What urban dweller doesn’t dream of a piece of outdoor space… We are so cramped in our tiny boxes, even a little balcony would make our lives brighter. But we all know that any step outside the dimensions of your apartment is an expensive luxury. But maybe there is a way to make that step without paying a fortune. Dutch architectural firm Hofman Dujardin has designed the Bloomframe, an innovative window that transforms into a balcony with the click of a button. What an exciting idea! This dynamic balcony is flexible and can be installed in the variety of buildings.
(via enpundit)
It is the exhibition season, and no design dialogue would be complete without mentioning of Heimtextil 2011, which came to a close on January 15th in Frankfurt. Among the highlights of the fair was Karim Rashid‘s blinds collection for Velux, called Blackout. The product name seems a bit absurd to a design nerd like me. Rashid, the word’s biggest evangelist of light, is commissioned to create a blackout? ‘Daylight is essential for our well-being and ability to think positively, – the designer says, – However, to create an intimate and recreational space, light control is an absolute must – for sleeping, working or privacy… I was excited to get to work with light versus darkness. Blackout blinds are the key to maintaining a satisfying sleep cycle and ideal for bedrooms and other spaces where complete light control is a must.’ The collection consists of four patterns, each in three pallets. We can choose from Karim’s signature pink, acid green and conservative black-and-white. Inspired by digital technology, the designs have metallic accents creating an interesting texture.
