Eames Demetrios short film starring none other than the Eames Plywood Elephants. For native Angelenos, this film is particularly enchanting because much of it is shot on location at many familiar spots. Vitra has also introduced a polypropylene version of the same Eames Elephant that is available in white, classic red, ice grey, dark lime and light pink, in stock for about $290 each.
Glass Globe Tealight Holders by Sagaform. Two handblown glass halves are joined to form a glass ball. Maybe its the times, but I am so taken by simplicity right now. I love that this is just a vessel to hold a light, uncomplicated, but still so pretty. I also like that I can get a pair for under $50 at A+R. My list of great gifts is growing because of designs like these.
I saw these Log Bowls this morning at dwell ON DESIGN in the Kitchen section curated by designboom. While the combination of something so organic with something so manufactured is a little jarring, it definitely grabs you attention and makes you think about whether or not you like it. Designed by Doha Chebib for CABIN, Log Bowls are handmade from locally reclaimed trees - those that have fallen or have already been cut down. The pieces are then hand turned and finished on the inside with brilliant acrylic water based paint with a high gloss finish. I was surprised to see that Target sells at least one of these bowls for $49.99.
When you think midcentury modern, names like Eames, van der Rohe, Nelson, Wegner, Noguchi, Saarinen, Bertoia, Panton and Prouve come to mind. But what about Carlo Mollino? Born in 1905 and working until his death in 1973, Mollino is regarded as one of the most influential designers of the 20th century. His prolific career spanned architecture, furniture design, photography, erotica, and race cars. His passions included skiing, car racing, flying and the occult - he was obsessive, eccentric and creative.
Working in Turin from an 18th century apartment, Mollino was a little obsessed with the death rituals of Egyptian pharaohs who believed they would enjoy a decadent afterlife. One room in his apartment was his sort of “tomb” which he outfitted with a bed-shaped boat on a watery blue carpet… That apartment has since been turned into a museum and has been preserved much the way it was left upon his death. The only photos I have seen were taken by designer Patricia Gray on a trip to Italy. Her account of the visit is interesting and the New York Times recently featured an piece on Mollino’s Seductive Allure.
Mollino came from a well-to-do family which afforded him the opportunity to create freely. Because he worked this way, many of his pieces were one-offs for clients and never went into production. The pieces are coveted by collectors because of their scarcity and inherent design value. However, a few pieces, like the Cavour Desk shown above, are still in production.
Its not often you find a $22 product with its own movie… but in the case of Chop2Pot it is well deserved. This handy little product provides a flat polypropelene cutting surface. The board has been scored, give the handle a squeeze and the board forms sides so you can transport your work to the appropriate pan, mixing bowl or whatever the destination might be. I think this could be my newest gift idea - practical, thoughtful and affordable.
Viesso LA introduces Cat Cube designed for cats to play in, on or around. A pretty sheik looking piece for your kitty, the Cube is covered in scratch resistant sisal and is entirely capable of seating a person. Like all Viesso products, the Cat Cube is customizable as to size, upholstery and leg style. The piece is entirely made in Los Angeles and is ready to ship in about three weeks.
lite2go is a innovative design in which the packaging is the product. The 10×10x11 inch light comes flat packed in its own shade. Follow some simple instructions and in a few minutes, you have assembled a great little lamp. Powered by a 7watt energy efficient compact flourescent bulb, even the instructions are printed on recycled paper. At about $65 each, this is a pretty cool little piece. See the Movie.
Part of California’s Joie de Virve boutique hotel group, Shorebreak is located just off the beach near the Huntington Beach Pier. The design is definitely inspired by surf culture: laid back, casual and board-centric.
We were pleased to see that they selected William Earle’s Hal for the guestrooms. The table/stool is avaiable in stock and comes in walnut, white oak, grey walnut or dark walnut. Each piece is handmade and signed. Hal is about 21″ square and is pretty well priced at $500, including shipping.
