Because chairs get cold, too…

As do lamps. And loveseats. So, the next time the cold autumn air makes you want to stretch a Fair Isle sweater over your favorite armchair, consider Melanie Porter's ingenious, cable-knit creations. Who says modern has to be cold?

Alessi Retrospective

In November, the Philadelphia Museum of Art will be holding an Alessi Kitchenware retrospective. The company, which works with a myriad of designers from various backgrounds, is notorious for incorporating architectural elements into the composition of their products. Don't those kettles look as though they're about to blast off? Alessi has been furnishing tables with nifty, space-age kitchenware for close to a century, and they are still going strong.

Random desires

Not so MCM, but I'm kind of in love with the orange, white & blue tools from Alice Supply Co. (Tip: Open House on 13th has them in stock...I'm just saying...)

Knoll: A Modern Universe

Quoted from shelterpop:

Knoll. Designers and design-lovers know the name well. It may not ring as familiar to the everyday ear but chances are high that you've seen, sat on or perhaps even owned a Knoll piece in your lifetime.

For more than 70 years, this iconic furniture powerhouse has brought many notable names from the world of mid-century design to the masses. Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona collection, Eero Saarinen's Tulip chair and tables and Harry Bertoia's wire chairs are merely a few examples of Knoll's vastly recognizable goods.

Knoll: A Modern Universe by Brian Lutz with a foreword by Reed Kroloff, a new book released this month celebrates the rich history of this seven-decades-old company, showcasing the many products and names for which the company is so well known (as well as those lesser known).

How Beautiful...

is this?



Bau Sculptural Lamp by Vibeke Fonnesberg Schmidt.

Mod external hard drive covers

If you are like me, you often find yourself staring at most electronic necessities asking the question, "Who designs these things? Can't they make them more aesthetically pleasing?"

Well, BP Custom Woodworks in Seattle has come up with these beautiful solutions for the always unattractive external hard drive. Check out the entire line here.

Light up my life

Okay, I've been a fan of Schoolhouse Electric Co. for quite some time. I'm hoping to someday remodel my kitchen and include a few of their Williamette pendants. Usually, I'm drawn the the straight-forward retro shades—I'm a purist at heart—however, the Yellena James shades in the Artist Series are just beautiful. I'm particularly loving the Aria designs. Perhaps the bathroom will be the first room I grace with a Schoolhouse Electric Co. fixture.

Alvin Lustig and Barton's

Just found this AMAZING shot of Barton's candy store in New York (Architectural Forum, August 1952.) Victor Gruen was the architect while Alvin Lustig consulted on graphics. I'm a huge fan of Lustig—he managed to design in just about every medium possible. Below are a few examples of his work. To learn more about him and to get a look at his work go here.

Book cover design:


Signage design:


Fabric/pattern design:

Your Winter Getaway

IC Green, Inc. makes cabanas, studios, and residences from recycled shipping containers. Innovative, green, and oh so mod!

Maybe I'll trade in my South Philly roof deck dream for one of these...

Cabana:

Residence:

The American Look (1958)

I apologize for the new year neglect. Hope this makes up for it:

Turn the radio up

Perhaps Shag should start carrying vintage electronics? The typography is beautiful and some of the color choices are amazing. Even if it doesn't function a vintage radio can make for a beautiful art object. I now have a new target when sourcing products for the store.

Eames Demetrios talks Charles and Ray Eames at TED

Optimism Is the New Black

A colleague at 160over90—Adam Garcia—is participating in the Design Within Reach Paulistano Uncovered contest. DWR asked Philadelphia designers to create a new cover for the Paulo Mendes de Rocha classic Brazilian sling chair (originally designed in 1957.)

The concept for Adam's design:
A contemporary take on Paulo Mendes da Rocha’s iconic Paulistano, the Optimism Script chair is a testament to happiness. A whimsical contrast to the strict and functional modernism of the late-1950s International Style, this hand-drawn pattern consists of motivational sayings, meditative words and overall positivity to literally surround you with joy. The illustration is a hybrid of calligraphy and graffiti, “calligraffiti” if you will. If Optimism is the New Black, it’s good, because happiness transcends trend.

Adam's design has been selected as a finalist and will be on display at the Paulistano Uncovered 2009 event on Thursday, August 27. Stop by the Walnut Street DWR between 7 and 9 pm to see his, as well as other Philadelphia designers', creations.

In My Backyard

Of course when you live somewhere you tend to overlook what's happening around you. Well, since May the Philadelphia Museum of Art has been showing a collection of twenty-three twentieth-century chairs. Judging from what I've seen online, I need to get over there before the exhibit closes on September 20. I also need to pay a little more attention.