Vazo Methusela by Seattle based Rotoluxe makes a very big statement. At 44″ high and 48″ diameter, this giant lighted pot works indoors or out in public or private spaces. Rotoluxe’s mission is to bring a clean contemporary look in an environmentally friendly package – mission accomplished on both fronts. The products contain recycled post industrial consumer plastics and are, themselves, 100% recyclable. They are powered by a low wattage CFL or battery powered LED source. Available in 13 colors, although I’d have a hard time passing up natural, shown here.
Harbour Outdoor is a new modern outdoor line from a couple of Australian brothers whose father spent 30 years in the furniture business. Australian’s know first hand what the sun, sea air and water can do to surfaces – Harbour’s products are made from some pretty tough materials including teak, polyethylene, compact laminate, rattan, Rehau weave, Batyline Mesh with a special expertise in stainless steel, mild steel and aluminum. The designs are straight forward modern contemporary. We particularly love the Breeze collection with its teak detailing.
A collection of indoor/outdoor furnishings, Framura is named for a small hillside town with a spectaular view of the gulf of Cinque Terre. The collection was introduced at Salone del Mobile 2009 by DePadova. Designed by the team of Silvia Suardi and Sezgin Aksu, the pieces are made from metal tubing, woven colored ribbons and cotton covered cushions. The feel is relaxed and fun, not at all fussy or serious. Options include extra pillows, different ribbon colors and white or silver finishes. You can find the Framura collection at SUITE New York.
When I first saw Sod Otto awhile back, my first question was “…can you use it outside?”. I think Leslie Shapiro of 407 Furniture thought I was a little crazy – because I, like many others, have real grass outside, why would I need to import artificial sod? Maybe the real impetus behind Sod Otto was to bring the outdoors in, but I sort of like it the other way around as well, bring the virtual outdoors out. Well I am happy to report that Leslie did design both an indoor and outdoor version of Sod Otto. More and more I see artificial turf being installed in my neighborhood. I keep thinking about an outdoor space that sculpts seating and table surfaces into the landscape and then covers the whole thing with a really soft, tactile turf – how cool would that be?
This indoor outdoor cooler becomes the center of attention with its lighting component (sold separately). Somehow everything just looks that much better with the proper lighting – Danny Venlet’s Ice Cube is no exception.
The Wabi Lawn Swing designed by Francesco Rota for Paola Lenti completely reimagines what a front porch swing is all about. This swing features a rope upholstery that is hand woven onto the wood and stainless frame. If you’ve never seen Paola Lenti’s “rope” up close, you should take the time to check it out. It is produced from rope and Aquatech, a proprietary indoor outdoor yarn. The stuff is durable, resistant to the elements and available in a wide range of colors. In this piece, the yarn is super chunky in appearance, kind of nautical.
Described as a pot-bellied Kimeroide? (hmmm, I had to look that up – Google showed no references except by Casamania, go figure). Anyway, the concept is one of an animal of the future – some sort of cross-cross breed that is nice and friendly – house pet or outside friend. Kekazze is a decorative object to be used indoors or out. At 47″ high x 33″dia, this guy is almost as tall as and considerably wider than my seven year old. @ functions, Los Angeles.
This piece was designed by Omar Ronda, part of the artist’s collective Cracking Art whose purpose was “…to change the codes for the art of the future” and reportedly regarded their work as a “search for archaic forms in the modern”.
Lydon by Oluce is one of the best looking outdoor lights I’ve seen in a long time. Available as either a single globe wall mount (with great looking hardware) or a four globe standing lamp. The standing piece is either 9.8 or 6.5 feet tall, a big light. The globes are polycarbonate and teh structure is zinc plate and black. @ Karkula
Further to our discussion of outdoor fire features…
We received a tip about Flame Creation, located in Snellville, Georgia. This company specializes in custom fire features including fire bowls and combined fire and water elements. The website has images of some nice, resorty looking installations. Good source of inspiration.
Thanks Mike!
This beautiful concrete firebowl is made by Solus in Vancouver BC.
It is 36″ across and 17″ high, so it provides a little more height than the other bowls we’ve look at so far. Made from handcrafted concrete and intended to burn gas or propane. The flame from the earth effect is stunning. The price is in a different league at $4200, but it is really beautiful.