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Tag Archives: Furniture Design

The ‘Man Chair’ Saga Continues…

22 Thursday Nov 2012

Posted by Joanna in Design

≈ 14 Comments

Tags

Chair, Dogs, Furniture, Furniture Design, Great Dane Furniture, Man Chair, mid-century design, Shopping, Wikkelso

You may recall a post I did back in July – yes, that’s 4 1/2 months ago now – on LM and the ‘Man Chair’ Saga. Well, LM’s new ‘Man Chair’ – the ever-so-beautiful Wikkelso V11 Easy Chair and Footstool arrived this afternoon. Minus the footstool. It seems it was too much for them both to be delivered at the same time…

Despite this, I gotta’ say, the chair is GORGEOUS! Bella thinks so, too.

Bella Bear in Papa Bear's Chair

Bella Bear in Papa Bear’s Chair
(Image by TSL)

Who’s been sitting in MY chair…? (Goldilocks and the Three Bears)

Fortunately, LM is away for the week, so hopefully the complete ‘Man Chair’ package will be in situ for him when he arrives home.

One of the last things he said before departing was “When my Man Chair arrives, tell the dog it’s not her chair”. I don’t think she was listening…

Update: Great Dane Furniture have sent the footstool by courier. The ‘Man Chair’ saga is concluded in time for LM’s return…

Happy snap of the Wikkelso V11 Easy Chair AND Footstool

Happy snap of the Wikkelso V11 Easy Chair AND Footstool
(Image by TSL)

Squint – the Willy Wonka of Furniture!

24 Wednesday Oct 2012

Posted by Joanna in Design

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

Bespoke, British Design, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Colour, Furniture, Furniture Design, Interior design, London, Patchwork, Roald Dahl, Squint Limited, Textiles, Willy Wonka

Good morning, starshine… the earth says hello! (Willy Wonka)

Since I brought up the ever so fabulous Abigail Ahern and her funky Atelier yesterday, it seems only fair that today you get a few happy snaps from our visit to Squint Limited.

I wrote about the eclectic and quirky world of Squint Limited back in February (here, if you’re interested). It has been a small dream of mine to go and visit ever since I discovered Lisa Whatmough’s colourful world of textile-centric home-wares.

For me, it was like visiting the Willy Wonka factory of bespoke furniture and I was just like Charlie with his golden ticket. The joy of all that colour is so infectious – the hardest part is working out which piece is your favourite. Especially when LM suggested I should pick something out for my birthday!!! Definitely a golden ticket day for this girl!

Squint Limited - Side Table

Squint Limited – Bedside Side Table & matching Stag Lamp
Two-tone cobalt blue velvet
(Image by TSL)

Squint Limited - Marble Lamp

Squint Limited – Marble Lamp & Bespoke Lampshade
Hand made in the UK using a dry marble process and part of the new lighting collection. I know not what he is called, but he weighs a tonne!
(Image by TSL)

Squint Limited - Mirror & Wallpaper

Squint Limited – Mirror & Wallpaper
I think this may be the Carved Crown Mirror (but then again, maybe not), beside some of the recently launched Squint Limited ‘Flowers’ Wallpaper
(Image by TSL)

Squint Limited - Sofa

Squint Limited – the Chesterfield
How gorgeous is this sofa?
(Image by TSL)

Squint Limited - Table & Desk Lamps

Squint Limited – Table & Desk Lamps
I fell in love with these two-tone velvet covered pieces
(Image by TSL)

Squint Limited - Mirror, Chest of Drawers AND another Mirror!

Squint Limited – Mirror, Chest of Drawers, Two Lamps AND another Mirror!
THAT rusty orange two-tone velvet…. sigh
(Image by TSL)

Squint Limited - The Curved Sofa & Alphabet Cushions

Squint Limited – The Curved Sofa & Alphabet Cushions
Not all Squint furniture is a riot of colour,. This sofa sets off the Alphabet Cushions beautifully…
(Image by TSL)

Which one is your favourite?

The very lovely Catherine took great care of me as I tried to make a decision on just which piece I should choose – and, then just to confuse me even further, there was the process of choosing fabrics. I had to go away for a day to think about it! I’ll take some happy snaps when my birthday present arrives.

Squint Limited can be found online, but it really is not the same. Go and visit if you are in London – Squint Limited Shoreditch, 178 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6HU or Squint Limited South Kensington, 1 North Terrace, London SW3 2BA (Just around the corner from the V & A).

La Clinica – How’s this for a cool concept?

19 Thursday Jul 2012

Posted by Joanna in Design

≈ 20 Comments

Tags

Artisan, Award Winning Furniture, Brazil, Ciszarak Dalmas, Furniture, Furniture Design, Italy, La Clinica, Madrid, São Paulo, Sustainable Furniture, Turin

From the La Clinica range by Cizak Dalmas

From the La Clinica range by Cizak Dalmas

From the La Clinica range by Ciszak Dalmas
(Images © Ciszak Dalmas)

I spotted these über cool furniture pieces recently in Trendland. I thought the concept was inspired.

In 2010 Ciszak Dalmas launched “La Clinica” – a collection of handcrafted furniture produced by local artisans based in three different parts of the world: Madrid (Spain), Turin (Italy) and São Paulo (Brazil). La Clinica is based on the interaction between young designers and experienced artisans, which combines new ideas with centuries-old know-how. The result is three different collections made from the same design and produced differently according to the local traditions and material resources.

Each piece is made from solid wood and painted with water-based colors. They are designed to be completely dismountable, lowering the costs of shipping and storage. The furniture has a much lower CO2 footprint, too thanks to the efficient use of natural materials and following the rules for a correct use of forest resources, that means using wood which is programmed to be cut and replanted.

From the La Clinica range by Cizak Dalmas

From the La Clinica range by Cizak Dalmas

From the La Clinica range by Ciszak Dalmas
(Image © Ciszak Dalmas)

From the La Clinica range by Cizak Dalmas

From the La Clinica range by Cizak Dalmas

From the La Clinica range by Ciszak Dalmas
(Image © Ciszak Dalmas)

From the La Clinica range by Cizak Dalmas

From the La Clinica range by Cizak Dalmas

From the La Clinica range by Ciszak Dalmas
(Image © Ciszak Dalmas)

In 2010, Ciszak Dalmas received the first prize of the INJUVE Young Designs Awards for La Clinica and in the last twelve months has been invited to present its collection in International exhibitions in Europe, China and South America (but not Australia, yet!).

If you’d like to learn more about La Clinica, you can visit Ciszak Dalmas’ website here.

Stonewater Makes it by Faking it…

09 Monday Jul 2012

Posted by Joanna in Design

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

culture, Design Classic, England, Fake Shaker, Furniture Design, Interior design, Jaebeom Jeong, Kit-set Furniture, Korea, Shaker, Shopping, Urban Farming, Wood

'Fake Shaker' Chair by Jaebeom Jeong for Stonewater

‘Fake Shaker’ Chair by Jaebeom Jeong for Stonewater
(Image © Stonewater)

How cool are these DIY ‘Fake Shaker’ chairs by Korean designer, Jaebeom Jeong for Stonewater? They come as an individual assembly kit that, when complete, is shaped like an original Shaker chair, only these chairs consist of various pieces of wood randomly selected – walnut, beech, rose and ash, with either a natural canvas or hemp seat. Each piece of the kit is carefully handcrafted for easy assembly and durability applying a traditional joint technique. Customers can complete their own Shaker chair by using different combinations of various pieces. I think it’s fantastic!

'Fake Shaker' by Stomewater at 'An Urban Farmer's Atelier' exhibition

‘Fake Shaker’ by Stonewater at ‘An Urban Farmer’s Atelier’ exhibition
(Image © Stonewater)

'Fake Shakers' by Stomewater at 'An Urban Farmer's Atelier' exhibition

‘Fake Shakers’ by Stonewater at ‘An Urban Farmer’s Atelier’ exhibition
(Image © Stonewater)

Jaebeom Jeong was inspired to create his ‘Fake Shakers’ with the recent growth in urban farming and the renewed interest in producing safe and healthy foods. The urban farmer’s self-sufficient life-style reminded him of the original Shaker community.

The Shakers were one of a few religious groups that formed in eighteenth-century England. Their community was totally self-sufficient in both food and goods production, in line with their religious beliefs. They created pieces of furniture that were simple in beauty but highly durable.

I love the modern twist Jaebeom Jeong has given this design classic.

If you’d like to learn more about Stonewater’s designs, you can access their site here.

LM and the ‘Man Chair’ Saga…

04 Wednesday Jul 2012

Posted by Joanna in Design

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

Chair, Copenhagen, Couch, Denmark, Furniture, Furniture Design, Great Dane, Illum Wikkelso, Interior design, La-Z-Boy, Leather, Man Chair, May Sarton, mid-century design, Recliner, V11

LA-Z-BOY Recliner

(Image © Christian Montone)

Comfort rules. You want to be able to sit in a good chair comfortably for a few hours and be able to talk and enjoy a glass of wine. There’s nothing worse than sitting in an uncomfortable chair. (Amanda Pays)

LM and I do not disagree often. This is not because we are so loved up and in tune with each other that we don’t fight (although he is particularly loveable). Rather, it’s far more likely due to the fact that he is one of the most amiable and chilled people I’ve ever met. Truly. And, I’m not just saying that because today is his birthday. (Happy birthday, LM!)

Anyhoo, when LM and I joined households, he was the proud owner of a ‘Man Chair’. Now, just so we’re clear (and you don’t confuse the Man Chair with the Husband Chair*), the Man Chair can be defined as the only place a man can go after a long day of hard work. A chair that is the only thing that can truly comfort and care for a man. Often an extremely comfortable yet remarkably ugly recliner with foot rest. Obtaining one is a right of passage into manhood.

LM’s Man Chair was really ugly, so I gave it away. To the very nice removalists, in fact. As they were moving my things in. Start as you mean to go on, I say. The conversation that followed went something like this:

LM – Where’s my chair?

TSL – What chair?

LM – The black La Z Boy chair that used to sit here. <pointing>

TSL – Do you mean the ugly NAVY recliner that took up too much space? I gave it away.

LM – It was black

TSL – No, actually it was navy

LM – I am a straight man. Only gay men can be expected to tell the difference between navy and black.

I don’t think he has ever really forgiven me for giving away his chair. But finally, this month, he has ordered a replacement for his old, ugly, navy recliner Man Chair with a TSL approved divine Wikkelso V11 Easy Chair & Footstool. It’s yummy. It cost a small fortune BUT it will last the rest of his life (and probably beyond). And, he deserves it, I reckon.

Wikkelso V11 Easy Chair and Footstool

Wikkelso V11 Easy Chair and Footstool
(Image sourced from Architonic)

Wikkelso V11 Easy Chair and Footstool (Rear)

Wikkelso V11 Easy Chair and Footstool (Rear)
(Image sourced from Architonic)

A house that does not have one warm, comfy chair in it is soulless. (May Sarton)

The V11 chair and footstool make up 2/3 of a series of series of classical furniture which also includes a sofa. LM did not buy the sofa. The chair and footstool were enough to complete his Man Chair requirements.

Because it is so beautiful, here’s a picture of it anyway.

Wikkelso v11 Sofa

Wikkelso V11 Sofa
(Image sourced from Architonic)

Vintage Wikkelso v11 Sofa

Circa 1965 Vintage Wikkelso V11 Sofa
(Image sourced from Great Dane)

Originally created by Danish designer Illum Wikkelso in 1965, the V11 seating range is a collection of really beautifully crafted leather seats and considered a classic piece of mid-century design. Original V11 pieces are rare and highly sought after on the international furniture market, with originals reportedly found in the office of the Japanese president and in the collection of King Feisel of Saudi Arabia. LM’s are not original originals…

Australian furniture company Great Dane Furniture has now brought the V11 seating range back into production. Each piece is made from beginning to end by Great Dane’s craftsmen to create a piece of furniture that is true to Wikkelso’s 1965 design. Great Dane currently have a sale going on. You can check out their website here.

* Husband Chair: the chair that men sit in while their partner is shopping for long periods of time. They can be found in almost any clothing or shoe store. 

Wyatt Little’s Chandelier of Rude Birdies…

26 Tuesday Jun 2012

Posted by Joanna in Design

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Aesop, Art, Bird, Bird Poop Chandelier, Blue, Denis Norden, Design, Furniture Design, Glass, Interior design, Lighting, Wyatt Little

Bird Poop Chandelier by Wyatt Little

Bird Poop Chandelier by Wyatt Little
(Image  © Wyatt J Little)

There’s an unseen force which lets birds know when you’ve just washed your car. (Denis Norden)

I think it is supposed to be good luck when a bird poops on you? Well, even if that is true, if it’s ever happened to you, I’m pretty sure you didn’t think so at the time. Apparently, Wyatt Little felt inspired by his memory of being on the receiving end of an inconsiderate bird’s antics. He has created this beautiful, elegant and fun chandelier which is actually called the ‘Bird Poop Chandelier’!

Don’t you think it would bring good luck and joy to just about any dinner party? Certainly, it would be a talking point…

Bird Poop Chandelier by Wyatt LittleBird Poop Chandelier by Wyatt Little

Bird Poop Chandelier by Wyatt Little

Bird Poop Chandelier by Wyatt Little
(All images © Wyatt J Little)

It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds. (Aesop)

It seems our designer-with-a-sense-of-humour, Wyatt Little is a shy kinda’ guy. There’s not much detail to find BUT if you’d like to see more of his work or drop him a line, you can do so here.

(I am off taking a wee sojourn to sunny Queensland over the next few days which means my response times to your comments may be a little slower than usual. I do love hearing from you, so please don’t stop! – It may just take me a little longer to get back to you. Cheers!)

Bird & Wolfe Are Ones to Watch

19 Tuesday Jun 2012

Posted by Joanna in Design

≈ 26 Comments

Tags

Bird and Wolfe, Elle, Furniture, Furniture Design, Homewares, Interior design, London, Ptolomeo, Shopping, Stack of Drawers, Teddy Bear, UK, Upcycling, Wood

Stack of Drawers by Bird & Wolfe

Stack of Drawers by Bird & Wolfe
£2,100 – but also available as single units
(Image from Bird & Wolfe)

My July edition of Elle Decoration arrived in the post a few days ago. Oh happy day! I’m a wee bit of a Design mag’ groupie, but I do think this one is my favourite. At least, until the next one arrives it is. Fickle, moi? 

Flicking through, trying to source inspiration for LM’s birthday (and failing miserably), I came across this most-covetable beauty – the Stack of Drawers by Bird & Wolfe.

According to the good people at Bird & Wolfe, their Stack of Drawers are a “unique piece of modular furniture crafted in London, utilising restored antique drawers. The stackable carcasses are hand painted and finished with solid brass fittings” And, they are also available to order in individual units. I think I’m in love…

Stack of Drawers by Bird & Wolfe

Stack of Drawers by Bird & Wolfe (Close Up)
(Image from Bird & Wolfe)

Don’t you think there is a synergy here with the Ptolomeo book stand?

And, if that wasn’t enough, when I checked out the Bird & Wolfe website I fell madly in love with this guy…

Chair Bear by Bird and Wolfe

Chair Bear by Bird and Wolfe
Size: Approximately 200cm x 200cm
£3,200
(Image from Bird & Wolfe)

Sometimes, I wish I still lived in the UK (sigh).

If you’d like to learn (a teensy) bit more about Bird & Wolfe, check out their website here.

Tattoo by Cerruti Baleri is Funky Yet Freakish…

16 Saturday Jun 2012

Posted by Joanna in Design

≈ 25 Comments

Tags

3 D Image, Arts, Cactus, Cerruti Baleri, Design Award, Footstool, Furniture Design, Koi, Maurizio Galante, Photographic Image, Photography, Shopping, Skull, Tal Lancman, Tattoo, Wallpaper Magazine

Cactus Stool Tato Tattoo by Cerruti Baleri

Cactus Stool Tato Tattoo by Cerruti Baleri
(Image sourced from Architonic)

Cactus Stool Tato Tattoo by Cerruti Baleri

Cactus Stool Tato Tattoo by Cerruti Baleri
(Image sourced from Architonic)

Yes, you can sit on it… I love the humour in these clever designs by the very talented duo, Maurizio Galante and Tal Lancman for Cerruti Baleri. I’m particularly enamoured of the Cactus – the combination of the prickly image surrounding the soft(ish) seat makes me smile just to look at it.

The Tattoo is a flexible pouffe or footrest in the shape of an egg (tato) or sphere (tatino). Made from CFC-free flexible polyurethane with a rigid structure and plastic base, this amazingly creative artwork has photographic images printed on the bi-elastic technical-fabric cover. Once the cover is fitted, the image becomes three-dimensional. I think the concept is just brilliant.

While there are all sorts of designs to choose from, here are some of the other designs available in the range:

Koi Stool Tato Tattoo by Cerruti Baleri

Koi Stool Tato Tattoo by Cerruti Baleri
(Image sourced from Architonic)

Tiger Skull Stool Tato Tattoo by Cerruti Baleri

Tiger Skull Stool Tato Tattoo by Cerruti Baleri
(Image sourced from Architonic)

Green Apple Stool Tato Tattoo by Cerruti Baleri

Green Apple Stool Tatino Tattoo by Cerruti Baleri
Also available in red (They look scary-real, don’t they?)
(Image sourced from Cerruti Baleri)

Winning the Wallpaper* Design Award 2012 for ‘best faking it’ (what a brilliant award, I say!) – the Tattoo is guaranteed to turn heads wherever you choose to put it.

I couldn’t find a supplier in Australia, but you can access the Cerruti Baleri website here. Can’t wait to see what image they come up with next…

‘Street Seats’ by Bade Stageberg Cox Rock!

18 Friday May 2012

Posted by Joanna in Art

≈ 28 Comments

Tags

Architects, Armory Show, Bade Stageberg Cox, Colour, community, culture, Design, Furniture Design, Interior design, New York, Taxi Cab Yellow

An Image of 2 Street Seats in DUMBO, New York

Street Seats in DUMBO
(Image sourced from Bade Stageberg Cox)

How cool is this? ‘Street Seats’ is a furniture project developed by Bade Stageberg Cox for the Pier 94 Coffee Bar at The Armory Show, a leading contemporary and modern art fair in New York which takes place every March on Piers 92 & 94 in central Manhattan.

The 50 chairs, all found abandoned on the streets of New York, were repaired and given a new lease on life with a coat of taxi cab yellow paint. Like the city’s residents, the chairs are an eclectic mix. They migrated throughout the fair during its five-day run. The bottom of each chair is stamped and documented with the date and location it was recovered.

I just love both the idea AND the bright sunshine colour they chose:

Image of Street Seats #34 'Ice Chair'

#34 The Ice Chair
Found 17 February 2012 at Paul’s Pond, Upstate New York (SOLD)
(Image sourced from Bade Stageberg Cox)

Sadly, the Ice Chair has already sold. I can see this one on a porch looking out onto the street somewhere in Upstate New York…

Image of Street Seats #8 'River Chair'

#8 The River Chair
Found 3 February 2012, East River near Adams and John Street, DUMBO
(Image sourced from Bade Stageberg Cox)

Image of Street Seats #17 The Walnut Chair

#17 The Walnut Chair
Found 14 February 2012, Columbia Heights and Pineapple Street, Brooklyn Heights
(Image sourced from Bade Stageberg Cox)

I can imagine the Walnut Chair with a fab’ cushion in some crazy print…

Image of Street Seats #1 Jimi Chair

#1 The Jimi Chair
Found 15 December 2011, Front Street, DUMBO
(Image sourced from Bade Stageberg Cox)

Unless already sold, all chairs are available for purchase. There are lots more to see on the Bade Stageberg Cox website here. If you are interested in purchasing, contact Bade Stageberg Cox at streetseats@bscarchitecture.com.

Which one would you choose?

Retro Revival Furniture is Really Rad’…

12 Thursday Apr 2012

Posted by Joanna in Design

≈ 21 Comments

Tags

Chair, craft, culture, elizabeth cottrell, Furniture Design, Garage sale, Interior design, Kiwiana, New Zealand, New Zealand Wool, Retro, revival furniture, style, Taihape, Textiles, Upcycling

Taihape, New Zealand is famous for being the Gumboot Capital of the world. Truly. In March this year, a new Men’s Open Gumboot Throwing New Zealand record was set by Niki Martin, throwing his gumboot 44.97m! Strange but true!

Taihape is also the home of Revival Furniture, a delightful wee find of so-kitsch-it’s-cool Kiwiana.  The team at Revival Furniture re-cycle, re-furbish and re-love old chairs by re-upholstering them in New Zealand-made vintage wool blankets.

This lovely concept is the brain child of Elizabeth Cottrell, an adopted Kiwi. She has combined her childhood love of trawling garage sales in her balmy home town of Atlanta, Georgia, with a more recent love for New Zealand wool, developed after moving to the much colder climate of high country New Zealand to marry her Kiwi sheep farmer husband. I reckon’ that’s a lovely story.  

Here are some of her lovely chairs:

Image of Revival Furniture Turquoise Chair

'Turquoise Taihape'

Image of Revival Furniture Orange Chair

'Campground'

Image of Revival Furniture 3 Seater

'Three's a Crowd'

Image of Revival Furniture Cranberry Chair

'Cranberry Cocktail'

Image of Revival Furniture Chair

'Cute as a Button'

Now, if I could just work out where to put such a retro beauty…

For contact information or just to check out some more really rad’ retro chairs, click here.

(All images sourced from Revival Furniture)

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