Entries in design (98)
2007 Dutch Design Week & Multi-Functional Chair
Posted Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 09:16PM 
Here are some stuff from the just concluded Dutch Design Week, (October 20th-28th). The show which was held in Eindhoven, a city located in the province of Noord-Brabant in the south of the Netherlands, had various design objects on display. From product design, to graphic design, to spatial design (definition) brand design, textile design, and fashion design were all represented in venues across the city. For a more in-depth look at the futuristic things on display at the show, visit Mocoloco
Multi-functional furniture is becoming popular, especially if you live in a studio apartment, or the basement of your mom’s house. This chair/table allows you to sit comfortably and create more room in your limited space. It comes with an optional open lower area for your favorite magazine and other reading materials. Other options include color and open or solid base; choose between the black and white hues. Designed by Alexander Kneller, I’m not sure if its a concept or available for sale.
via yankodesign
matthew
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P'Kolino Play Table
Posted Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 01:45PMNew York-based designer Theo Richardson is obsessed with simple, functional designs. A RISD grad with an interest in “anonymous design”, Richardson takes a studied and meticulous approach to his work, and it shows in pieces like this beautiful, streamlined, yet completely age-appropriate maple and vinyl modular play set for P’Kolino. Richardson is the kind of designer who makes me think about having kids for almost a full two seconds, before I realize I could just buy the table and scrap the procreation - and then I realize I can’t afford either. ($1000 at PKolino.com)
The Soft Project
Posted Thursday, September 20, 2007 at 07:53AM
Award Winning Creative Architects, Stephanie Forsythe and Todd MacAllen of Forsythe + MacAllen Design, are known for their innovative housing and living space projects. The duo created a product called ‘Soft,’ which is a product line “conceived of the desire to dynamically shape and redefine open space into more intimate and ephemeral surroundings, in a flexible and temporal way. Utilizing flexible honeycomb structures that can expand, contract, and flex to form a sculptural space or seating topography, soft is an evolutionary, materials research driven exploration of possibilities.” The products from this line are available in either textile or paper form, and they include softwalls, softblocks, softseating, and softlight…………
Softwall is a freestanding partition that can expand and contract to freely shape-up within a large open space. What’s amazing about the softwalls, is their ability to be opened up to 20’ (6m) in length, or smaller dimensions as desired, and fold to less than 2” (5cm) for convenient transportation and storage. Their height can be standard or custom (up to 10’ /3m tall) Softblocks are modular systems of honeycomb building blocks, that can be set up to form sculptural partitions, bars, serving tables, and display areas…..
Softseating utilizes the honeycomb nature of the soft project, and when opened, it forms stools, benches, and loungers. All softseating products have a magnetic end panel, that allows them to connect to themselves, forming a cylindrical stool, low table, or connecting to other products in the collection. With this there are endless possibilities for seating.
Softlight is a collection of expandable honeycomb light fixtures and fittings, that can be solely used or in clusters to utilize space in an intimate way.
More info and images here>>>
Jour & Nuit Shoes
Posted Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 09:18PMAlways in frilly flapper frocks and impractical hooker heels, eyes smoked out from Sunday to next Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.—
I look too much like a prissy Krissy for people to realize I think like a Kristopher: shopping is an errand, not a competitive sport; my bedhead, Brigette Bardot bun is less sex kitten and more a time saver; and packing for travel isn’t about maxing out my luggage, but minimizing my package. Gear for 48 hours of business in New York and fluffy stuff for four-day weekend in San Francisco jam into my favorite white, blackhole of a bag: a few dresses, tiny triangles of underwear, and I rock a single pair of heels. And while I don’t mind Starbucksing on Sunday a.m. in rhinestoned platforms, Jour & Nuit’s convertible shoes, heels designed to get you through day and night, are a bosser option.
Each shoe features patent-pending, removable straps to control the glam factor of platform sandals and kitten heels: pick between a sleeky chic, eel-skin strap or a rhinestoned one, enjoy your options—
Style “jour” for few stares at the subway, go “nuit” and have a fellas pardon their French for you.
[Via Shoewawa]
Your DNA Is Beautiful
Posted Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at 10:23AM
It’s really the blue-print of your life, the stuff that makes you you. That said, don’t ‘cha think DNA deserves a little more…publicity? street cred? adoration?
The folks at DNA11 think so. You send them a sample of your DNA, or your fingerprint and they’ll send you back a gorgeous art print. I had the pleasure of seeing the DNA11 booth at this year’s NY International Gift Fair, and I have to say, DNA is quite beautiful, and the prints are top-quality, rich artistic presentations.
And ThisNexters seem to agree, loft3 says “Its as personal as art can get. What I love about this service is that the printing quality is great and you pick your color so you know it will coordinate with your decor.” And artizen (who is in fact an art historian, collector and critic) muses DNA11’s Fingerprint Art is a “neat idea for a unique, personal piece of art that looks amazing.”
Of course, giving your DNA some serious props, is like the ultimate pat on your own back. As Gordon says, “I suppose in some ways, the DNA11 prints are for the ultimate narcissist, but I rather think they show a healthy interest in and engagement w/the rest of the world.”
Here’s to you, Double Helix.
AUNT BEEP
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Tags: *Design/Interiors/Art, DNA, DNA11, art, decor, design
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Lotta Jansdotter Tells All
Posted Friday, January 26, 2007 at 07:28AM
Thanks to the always amazing and super-cool craft blog Not Martha, we were tipped off to yet another book release by a trend-setting designer. This time, it’s a how-to by one of my very faves, Lotta Jansdotter, to whom I have been wonderously devoted ever since I purchased this delightful tissue box cover.
It’s Lotta Jansdotter’s Simple Sewing: Patterns and How-To for 24 Fresh and Easy Projects. Simple sewing - yeah right. But if anyone can simplify for a craft-challenged gal like Aunt Beep, it would be Lotta.
From Amazon:
Internationally celebrated designer Lotta Jansdotter collects 24 of her most popular sewing patterns into one irresistible collection. Our innovative packaging makes for easy use reusable pattern sheets are neatly tucked into a folder inside this full-color, lay-flat spiral bound book. Lotta has included patterns for handy tote bags, smart aprons, chic bed linens, and much more. Each project is paired with step-by-step instructions, charming photographs, inspiring design ideas, and helpful, hand-drawn how-to illustrations everything you need to make whimsical pieces for the home and beyond. Best of all, there’s nothing complicated about the projects. Never has simplicity looked so sophisticated.
You can pre-order now, to ensure you’ll be one-upping your crafty friends before the book hits the shelves.
Back To Boontje: The Rialto Deco Coffee Table
Posted Thursday, January 4, 2007 at 07:24AM
As a follow-up to my previous gush post about designer Tord Boontje, I thought I’d point out a recent discovery from one of my favorite blogs, Better Living Through Design.
With all that Christmas money, why not pick up this gorgeous number for the casa? The Rialto Deco Boontje coffee table is made of 3/8 or 1/2 thick curved glass. Serigraphic enamelled decoration on both surfaces. This isn’t your Grandma’s coffee table…simple, elegant and whimsical - the design is easy on the eyes because of the transparent color scheme.
See more of my Beautifully Tord Boontje list at ThisNext.
New Book To Drool Over: Tord Boontje
Posted Wednesday, December 27, 2006 at 09:21AM
If you’ve been in just about any modern home store, been to Target or watched their ads, read a design blog or browsed on ThisNext, you’ve probably noticed quite a few mentions about designer, artist and craftsman Tord Boontje.
Much like our dear Jonathan Adler, Mr. Boontje is quite the darling of the design set lately. And, like all darlings destined for international greatness (and home lines in major big box chain stores) Tord Boontje is releasing a book so that we can all impress our friends with some serious design eye-candy on our coffee tables. (oh, and maybe learn a thing or two.)
True design darling blogger decor8 tipped us off on Tord Boontje’s Spring 2007 release, and here’s what Amazon has to say about the book:
Featured in headline exhibitions at the Milan Furniture Fair, the Victoria and Albert Museum and Art Basel: Miami, the unique paper creations and furniture developed by Boontje have become global objects of desire, spawning a cult following among collectors and design consumers. Lavishly illustrated with over 300 sketches, concept renderings, and photographs, the book is a comprehensive visual document of the designer’s work and an art object in itself, featuring a number of custom printing effects-stencils, perforated and die-cut pages, and textured and woven details-that capture the intricacy of Boontje’s approach to pattern-making.
And yes, you can pre-order.
See more of my Beautifully Tord Boontje list at ThisNext.
rolling Stones (because a lump of coal is so 1895)
Posted Thursday, December 7, 2006 at 09:21PM
Rocks? They ain’t just for gardens and throwing at the neighbor’s cat any more. Rocks (or for the more erudite, stones) are weaving their way into the design world in some pretty creative avenues.
LauraSweet’s killer recommendation of Diego Fortunato’s stone rugs reminded me of the popular Livingstones Lounge…in that they’re both inspired by rocks, and supremely cool.
Well, where there is two there is lots more, and a stone tag search reminded me just how much I love the hard semi-spherical object. From MariBelle’s Riverstone Chocolates to really cool cabinet pulls, it’s safe to say there are plenty of rock options out there?
Am I beating a dead horse? Well, you get the point…for a fun, quirky and zen-like organic element - don’t forget Mother Nature’s old stand by.
And leave your neighbors cat alone, why don’t ‘cha.
Gift Guide: Pretty. Grainy. Woodsy.
Posted Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 09:40AM
If you like to add a little feng shui to things, you’ll know that wood is the first of the five elements because it symbolises the beginning of life. While a true feng shui purist will tell you that living wood is really the only element that can truly evoke proper feng shui, Aunt Beep Shui will tell you that giving a gift of something earthy, woodsy and eco-chic can possibly do just as much to settle the frazzled nerves of your recipient. Let alone make them smile.
OhSweetheart bought this gorgeous wooden briefcase from Takumi Shimsmura for her boyfriend, and she says after “after six months of wear and tear it’s still just as beautiful now.” I love the polished light woodgrain of this briefcase. It’s very Feng Shui James Bond, wouldn’t you say?
Much like Faux Trophy, Faux Wood can be equally as alluring. There’s just something about making elements of nature into plasticy manufactured modern objects, like this Ever Together Tyvek Wallet, equally loved by stylish bloggers decor8 and Creature Comforts, and available at GreenerGrassDesign.
...continued: Gift Guide: Pretty. Grainy. Woodsy.
Gift Guide: Jonathan Adler
Posted Sunday, November 26, 2006 at 02:55PM
Quite possibly one of the most popular darlings of the design world, Jonathan Adler continues to delight us all with his fun, quirky, whimsical modern designs.
Adler’s designs go all over the place…from Christmas Stockings to Menorahs to campy pop pieces and fantastical characters. Price-wise, the range is as broad as his pieces. If you want to make it easy on yourself, choose one designer: Jonathan Adler, and cross everyone off your list with one of his ceramics, pillows, ornaments or tableware.
For classic Adler, I love the porcelain Giraffe object from his Menagerie collection. Being tall, the giraffe comparisons are an easy jest…so I am partial to this elegant Jonathan Adler piece. Partially because I love white, partially because everyone else is so into penguins and giraffes are so statuesque and pretty.
...continued: Gift Guide: Jonathan Adler
New Design Shopcasts on ThisNext
Posted Saturday, October 28, 2006 at 10:33PM
The past week on ThisNext.com has been a virtual overload of amazing shopcasting. Just when I thought I’d seen it all on the www, I log on to find gems like octate.com, aldeahome.com, or Oh So Retro’s Etsy shop.
In the design world, there are a few amazing lists that have cropped up – and Aunt Beep has been drooling over all the new discoveries.
The amazing Laura Sweet of In Good Taste and Laura Sweet Gemstone Jewelry has taken ThisNext by storm. Her profile manifesto alone is reason to run into the street screaming Beauty! Truth! and Love! …let alone her fabulous picks in her If It’s Hip, It’s Here list which is comprised of “Art, accessories, appliances. A list of items that celebrate design, functionality and art. Items to appreciate and admire.”
...continued: New Design Shopcasts on ThisNext
Trade the stuffy couch for a few stuffed rocks
Posted Monday, October 23, 2006 at 11:26AM
Apparently all it takes is a few felt rocks to make ThisNexters happy. Giant, cushy, body hugging felt rocks, actually.
Livingstones’ modern collection of beanbag-inspired “rocks” has quite a few peeps buzzing on ThisNext. And why not? Imagining a room filled with a these pieces takes us back to everything that is great about being a kid…jumping on the furniture, and building forts.
“Oooh.” Gushes skibblymook, “huge pillow-like rock things for your house. the geo-look you’ve always wanted in the comfort you enjoy. Woo, I’m enthralled. Like ginormous bean-bags, but classier. And science-y!”
According to News-Leader.com the “eco-styled and (eco-friendly)” rocks are made with wool and polysilicone fiber and range in price from $73-$6166.
The Livingstones website- though mouth-wateringly beautiful- is in French, so purchasing is still a bit of a process. o0 has more contact information on his blog which he kindly added to his ThisNext recommendation, “I’d seen these a little while ago, and someone left a note on my blog saying that they now have a distributor for the US and Canada. You can contact Ed Shop and ask for Sandra (514) 652-4635 or sand7@sympatico.ca”
And if you love the concept but lack the space, perhaps these felt rocks from Molo Design are more your size.
3-D Wallpaper Tiles
Posted Sunday, October 22, 2006 at 07:10PM
Start a tag or a subject search, and you’ll discover oodles of amazing, innovative wallpaper and wall decor recommendations on ThisNext, like these 3-D wall tiles…which seem especially popular with the guys.
Vrome explains in his Young Urban Bachelor List o’ Stuff “These are great for a whole wall to or used as an art piece like what I’ve done at my place. The tiles can be arranged into different patterns and painted. Mine are a dark orange. An inexpensive way to create a cool accent wall or art piece.”
Todo14 of urban design blog FreshTrend says they’re a “fun new twist on wall decor” and I tend to agree. Individual colored tiles allow you to create whatever type of display you want using minimal or maximum coverage. The 3-D effect packs a lot of punch to a boring wall, and a new alternative to traditional artwork.
Kitchen Makeover on ThisNext
Posted Sunday, October 22, 2006 at 08:50AM
Kristine (user name: grenadefishing) from GrenadeFishing.com & diamondites.com has started a major kitchen over-haul just like she said she would…read her Q&A…and she’ll tell you that “I am about to start a full-scale kitchen remodel… So here’s the list, if you really want to know. Wolfe range, Wolf stainless steel oven, Wolf heater oven, Samsung refrigerator, all-custom cabinetry, industrial strength hardware, metal accordion in/out door, and industrial polyethelene floor coating.”
To follow her improvements, check out her list “Kitchen Make-Over” which is filling up quickly with details on all the modern appliances she’s adding to what I can only surmise will be the coolest kitchen ever. 
Another list full of sleek, modern and creative home finds by Kristine is “me like. me want. me have.” which features this awesome garbage bin available at UnicaHome. Like Kristine says ” I have difficulty accepting the fact that my trash can is the best looking item in the room.”
She’s on to something there. That is one good-looking garbage bin.
For anyone else gearing up to re-do that kitchen, or if you’re just adding on to your someday wish-list - Kitchen Make-Over is a great growing list with a bit of feng shui philosophy. Says Kristine of her Wolf Gas Cooktop, “According to feng shui philosophy, the fire is one of the most important elements of the home. It signifies abundance. The stove should be the one item not under budget scrutiny.”
Go To The Bathroom
Posted Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 08:28PM
For me, the design buck seems to stop at the bathroom. While I’m well aware that Kerastase on display does not a décor make – it isn’t too often that I try to add a little flair to one of the busiest rooms in the house.
And maybe this is all because I’m secretly holding out for my dream bathroom by dream-boat Jamie Hayon…
Bathroom fabulosity is not, however a problem with ThisNexters, who continue to recommend a myriad of products both fun and functional.
Perhaps the most decadent item in the “bathroom” tag is HGTV’s host of Bad Bad Bath Krista Watterworth’s pick of the Electric Mirror Vibe TV.
...continued: Go To The Bathroom
Ooh La Love: Independent Fashion
Posted Monday, October 9, 2006 at 02:25PM 
I’ve not a problem with the McFashion of the world, but it’s always fresh to see truly independent designers, tagged “independent” as much for their aesthetic as knowing their moving, growing, supporting themselves financially.
When I first started writing for Trunkt - check this Magpie rose quartz cocktail ring from their store - , it seemed they were some of the first to realize the appeal of independent designers as an alternative to mass-marketed, everyone and their mother materialism, and not simply “alternative.”
...continued: Ooh La Love: Independent Fashion
Loco for MoCo Loco
Posted Monday, September 11, 2006 at 10:32PMMoCo Loco brings us (and by us, I mean me) two important pieces of gorgeous design information today: both fantastical, but in very different ways.
1. My Brilliant Spanish Designer Crush, Jaime Hayon is having a solo show at the Aram Gallery in London.
2. One of my favorite design houses, Design House Stockholm has created just about the cutest bicycle basket I ever saw.
Do you think I can shopcast my way to Europe?
Vacum Wars
Posted Sunday, September 10, 2006 at 08:43PM
Wouldn’t ya know it - the vacum wars have begun. We can probably thank Dyson for putting vacums on the design lover’s map…and since everyone is already in the know about uprights, we better turn our focus to handhelds.
So which one do you love? The (previously featured) Black & Decker V6 Chrome number? Or perhaps this collaboration between Alessi and architect Stefano Giovannoni:
“The Alessi Handheld Vacuum recharges in its base with an integrated crevice tool and wet nozzle. Crafted out of stainless steel, the sleek form can be stored where it’s most convenient, rather than hidden in a cabinet, out of reach and out of view. The base can be wall mounted. Giovannoni’s work is in the permanent collections at MoMA and the Centre Georges Pompidou. UL listed.”
They sure are purty. But do they work?
Color Me ThisNext: Part 2 (black, white, brown & gray)
Posted Wednesday, September 6, 2006 at 09:58PMI decided to continue my journey through color tags at ThisNext…yesterday we explored home and interiors product recommendations which were tagged with all the colors of the rainbow - red, orange, yellow, green blue and pink (we were lacking in purple…c’mon purple people!). Today it’s off to the neurtals - black, white, brown and grey.
Let’s see what treats our ThisNexters have in store…
>> The eclectic and stylish shopcast simply (yet deceptively) titled Home Products features this beautiful Ginetta by Slamp Black Chandelier.
...continued: Color Me ThisNext: Part 2 (black, white, brown & gray)