Posted On March 4th, 2010 by Erin
Since it was first introduced at the Maison&Object Designer Furniture Fair in September of 2008, Wave Hammock has been catching the world’s attention and making its mark through coveted design awards (like the 2009 Interior Design Magazine’s Best of Year Award), honorary industry recognitions in major publications (like Marie Claire Maison and Made in Design) and through a one-of-a-kind US tour aptly titled “Catch the WAVE”. Wave’s #2 stop (after a month-long sojourn at the International Polo Club in Palm Beach Florida) is at the none other than the 2010 Academy Awards Celebrity Gift Lounge. Yes, Wave will get to cozy up to the crème de la crème of show business and serve as a backdrop to the other perk of attending the Oscars (other than winning one of course).
So why exactly did the Wave Hammock so quickly and so profoundly became an undeniable symbol of outdoor extravagance. Simply and mainly because it is one of a kind, a hybrid between a lounger, a hammock and a parasol, a piece of functional art, and sculptural seating solution that serves its intended purpose while centering its surroundings with outmost design aesthetics, comfort, convenience and ergonomics.
Read More
Tags: Contemporary Furniture, Design, Designer Furniture, imm cologne, Modern Furniture, Outdoor Furniture
Posted in Awards, Design, Events, Outdoor | No Comments »
Posted On March 2nd, 2010 by Erin
The 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver are a spectacle of international unity, competitive sportsmanship and…modern design. Yes, modern design, although not as prominently noticeable, is a part of key Olympic elements. Perhaps, symbolic of a new decade, 2010 Winter Olympics introduced a lot of “firsts” – new competing countries, new Olympic sports and innovative, “never been done” contemporary designs for medal, torch and podium.
Medals – For the first time, the Olympic medals, created by Canadian industrial designer Omer Arbel are not flat, although still round in shape, this year’s medals featured a rippled surface evoking West Coast landscape of mountains, waves and drifting snow. The imagery on the metal incorporates West Coast native designs of an orca (Olympic) and a raven (Paralympic) interpreted in a very modern way of cropped illustrations by Corrine Hunt depicting the curve of orca’s dorsal fin or contouring raven’s wing. The silk scarf is also original, epitomizing the Olympic spirit of totality – each Olympian or Paralympian with the medal, will see how their medal tied with those awarded to other athletes.
Torch – collaboration between Bombardier and VANOC resulted in an utterly unique Olympic torch design concisely encapsulated as futuristically organic. Inspired by the sleek, crisp and modern lines that are left behind in the snow and ice from winter sports, the sinuous shape of the torch is suggestive of change and enthusiasm while its size is embodies Canada as a generous country in geography, potential and heart. Adding to the Canadian pride and spirit is the incorporation of the maple leaf which also functions as an air intake to ensure the Olympic Flame burns brightly as the torchbearer carries it.
Podium – Designed by James Lee and Leo Obstbaum, the modernist sculptural design of the Olympic podium is reminiscent of the Vancouver Island – both in structure, and topology. While the metaphorical representation of the podium, just like climbing a mountain, is a tribute to the Olympic journey and dream. The 23 podiums, where world’s best athletes will celebrate their glorious achievements are made of Western red cedar and Douglas fir donated by communities, businesses, individuals and First Nations from across British Columbia.
Tags: Design, Design Trends
Posted in Architecture, Design, Events | 2 Comments »
Posted On March 1st, 2010 by Erin
In addition to the clearly evident contemporary furniture design trends that were spotted in Cologne last month, IMM 2010 was also the launching pad for various trends that may or may not catch up with time, yet they were certainly tremendous enough to catch our attention and the increasing attention of thousands of US customers who have caught up with these evolving new inclinations.
European wardrobes have been around in Europe for decades and have evolved in terms of design and functionality. Their increasing utilization and popularity among the Europeans have created quite a stir among our fellow Americans despite the (almost) standardized presence of walk-in-closets in our bedrooms. Part of the Luxor designer bedroom collection, Tokyo modern bedroom collection and the popular Selex bedroom collection by Milmueble, these wardrobes will match the bedrooms while providing plenty of functionality and space saving solutions.
Similar can be said about modern wall units, which have been used by the Europeans to maximize their “verizons” (vertical horizons) in a stylish, compact, and utterly distinctive way. Their versatility and high levels of customization make that much more appealing and practical, especially when used in media rooms, family rooms, and even bedrooms. See Gallery, Boss and Joly modern wall unit collections by Milmueble or the Lula contemporary wall unit collection by ST Muebles.
Gallery 02 wall unit by Milmueble
Read More
Tags: Bedroom Furniture, Contemporary Furniture, Design, Design Trends, Designer Furniture, European Furniture, Italian Furniture, Living Room Furniture, Milmueble, Modern Furniture, Modern Wall Units
Posted in Accessories, Bedroom, Design, Events, Furniture, Living Room, Storage | 1 Comment »
Posted On February 28th, 2010 by Erin
Always in line with upcoming design trends, IMM Cologne 2010 produced a laundry list of trendy ideas, color clues, and material combinations that will dominate contemporary furniture design the new decade.
Comfortable dining chairs that let you sit at dinner comfortably for as long as you want. Dinner time has become more important in the past year, and lingering over a good conversation and with good company is something of a habit. To accommodate this behavioral pattern, modern furniture manufacturers are rising to the occasion with new introduction of dining chairs that are wider, softer and simply more comfortable. Any chair by Costantini Pietro will be among the most comfortable dining chairs on the market, some favorites include the Urban and the Catalina chairs while the new Kate dining chair by Cattelan Italia and the Nadir dining chair by Bonaldo are superb in terms of comfort.
Chillin’ chaise lounges are an increasing trend in lieu of their versatility, their free-spirited placement just about anywhere in the house and, of course, the abundance of comfort they provide. Owning a chaise is an open invitation to cozy up near a fireplace, read a good book or just simply relax with a glass of wine or a cup of hot cocoa.
Read More
Tags: Accessories, Baroque, Chaise Lounge, Contemporary Furniture, Design, Design Trends, Designer Furniture, Dining Room Furniture, Dining Tables, European Furniture, Extension Dining Tables, Italian Furniture, Modern Furniture
Posted in Design, Events, Furniture | 1 Comment »
Posted On February 11th, 2010 by Erin
As the authority on latest fads in modern furniture design, last month’s IMM Cologne also delineated a few contemporary furniture trends that are on their way out of consumer’s homes either because of changing domestic necessities or in lieu of up and coming trends that replace them with more attractive dispositions. Primarily driven by the global financial crisis, the change in trends is meant to make the home more sufficient, its furniture better utilized and the living space maximized.
Small dining tables were functional when not used as often, now are being replaced with modern extension dining tables that give more freedom and capacity to entertain at home. With a wide variety of easily maneuverable, ergonomic modern extension tables, dining at home has become conventional. Manufacturers like Tonin Casa, Cattelan Italia, and Bontempi Casa offer a great selection of extension dining tables with glass or wood tops.
Queens Extension Dining Table by Tonin Casa
Sofa, loveseat & chair sets used to be the norm when setting up living room or family décor, however, with increasing selection of sectionals, chaise lounges and accent chairs, living spaces acquired a sense of efficiency and space maximization where more people can sit comfortably using less furniture pieces. See Gamma leather furniture as well as Incanto leather collection for ideas on how to maximize your seating arrangements.
Paramount Sectional Sofa by Gamma International
Read More
Tags: Contemporary Furniture, Design, Design Trends, Designer Furniture, Gamma International, imm cologne, Incanto, Italian Furniture, Italian Leather Sofa, Leather Sectional, Leather Sectional Sofas, Modern Furniture, Polaris
Posted in Design, Dining Room, Events, Furniture, Kitchen, Living Room, Seating | 2 Comments »
