to the molded plywood chairs pioneered by the Eameses in the 1940s, and it's part of the permanent collection of New York's Museum of Modern Art.

Charles Eames said his goal for the chair was the "warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman's mitt." Every one is a special refuge from the strains of modern living.

The Barcelona Chair is probably one of the best examples of timelessness in design. The chair and stool were designed by Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich for the Barcelona World Fair of 1929 as part of the German Pavillion. The design of this chair was inspired by the folding campaign chairs of the ancient Roman military generals.


Above, Barcelona Chair and Stool, 1929

Licensed and manufactured by Knoll, the Barcelona, perhaps because of it's seeming simplicity and pubic demand, is one of the most common chairs to be knocked off by imitators. However, the structural design and complexity of the Barcelona chair design requires a high level and quality of material and manufacturing techniques, rendering imitations and reproductions unequal to Knoll's.




More info on the web:

www.georgenelson.org
modernica.net
www.hermanmiller.com
www.knoll.com

Cute things for around the house from Ferm LIVING

If you are looking to quickly and easily decorate areas in your home, these delightfully designed products by Ferm LIVING may be just what you are looking for!


Bamboo wallpaper, featured above, is a quick way to give your rooms an interesting spin on modern day hawaiiana, without breaking the bank! Geometric bold prints with generous spacing make this product virtually foolproof to install.



The Wilderness Pillow, featured above in yellow curry, gives a bit of spice to a boring room and freshens up sofas and loveseats.



But I think the Kitchen Tools Tea Towel is by far my favorite item! Available in Petrol (above) and in yellow, these towels make me think of our Pedini utensil-with-utensil drawer organizers!

Available from Ferm LIVING : fermlivingshop.us

The Farmhouse Worktop Sinks from Julien

This multi-purpose sink is an excellent choice for those who are short on worktop prep space, or for those who want built-in efficiency with high quality stainless steel.



This farmhouse style sink boasts sponge and dish cleaning tool storage behind flip out door built right into the sink! This sink also holds a full set of chopping and cutting knives, as well as utensil storage.



The curved deck model above has a hidden sponge drawer on the inside right of the sink bowl, and also accepts a built in soap dispenser too! The curved corners of the interior of this sink bowl make it really easy to clean, and accessories such as cutting boards, grid racks, and colanders make this sink truly unique!

Available from Susan Palmer Designs.

More info: www.julien.ca

Not Your Typical Tiki Torch!

Outdoor torches have certainly evolved since the time that I moved to Honolulu in 1980 -- gone are the simple wicker torches, replaced by a new breed of high tech outdoor lighting. Traditionally, oil based torches with wicks are what is commonly found in the garden section of our local hardware stores -- but the average homeowner can now have gas powered torches just like the ones found on the grounds of the most exclusive hotels. Pictured above, the Wa'a (Canoe) propane gas powered tiki torch features a decorative canoe pattern cut out of its stainless steel cylinder.



Even a torch that uses the traditional oil and wick method can have a modern twist. The Halau Torch Package torches feature two torches that are constructed of brushed stainless steel or 100% copper, and utilize a sleek, low profile, modern design.



Another interesting propane powered torch happens to be the Best New Product winner of the Maison Objects Awards in Paris! This Olympic-inspired torch features a blow torch cylinder at the top of the unit, which allows for an adjustable height flame that lasts over 8 hours on one refillable gas canister.


Another fuel choice for your outdoor lighting is a gel based tiki torch -- the one featured above is from Blomus and is made of stainless steel and wood, and are designed and manufactured in Germany.



For those looking for the ultimate green garden, the torch featured above is a Solar Powered tiki torch with an auto on/off feature for maximum ease of use. This option is also great for homes with small children or heavy wind, as homeowners don't have to worry that torch will fall over and catch fire. The rechargeable batteries need about 4-5 hours of sun each day to charge, and will light up your evening without producing any toxic soot.


Online:

http://tiki.beachsidelighting.com

http://www.itorches.com

http://www.unicahome.com

http://www.batteryoperatedcandles.net

EcoPower Faucets from Toto

While Toto has always been known for well designed and engineered products, they are certainly making a name for themselves when it comes to the future of green engineering.


What I love most about these new faucets is the innovative approach to the mechanics of water consumption, while also delivering uncompromising aesthetics. Equipped with hands-free sensors, these faucets deliver water only when needed, avoiding unnecessary waste while providing convenience for the user. However, the delivery does not stop there -- the faucets contain a self charging battery that is actually powered by the water that flows through the faucet, and contain a backup battery that is good for 19 years.


See more products like these and learn more about Toto's eco-engineering at whytotology.com

Lumicor Online Design Studio

Lumicor has launched an interactive custom surfaces designer to create custom architectural panels. Users can create their own custom combinations of colors, textures, and surfaces from the Lumicor Design Studio, and preview their sample before emailing it or placing an order. You can even save your designs to come back to later, or browse other custom designs.



Website: www.lumicor.com

Elica Hoods ... Italian design soon to be available in the U.S.!

Leave it to the Italians to once again take a utilitarian item and turn it into a work of art ... this is exactly what Elica has done, and their ventilation hoods are amazing!



The Elica Star hood looks like a chandelier! A cleverly hidden "magic wand" controls all of the operations of the hood with a flick of the wrist. These hoods are not just pretty looking, they are also highly engineered and quality driven, as explained in their literature where they discuss the pioneering behind Perimeter Aspiration:

Perimeter aspiration represents an alternative aspiration technology. The product functions in such a way that the airflow is moved from the central area to the external perimeter of the hood, a technique that not only does not overload the motor power but in fact reduces energy consumption and noise.

We sure can't wait until these are available here! Until then, you can browse their website at : www.elica.it