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Wowsa. Pricey, but it would certainly make a statement.

Material: Steel

There are only a handful of public spaces that I can think of that inspire awe, probably because most seem to default to a utilitarian outcome rather than lifting the bar to any higher aesthetic. Yet the large scale projects by
Weiss/Manfredi show a different side to this particular architecture. Their interdisciplinary approach can be seen most recently in the completed Olympic Sculpture Park (above right), whose Z-shaped path moves visitors through three different land parcels over a busy street. The way the landscape is involved as the structure, and how that structure surrounds and promotes the activity shows a thoughtful regard for both function and form.

Plus, there’s enough documentation of details, photographs, and drawings to make your head hurt, or at least expand alarmingly with the realization of just how huge some of these projects seem to be.

“For nearly two decades the architecture firm Weiss/Manfredi has practiced outside the traditional boundaries of architecture. Their work with complex sites and programs benefits from an interdisciplinary approach and a dynamic integration of architecture, art, infrastructure, and landscape design. Surface/Subsurface presents nine major projects that have been completed since their first monograph Site Specific, published in 2000.Their design process–exemplary of the best contemporary architectural practices–reveals potential in subsurface conditions with the goal of generating an entirely new language for the surface.”

Hardcover, 208 pages, 300 color illustrations

$60.00, Available at
PA Press
or
here.

[posted by katie]

I don’t know about you, but the price of this versatile guy was slightly surprising to me- hurray for lighting under $50(!).

“The plastic sections of the 5 in 1 shade slide together for easy assembly. Use 3, 4, 5, 6, or all 7 of the pieces to create 1 large or 2 smaller shades. Flat-pack shipping makes it a perfect gift.”

Materials: Shade: White polypropylene, Cord & canopy: White canopy with 1 1/2″ socket and 4 foot cord.

Dimensions range from 12″ to 24″ in height and diameter.

A nicely priced small mirror…

Cast resin frame.

H: 15.5 x W: 11 x D: 2.

While this cotton insulation costs twice as much as regular fiberglass insulation, there’s something to be said for being able to install it with your bare hands (there’s been more than enough times where just being in the proximity of fiberglass insulation will make me itch, so I’d be willing to pay a little more for comfort), not to mention all the environmental benefits/credentials.

“Made from cotton fibers recovered from blue jean and other textile manufacturers, UltraTouch insulation offers excellent thermal and acoustical performance. Because it doesn’t contain fiberglass, it won’t cause itching or skin irritation during installation. It’s formaldehyde- and VOC-free, so offgassing isn’t an issue. The re-used cotton fibers are treated with an EPA-registered fungal inhibitor that offers excellent protection from mold, mildew, fungus and pests, as well as providing outstanding fire-resistance properties.”

Size, R-13: 16×94, $94.41

This has such a vintage look to it; the simple frame, wooden drawers and glass top all combine to make a desk that is compact yet serviceable.

“Exceptional ideas need an exceptional place to flourish. What could be more inspiring than a sophisticated structure incorporating elegant hand forged steel, polished wood and textured glass surfaces?”

-Alder, rubberwood, steel, glass
-Dust with a soft dry cloth

32.75″H, 42″W, 29.75″D

This is my kind of luxury hotel- take a look at the eclectic mix of furnishings. And don’t lose hope if the price per night seems a bit out of reach…sometimes you can get a ‘last minute’ rate (just call to check).

“Soho House New York is a private members’ club and boutique hotel located in Manhattan’s fashionable Meatpacking District. Built over five floors of an old warehouse the house features many spacious areas and amenities for guests to enjoy whilst staying, including a Cowshed spa, sprawling lounge area, games room, restaurant and bar. The rooftop pool has views over the West Village and the Hudson River and guests can lie in loungers or sit at tables for drinks, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, weather permitting.”

[via kiwicollection]

Thinking outside of the box, UtiliTILE has designed a creative solution to utensil storage. It’s halfway between a useful fixture and an art piece, which leads me to think it’s well worth some consideration.

“UtiliTILE: Dining is a series of simple-to-mount yet elegant lacquered wall tiles, each providing a specific storage function for the dining room. Have a buffet without having a table… A useful tile for storing your utensils in a fun and space saving way, as if hurled into the wall by a knife thrower. Setting the table is as easy as pulling out as many utensils as you need. Magnets ensure that the system works smoothly.”

Materials: Baltic birch ply, lacquer.

24 W 24 H 1.25 D

The subtle colors of these pleated pillows are lovely.

“Area’s mission is simple: original designs, natural fibers, and long-lasting beauty and comfort. Area bedding will make your bedroom more serene and simple. Classic even. 100% natural fibers make these sheets very easy to maintain and care for (even the linen lines) — so both the appearance and quality will last.”

Available colors: Creme, Powder (Pink), Java
100% linen cover. Down insert.
19.5 L x 17 H

Also shown: Area Brick Quilt & Shams, Queen: $320.00, Buy it here.

I like how this mirror has all sorts of random colors due to the choice of material.

“Large round mirror covered with coils of recycled magazine pagers. Rolled into coils, the pieces of paper are attached to the mirror’s frame and then sealed for durability and shine. Finished with embedded hook at the back for hanging. Imported. Wipe clean.”

Paper, glass. Hardware for hanging not included

21″dia, 2.5″w

Urban Outfitters has a bunch of interesting (and affordable) rugs- perfect for adding a little bit of interest and texture to any room.

Most made from low profile cotton.

(shown left to right, top to bottom)
3×5 Peony Tree Printed Rug, $28.00
3×5 Silhouette Flower Printed Rug, $28.00
3X5 Inked Floral Printed Rug, $28.00
5X7 Zebra Printed Rug, $68.00
5X7 Paisley Printed Rug, $68.00
5X7 Zig Zag Printed Rug, $39.99

A rather impressive sleek silhouette frames tufted leather cushions on this new sofa from Gus* Modern.

“Expanding upon the versatile styling and supreme comfort of its Delano Lounge Chair counterpart, the Delano Sofa incorporates the same plush, tufted leather cushions and sturdy, open stainless steel frame. This Gus Modern couch is amply sized to comfortably accommodate three or more. The Delano Couch is available in three rich, aniline-dyed leather shades: classic Black, rich Espresso, or fresh White.”

Dimensions: 79″W x 33″D X 26″H. Seat height: 16″.

These are so very clever(!)…keep in mind that each piece is unique and apparently sells fast.

“re:vision is the product of Craig Arnold’s unbridled passion for cameras, recycling and polishing. Handmade in Adelaide Australia, from discarded camera components and reshaped with love, re:vision brings old school cameras into an entirely new focus.”

[via trendhunter]

If you can get past the price tag, this light is actually pretty spectacular.

‘Sustainable and stylish, these light fixtures of cascading flowers are designed from recycled bottle-bases that have been cleaned, sanded and tagged together by hand. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. Choose 8″, 10″, 12″ or 14″. All measure 5 3/4″ in width. Items featured 8″ Cascade.’

(note: I think that the options for length is meant to read in feet, not inches, fyi.)

If you’ve not visited decor8, just a warning: the collection of room photos she has on flickr is completely addictive.