Young Danish designer Anders Backe attempted to rethink the traditional futon bed and make it fun and multifunctional. The result is highly impressive. The piece, called Nest, is a lounge chair by day and a guest bed by night, which makes it perfect for small spaces. The project was carried out in collaboration with the Danish furniture manufacturer – Karup A/S. Here is how the designer describes his concept: ‘We wanted to design a piece of furniture consisting only of the futon mattress itself; 1: to fully exploit its many qualities, 2: to create a simplistic furniture – both esthetically and functionally – and 3: to meet the price range of the manufacturer.’ The popularity of the piece in Germany, Switzerland, France and Denmark is a proof of the mission accomplished.
Squambo – is a modular, multifunctional bookcase from Nintek Design. Based on two differently sized shelving components, the piece can be put together in many different ways. You can build it vertically, horizontally, asymmetrically – the combinations are endless. Apart from book storage, the system will allow you to create wall shelving, media storage, additional seating, even a room divider. And since only two standard panels are used, assembly can be kept simple and the production cost – manageable. Smart stuff!
This elegant table set from 3patas is based on the idea of seamlessly blending three pieces in one. Called 3×3, the set can be arranged in various configurations or neatly combined to form a family. When the smaller tables are being used, the openings can be filled with the perfectly fitting bowls. Here is what the designers say about this unusual project: ‘After researching different users, we found that in many cases, they were living with limited space (such as inner city lofts) and were searching for solutions which could adapt to their various requirements. Whether it be entertaining friends, having a coffee, watching TV or simply eating dinner, the adaptability of 3×3 makes the table an attractive solution for these users.’
I heart Resource Furniture. How can I not – they think, breathe and dream small spaces. In this video the company’s president Ron Barth shows some of their new models. His New York accent does not surprise me at all! If you are in the area – check out the flagship store.
Since we are on the subject of kitchen space – here is an interesting idea from German designer Kilian Schindler. His Concept Kitchen, designed for Naber, is a modular system that allows to built various configurations on the same frame. You can combine your basic worktop with either an oven, sink or storage. The basic elements are made from steel and easy to disassemble. They feature pre-drilled grid patterns for the flexible arranging of construction and storage shelves. So, if you decide to move house or remodel the existing one – there is at least one major project you can cross off your to-do your list.
The nature of the real estate market in Manhattan makes it a breeding ground for small space creativity. Here is another soaring example of an ingenious use of space. This Upper West Side 450 square feet studio was designed to fit all the essentials and even a few extras. The place includes: living room, kitchen (with plentiful counter space), bar area, home office, sofa bed, extra bed for guests, closet, even library. A large blue custom-made cabinet allows the transformation to happen. Watch the video for the interview with architect Michael Chen of Normal Projects and to see the ‘unfolding apartment’ in action.
Photos by Aya Brackett
Yes, it’s that time of year again when urban people start fantasizing about great outdoors and indulge in monologues about nature being an escape from pressures of city lifestyle. It might be true in theory. Reality tells us that the only way we can survive in nature is by bringing comforts of our urban lifestyle with us. The nice people from SwissRoomBox knew this. They packed all our spoils in a clever compact box that can fit in any hatchback. The set allows to build cooking, dining, bathroom areas, as well as a double bed and even a lounging suite. Impressive! And the best part is – all components are slot-in and require zero tools for assembly. Swiss efficiency is no myth…
(Thank you Inga)
Mathew Otto of the NMU School of Art & Design created this clever chaise lounge in the effort to achieve sustainability through adaptability. The piece, called Construct, is indeed adaptable and can be transformed from daybed to pillowed sofa. By mixing the elements, we are invited to ‘construct’ a lounge piece to our liking. ‘The lounge stays new, never blending into the world around it and allowing the users to continually reuse it, rather than replace it,’ – says the designer. Smart.
When the Keukenkabinet is closed, it is just a piece of furniture that is a part of living space. By opening it you crete a new space – a compact kitchen. The piece was created by Dutch designer Johanneke Procee in collaboration with Plugers & Vercoulen. The inspiration for it came during Johanneke’s trip to Sough America (I’m guessing she saw a few studio apartments here). She sensed the need for a design that can fit into confined living spaces, where cooking and sleeping is happening in the same room. ‘The compact spaces inspired me to approach the different functions a single room house needs to have from an other perspective,’ – says the designer. The end result turned out to be this elegant and functional piece. We, urban dwellers, are grateful!..
This piece from British designer John Green is so multifunctional, I cannot say affirmatively what it is. Depending on your needs, it can be a coffee table, a magazine rack, a media storage, a laptop table, a stool, a bench, a kid’s desk, even a tray for breakfast in bed. It is called Embrace, because of the two pieces that are ‘embraced’ together to form a storage space in between. The item, a proud winner of several awards (including Grand Designs Awards Product of the Year’11), was presented during this year’s New York Design Week.
