2Modern Design Talk - Modern Furniture & Design Blog

Green Materials and Design

One of the big changes that has gone on in architecture and the greater design world in the last 6 to8 years is the growing interest in sustainability and green design. Early on, green design was primarily part of the institutional architecture market because the schools and universities were the ones that would accept the additional project costs and design changes associated with a green project. The LEED (Leadership in Energy Efficient Design) building standard, the current green standard in building, is now used in all parts of the building market and has come to define premium office space in Boston and most large cities around the country. It’s what people are coming to expect from their homes and offices.

California Academy of Sciences re-design (San Francisco, CA)- Renzo Piano

Because of LEED we now have a lot of exciting new products that never existed before, using base-materials that we would have never considered using. Many of the new materials that contribute to the LEED standard are different than traditional materials and… just plain cool! Whether it's the choice of a base material- recycled plastic, bamboo, shredded tires, re-purposed wood, a new technology- or the design that results from thought and intent that goes into sustainability, many of the new products and the designs that have been developed are exciting and unique.

Renzo Piano’s re-design of the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco is a project shaped by some of these new choices in materials and ideas about our environment.

New Prints from Jefdesigns

Just in time for the holiday season, Jefdesign's 6 new prints are all inspired by American Northwest forest scenes. Each print is created from an original hand drawing and digitally enhanced with woodgrain. Wall ready, no framing needed. A UV gloss coat protects from sun and intensifies print color. Each design is produced in a limited edition of 100, numbered and signed on the back.

Win a Modern Nursery Winners Announced!

Thank you all who participated in our Win a Modern Nursery Sweepstakes! And the winners are...

GRAND PRIZE:
Argington Modern Nursery & Color Consultation from Danielle Hirsch. Including: Bam Changing Table, Bam Toddler Conversion Kit, Bam Bassinet, Bam Bassinet Canopy Support, Bam Canopy Drape, Bam Six Drawer Dresser, Bam Diaper Caddy, Bam Trundle Drawer

Kimberly Pacetti
Houston, Texas
Graphic Designer

"I am a designer and my husband and I own our own design firm in Houston, www.goodproject.com. We eat, sleep and live modern design and we are elated that our little one will be surrounded by stylish nursery decor thanks to 2modern. This is an amazing prize- thank you. As soon as we put the nursery together I will post the images on my blog http://ittyluxe.blogspot.com/ for you to see."

2ND PRIZE:
avalisa - Elephants Stretched Print

Jessica Trounce
Phoenix, AZ
Art Director & DIY Enthusiast

"WOW! Thank you so much! My arriving little one will love it I'm sure.'m an art director and designer for an advertising firm by day and an artist and crafter by night. Check out my baby blog http://stitchedlittleelephant.blogspot.com/. I'm always on 2modern's site and blog getting ideas on what to put in my home and my, soon to be occupied, baby room."

3RD PRIZE:
Inhabit - Plankton Pillow

Merry Warner
Salt Lake City, UT
Intern Architect

"Thank you! It made my day!"

FilzFelt Rugs

The use of felt in modern decor has been a pretty hot trend for a while now. I've mostly seen it used in small scale applications (coasters, laptop bags, ornaments, etc.), so it's exciting to see these larger rugs from FilzFelt. Available in sizes up to 6x9, these felt rugs are handmade from German wool and dyed using the Pantone Matching System. What does this mean for you? An eco-friendly floor covering in 20 amazing colors!

About:

FilzFelt was founded by two felt loving designers, Kelly Smith and Traci Roloff. FilzFelt is a combination of the German word for felt (filz) and the English (felt). Since we’re Americans importing German felt, it seemed like the right fit! This female run business prides itself on simplicity in design, beautiful photography, good packaging and jaw-droppingly great customer service. Want to see what goes on behind the scenes at FilzFelt? Check them out on Flickr or become a fan on Facebook.

Rugs from FilzFelt are available in three sizes: 2x3 ($50), 4x6 ($180), and 6x9 ($405).

Federal Deficit

Slightly off topic...but I found this interesting...no wait...concerning. I hope you do as well since it doesn't seem like many are interested in Congress given the empty seats in this video...It gives you a little peek into why we just surpassed 12 trillion dollars in debt ($12,000,000,000,000).

Oh...and in case you are wondering...It took about 250 years to get to 6 trillion dollars of US debt and only 7 years to get to double it to 12 trillion. I think it is in our best interest to start paying attention. This debt is OUR debt. Please contact your representatives to see if they can try to...um...curb the unsustainable spending.

-Greg

Dangerous Beauty

I was first introduced to the Samantha Fields experience at the unveiling of her large contemporary painting which crowns the lobby registration desk at Hollywood’s Standard Hotel. I have to say “experience” is the key word as artist Samantha Fields takes you into her world of nature on the edge. Known as the storm chaser, she witnesses the spectacles that she then transforms onto canvas. “Being out in nature as the storm rolls in is exhilarating and humbling. To me, the first-hand account of what I hope to capture is the basis for everything”.

(Storm Anvil over the Great Plains Nebraska)

Thousands of photographs which she takes are manipulated in the creation of her paintings. At first sight I was surprised that the intense detail is not done with a paint brush rather an intensive and extensive multilayered airbrushed technique.

Her recently unveiled exhibit Containment is a narrative of the frequent fires that rage across Southern California. Dozens of small canvases and one large one from different perspectives depict various stages of the fire, from the large plumes of smoke to the ravages of foliage and the luminous glow of flames.

The exhibit itself engulfs you as it is presented in the gallery setting of Kim Light/LightBox.

Everywhere you look stunning, evocative and mesmerizing power and color of nature.

You can feel the heat. You could almost smell the smoke while seeing the tiny silhouette of a firefighter. However, this is one fire that will not burn you only blaze in your memory.

Exhibit at Kim Light/LightBox gallery.

Have an infinitely modern day!

New from Thomaspaul!

Thomaspaul has released two new designs in their tablewear collection! The Portland collection includes the Portland Dinner Plate, Portland Tray, and Portland Coaster Set. This design is inspired by the lush forests and cosmopolitan nature of the city itself, and is at home on a picnic blanket or a dining room table. The items in the Luddite collection (which include the Luddite Beaker, Luddite Tray, and Luddite Dinner Plate) are inspired by the idea of turning back the clock and focusing on a simpler way of living.

ADAPTABLE

Scandinavian MUUTO has launched a great series of dining tables ADAPTABLE with clear references to traditional Scandinavian furniture.

The series is designed by the prize winning design studio TAF and can be tailored to meet your individual needs. 36 combinations leaves me breathless...but give you the opportunity to create a unique table!

www.muuto.com

Paperart

Cardboard, sugarcane fiber and even onion fiber are a few of the materials used to make furniture and decorative objects at Paperart. Everything that is used must be biodegradable. Other than that, the objects are custom made and very resistant (the structure is as strong as MDF or wood), and receive a few silicone layers on the outside, which guarantees the durability and usability of them.

Yes, sustainability all around!

Audiowood Turntables

I love that turntables are back in! And these sculptured wood ones created by Joel Scilley’s of Audiowood are truly works of art. The organic designs and detailed woodworking adds warmth and personality to the technology.

" You won't find much veneer here, nor will you see anything you've seen elsewhere. I'm building things that sound great, that work well, and that enhance musical experiences with their absolutely unique character."

New custom turntables range from approximately $1000 to $3500 depending on parts and design.

Just Beautiful.