Two Belgian designers James Van Vossel and Tom De Vrieze, together Fox & Freeze, created this ultra light and rather gorgeous lounge chair. The product, called FF1, is made from a single sheet of synthetic felt. There is no waste of material (except from the drilled holes), the structure of the piece is not supported by wood or metal. It all rests on the clever fold that makes FF1 durable as well as comfortable. “Starting from a square surface, the felt is twisted and twisted again, just like a scarf, ending in an symmetric but also assymetric object, this is literally form follows function,” – designers explain. The beauty of it for us, small space connoisseurs, is obvious – the chair is easy to put together, disassemble, move and store. FF1 comes in grey, white, grey with white back, and pink. There are even limited edition orange ones (god help me!). You can see the strength-testing video here.
London based Swedish designers Helena Jonasson and Veronica Dagnert of Studio Vit had a very good idea. They have created a modular storage system, comprised of 11 boxes. All pieces are interchangeable and finished from all sides, so you can place them in the middle of the room or against the wall. Designers use the word “typography” while describing the product on their website. “Like characters in an alphabet, the boxes can be used on their own or grouped together, in the same way that single letters make words.” What a clever concept!
Enjoy the interview with Helena and Veronica, filmed during the Dezeen Platform exhibition, in which they demonstrate the product in action.
The Soft Fold Cabane is a temporary space, complete with several quilted duvets, a reading table, a low bench and a lamp. Designed by Marie Dessuant and Margaux Keller, this system can create an instant guest iceland or become a temporary solution for a newly rented apartment. Folding wooden screens create privacy.
According to the designers, the piece has its origins in a found object with very particular properties:
“It is a foldable wooden structure, found in the darkest corner of an antique market in the north of Scotland.” the duo say.
“The origin of this structure is unknown, but we are guessing that it had a previous life as fishing tent. Perhaps it was set up on a riverbank and, with the addition of a canvas, it would shelter fisherman from the elements. Whether this speculation is true or not, we know it is now out of use.”
Soft Fold Cabane is currently being exhibited in the Next Cabane exhibition; a Fabrica group show at MUDAM Luxembourg which runs until the 10th of June.
(via M.E. Design Magazine)
As you have probably noticed, I am fascinated by trash cans. And my quest for finding the best possible one never ends. This next item is approaching an ideal. A clever eco-friendly trash can, called Urbano, allows you to store and reuse all those plastic bags that you collect from shopping in a neat and organized way. Simply loop trash bags around the cut-out sides and push them all the way down, creating a visual of stacked handles all along the side. When ready to use one – just move it up and hook the handles so it doesn’t fall on itself. Simple and brilliant! Will make you feel less eco guilty at the shops too… Available at Uncommon Goods.
This multifuncional minimalist piece, aptly called Within, has been created by a young Swedish designer and founder of Studio Vision, Mattias Stenberg. This unadorned white box, which can serve as a seat or a side table, comes apart to reveal sculturesque structure inside. What a beautiful way to double the seating!.. Designer elaborates: “‘Within’ is a two piece side table/seat. The pieces fit together completely and when closed that create the shape of a simple white box. As you gradually open the pieces you reveal the organically shaped ash structure. I have strived to create a very “engineered” or constructed look of the ash structure by using few straight lines and arranging the grain direction of the wood to increase the perception of depth.’ The piece has been recently presented at the Stockholm Furniture Fair 2012.
This project reminds me of the Underfull Tablecloth I featured some time ago. Here too the pattern is activated by elements, which is always fun. This unusual flooring, called Hide-and-seek, has been created by Paris born surface designer Solenne Morigeaud. The monochromatic pattern is transformed into a colorful one in the presence of sunlight. Beautiful floral ornaments are nothing other than photochromic screen-print compositions on a wooden-floor. But when the sun comes out – they come to live and reveal vivid colors. “‘Hide-and-seek with the missing’ is a flooring design aiming at bringing awareness and inform the population on the importance of the management and the preservation of nature,’ – says the designer.
This renovation hits very close to home, because I am oh so familiar with this unforgiving floor plan, typical for many Manhattan studios. A single cramped and elongated room that feels claustrophobic and allows no privacy. How does one create a flow in such a place… Well, some New Yorkers can. In this project, competed by New York based stylist Jane Fife, a terrifying fixer (observe the dramatic before photographs here) has been turned into a charming pad.
Zerino table by Italian studio AK47 is a fun and multifunctional piece. It can be accessorized with various additional uses according to your changing tastes and necessities. The table can feature a planter, a candleholder or even a small elegant fireplace, thanks to the addition of a ready-to-assemble bioethanol burner kit. The tabletop is not really on a small size, but neither is a storage compartment underneath it, which can hold your books, periodics, work-related items and more. Beautiful, clever design, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
(Via Urban Gardens)
This unusual modular storage system by Barcelona-based design studio BeaMalevich looks more like an avant-garde art object than a shelving unit. Created by Finnish designer Pekka Kuivamäki, Box 1-7 consists of seven cubic boxes that fit into each other like Russian nesting dolls. The boxes can be attached to seven ropes of different lengths to create many beautiful configurations. Kuivamäki’s inspiration for the piece came from a variety of artists and movements, including Kazimir Malevich, Piet Mondrian, and Donald Judd.
I just had a ‘cute overload’ moment over a wall hook (don’t judge). Brooklyn based designer David Barry created a hook, called Frank, that is simply adorable. Made from powder coated metal, the rabbit-resembling piece is also strong and, with such likable personality, ideal for kids’ rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, entry ways, you name it. Here is how Barry describes the design: “Frank is a quiet sort of fellow, who simply likes to hang out. He’s incredibly patient and diligent. If you ask him to hold something, he’ll never let go. He is quite literally as strong as steel, though he’s just three inches tall.” Ha! Pledge on David Barry’s Kickstarter page if you want to get yours.
