Archive for August, 2008
A desk purchase is in store for many of us adults this time of year as well. The sad-but-true sentiment at summer’s end is Back to Work People!
For the young professional urbanite: The Framed Secretary
This superbly streamlined design by West Elm is a perfect choice for the small city apartment. It’s a vertical version of the traditional secretary desk, with a drop-down flat-front panel (that opens by touch-latch) in place of the roll-top, and comes in one color combination — a chocolate frame with a white interior. The classic style and coloring of the desk matches any living room setup, which, if you live in the city, is likely where your “home office” will be. Retails for $799. [Westelm.com]
The designer’s desk: Herman Miller Nelson Swag
Perfect for spreading out blueprints, plans, or room layouts, this desk would make a designer’s day easier. The Nelson Swag was first introduced in 1958, and its classic simplicity still appeals fifty years later, still with a white laminate surface top, solid walnut sides, the classic four swag-leg design, and a newly added grommet for cable management. Retails for about $1,750. [Velocityartanddesign.com]
For the high achiever: Blu Dot Modulicious Desk
We could see Mad Men’s hero Don Draper sitting proud at this power desk in 1960. The perfectly balanced symmetry of the piece – with drawers on each side — along with its size (61” x 28.5 x 30”) will steer any student or professional toward success. Our favorite color choice for the powder-coated steel drawers is robin’s egg blue, which looks great with an oak body. Body also available in graphite or maple. Retails for about $1399. [Velocityartdesign.com]
Posted by admin at 29 August, 2008
With school starting up again, it’s time to think about buying notebooks, printer paper, pencils, knapsacks, and … quite possibly a desk. It may not be a scientific fact that students will develop better homework skills if they have their own desk to work at, but we’re inclined to think they will.
So that you can properly study up before you purchase, here’s the low-down on ChicTip’s favorite desks, according to type of student:
For the Tot: The Klick Desk
Though designed for kids, ages 3 to 7, there’s nothing immature about this P’kolino design. The chair and desk — available in bright orange, red, or green – are like two curvaceous pieces of a puzzle: they fit together as one. Made of painted Birchwood, the chair-desk unit has handles on its sides and can be easily transported to different parts of the house for the restless young student or budding artist, and can be put away easily as well. A pullout tray underneath the vinyl-padded chair means clutter can be kept out of the way too. Retails for about $200. [Pkolino.com]
For the cool kid: The Alex Desk
Geared towards the elementary school student, ducduc’s Alex Desk is a sophisticated, yet still playful, design. The desk’s brightly painted drawers, available in bright red, pea green, royal blue, orange, or lavender, “pop” in any child’s room; while the natural or white frame adds maturity. Outfitted for the progressive kid, the desk is both eco- and electronics-friendly: it’s made of sustainably harvested wood and covered in a non-toxic pollutant-free finish, and can have a built-in Altec Lansin entertainment system with speakers, computer and MP3 connectivity. Another cool extra: a desktop dry-erase board. Retails for about $750. [ducducnyc.com]
For the serious young student: The Loom Desk
Since this desk can be adjusted to different heights, this piece of furniture can literally grow with your child. This seemingly Swedish-inspired two-tone aesthetic of a “snow” colored body with a choice of a dark or natural catalpa frame could work from the early years into high school. Among its bonus features are two side drawers that can accommodate letter file folders; an extra pullout desk surface, a power strip station; and an optional attachment for permanently plugging in electronics chargers. Retails for about $990. [Nurseryworks.net]
To Be Continued…
Posted by admin at 28 August, 2008
Windows are a lot like people: They come in different sizes, and what looks good on one, won’t necessarily flatter another. The Shade Store takes the guess work out of dressing your custom sized windows. Be it smaller or larger, the shade store will work with you to come up with a stylish and fitting option for your windows. For you see-it-to-believe-it folks, they’ll even send samples.
While pursuing their site we came across their drapery collection and were absolutely smitten with their patterns for the young, or young at heart. (http://www.theshadestore.com/category/dwell/laminated-roller-shades-dwell/view/all?navType=dwell) Life’s a zoo, might as well have fun with it!
Posted by admin at 27 August, 2008
If you crave vintåge and antique design elements but loath the crapshoot of trolling through some other internet classifieds site, you owe it to yourself to check out 1st Dibs. With over 400 authorized dealers operating from within the United States, you don’t need to worry about what you’re ordering – just worry that it will be gone before you click!
Aside from their ample selection – everything from art deco to folk art – they’ve got a talented SWAT team of deisgn professionals reporting on their fields of expertise, keeping you on the cutting edge. Now if you’ll excuse us, We are off to covet this rare rattan chaise lounge circa 1940s. (http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=242094) Now all we need is a Southern Plantation home complete with porch on which to place it.
Posted by admin at 26 August, 2008
It’s easy to predict a future for Angela Adams’s newest rug design, ‘Canopy’. We simply couldn’t tear our eyes away from the intricate flower pattern work of ‘Canopy’ in ‘Indigo’! These multi-dimensional cut piles transform your space into a veritable wonderland! Angela Adam’s nostalgic, hand-tufted rugs are truly stunning. We’re not just talking about the tight, crisp, bright patterns, we’re talking about art with a conscience. The rugs are handmade in affiliation with RugMark, a nonprofit organization seeking to end child labor in South Asia whose proceeds benefit their educational programs.
We also admired the contemporary designs like Midnight, their patterns are at once delicate and arresting. Be sure to check out the website for everything from these unique carpeting, hand bags, and even tiles! www.angelaadams.com
For More Flooring & Rugs
Posted by admin at 25 August, 2008
Imagine if Pablo Picasso and Donatella Versace had become lovers and made furniture together. This chair would have been their love seat. That didn’t happen of course. So thank god for Philippe Starck who designed this variation of the Mademoiselle Chair for Kartell.
The Mademoiselle chair with Missoni fabric is a true marriage of design and high fashion. If you’re looking for a striking piece of furniture to make the room sing, this is the real deal – it’ll fill your room like an opera.
In 2004 Starck conceived of the innovative design: the structure is made of batch-dyed polycarbonate, aka transparent plastic, and molded into a sleek, elegant, streamlined form that evokes the Baroque and the mod sixties all at once. What would sit prettiest atop this form? Why a cushion covered in luxuriously thick and soft Missoni fabric, in their signature kaleidoscopic pattern, marked by explosive colors and shapes. This is where the high-fashion part comes into play … Missoni, the Italian fashion house, initially put these patterns on women’s clothes. There are three choices of signature Missoni patterns to choose from: Cartgena black and white flower graffiti, Vevey in red tones, or Vevey in Burnt tones.
The chair sells for about $950 at fine interior design retailers. Not bad for a seat that looks so divine. www.kartell.com
For more Special Finds
Posted by admin at 23 August, 2008
As our best finding from the last ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) here comes Bobles. Bobles was created by two Danish sisters in need of more creative children’s furniture – pieces kids could play with and adults would want as decorative pieces on their own living rooms.
Their geometrical shapes and bright colors encourage kids to play and develop their motor skills and understanding of their own bodies.
The family of hard-foam-children-safe furniture consists of six animals including a baby chick, a crocodile, an elephant, a fish, a giraffe and a pig, each in a combo of two bright colors.
Recently they have even turned into characters on a children’s book, coming to life in a forest adventure.
Their prices range from 29 EUR to 119 EUR, and you can check them out at www.bobles.dk
For more Special Finds
Posted by admin at 22 August, 2008
Two words: Creativity. Quality. If the art of fabric is what you’re looking for, Romo, a family-owned and run business since 1902 is ‘It’. Their dedication to exclusive designs and lux materials, including damasks, chenilles, and velvets, set them apart. To seal the deal? Brilliant colors, luscious jewel tones, fabric as everyday art.
They transfered their popular patterns onto beautiful wallpaper as well- We just love them!
Romo’s designs are available worldwide, with a new showroom open in D&D building in New York City. Better check it out for yourself, because while the website gives a nice feel for their weaves, it’s a little limited in news and variety.
Posted by admin at 21 August, 2008
It’s no secret that beanbag chairs are cringingly out-of-date. But do you still do battle with the urge to get down and chill out? Fatboy is the latest in comfy-technology – stain and water resistant, it comes in a myriad of colors and shapes for you, and your family – even the animals can get in on the action. They are not limited to the indoors either – they have options ideal for hitting the campsite.
The smooth lines and bold color choices won’t send you screaming back into the psychedelic age either – there are virtually dozens of fatboys, from the demure to demented and everything in between. So whether you want to pick up a couple for a party, or indulge in something to curl up in – check out their website.
Posted by admin at 20 August, 2008
Swizz-style is turning daily use objects into collectible art. Their latest creations is the fan trio – Otto, Lilly and Q, but they will hit the market only next year. The three of them look more like ornaments then conventional fans – they are a fantastic way of keeping cool, and bring a great design piece home. Their prices are USD 99.00 (Lilly), USD 199.00 (Otto) and USD 249.00 (Q), and their different shapes and finishes are certainly going to match your style and pocket, no matter if you are into colorful acrylic, natural wood or stainless steel.
Check them out at www.swizz-style.com .
For more Special Finds
Posted by admin at 19 August, 2008
