Exclusively Blog - Modern Furniture and Design Blog

UnCorked

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:34:00 +0000

Designer Daniel Michalik focuses on researching and exploring both new materials and new ways of utilizing them. His recent exploration of the readily available, but underutilized cork, shows both his innovation and design aesthetic in action. My favorite piece in this collection is the Cortica chaise lounge chair, which not only utilizes the material's natural qualities to give it a great look, but also leverages its natural buoyancy and resistance to water to make it perfect for the beach. To check-out Michalik's work at danielmichalik.com where you can see his entire cork collection as well as a video of the lounge chair in action on the water.

Indulge in Design

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:49:00 +0000

I'm a fan of modern yet practical design solutions. Simple forms that when matched with the right materials make a wonderful statement. So when I first saw the Libeskinds Villas by Architect Daniel Libeskinds I was surprised at how much I was drawn in by the striking forms and obscure looking angles. Libeskinds Villa project is a partnership with Proportion whom leverages their industrialized production process to offer a sense of design, luxury and quality of living (I'm pretty sure this translates to pricey, but I haven't see any numbers yet), along with the latest in materials and sustainable resourcing. No matter what the costs Libeskinds work is remarkable and this prefab venture of his is on exception. The structure is not only intriguing from the exterior but the interior spaces seem bright and inviting as well—an indulgence in design that is well worth it.

Take inspiration and Gro.

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:23:00 +0000

A collection of Gro Design projects.

More than any single area of design industrial designers seems to push through the creative boundaries at every turn. Whether it is the the constantly changing consumer demand, the influx of new materials or the human need to solve problems in new and aesthetic ways the industrial design industry is a constant source of inspiration and amazement. Of the many firms pushing the design boundaries and serving as a constant source of inspiration one of my favorites is Gro Design. I wanted to choose one of their projects to write about for this entry but deciding on just one proved almost impossible. So I decided that a general tribute to this remarkable design team (who celebrate their 10 anniversary this year) was in order. So please take a moment and check out their site at grodesign.com. I'm sure, like myself, you'll be in amazement to the level of creative beauty they aspire.

Ebb and flow

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:02:00 +0000

I'm not generally a fan of combo fixtures but the Ebb Collection from usTogether might havde me rethink that. The sleek, geometric lined fixtures can instantly transform any bathroom into a must see room of your home for guests, and a wonderful modern retreat for yourself. Although the glass front to the tub might cause the more private owner to put an extra lock on the bathroom door.

You are here!

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:49:00 +0000

There is occasionally a moment when technology and nature collide to create something beautiful,The Earth-Stripe Bowl is one of these cases. Transforming beautiful pieces of wood into functioning and wonderfully pleasing modern design elements. Just choose your desired location and Fluid Forms will convert a laminate block of PEFC certified wood into your own personal Earth-Stripe Bowl. This is certainly one of the elements that is sure to get the attention your guests and makes for some really great fun as you try and identify just on the bowl you're standing.

Beverly Hills—Lago Vista, Guest House

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:12:00 +0000

I know it sounds pretentious and you're right it might be but it's also pretty cool looking. The Aleks Instanbullu Architects guest house is neatly positioned in a canyon of trees just off the of the main house. The entire guest house is done in wonderful tones of green and brown that carry from the exterior's modern grass like interpretation, to the refreshing open volumetric interior. At just 855 sq feet comprised of a bedroom, kitchen, bath and living room this house is certainly enough space for someone to enjoy their stay, but beware, you might not be able to get your guests to leave. To see more images of this incredible house and others check out the architects site.

OOPS Design Award 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Exclusively Blog) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:51:00 +0000

Billed as the "First 'not honorable' award for the bad product design," OOPs Design Award is sure to be a classic. Some of the categories for design include: 'Ugliest product design of the year', 'Silliest product design of the year' and 'Most useless product design concept of the year'. Award were created by the international group of product design specialists, including product
designer and expert Andrej Statskij / Lithuania - Latvia /,design journalist Magda Braun-Sommer/ Germany / and product design historian Adam Hoops / USA-Switzerland /. The growing list of nominees are pretty impressive. Memberships are available for lovers of bad design. Here are a few to wet your whistle.

Grate!

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:53:00 +0000

There are some designs that stand the test of time. Of course there are classic examples of this like the molded plywood Eames chair, or the Vespa Scooter but often times great design goes unrecognized outside of a small group of design circles. One such example is the Todo, Giant Greater, designed in 2004 by German born designer Richar Sapper for Alessi. Sapper who is best known for his work with designing technically complex objects, from ships to watches clearly hit a homerun with this wonderful design for a very simple, functional and utilitarian element—the cheese grater that looks remarkable five years after it's creation and I am willing to be will still be as stunning 50 years from now.

Eastvold Furniture...Again

noreply@blogger.com (Exclusively Blog) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:44:00 +0000

With two previous entries (2/09/2009 and 6/25/2008) , the Eastvold Custom folks has received a lot of love from Exclusively Blog. For good reason! They have a unique sense of modern design and a clear understanding of it's past.

Thanks to Jason, you can now find Eastvold Custom products at Exclusively Home. The line includes products for dining, sleeping, storing, decorating and eating(if you are a dog).

Can you tell who's house the photo of the Hammond Dining Table is shot in?

Artist Anne Stahl

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 02:56:00 +0000

Hoping to Succeed, 2009 Multimedia Monoprint 22x15

Reflection, 2009 30x30 oil on board

Finding a great piece of art is one of of those rare but wonderful moments. However, finding an entire collection of work from a single artist that you find inspiring, stunning and entrancing, while that is something else. Recently I found the work of German born artist Anne Stahl whose dynamic paintings and mixed media creations seem to transport the viewer through color and form to another place, an almost otherworldly place at that. I was trying to figure out how to sum up the incredible collection of work when I saw this statement from the artist herself.

"Rather than re-creating a landscape on a canvas, I aim to express its essence. Obviously, no single work can hope to distill the complex spirit of a landscape, much less the infinitely sophisticated ecology that sustains it."

—Artist, Anne Stahl

Berni Valenta's Cardboard Art

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:10:00 +0000

Berni Valenta Collection of 100 Cardboard Characters is a whimsical study in how the
artist's eye and mind can transform the everyday and make it extraordinary.

Working in an office of incredible illustrators I often watch as scrap piece of paper is transformed into a wonderful scene of characters, so when I discovered this recent art exhibit of 100 faces on cardboard, I couldn't help but smile. It's completely wonderful to see how an artist can take an everyday object (and a disposable one at that) and transform it into something incredible.And maybe even more incredible is how their passion for such a thing can manifest itself into an art showing in a gallery that draws in people who go from interested viewers to serious buyers, willing to not only pay for something, that untouched by the hands of the artist is simply TRASH. To see all 100 check-out the link to My 100 Cardboards.

Portable Chapel

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 02:37:00 +0000

I'm not totally sure I understand the need or can even identify the demand for such an item but the portable chapel by Vesa Oiva is pretty cool looking. The chapel, which is the winner of a 2005 design competition opened to students of architecture sponsored by UPM, the Wood Studio at the Department of Architecture of the University of Oulu, the City of Oulu and the Finnish Housing Fair Co-operative Organization. Th structure is relatively small at about 230 sq ft (based on my calculations) but big on design and style with its larger glass wall at the one end provides the main source of obscured light into the structure offering visitors a simple, quiet retreat for meditation.

Armadillo Chair

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Fri, 29 May 2009 02:18:00 +0000

Each year Wilsonart holds a design competition asking students from a designated design school to design a chair utilizing their laminate chips. The winner is awarded a scholarship and of course bragging rights amongst their classmates and fair amount of well deserved PR. This years winning chair was designed by Aodh ODonnell, entitled the Armadillo Chair. ODonnell set out to utilize the laminate in an unconventional manner, which he obviously succeeded at. ODonnell's chair showcases the Wilsonart chips in a way that showcase both thier beauty and durability. by using the chips in scale like layers, resulting in a chair with an animated yet inviting feel. It's wonderful to see a sneak peak at what the future generation of designers have to offer, and it looks pretty good from what I can see.

Captain Organic

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Tue, 26 May 2009 02:00:00 +0000

If you haven't heard of Ross Lovegrove then take a few minute and watch his presentation from the TED conference in 2006. The self- proclaimed “Captain Organic” shares his thoughts on design DNA (Design, Nature, Art), “Fat-FREE” design and designing for the use of Bio-plastics. I promise this will make for some incredible conversation at your next cocktail party and it's already 3 years old and still leaps and bounds ahead of where we are today.

LolliPop

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Sun, 24 May 2009 01:57:00 +0000

Have an area in your home that you'd like to serve dual purpose? Possibly a hope office that would be wonderful as as guest room, but you just don't have enough space to get a full size bed and a desk into. The Lollipop Space Saving System by the Italian company CLEI is a wall bunk bed system designed for just such space saving needs. Complete with an integrated ladder which also functions as a bed support and a safety rail for the top bunk the Lollipop is not only cool looking when it's being used as a bed it's actually quite attractive when it's conveniently folded up against the wall. There are several variations on the design that include an optional fold-out desk mounted to the front of the lower bunk and optional folding headboards. Leave it to the Italians to come up with something so functional and beautiful.

Stunning photo, modern design.

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Tue, 19 May 2009 03:01:00 +0000

photo by Trey Ratcliff.

I've only been to Vegas once. It is to say the least and experience that everyone should have the chance to enjoy at least once in their life. Mixed between the over-the-top and truly garish there are these gems of modernism. Today while looking at one of my favorite blogs Stuck in Customs by Trey Ratcliff, I found these incredible images of the MGM Grand hotel that he had recently taken on a recent visit. I love the red coral looking structure that forms the backdrop of the bar and the fluid like forms that define the edge of the booths. This place is truly incredible but it takes a great eye to capture just the right angles and lighting of space to make it captivating. Certainly this place is a bit over the top but I can imagine that it's an incredible place to grab an overpriced cocktail and people watch for a little while.

Serve On Sweet Home Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (Exclusively Blog) — Sun, 17 May 2009 04:10:00 +0000

I know this is a bit of self promotion, but this has been one of our favorite collections. The City Plates Collection from notNeutral, available from Exclusively Home, has culminated with the addition of its fifth series. We are highlighting it because notNeutral is finally paying homage to a city close to Exclusively Home's heart - Chicago. Also part of the collection are Montreal, Paris and Mumbai. I know you will enjoy these plates on as much as we have.

Simon Colabufalo—Rocking Chair

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Tue, 12 May 2009 00:23:00 +0000

I love finding the work of relatively unknown designers and showcasing them here on the digital pages of the Exclusively Home blog. So that is why this week I'm particularly excited to showcase the work of Simon Colabufalo. The Melbourne, Australia based design talent's rocking chair, made of MDF and plywood, caught my eye. I LOVE the contrast of the painted turquoise edges contrasted by the woodgrain of the frames side, resulting in a tranquil and sleek design that compliments the chairs smooth flowing forms. Outside of this design and couple of other works that Colabufalo has showcased on Core77's design resource I know very little about his work but I'd say that from what I can see here he has a very bright future.

Residential Power Source

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:10:00 +0000

While attending my local Living Green Expo this weekend I got a glimpse of a new residential wind turbine coming out of Taiwan. The JetPro Technology Inc., JPS 200 model is a modern looking, 5 blade wind turbine that features a patented aerodynamic wind collar that traffics wind into the blades to help maximize the products efficiency. The turbines are only about 36" in diameter and incredibly quite and generally don't require special permitting becaue they can be mounted to the roof decking.

I just wished that more U.S. companies would realize that this is the future and start designing and developing some of these so that our economy could benefit from it—maybe even one of the big three automakers. CoJust imagine a wind turbine dealer just down the road from your house, running bad ads on TV “ Jim Smith Chevrolet Wind Turbines—We finance everyone.” —what a game changing thing that would be.

Caffeinated Design

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Fri, 01 May 2009 03:04:00 +0000

I don't drink coffee. I don't like the taste of it however, if I did drink coffee, I'm pretty sure I'd make it in this super cool, new little gadget. The MyPressi TWIST claims to be the world first truly portable espresso machine offering the quality of the large machines with unparralled convenience. I'm not actually sure of the effectiveness of the TWIST to make good espresso (nor would I know it if I tasted it), but the TWISTS cool design is certainly mighty tasty looking, and I'm a sucker for well designed kitchen tools.

Modern Artist with a retro appeal

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:16:00 +0000

“How to feed a cat”

Ray Becoskie
2008

Acrylic and wax

on canvas

29 "h. x 26"w.

This past weekend my wife and two boys spent an evening in the Lowertown Neighborhood of St. Paul in the buildings surround my office (touring the studios of many of the artist who occupy these spaces) for the bi-annual St. Paul Art Crawl. The Crawl is far to large to do in one day so building selection can be crucial for properly quenching your thirst for relatively undiscover works of art. Although there were certainly stunning works from a variety of artist, one in particular captured my attention—Ray Becoskie. the tall, slender built artist told me that he had previously worked in oils but the time commands that the medium required meant he was filling his sketch books with inumeral ideas that were sitting burried away, waiting their turn to come to life. So Becoskie switched to arcylics (a medium he had previously thought very little of) and the results are stunning. His works have a whimsical tone and primal nature yet highly sophisticaled sense of composition. this wonderful blend of simple sophistication lends itself perfectly for presentation in homes with a modern Contemporary or Mid-Century Modern tone.

I was so excited after seeing Becoskie's work that I rushed home and sent an email off to a friend of mine who was looking some wonderful modern pieces to fill his walls for an upcoming home tour and featured appearance on the TV show “The World's Greenest Homes”. Ironically his wife had purchased a couple of Becoski's work just a few years ago and was displaying two smaller pieces in their home office, where they appeared to be a perfect fit.

If you're interested in the samples above check out more of Becoskie's work at 8blockrule.com.

Try-cycle

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 01:59:00 +0000

As their website states “the C-zero is a tricycle for 0-80 age” and I've got to admit that I want to give a whirl myself. The tricycle was designed in 2008 as a part of the C-Design Competition, which challenges design teams to translate, reinterpret and combine at least one of the 100 parts that form the mechanics and body of Citroën cars, transforming them into objects of everyday use. The resulting tricycle was the work of the designers from Italian based Castiglione Morelli Design and a wonderful example of great design being born out of incredible restriction. To see more images of this project and others check out castiglionemorellidesign.it.

...but not at art.

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:01:00 +0000

I stumbled on the work of Lawrence Yang today. I can't say that I've noted seeing his work before although, after reading a bit about him I would not be surprised if I've unknowingly interacted with some of his information architecture work while working on my MAC. However, it isn't Yang's day work that has been so interested, but his incredible paintings are something to talk about.

Yang's work mixes influences from modern graffiti and traditional Chinese art techniques along with a creative expression that released a wonderfully fantastic imaginary world. The result is the juxtaposition of ominous scenes with a twist of playful whimsy. My suggesting for those of you who want to get in on an early art find, I'd recommend checking out some of Lawrence Yang's collection at suckatlife.com, which prompted my headline for this entry.

Outdoor modern

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:22:00 +0000

It finally feels like spring for those of us living in the Upper-Midwest, and that has me thinking about getting outside a little. Of course for many of us with the arrival of Spring comes the sound of kids playing in yards and on playgrounds. But to be quite honest very few of these residential playgrounds work well with a modern aesthetic, so I was very excited when I found this great structure by Nocturnal Design Lab. The fourx4, as it is known, was designed to be a riff on an urban tree house, but as the firms website sates it seems to bled well with a natural surrounding as it takes on the look of a thicket of trees.

Glass Eye

noreply@blogger.com (jhammond) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 02:18:00 +0000

Glass is one of my favorite materials. Whether it's the amazing blown glass by artist Dale Chihuly or some simple clean panes used as dividers on a deck rail. So when I saw these great glass architectural elements from Carvart I knew that they needed to be the feature of my next blog entry. However, as I was looking through the gallery I was having a hard time deciding on which image to select. So if you'd like to check out some of their awesome glass installations from stairs to wall panels or maybe just take a look at some of their new sandwiched glass laminates, you won't be disappointed.