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Articles Written by Katie

Katie

About Katie: Katie has been a product and textile designer, an art restoration specialist, and an interior designer/merchandiser. Her interests are focused on finding well designed items that improve daily life as well as reading fiction and making stuff. (View Profile)

 
 

Eames Lounge and Ottoman

A couple of years ago, in a completely uncharacteristic move, an Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman joined my living room*. Yes, it was expensive, and, yes, quite a bit of thought and deliberation occurred before the actual purchase, but it is possibly the most comfortable chair ever (really), and will remain so the many years to come. So, if the iconic Eames Lounge is something you’ve been thinking about, I give my thumbs up, and remind you that there’s only a day or two left to take advantage of the sale price. If you can’t yet take the plunge, don’t worry, there’s always next year.

In continuous production since its introduction in 1956, the Eames Lounge Chair is widely considered one of the most significant designs of the 20th century. It was the culmination of Charles and Ray Eames’ efforts to create a club chair using the molded plywood technology that they pioneered in the ’40s. In Charles Eames’ words, the vision was a chair with the “warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt.” The result has become the consummate lounge set, timelessly blending old-fashioned comfort and visionary modernism. Pairing soft, inviting leather with the sleek form of molded plywood, the seat is balanced on a five-star, die-cast aluminum base. All parts are replaceable by Herman Miller;. This original is an authentic, fully licensed product of Herman Miller, Inc. Eames is a licensed trademark of Herman Miller.

Chair, H 33″ D 33″ W 33″ Seat H 15″ Arm H 20.5″
Ottoman, H 17.5″ W 26″ D 21.5″

Was: $3,599.00 – $4,499.00,
Now: $3,239.10 – $4,049.10 (offer expires June 21)

(*I think every person that has sat in it has let out some form of exclamation or audible sigh of pleasure, which to be honest, is sometimes funny and other times a little disturbing (depending on the person).)

Purchase Information:

Price: $3,239.10
Availability: Buy Eames Lounge and Ottoman here

Ninety Task Light

Sure, not everyone’s going to plunk down $500 for a lamp, but it is an excellent, excellent design. If you have it for the next thirty years, you could say it’s worth the $1.38 per month that it averages out to be, but then, I guess you could use that formula to justify buying anything expensive.

(more…)

Purchase Information:

Price: $649.00
Availability: Buy Ninety Task Light here

Cutting Table No. 1 by Sruli Recht

This is such a smart solution. It gets a bazillion points for being biodegradable, transportable, affordable and having replaceable parts.

…this light and sturdy corrugated structure was developed to meet the requirements of both the traveling designer and space limited student… or the traveling student and space limited designer, needing an ergonomic sturdy plane on which to cut, fold, draft, design or dine. The affordable biodegradable alternative is easily packed down at the end of your day to regain precious real estate.

Has thus far been employed as a cutting table, meeting table, dinner table, baby changing table, RPG table, and a bed. She comes with 3 collapsable drawers, Jute strap moving/storing box, laminated white surface top, and all replaceable parts.

1500mm x 1200mm x 930mm
(59″ x 42″ x 36.6″)

Purchase Information:

Price: $349.00
Availability: Buy Cutting Table No. 1 by Sruli Recht here

Light and Stout Chairs by ref-use

Not only are these chairs made from wood that would normally end up in a landfill, but you also have the delightful option of hand picking the color you prefer for the sides of the chair.


Ref-use
, a small furniture company in Austin, TX. makes modern chairs from reclaimed plywood. The duo finds their waste in dumpsters of large wood manufacturers, then transform it into their two current products; the stout and the light.


Light Chair
(left), $325.00: Buy it here.
Weight: approx. 12 lbs, 33 3/4″h, 19″w, 24″l

Stout Chair (right), $450.00: Buy it here.
Weight: approx.35 lbs, 32 1/2″h, 18 1/2″w, 20 1/2″l

Purchase Information:

Price: $325.00-$450.00
Availability: Buy Light and Stout Chairs by ref-use here

CableBox by Bluelounge

Thank goodness for all the cable management stuff that’s on the market nowadays, because unsightly cords can ruin the feeling of a clean and organized space.

Under or on the desk, next to the computer, or behind the TV, loose tangled cables are always untidy dust traps. CableBox is the solution to solve these issues. Simply place your power strips or surge protector inside CableBox. No need to unplug anything first. Then stow away the surplus cable lengths, close the lid and done. Designed with cable outlets either side of the box, CableBox will fit almost every size power strip with extra space for the cords, adapters, etc.

Available in Black or White.
15.6″ x 6″ x 5.3″

Montecito Residence

There’s something to be said for stepping outside the box, and this home by Tom Kundig certainly makes a statement. The extreme slopes and angles are pretty spectacular.

[via nytimes]

[posted by katie]

ProTraveller Minimalist Hotel Roundup

ProTraveller recently did a nice roundup of 10 hotels with particularly minimalist aesthetic decor…worth taking a look if you get a chance.

[posted by katie]

Bendino Lamp

This limited edition lamp is a pretty good steal at $89.00.

available in red, black, and white.
designer: martin konrad gloeckle

7.25″ x 7.25″ x 10″ (depth x width x height)

Purchase Information:

Price: $89.00
Availability: Buy Bendino Lamp here

Mikoto Knife Blocks

We’ve posted the Mikoto Knife Block in red before, but this black one caught my eye…I love the lacquered look.

By contributing to the preservation of the environment and continually searching for new and innovative ideas to make beautiful products out of bamboo this company has been one of our favorites from day one. The knife blocks are another example of great and functional design; because the blocks are filled with bamboo skewers, all your knives will fit anywhere in the block. All products are designed in France and produced by skillful artisans in Vietnam.

[posted by katie]

Purchase Information:

Price: $55.00-$150.00
Availability: Buy Mikoto Knife Blocks here

Tampico Alice Suitcase

I’m completely digging these slouchy cotton suitcases.

Available in Slate, Ruby, and White
Materials: Cotton

W15 x D4 x H11 in.

Purchase Information:

Price: $120.00
Availability: Buy Tampico Alice Suitcase here

The Art of Looking Sideways by Alan Fletcher

As Alan Fletcher says, “It’s full of little entertainments.”

  • A primer in visual intelligence that explores the workings of the eye, the hand, the brain and the imagination
  • An inexhaustible mine of anecdotes, quotations, curious facts, useless information, oddities, serious science, jokes and memories
  • Distils a lifetime of reflection and observation by one of the world’s foremost designers

[posted by katie]

Purchase Information:

Price: $26.37
Availability: Buy The Art of Looking Sideways by Alan Fletcher here

Satellite Chair, White (Floor Samples)

At over half off, these floor sample chairs are a pretty good deal. Not sure how much shipping would be, but it might be worth checking out.

“These white powder coated steel chairs are really comfortable…and while they’re designed for an outdoor range, we think they look great inside too! These floor samples are regularly $600 each. We’ve got 6 left…hurry!”

White powder coat metal

Purchase Information:

Price: $600.00
Availability: Buy Satellite Chair, White (Floor Samples) here

10 Grain Lounge Desk

Is it just me, or does it seem entirely unfair that kid furniture is looking pretty cool these days?

If only adult sized furniture were so multipurpose. The 10 Grain Lounge Desk can be used as a desk for a little brainiac, a chair for the introspective types, and with the aide of a little tape, an easel for the petite Picasso. The Lounge Desk is available in chili red or Small Paul® graphics.

25″L x 20″H x 16″D

Purchase Information:

Price: $225.00
Availability: Buy 10 Grain Lounge Desk here

Zurich Lounge Chair & Ottoman

So, if you’re not too concerned by bonded leather*, this chair looks pretty decent for the price.

Adding a modern twist to the style and comfort of a leather chair, the Zurich Lounge Chair instantly infuses style into your home. Its sleek look makes it a pleasure to look at, while its roomy and comfortable seat makes it the perfect place to relax. With these chairs you can take the modern look of a leather couch to a whole new extreme by placing several together for truly unique couch. The Zurich Lounge Chair is constructed of bonded leather, CA fire rated safety foam, and a chrome wire based. It measures 32.25″L x 29.75″W x 36″H and is available in your choice of black or white. Choose a matching ottoman for the ultimate in modern style and relaxation.

Chair: 32.25″L x 29.75″W x 36″H, $375.00
Ottoman: 29″L x 20″W x 16.5″H, $200.00

(*If you’re curious what “bonded leather” is exactly, wikipedia has an excellent description)

Purchase Information:

Price: $375
Availability: Buy Zurich Lounge Chair & Ottoman here

Flock Mobile

A nice mobile to complement your modern interior…

“hand laminated maple veneer cut to the shape of abstract birds hung from shaped wire – each bird are different size and shapes…”

approx. 24 x 11 inches

Purchase Information:

Price: $160.00
Available from: bookhou