Preik - interior

Snøhetta

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 11:00:00 +0200

Snøhetta superarchitects from Oslo/New York. Plus a brilliant site by Bleed.

via Styleboost.

A Science show in your home

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 19:30:27 +0200

And back to our regular posts…

Every home needs a conversation piece. Something that just knocks some socks off when you have a guest or two over. If you don’t yet have such a piece don’t worry, Lucie Boddaert has got you covered with a living display that will satisfy the biologist in all of us.

Designer: Lucie Boddaert

Lucie Boddaert

Really Big Pop-up Book

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:15:37 +0100

Imagine whole spaces completely furnished open up like a pop-up book. The Space Book execution is a little iffy but the concept is pretty novel. Would be amazing to see a social art project by where homeless individuals are given Space Books, providing a total juxtaposition to their current living standards.

Designer: Jin-Hui Kim

Jin Hui Kim

Klotho by Mattias Pinkert

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:46:45 +0100

Wall art, Clothes airer, wardrobe, or all three in one? sometimes the simplest of design modifications can reap the biggest rewards as the Klotho beautifully demonstrates. With one deft touch designer Mattias Pinkert has transformed an everyday object into something multi functional and stylish that costs no more than it’s soon to be extinct predecessors.

Designer: Mattias Pinkert

Mattias Pinkert

Sewing Machine Decor

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 17:40:35 +0100

Winner of the GOLD Prize contest by Aisin Seikin, the XL table concept sewing machine is designed to look like a piece of purposeful decor when not in use. To me it still looks like a sewing machine folded up but it does possess clean sleek lines so if you’ve got a modern home and you love to sew, why not right?

Designer: Lysandre Follet

Lysandre Follet

Lean and Clean Balancing Machine

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:23:08 +0100

If you are like me and live in a place that has pressed dirt for walls (a.k.a. dry wall), the idea of hanging art, window shades or especially a book shelf, is not only an engineering feat in itself, but also a serious anxiety inducer. These types of walls seem to crumble at the very idea of being punctured by a screw, nail or dirty look. In a perfect world, all walls would be made from super durable, screw loving materials. They would also be sound proof and bullet proof…you never know. Well, if you are one of the lucky few with Dura-walls, you can still get your anxiety fix from this clever bookshelf design by Denis Oh - no he didn’t! Like a circus balancing act, this bookshelf called “Maintain The Balance of Your Knowledge!” shifts and swings from side to side depending on the placement of your books. If your books on politics tend to lean to the left, so does your shelf, if it is more to the right, then the shelf will go with the flow and lean towards war in Iraq. Weighted with hanging counter-balancers, you can even the playing field out at any time with a simple adjustment… or compassion.

Designer: Denis Oh

Denis Oh

Time for a Raise

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:20:35 +0100

The persistence of time has never been more impressive as when witnessed by the subtle movement of this “D/A Clock” by Alvin Aronson. His ingenious design counts each passing minute and hour with raised expectations. This time piece fades through its 24 hour cycle with a series of digital LED inspired bas-reliefs. The white on white color scheme seems to reinforce the idea that time may not actually exist, and yet, I will never the less be counting the minutes until I own one of these.

Designer: Alvin Aronson [ Via: VVORK ]

Alvin Aronson

The Japanese Crystal Method

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:07:59 +0100

Nothing translates the language of fine crystal like stainless steel…wait, huh?! Just checked my notes and yes, what you are looking at is Japan’s new flagship store for crystal kings Swarovski. Located in Ginza, Tokyo, this palace of retail reflection is covered in thousands of stainless-steel reliefs that create the illusion of actual crystal reflecting the urban landscape that surrounds. Designed by Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshiok, this “Crystal Forrest” facade does not stop at the front door. Inside, we are welcomed by embedded crystal and stone flooring, reminding us of the origins of nature’s opulent gift, a requisite crystal chandelier and of course a crystal stair case. What is it about crystal that has fascinated people the world over and allowed for a company like Swarovski to thrive and grow year after year? I don’t dislike crystal but I also find it difficult to get passionate about a mineral scientist are still arguing is either a viscous liquid or solid. Now that I think of it, this material ambiguity is kind of sexy.

Designer: Tokujin Yoshioka

Images provided by Tokujin Yoshioka

Tokujin Yoshioka

Checkland Kindleysides

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 11:21:06 +0100

This is a sweet Flash-based site for Checkland Kindleysides, which is choc full of nice work.

Time for Deep Reflection

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 10:17:57 +0100

Being in my 30s, I have finally settled on an image in my head of what I look like. I know this image does not precisely resemble how the world views me, and that’s ok. Aesthetically speaking, I never seemed to be on the same page with my self image as how others saw me. I either thought I looked better than I actually did or worse. I had to learn to let go of such narcissistic thoughts and focus on pursuits that satisfy me on more intellectual levels. Design, the visual arts, literature and love for others are much more gratifying pursuits than ego and societies fascination with celebrity. Then I ran into this wonderful mirror design called “Fiction” by Jean-Marie Massaud for Glas Italia. By creating the illusion of a fading image through degrading shaded silvering, the designer is reminding us all of the impermanence of life and self image, and how we are always evolving and changing. Oh well, so much for settling on a self image. Winner of the Interior Innovation Award at IMM Cologne 2008, Jean-Marie’s design is held in place by a chromium-plated metal cylinder and, not unlike the press’s attitude on Britney Spears, this mirror can either degrade your image up or down.

Designer: Jean-Marie Massaud [ Manufacturer: Glas Italia ] [ Via: Yatzer ]

Jean Marie Massaud

Kickin’ it Mumbai Style…

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:23:40 +0100

Like frogs sitting on lily pads, so goes the experience when visiting the “Blue Frog Lounge” in Mumbai, India. Architectural firm Serie, have created an entertainment space that is both attractive and stand-offish at the same time, mirroring its patrons casual chic attitudes. For unobstructed people and performer watching, staggered heights and angled booths atop a glowing blue lake of light, give the impression of floating in a warm lake under the spring moonlight, waiting for the mating ritual to begin. Notable features include dimpled walls for acoustic enhancement and several recording studios, just in case you’re not convinced they are serious about music. A combination music venue / restaurant / lounge, this converted warehouse space shoots for cool credentials like Johnny Depp avoiding the paparazzi at the Oscars. I appreciate the idea, but still…

Architect: Serie [ Via: Dezeen ]

Serie

Four IV

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:30:25 +0100

Very slick, very dapper work from Four IV, a graphic and interior design agency based in London. Some of their work is just exquisite.

Via The Serif

Eau de Temps

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:49:33 +0100

“I love the smell of Napalm in the morning…” - Robert Duvall (Apocalypse Now). Though I question anyone’s sanity that might actually mean those very words, it does speak of the fundamental truth that a particular scent has the power to instantly transform our moods. Whether it is the smell of your grandmother’s home, a gardenia, a puppies breath, some vanilla or even napalm in the morning, scents can instantly transport us to a time, a place, and moreover, an emotion. This power was the motivation behind the “Aroma Waker” by Abio Genesis. By incorporating an aroma diffuser into a standard alarm clock, Abio has given you the power to time your mood swings as easily as setting your clock. Maybe you like the smell of fresh cut grass at noon, or bubble gum at 5 PM, or even the scent of a woman at bedtime, your nose knows and your mind will certainly follow.

Designer: Abiogenesis Design

Abiogenesis Design

Cartlidge Levene

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:52:59 +0100

Cartledge Levene demonstrate how good, clear, functional graphic design can impact on everyday life. This signage system at Selfridges is exquisite.

Now This is Hot!

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 11:29:26 +0100

Horizontal heaters are so passé. Or at least says the mind behind this aptly named “Wall Ceramic Heater” by Andrey Vostrikov. Andrey claims this heating concept provides better energy efficiency, faster heating times and measurable noise reduction. As if packing some serious heat were not enough, Andrey also added the ability to generate negative ions (for that oh-so-soothing tropical rain forest feeling) and built-in LED lights, to see your friends faces when they ask; “What the hell is this thing..?

Designer: Andrey Vostrikov

Andrey Vostrikov

Funky Wall Art

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:25:59 +0100

Get some graphic design as funky vinyl wall art for your home or office from these chaps. Tremendous stuff.

Via cpluv

Preacher’s Kid

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:24:32 +0100

If we all took 15 mins out of each day to just focus and stay silent, it would do a world of good. Of course in today’s world space is a premium. The minimal domestic altar establishes a sacred place within the home providing a focal point for contemplation, mediation, and ritual.

Designer: John Paananen

John Paananen

Post Apocalyptic Pulpit for the Pious

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:55:21 +0100

Deep in the heart of Lorraine, France stands the Church Saint Eucaire de METZ. This church is home to one of the most extraordinary collections of custom crafted furniture on God’s green Earth. Inspired by visions of the New Testament’s version of the apocalypse. With flowing vertical lines representing the ascension of Jesus Christ and reflections of water flowing into infinity, this future gothic furniture has heavenly aspirations. Resembling what might be found in the chapel in Superman’s Fortress of Solitude, the intention is similar in spirit. Good design does have the power to lift our spirits and inspire greatness from us all. We think Superman and Jesus would both agree.

Designer: Frank & Stanimira Rafaschieri

Stanimira Rafaschieri

The most ATTRACTIVE curtains ever made

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:38:45 +0100

Sure some curtains attempt to dazzle us with features like lace fringe or intricate pleats, while others have the sole purpose of simply blocking out the sun. Anyway you look at them, they serve a purpose in almost any space. From keeping our domestic activities private to framing a view, curtains are as ubiquitous as the walls they are attached to. Curtain designer Florian Kräutli has bravely dragged the Window Treatment Industry into the 19th Century by incorporating magnet technology into every panel. Embedding hundreds of evenly dispersed tiny magnets into a grid of prefab folds allows for the easy manipulation of the silhouette or strategically modifying exposure for light and/or privacy.

Designer: Florian Krautli [ Via: Mocoloco ]

Florian Krautli

The God of Wine has spoken…

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 20:00:53 +0100

I believe it was Jupiter that gave his son Baccus (the Roman God of Wine) his first set of Legos when he was nowhere near old enough to even spell sommelier. His childhood memory just might have been the inspiration for the Bachus Wine Rack by Marcel Wanders. Like Legos, this stackable and practical wine rack utilizes rounded pegs to keep it’s precious cargo firmly in place and easily accessible. Minimally designed in both grey and white to focus attention on your reserve, rather than the random bunny signifying the end of your drinking for the evening.

Designer: Marcel Wanders [ Manufacturer: Slide Design ] [ Via: Apartment Therapy ]

Marcel Wanders