Jose Graces’ Disitrito Restaurant in Philadelphia combines woven natural materials with high spirited, colorful woven synthetics to create a modern Mexican environment still rooted in tradition. Brooklyn based Creme Design and Miami based PIE Studio joined forces to create the environment in which large seating elements were done in natural materials and the bright synthetics were used on the smaller pieces. The result is a dynamic, lively, light and modern environment which evokes the tradition of a Mexican fiesta.
This little beach cottage in seaside town of Whitstable in the UK is 388 square feet of pared down bliss. Designed and owned by Danish designer Nina Tolstrup of Studiomania – I have to say, we need a lot more of a little something like this. Pared down to its essentials, the house provides a shelter which is cognizant of the real star here, the sea. Accepting the sea as the focal point, the rest of the house sits in support of that. I love beautiful stuff, but there is real grace in minimalism and restraint that is hard to beat. Thanks to Jennifer Chait at Offbeat Homes for the heads up. Jennifer also blogs about green lifestyle.
Handmade specializes in fine custom furniture and cabinetry for home, office and retail.
John McDonald
Handmade
2300 Central Avenue, Unit I
Duarte, CA 91010
323-660-5531
info@ahandmadehome.com
The Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica California recently rennovated by Thomas Schoos Design relies on natural materials, comfort and an homage to the sea. Schoos deftly mixes modern pieces like the Strata Chair from Stew Design Workshop with clean white upholstered chairs, leather benches, fluffy white pillows and rustic woven tables. The wall features hundreds of lacquered white piranhas. Not your typical interpretation of a seaside resort, which makes it so intriguing.
I get alot of emails, I look at most of them and once in awhile something really catches my eye – rawtiles creates a nice line of modernist ceramic tiles using traditional glazing techniques. They offer some really appealing patterns and a nice color palate. Tile sizes inlcude 4″x4″, 6″x6″ and 8″x8″. Made in Los Angeles for both indoor and outdoor application. Its worth a look.
Designer David Weeks came up with such a comforting design with these Campfire Votive Candleholders. About 4.5″ in diameter, a pair of these on any table is bound to conjur up some happy memories for almost anyone. At $15 each, a pretty great gift idea.
Material Process Systems are fantastic cabinet makers and installers. They also do a lot of specialty fabrication above and beyond. They’ve done some crazy walls for Nike and the NHL (it actually freezes) but they can also install things for residential areas. They are certified to work with Richlite an eco-friendly and super sleek material for countertops. They also have started some sweet modern furniture. Check them out!
Material Process Systems, Inc.
87 Richardson Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-302-3081
Thanks for the tip Ellen!
Classic Design provides a complete range of upholstery and restoration services, from hand-stitched fabric to laser cut foam. They specialize in restoring classic modern pieces from the 1950’s and 1960’s including Knoll and Herman Miller. They also provide complete custom furniture, reupholstery, antique restoration, window treatments, wall upholstery, slipcovers, replating and rechroming and leather working.
They have an impressive client list including Richard Meier Partners, Robert A.M. Stern Architects, Gwathmey Siegel and Associates, Knoll International and Herman Miller International.
Classic Design
19771 Magellan Drive
Torrance, CA 90502
310-324-1600
Thanks to Kathleen for the referral
What can you do to liven up your holiday party without breaking the bank? How about Reindeer Glass Stiks from Blik? A package of tweleve reindeers in different sizes and two color combinations are only $4.50. I ordered a bunch just to give to friends and for that “under $10 gift exchange” thing. If reindeers don’t do it for you, they also have graphic bubbles, birds, profiles, lips and a mixed bag. Check it out at blik Surface Graphics.
Armida is a modular storage system that begins with an upright unit that can be supported by a wall or the ceiling. To that, add standard shelves, a TV shelf, an angled shelf (for books or magazines), a glass shelf, a video unit shelf, a pull out shelf, storage container or drawer in almost any combination. Unit heights come in heights of approximately 45″ or 90″. A fantastic, flexible system – ultra light in appearance and totally functional @Limn.
