Misc
I really appreciate the fine art of wood based joinery and the Pig on the wings designed by Gentle Giants is a lovely example of this practice. The inspiration for this piece came from the work famed surrealist Meret Oppenheim’s “traccia table.” Oppenheim’s influence coupled with the talent of Gentle Giants and their desire to build a high quality piece that minimized the manufacturing process, led to the development of the Pig on the wings. Gentle Giants utilized poplar wood for the piece and it is in self production at this time. The product can be used as a stool or end table and is available in muted or bold colors. The name, of course, seems to be a tip of the hat to Pink Floyd and their Animals album.
Posted by KarenShearer at 23 January, 2013
Mika Barr and Producks Design Studio have teamed up to bring us the groundbreaking Ori Lighting series, which includes a pendant, floor light and tables lamp. Mika Barr has developed the unique 3D textile designs which are used for the shades of these creative contemporary light fixtures. The three fixtures in the Ori lighting series began with Mika’s Folding Apart fabric. ‘Or’ in Hebrew means light and ‘Ori’ in Japanese means folding, so the name Ori is the perfect combination of these two and thus name and definition of the lighting series was born.
Although the shades are manufactured to be identical, the fixtures are interactive. The folding fabric shade is given its final or perhaps ever evolving shape by the user. The folding process obviously impacts the external shape and look of the fixture, but when turned on there is an entirely different appearance. This is due not only to the variance in light filtration created by the folds, but also because the inner structure of the fabric is subsequently backlit and revealed. Another other brilliant design component of this series is that the bulb is entirely enclosed within the pillow like shade and is accessed via a hidden zipper to be used when bulb replacement is needed. I’ll admit, I love these lights. They are like beautiful floating clouds within your home and to me, express a wonderful sense of lightness and freedom. The bases of the floor and table lights are minimal and available in either black or gold. My personal favorite is the pendant light because it truly looks like a cloud gently floating in your home. This series certainly has that special x factor, the exclamation point that makes it such a desirable product for the end user.
Posted by KarenShearer at 23 January, 2013
Spellbound Collection of wall papers, released by Graham & Brown, is filled with fantastical imagery from story-book folklore. The collection includes new wall papers to transform your room to an enchanted time and place. Spellbound is the first wallpaper in Graham & Brown’s new ‘Platinum’ Brand in which the wall papers are paired with coordinating paint colors. Such a fabulous idea to help those of us whose forte may not lie in the area of perfect color coordination.
Posted by KarenShearer at 18 January, 2013
Eeva Lithovius has designed this “Slim fit” contemporary storage unit, Klaffihylly or clapperboard shelf, for Elsa in Helsinki. The design is a unique and functional. When the shelves are not in use, they can simply be folded back into the frame presenting a clean, crisp, linear look. A single unit can be used independently or several can be combined as a modular system to create a wall surface that changes with your needs. The shelves are made from solid oak, ash and white birch and are available in natural, black, white, orange and light blue finishes. Klaffihylly can function as a place to display decorative items or for all kinds of storage purposes, only limited by your needs.
Posted by KarenShearer at 16 January, 2013
January is a very exciting time in the contemporary design world. It packed full of design trade shows that will formally introduce the latest and greatest designs from the designers we know and love to aspiring newcomers. These exhibits will showcase the most innovative and inspiring creations and set the tone for the upcoming year.
Starting today is imm cologne, the international furnishing show! Imm cologne is the first interior design show of this year and is only held once a year in the German city of Cologne. It draws both exhibitors, buyers and trend setters from all over the world and includes many of the major brands. The Living Interiors event, which premiered in 2012, is included at imm cologne. It features products and designs for bathrooms, furniture, flooring, wallcoverings and lighting that represent holistic interior and furnishing concepts. Living Kitchen, another main event, presents that latest ideas and innovations for kitchen furniture and built-in appliances to sinks, fixtures, worktops, lighting and accessories. Basically, the full range of kitchen designs and products. Imm Cologne and LivingKitchen will together include include 1,200 companies from 50 countries and is billed as “the N° 1 business platform” for the international interior design sector.
Then on to Paris for Maison & Object! I think this might be our co-founder, Michelle‘s favorite show. Maison & Object focuses on home influences for Spring and Summer. This trade show features eight halls each with a different theme from home textiles, home decoration, accessories, to table ware and beyond. It is quite the impressive show. Not only will they will be presenting the 2013 Designers of the Year, but also have a wonderful array of events such as Talents à la Carte, The Museum Itinerary, The Furniture Itinerary and so much more. The Theme is “Vivant“, in English Living. This is so beautifully and eloquently described by them that I am certain I can not do it justice, but in the end it is design as “A manifesto for a better present, with the rallying cry: life to the hilt.” If you are looking for inspiration Maison & Object is in a word, breathtaking.
Overlapping with Maison & Object by a couple days, we also have Interiors UK 2013 being held in Birmingham. The modern design hall looks spectacular! It has stand out contemporary designers and an incredible line-up of speakers and presentations as well. They will be also presenting the much esteemed New Design Britain Awards. This trade show covers every aspect of interior design in five differently themed halls, including fabric, decor, flooring, lighting and more. Interiors UK will also be launching a community zone on their website which has truly become a thriving portal for interior designers and other design professionals.
Finally, back on this side of the pond and rounding out the month is Canada’s Design Fair the IDS (Interior Design Show). This show began back in 1999 and has been a hub for design professionals, consumers and media ever since. It is located inToronto and the show is a total design experience. It brings together some of the most innovative international and Canadian designers. It is a spectacular display of modern interior design creations and trends. They also have a designboom mart which brings young new designer’s products and prototypes to not only our attention, but to that of the interior design world. There is an amazing line-up of speakers and fantastic new interior designs for every area and everyone in your home. IDS has also partnered with ONEXONE Children’s Charity and Blu Dot for their charitable auction. Twenty Blu Dot Real Good Chairs will be up for bid by attendees.
So, this has been a quick little preparation for the things to come over the next several weeks. All of these design shows are amazing and we at ChicTip will do our best to sort through all of the great new products and prototypes to try to bring you as many of the highlights as we can. January 2013 is here and we are ready!
Posted by KarenShearer at 14 January, 2013
I love the Iconoclast table by IZM. It is a piece with such captivating design ,that would be perfect for opens space living where it can be appreciated for all of its beautiful angles. IZM, founded by Jerad Mack and Shane Pawluk, is based in Edmonton, Canada and produces high quality handcrafted pieces. Their collection of work may appear rustic, but its sophistication is revealed through the cantilevered construction, choice of material thickness and lovely sense of proportionality.
The table is available in four different sizes with a top that is made from a 1.25″ thick solid wood and asymmetrical pedestal legs which are 4.5″ thick. It is available in the stock woods; Smoke Walnut, Walnut, White Oak, and Glacial Maple. On the indoor air quality front, IZM utilizes zero-VOC oil finishes which they feel not only express the best of the wood, but are durable and make for ease of repair. IZM also offers custom woods, finishes for an up charge. Iconoclast is a table designed and built, not only to stand the test of time and varying styles, but to grow more beautiful as it ages.
Posted by KarenShearer at 11 January, 2013
Designed by Studio BADINI with technical fittings from Selab this collection of Neon Letters, Numbers and Shapes can help you make your statement!
Stefano and Miria, the brother and sister team at the helm of Italian based Seletti, have brought us this malleable Neon Art. When compared with traditional neon systems, this product allows you to create your own neon art at an affordable price. The secondary benefit is that these letters are not in a fixed pattern and can be reordered as your needs change. The font style was developed from that of a typical American Typewriter and redesigned to meet the requirements of neon tube construction. The adapter for the lights and each letter is sold separately, but when combined to create your statement, they lend a decorative ambient light.
Posted by KarenShearer at 11 January, 2013
