Modern Design

Joe Colombo 4801 Chair for Kartell

2012-02-14T11:53:00.000-08:00

Joe Colombo 4801 Chair for Kartell.

After a hiatus of nearly half a century, Kartell brings back one of the most unique modern space age design chairs ever created; Joe Colombo's iconic 4801 armchair designed in 1963/1964. A modern chair with striking visual appeal by the master if Italian Space Age design.

A limited number of wood 4801 chairs were produced in the 1960s, when the technologies did not exist to produce Joe Colombo’s design using Kartell’s material of choice. The original chair was crafted with a bent pressed plywood seat, back and frame fitted together without any metallic parts or glue, painted in of-the-era hues of white, green, orange and black.

As a tribute to Joe Colombo and Kartell's history with the legendary designer, Kartell has revisited the 4801 design with advanced industrial molding technologies. The second generation of the 4801 chair, which is now available again, captures the curving sinuous lines and exact proportions of Joe Colombo's design, now in sleek transparent, white and black plastic (PMMA).

An authentic symbol of design in the 1960s, the highly sought-after 4801 chair is revered by private collectors and institutions alike, and has been displayed internationally at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. The original 4801 Chair has also been sold through auction houses such as Sotheby's and Christies.

Joe Colombo created a dozen pieces for Kartell from 1964 until his untimely death in 1971. The Milanese designer initially began collaborating with the company by designing lighting fixtures, and eventually chairs and accessories. In addition to the 4801, Joe Colombo is renowned for designing the Boby Storage Trolley and the 4867 chair, also known as the "Universale" (1968) – the first chair in the world made entirely of injection-molded ABS in a single mold, still sold by Kartell to this day.

Joe Colombo 4801 Chair for Kartell

Ultimate Space Age Computer Speakers

2012-02-14T09:51:00.000-08:00

Harman Kardon Soundsticks III
The ultimate space age speaker system; Harman Kardon's SoundSticks III. This ultra modern speaker system would be the perfect match with your transparent Kartell Louis Ghost Chairs. Form and function in an amazing package! Praised for its stunning design, the Harman Kardon SoundSticks® II speakers and subwoofer system became a milestone in harman kardon history when it became part of the permanent collection at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).

Improving on its famous sibling’s pop-culture appeal, the SoundSticks III system is all that and much more. As a three-piece, 2.1-channel multimedia sound system, SoundSticks III brings a new level of excitement to music, games and movies to your home – with its exceptional sound clarity, enhanced color scheme and bare minimum of wiring. Beyond its eye-catching appeal, SoundSticks III continues to be incredibly capable – with 40 watts of dazzling amplification, a down-firing powered subwoofer, eight full-range transducers and compatibility with all sorts of multimedia devices. As the sublime sequel to a prized performer, SoundSticks III is performance art at its finest.

Harman Kardon Soundsticks III

Breakfast in Paris

2012-02-13T21:35:00.000-08:00

A lazy Sunday morning in Paris, a croissant and a double espresso.
Bon Appétit!

Mykonos Hand Bag

2012-02-13T20:24:00.000-08:00

We really love the pattern of this bag, very Diane von Furstenberg vintage style. Mykonos slouchy hand bag inspired by hot white houses against the background of the deep indigo blue sea... Designed by Celia Cruz

Fashion Shoot at l'Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc

2012-02-13T18:09:00.000-08:00

Beautiful fashion shoot at l'Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Chanel showcases their new 2012 Spring campaign, photographed by Karl Lagerfeld at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. The famous hang out of the 1960s jet set, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc continues to be a draw for the well-to-do. Models Saskia de Brauw and Joan Smalls pose near the ocean at France's Hôtel du Cap Eden Roc for Chanel's 2012 Spring campaign. Captured by Chanel's creative director Karl Lagerfeld, the black and white photographs feature these gorgeous models striking athletic poses on gymnastics equipment, but it doesn't look like they're breaking a sweat. Rather, they look fashionable and high-class as they model the label's lightweight dresses and outerwear. With the gymnastic fashion shots for its 2012 Spring Collection, Chanel continues to raise the bar on high fashion.

Prada returns to the Fifties

2012-02-13T17:59:00.000-08:00

After a very special catwalk show, the Italian fashion house Prada has released an even more special video campaign. The Prada spring/summer 2012 video features vintage 50s cars, shoes with flames and red lipstick. Photographer Steven Meisel found the perfect setting for the collection.
The video features models Elise Crombez, Guinevere Van Seenus, Meghan Collison, Ymre Stiekema, Natasha Poly en Katryn Kruger.

Occupy Wall Street in the Nude

2012-02-13T17:47:00.000-08:00

Listen up all you Occupy Wall Street people. If you really want Wall Street to listen to your demands, you need to follow the example of the Ukrainian female action group "Femen". They are protesting right now in Moscow against the Russian natural gas giant Gazprom. Turns out Gazprom is delaying delivery of gas to the Ukraine and these ladies are none too happy about that. Oh yes, forgot to mention, these ladies are protesting during the day when the average temperature in Moscow is -7.6 degree Fahrenheit (-22 degree Celsius). Talk about dedication!

Table Lamp by Kartell

2012-02-13T17:28:00.000-08:00

Cindy lamp by Kartell. We are big fans of Kartell design and have been collecting their vintage items for many years now. It is so nice to see that Kartell continues to release beautiful new top-notch modern design at reasonable prices. Case in point: Kartell's beautiful Cindy lamp designed by Ferruccio Laviani. A super stylish designer lamp with a truly timeless and very elegant appearance. A highly decorative lamp for the living room or use it as a table- or bedside lamp. The perfect lamp to light a dark corner in any room or to add some atmospheric lighting to your living-room area.

Kartell Cindy Lamp in Living Room, image credit Flying Ducks...

The Cindy lamp features a conical lampshade and rounded teardrop base. Kartell's Cindy lamp comes in a broad range of all matte metallic tones: platinum, bronze, mint green, tangerine, ultramarine, flamingo, gun metal and violet. Cindy's special feature is its shiny chrome-like finish that gives it a little contemporary twist , a touch of richness, radiating a multitude of iridescent reflections. A tantalizing and stylish table lamp from the Kartell design collection. The perfect addition to any interior design.

In Europe, it is common to decorate an old mansion with new modern objects. The above image is a fine example.

Kartell Cindy Lamp designed by Ferruccio Laviani

Crazy Shape Swimming Pools

2012-02-13T09:16:00.000-08:00

Crazy Shape Swimming Pools: Circle Island Swimming Pool in Los Angeles California. Actress Rita Hayworth, standing on the island inside the swimming pool with Orson Welles and his daughter from a previous marriage, 1945.

Crazy Shape Swimming Pools: Heart Shaped Swimming Pool in Bel Air California. Not only did she demand a "heart-shaped pool" but a "heart-shaped house" as well before she would agree to wed Mickey Hargitay. Perhaps a bit too kitchy but crazy never the less.

Crazy Shape Swimming Pools: Piano Swimming Pool in USA. Actor Victor Garber, star of CBS TV movie, Liberace: Behind The Music, lounging in front of a piano shaped pool, wearing robe & slippers.

Crazy Shape Swimming Pools: Free flowing outdoor/indoor Swimming Pool in Palm Springs California. Industrial designer Raymond Loewy (second from left) standing by his swimming pool which runs from outdoors into part of living room, 1947.

Crazy Shape Swimming Pools: Mirage Motel (aka Glass Pool Inn) in Las Vegas Nevada. The pool at the Mirage Motel featured seven oversized round glass windows. It was a beautiful mid century modern pool but the owners had to deal with constant leak repairs. In its heyday it was an amazing sight to behold when entering Las Vegas, early 1950s. The Mirage Motel was re-named "The Glass Pool Inn" after Steve Wynn purchased the rights to the name "Mirage" from the owners of the "Mirage Motel". The pool and motel were demolished in 2005.

Crazy Shape Swimming Pools: Villa Gli Arieti Pool in Porto Ercole Italy. The pool at the Villa Gli Arieti, home of Lamberto Micangeli, Porto Ercole, Italy, September 1986. In the distance is his daughter Marina's 16th century castle, Torre Ansedonia..

Crazy Shape Swimming Pools: Clover Shaped Swimming Pool in Palm Springs. Members sunbathe around the pool at Palm Springs Tennis Club, California, circa 1970.

Crazy Shape Swimming Pools: Cat Shaped Swimming Pool in Miami Florida. The pool at the Fontainbleau Hotel, Miami, Florida, 1955.

Crazy Shape Swimming Pools: Heart Shaped (perhaps not that obvious) Swimming Pool along lakeside, location unknown, circa 1950.

Crazy Shape Swimming Pools: Phallic shaped swimming pool created by artist Salvador Dalí at his beachfront house in Portlligat Spain, it is now the Casa-Museu Salvador Dalí.

Crazy Shape Swimming Pools: Creating the Illusion of a Real Swimming Pool. This amazing work by Argentinian artist Leandro Erlich called The Swimming Pool, for The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan. A 10cm layer of water over a piece of glass separates above from below, 1998.

Image Credits: Tony Korody, Frank Scherschel, Peter Stackpole, Time Life Pictures / Getty Images, Slim Aarons, Leap Into the Void

Alain Delon and Brigitte Bardot 1968

2012-02-12T16:49:00.000-08:00

Mykonos Beach by Richard Silver

2012-02-12T16:40:00.000-08:00

Mykonos Beach by Richard Silver

Harry Bertoia Diamond Chair

2012-02-12T16:19:00.000-08:00

Jet Set living in the 1960s. Jocelyn Lane relaxes on a classic mid century modern Harry Bertoia Diamond Chair circa 1960. A classic, modern design that enhances any environment, sculptor Harry Bertoia's Diamond Lounge chair remains a fascinating study in bent metal and a fixture of mid-century design.

Vintage Fifties Cars

2012-02-11T22:59:00.000-08:00

Somewhere in Utah, along a deserted stretch of a back road, we stumbled upon these amazing 50's cars which are rusting away.

Girl at Spinning Factory

2012-02-11T22:46:00.000-08:00

Girl at Spinning Factory, Italy, 1950's. We are completely in love with this photograph. Photographer is unfortunately unknown.

Best Unknown Restaurant in Tokyo Japan

2012-02-11T22:37:00.000-08:00

Food as Art. Japanese are the absolute undisputed masters of details. On a recent trip to Tokyo Japan we may just have discovered the best, yet most unknown, Japanese restaurant. This is a super tiny place and the owner is both the chef and server. She is dedicated to the art of food and likes to maintain complete control on quality from the food to the service and everything in between. This hidden gem of a restaurant serves both lunch and dinner. Seating space is very limited so a reservation is required. We had the most amazing lunch ever, the seasonal lunch box (two layers) for 2,000 Yen. Try to discover it yourself before Guide Michelin does!

Yanaka Sugiura in Nippori, Tokyo.

Russian Constructivism

2012-02-11T21:54:00.000-08:00

Detail of Alexander Rodchenko's Stairway, 1930.

New Porsche 911

2012-02-11T21:44:00.000-08:00

Love these images; Germany in the fall with a Porsche 911.

Porsche's new 2012 911 Carrera S
Read the full article from Dan Neil at The Wall Street Journal

Brazilian Blowout

2012-02-11T20:45:00.000-08:00

Brazilian Blowout: ultra modern architecture by Studio MK27 in São Paulo, Brazil. Ten years ago, when StudioMK27 tried to do a project using exposed concrete, many builders said that this was practically impossible. Yeah, Right - Brazil that has a vast modern tradition in the use of raw concrete? During a determinate period, in the 90's, the use of the material declined sharply, restricted to the few architects that used it experimentally e sporadically, without fixing a constructive know-how.

Throughout the last decade, the recognition of the design and specification of exposed concrete has been revisited and developed. The modern brutalists adopted raw concrete under the pretext of formal truth. In reality, reinforced concrete imposed the construction of complex formworks, generally with new wood and of good quality, making it a costly material. The construction of a ripped texture needs precise carpentry of total craftsmanship, mounting the negative of the building in hand-made wood. Additionally, the concrete needs a special composition in order for it to be worked adequately before solidifying. When deformed, the concrete is practically in its final configuration, making it a risky process, with little room for error.

Sylvain Willenz Torch Pendant Lights
Featured above the dining table of the Ipês House

Concrete is, on the other hand, a type of x-ray of the construction and of the passing of time, where the surface is impregnated not only with the smallest defects but also the knots of the wood. It is liquid stone, as has already been said. The experience of constructing in raw concrete during these last ten years has shown StudioMK27 the impracticality of making an absolutely perfect material. The House of Ipês incorporates this experience of design and construction in exposed concrete.

Jean Prouvé Cité Chaise Lounge
Featured in the living room of the Ipês House

In this house the material is used in a radical manner throughout the upper volume and, as such, the large concrete Box appears to be floating atop a glass volume. In the living room, which continues to the veranda and the garden, the doors open entirely, diluting the division between interior and exterior. The main entrance is done through pivoting panels that also open entirely to the front garden. In the internal space, a long irregularly-shaped sofa wriggles around the room, constructing a space with no hierarchy among the different orientations.

On the top floor, a TV room distributes the circulation to the bedrooms, which are lit by a wood block on the concrete wall of the facade. The wooden brises offer the interior great thermal comfort and makes it possible to totally control the lighting.

The structure of the house incorporates large spans which accentuate the Idea of a floating Box, besides propitiating a totally free and continuous space. The use of raw concrete refers to modern buildings, aesthetically and functionally, as in a dialogue with this modern architecture. The House of Ipês, with its grand spans and brute material, transpires a sobriety and the concrete impregnated by the passage of time, exposes the existence of the life of the building.

Architect: Studio MK27
Image Credits: Reinaldo Coser

This is how the Future Looks

2012-02-10T17:45:00.000-08:00

Raquel Welch displays the ultimate nomadic space age fashion style. Suddenly, the future doesn't look as bleak anymore.

Stike a Pose

2012-02-10T17:38:00.000-08:00

What a guy must do to impress a girl. Sean Connery shows off his moves to Ursula Andress in 1962.

Masochistic New York in 1965

2012-02-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

Take a masochistic space age time trip with Elio Petri's La Decima Vittima to New York in the year 1965. A unique perspective on New York during the same year the construction started on the World Trade Center. Watch as Ursula Andress runs through the insanity of the partially demolished Penn Station and takes you through New York along the Trinity Church, Wall Street, and perhaps the best of all, the Masoch Club.

Space Age Fashion and Style

2012-02-10T17:16:00.000-08:00

Bring out the whip... Space Age design with Hungarian-born Katherina Freiin Schell von Bauschlott in Eero Aarnio's Ball Chair by Adelta.

Men in Black 3 Preview

2012-02-09T17:01:00.000-08:00

The production team of Men in Black 3 has an impeccable taste when it comes to set design. Men in Black 3 will be featuring two items from Nova68. The studio has selected the iconic Cobra Lamp and the Droplet Fruit Bowl for their upcoming movie. The studio decided on the Cobra Lamp from Nova68 because it reflects the space age futuristic style of the third installment of the highly successful Men in Black franchise. The Cobra Lamp will be prominently featured throughout the movie. The iconic Droplet Fruit Bowl echoes the same fluid design style. Both items are sold through online retailer nova68. Men in Black 3 has further selected Eric Sole's Cabildo wall lights and the iconic Droplet Lamp by Ross Lovegrove available through Stardust, a California based retailer of modern design. Filmed partly at the Kaufman Astoria Studios in Astoria New York, Will Smith & Tommy Lee Jones return as Agents J and K in the third installment of the sci-fi action comedy. Also starring Josh Brolin. Back in Black, Back in Time, Back in Action - In theaters May 5th 2012.

For more information check:
Men in Black III
Nova68 Cobra Lamp
Nova68 Droplet Fruit Bowl

Design inspired by Food

2012-02-09T16:27:00.000-08:00

Italian Design inspired by French Food. Profiterole Lamp designed by Sergio Asti for Martinelli Luce in 1970. A profiterole, cream puff (US) or choux à la crème is a choux pastry ball filled with whipped cream, pastry cream, or ice cream. Mmmmmmhhhhhhhhh! Sergio Asti certainly had fun when designing products! Another excellent example of the Italian Space Age design movement (we consider this the period from 1968 to 1972).

Space Age Italian Design

2012-02-09T16:14:00.000-08:00

The Paracarro lamp. This ultra rare lamp (out of production since the mid 1970s) was designed by Italian designer Sergio Asti for Bilumen in 1971. The lamps displays the fluid forms of the Italian Space Age design movement (we consider this the period from 1968 to 1972). Less than a hundred of these were actually manufactured by Bilumen. Few of these must have survived and this lamp is now notoriously hard to find. We spotted one a few years ago in Milano at Daal Gallery.

Raymond Loewy's Avanti Car

2012-02-09T16:05:00.000-08:00

One of the classic icons of mid century modern American design; the 1963 Avanti was the last ditch effort of Sherwood Egbert (his real name) to rescue the faltering Studebaker. Once again, the company turned to its ace in the hole, stylist Raymond Loewy, to conceive a car that would miraculously turn things around. He rented a house in Palm Springs and there with three young designers and with missionary zeal embarked on creating something new and revolutionary. The result - the Avanti, got attention but didn't save the company. Studebaker was gone three years later.

Credit: Mrpitv

Office Furniture

2012-02-07T11:49:00.000-08:00

Joe Colombo's Boby Office Organizer

Some things never go out of style. Although this functional organizer was designed almost half a century ago, it continues to be the best selling piece of office furniture ever designed, unequaled by others of its kind. This functional office organizer was designed by the Italian industrial designer Joe Colombo in 1968. Being himself one of Italy's leading interior designers of that time, Joe Colombo was unable to find a suitable compact, yet versatile, office organizer for his own practice. Office furniture is notoriously bland and uninspiring so in response he developed his own design; the Boby office organizer. With a design that's easy on the eyes, the Joe Colombo Boby Trolley quickly became Europe's favorite organizer. Ever since its release in 1968, it has been a staple for businesses, home offices, dentist practices, laboratories, beauty and hair salons, artists studios, architects, interior designers, etc. The best recognition came in 1977 when The Museum of Modern Art in New York included it in its permanent design collection. Unfortunately, Joe Colombo did not live to see that day. He died in 1971 at the very young age of 41. To celebrate the Boby Trolley, Nova68 has brought back most of the original models in a variety of colors.

Joe Colombo Office Organizer
Available from Nova68.com

Day at the Beach

2012-02-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

Image Credit: Béatrice de Géa for The New York Times

Axel Vervoordt Style Wabi Poufs

2012-02-02T10:02:00.000-08:00

These stylish Wabi Sabi Design Poufs add a perfect finishing touch to any space with their understated elegance. Timeless, classic and completely unobtrusive, these beautiful Wabi Sabi Design Poufs reflect the principles of Japanese aesthetics and the acceptance of transience in home design. Wabi-Sabi is the most conspicuous and characteristic feature of traditional Japanese beauty and it occupies roughly the same position in the Japanese pantheon of aesthetic values as do the Greek ideals of beauty and perfection in the West. Developed in the 12th century, Wabi-Sabi advocates simplicity and humility, the rejection of all that is superfluous or artificial. These beautiful and timeless poufs carry the essence of Wabi Sabi design. These Wabi Sabi Design Poufs would be the perfect fit in any Axel Vervoordt styled interior, who's work has been built on the concept of Wabi-Sabi, see Axel Vervoordt: Wabi Inspirations available from Amazon.com. The Wabi Sabi Design Poufs are of high quality and are crafted by master artisans from tightly woven hemp and are filled with 100% pure wool. Available in three attractive color tones; orchid, natural or sky blue.

Wabi Sabi Design Poufs available from Nova68

Lamps and Lights

2012-01-31T23:19:00.000-08:00

Picture perfect Constellation lamps from Nova68. We love these stylish lamps; they effortlessly blend rustic charm with a touch of bohemian modern elegance, making them equally suitable for both high end contemporary modern homes and classic turn of the century Brooklyn brownstones. Would love to have these light fixtures above the kitchen counter or above the dining table. These would also look beautiful hung in groups, suspended at different heights in a corner of a room. The beautiful Constellation pendant light fixtures were inspired by the stars that light up the sky on a crisp and clear night. Natural-looking globes are crafted by hand of zinc-plated iron and are hand-drilled to create these wonderful stellar pendant shades. Stardust sparkles of light shine through and create a captivating light display. Pendant lights feature clear electrical cords and quality porcelain sockets. These attractive Constellation pendant lamps set the perfect tone with a truly timeless look. The brilliant Constellation pendant lights create a welcoming and warm ambience in any room. Made with UL listed components. Small lamp 40 watt max; large lamp 60 watt max.

Available from:
http://www.nova68.com

Time Traveler

2012-01-31T17:15:00.000-08:00

Time Traveler

Yosemite Park Fast Forward

2012-01-31T16:59:00.000-08:00

Yosemite HD from Project Yosemite on Vimeo.

This Yosemite Park Fast Forward video is a collaboration between Sheldon Neill and Colin Delehanty. All timelapses were shot on the Canon 5D Mark II with a variety of Canon L and Zeiss CP.2 Lenses.

La Mela

2012-01-30T20:37:00.000-08:00

La Mela (image credit nova68.com)

Classic Set of French Wheels

2012-01-30T20:30:00.000-08:00

The Citroën H van was designed by Pierre Franchiset for the French car maker Citroën in 1946. A simple yet efficient icon of industrial design. This unassuming icon of French culture was produced from 1947 until 1981. Close to 500,000 of them where sold, mostly in Belgium, France and the Netherlands. Chances are, you can still find them rusting away in the French country side. The perfect van to move your Baguettes, Ficelles and Petits Pains au Chocolat. Mmmmmhhhhh......

Best of Las Vegas

2012-01-30T16:46:00.000-08:00

The Best of Las Vegas: The Las Vegas Neon Boneyard Park. A tribute to the neon signs of yesteryear, the electrified icons from the time Bugsy Siegel and the mob ruled Las Vegas...long before the big corporations moved in. Fans of vintage Americana will find great joy in this fabulous collection of vintage neon signs from yesteryear; included are neon signs from the Golden Nugget, The Algiers, Stardust, The Hacienda, Aladdin Hotel, The Flame, etc. Most of these derelict vintage neon signs are currently located at a dusty lot on Las Vegas Boulevard North, far away from the cheap glitter and glam that Las Vegas has to offer nowadays. They are joined by the remnants of the old, partially-demolished, La Concha hotel (designed by Paul Revere Williams). The Neon Boneyard Park definitely deserves more attention from the city of Las Vegas; it really seems to have been an afterthought, tours are currently limited and only portion of the Boneyard collection is available for tours and photo shoots by advanced appointment. What a missed opportunity... Bugsy sure would have wanted a little bit more respect.

Psych Out French Style

2012-01-28T10:11:00.000-08:00

Psych Out French Style

Modern Pool House in Sonoma

2012-01-18T09:52:00.000-08:00

Picture perfect modern pool house and gardens in Sonoma, California. We love the clean minimalist lines and the unique beveled edge of this beautiful and well thought out modern pool house located in Sonoma California. Designed by notable San Francisco Bay Area architect George Bevan of Bevan & Associates.

Lighting

2012-01-16T15:58:00.000-08:00

Modern Lighting Done Right: Moon Rock Lamps by André Cazenave (image credit the Apartment in Denmark)

Lighting done right; these timeless modern rock lights are by French designer André Cazenave and were designed in 1970. Hand crafted. Various available sizes through nova68.com.

Simply Beautiful

2011-12-22T23:12:00.000-08:00

The Glass House: Day to Night from The Philip Johnson Glass House on Vimeo.

Piggy Bank

2011-12-19T11:48:00.000-08:00

Piggy Bank: Save in Style with this classic glass Piggy Bank.

Available from nova68.com

Pop Art Mod Fashion by Lisa Perry

2011-12-13T09:53:00.000-08:00

Roy Lichtenstein Spray from 1962 Lisa Perry Dress in a limited edition of 33

Roy Lichtenstein limited edition by Lisa Perry as shown on Madison Avenue in New York (image credit UnBeige)

We adore the limited Roy Lichtenstein collection by fashion designer Lisa Perry. Now you can wear Roy Lichtenstein's "Spray" from 1962 in a limited prêt-à-porter dress edition of 33. Available from Lisa Perry.

World Globe

2011-12-09T15:01:00.000-08:00

The perfect modernist globe for the the home of the office. Classic modernist world globe in a beautiful deep slate grey, almost black, edition. The slate gray ocean of this beautiful modern world globe stands in stark contrast to the easy-to-read metallic silver map. Uniquely supported by an angular brushed stainless steel base. This modernist world globe is very similar to the ones you would have seen on an executive desk in 1950's America. Fashioned in the unique modern atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, a perfect match to the modern times of Catch me if you Can and Pan-Am. This modern transparent world globe is a very decorative design object which will certainly compliment any modern interior or office. This very unique world globe is a great alternative to the more common standard globes, it makes a great unique gift for just about anyone. It measures 12 inches in diameter and stands about 16 inches tall.

Classic Black World Globe with Silver Map

There will always be Rome

2011-12-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

There will always be Rome, Audrey Hepburn in Rome 1968 (credit Elio Sorci / Camera Press)

Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder

2011-12-08T10:45:00.000-08:00

Art meets Design by Piero Fornasetti in the 1950s.

Next Stop La Rinascente

2011-12-08T10:36:00.000-08:00

Next Stop La Rinascente, Milano 1950s.

Lucio Fontana's Neon Art

2011-12-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

Lucio Fontana, Structure in Neon for the IX Triennale di Milano, 1951 (courtesy Fondazione Fontana).

Action creates Reaction

2011-12-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

Gabriele Basilico's Contact Series from 1984 and the reaction of design chairs on the Derrière. The ultimate tribute to design by one of Italy's leading fine art photographers, Gabriele Basilico, leads us to believe that Harry Bertoia's Wire Chair causes the greatest psychological attraction which leads to the greatest physical reaction.

Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier

2011-12-07T21:28:00.000-08:00

LeCorbusier@Poissy from onnis luque on Vimeo.

Yves Saint Laurent goes Mondrian

2011-12-07T18:34:00.000-08:00

Strike a pose with Yves Saint Laurent's iconic De Stijl collection in front of a Piet Mondrian composition, 1966.

Architecture by Lou Jansen in Belgium

2011-12-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

'Woning Mil Jansen' designed by Lou Jansen in Merksplas Belgium in 1962

Today, we pay tribute to the work of the Belgian architect Lou Jansen. While almost completely unknown to the rest of the world, the area around Turnhout, a leafy suburb of Antwerp Belgium, is dotted with beautiful mid century modern minimalist houses. These hidden treasures are often hard to find since they weren't always documented or published in the manner of their counterparts in the US (Richard Neutra's work for example). So looking for them often feels like a treasure hunt. Many of these icons of mid century modern minimalist architecture were designed by the notable Belgian modern architect Lou Jansen. His houses are often framed against a wonderful green backdrop which provides the perfect balance between the restraint minimalist architectural style of Lou Jansen and the naturally perfect greenery of the leafy Antwerp suburbs. Lou Jansen can be considered to be one of the most prominent figures of the Belgian modernist architecture movement. He was an early adopter of the rationally designed, minimalist modern architecture movement. The style of Lou Jansen clearly displays a true understanding of the "less is more" philosophy in the manner of his German predecessor Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Through his work, Lou Jansen defined the image of modern architecture in Belgium and framed his beautiful minimalist architecture of the time for a small but grateful audience of his followers. Too bad that Julius Shulman wasn't there throughout his career to photograph the architecture of Lou Jansen since he would have surely fallen in love with it.

'Woning Proost' with inner atrium designed by Lou Jansen in Schilde Belgium in 1965

Pictured above are some of Lou Jansen's most notable icons of modern architecture include his "Woning Mil Jansen" built by Lou Jansen for his brother in Merksplas Belgium in 1962 and "Woning Proost" built in Schilden in 1965 (the last one; unfortunately now demolished). The "Woning Mil Jansen" is especially remarkable since it is a perfect masterpiece, a work of art, a composition done right down to the last detail. This light and airy house displays a distinct peacefulness with its gracious minimalist lines and sense of balance and structure. Created six years before Stanley Kubrick released his epic '2001: A Space Odyssey', the house displays a similar monolithic tower, its shadow once-a-day perfectly aligned with the age-old tower located outside the perimeter. The artful combination of the architecture and shadow creates a unique display throughout the day. Icons like these certainly deserve the same attention that has been given to other mid century modernist architects like Le Corbusier and Marcel Breuer.

'Rodedreef Huis' designed by Lou Jansen in Schilde Belgium circa 1966

'Rodedreef Huis' courtyard would look nice with Bertoia Chairs or Richard Schultz Chairs.

'Rodedreef Huis' fountain should be replaced with a water fountain sculpture by late Belgian modernist artist Pol Bury.

'Rodedreef Huis' designed by Lou Jansen in Schilde Belgium circa 1966.

Contemporary Design Furniture

2011-12-06T16:31:00.000-08:00

Recent picture of the Derin design booth at the Istanbul Design Week. Derin presented their contemporary modern design furniture in a beautifully framed modernist booth. Derin design is available in the US through NOVA68.

Hands Up Mister

2011-12-06T10:41:00.000-08:00

Architecture by Huig Aart Maaskant

2011-12-06T10:32:00.000-08:00

During the 1950s, many architects took great pride in creating buildings that were perfect down to the last detail, like a minimalist composition by Piet Mondriaan. A fine example is the Verenigde Schoenmachine Maatschappij by Dutch architect Huig Aart Maaskant constructed in 1955/1960. There is conflicting info where this building was located; either Vlijmenseweg or Industriestraat but we ware certain that it was located in the town of 's-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands. Chances are that it was long ago demolished since there has been lots of new construction during the last decades; we would love to hear from anyone from 's-Hertogenbosch if this building is still standing.

Mid Century Modern Art by Joop Van Der Broek

2011-12-06T10:17:00.000-08:00

Joop van der Broek art at Mariaplaats 23, Utrecht, Netherlands, 1963.

Joop van der Broek's abstract modernist art works have fallen into obscurity and his name has almost been completely forgotten. Some of his works can still be found in the Dutch cities of Dordrecht, Utrecht, Rotterdam although many of them haven fallen into disarray and/or have completely disappeared over the years. Joop van der Broek was one of the most prolific modernist artist during the 1950s and 1960s. He created large scale sculptural wall and glass art pieces, often using a vibrant mix of glass, ceramic and glazed tile. Joop van der Broek was often commissioned for projects of the Dutch government and for office buildings. He was often hired by the Dutch modernist architect Huig Aart Maaskant to decorate his minimalist buildings including the Tomado Office Building in Dordrecht.

Joop van der Broek glass window at the Hilton in Rotterdam, 1963.

Joop van der Broek* glass window at the Adriaan Volkerhuis in Rotterdam, 1973 (attributed).

Image Credit: Reinier de Jong

Shadow Piece

2011-12-05T22:41:00.000-08:00

Shadow Piece by David Claerbout

Dutch Modernist Architecture 1958

2011-12-05T18:24:00.000-08:00

Mid Century Modern Progressive Architecture by Dutch Architect Huig Aart Maaskant. Huig Aart Maaskant designed the Tomado office building in the Dutch city of Dordrecht in 1958. This exceptional modern building is highlighted by its pure minimalist lines.

Mid-Century Modern Style

2011-12-03T12:04:00.000-08:00

This beautiful mid-century modern furniture setting includes the iconic Eames House Birds, a George Nelson Half Nelson Table Lamp and a two George Nelson Jewelry Chests (vintage).

Joe Colombo Tube Chair 1969

2011-12-01T19:27:00.000-08:00

Joe Colombo Tube Chair 1969 produced by Flexform in Italy.
Out of production.

OXO Candela Tooli Night Light

2011-11-30T11:25:00.000-08:00

Oxo Candela Tooli night light. The most beautiful and most practical night light ever created. The Oxo Candela Tooli is a great bedside companion to ward off the darkness. LED lights provide eight hours of soothing light, plenty of time to send restless little ones off to dreamland. Tooli lights up automatically when lifted from the charging base or if there is a power outage. Place Tooli on the patented Safe-Charge base and it automatically recharges for the next use. The charging base doubles as an optional nightlight that can be left on even when Tooli is charging. Available in Yellow.

OXO Candela Tooli Night Light

Grand Entrance

2011-11-29T15:35:00.000-08:00

'Do it big, do it right and do it with style.'
Fred Astaire

Mid-Century Modern World Globe

2011-11-29T15:19:00.000-08:00

Mid Century Modern Style Transparent Silver World Globe 12".

I've got the world on a string... Travel the world in style with a simple push of your finger. This ultra-cool world globe oozes style and would look amazing on your Mad Men styled executive desk. We absolutely love this Mid Century Modern style transparent world globe with silver metallic printing. Unquestionably the most beautiful globe we have ever seen. This modernist world globe is very similar to the ones you would have seen on an executive desk in 1950's America. Fashioned in the unique modern atmosphere of the 1950s and 1960s, a perfect match to the modern times of Catch me if you Can and Pan-Am. This attractive world globe features stunning silver-colored continents on a printed on a beautiful transparent acrylic globe. This modern world globe has a unique stainless steel axis base which adds a modern twist to your desktop. This modern transparent world globe is a very decorative design object which will certainly compliment any modern interior or office. This is also a perfect children's world globe, sure to please even the youngest stylemakers in your house. This very unique world globe is a great alternative to the more common standard globes, it makes a great unique gift for just about anyone. It measures 12 inches in diameter and stands about 16 inches tall. The most amazing globe will put the world at your fingers, perfect for any occasion; anniversary gifts, birthday gifts, business gifts, christmas gifts, corporate gifts, gift idea, gift, gift idea for children, gifts for him, unique gifts, design, wedding gifts, pure style!

Mid Century Modern Style Transparent Silver World Globe 12"

And a classic Sinatra song to match:

Contemporary Modern Rugs by Nanimarquina on Sale

2011-11-28T14:33:00.000-08:00

Stardust is having a special sale on the entire rug collection by the Spanish rug manufacturer Nanimarquina until December 23rd 2011. The right time to snap up some amazing modern rugs at bargain prices.

Modern Rugs by Nanimarquina

Growing Up

2011-11-27T00:38:00.000-08:00

Streamschool (Patakiskola) from Péter Vácz on Vimeo.

A little girl has an adventure with water as she travels from a small brook to the sea. A tale of growing up based on a Hungarian poem. Animation by Péter Vácz.

and in French...

L'école des russieaux (French version) from Péter Vácz on Vimeo.

Architecture by Oscar Niemeyer in Spain

2011-11-27T00:26:00.000-08:00

The Centro Niemeyer in the Spanish industrial town Avilés closed its doors last month, although it had only been open for a half a year. Due to severe budget cuts and political issues related to the Spanish economical crisis, there was just no money left to keep it open. The Centro Niemeyer was designed by Brazilian modernist architect Oscar Niemeyer and had a total price cost of $44 million Euros. Euro watch dogs will probably see this as another example of excessive spending but in the long run, this will probably be a good thing for Spain since Oscar Niemeyer is not getting any younger and this may very well be his first and last work in Europe (he is 103 years and counting).

Here is an interesting article published by Sarah Butler for Domus in Italy when the Centro just opened its doors on March 25th 2011. How rapid things can change....

Modern architecture has long been compared to science fiction: not just in its formal and material ambitions, but socio-spatially, where the ideals of total democracy and gridded master planning converge. Exuberant, utopian futurism arrived at through human innovation. Yet now we usually experience modernism through the tint of wear and nostalgia; the optimism of atomic-era design seems misplaced in the globalized climate.

Nevertheless, the future pushes on. Currently set for landing in the base of the medieval town of Avilés, located in Spain's northern Asturias region, Centro Niemeyer is a surreal, space-age barge; a fantastic monument to the shifting cultural economies of the twenty-first century. Surreal, perhaps simply for its freshness, but also for its hugeness and finesse; its stark contrast to the labyrinthine, stony streets of surrounding town. Space-aged, in the sense of the antique future we see in visionary pop culture from The Jetsons to 2001: A Space Odyssey. The new Centro embodies both the classic neutrality of the twentieth-century International Style and contemporary strains of cosmopolitanism and sustainability.

Surprisingly, the Brazilian architect's first project in Spain had to wait for his centennial. At 103 years of age Oscar Niemeyer is again fleshing out his signature take on heroic Modernism with a set of buildings formally reminiscent of some of his greatest hits, such as the São Paulo Palace of the Arts and of course Brasilia. Central to the complex is a three-storey, 50-foot concrete dome anchoring a monumental public square. Comprising a Museum, Amphitheatre, Restaurant and Reception buildings, the Centro is a minimalist field of formal abstraction with the spatial logics of natural attractions, great canyons and soaring cliffs. At the completion stage, clear of even way-finding signage and other advertisement, a visit rekindles longing for walks on the moon. Imagine if the great land artists had a greater penchant for reinforced concrete and you're there.

The Museum's exterior was created in just one day by pumping concrete onto a PVC inflatable mould. Inside, pristine expanses appear to hover inches above the ground. A four ton chandelier casts multiplying shadows in gill-like depthless bands. Certainly until programming begins the space will remain overwhelmingly simple. A mezzanine accessed via a striking red, spiraling stairwell suggests that light and sound installations may be set off here quite explosively.

The Amphitheatre, noted for embodying the most complex, irregular curve among the new structures, will seat 1000 and opens onto the public square. Given demand and occasion, audiences will get a pretty clear view of the stage from both inside and outside. A wide slope, slowly turning up from the ground at the entrance comes back toward the earth at nearly (but not quite) a right angle. A great yellow swash amplifies Niemeyer's touch for a vibrant, sensual (rather than purely rationalist, functional) modernism. Acoustics also promise excellence.

What's more, Foster + Partners are at work on an extensive urban plan to transform the surrounding area. What is currently a very dirty industrial steel manufacturing port will become the Island of Innovation, projected to be a hub of outdoor recreation, solar and wind energy research by 2020. Any lingering smog from the neighboring coal-fired factories will yield to a landscape punctuated by minimalist public architecture elements. The master plan includes clearing the estuary to carve the site away from the mainland, making the site accessible by boat. From the sky, the new island and its surrounding marina describe the symbolic outline of a fish.

Programming also promises to be exceptional, because behind the board at Centro Niemeyer is the so-called C8 ("c" being, of course, for cultura). Responsible for the development of exhibitions destined for the world stage, inclusive of performances, screenings and other Centro creations are representatives from international venues including New York's Lincoln Center, London's Barbican, the Sydney Opera, La Scala in Milan, Tokyo Forum and the Library of Alexandria, Beaubourg, Paris, and Cultural Center, Hong Kong.

Largely inspired by Bilbao's economic resurrection, the Centro emphasizes this focus on content to generate global sensation. With a creative board including global celebrities, scientists and intellectuals such as Woody Allen, Kevin Spacey, Paulo Coelho, Stephen Hawking, Fatima Mernissi, Vinton Cerf, Joan Manuel Serrat and Wole Soyinka, the "Avilés effect" may already have taken hold.

With a 40,000,000 euro price tag, costs of the construction project thus far have been paid for exclusively by Avilés and the Spanish government. Anticipating return on investment within the first year alone through global tourism, the Centro plans to shift its support base towards the private sector. While long-term local interest may be questionable, a weekend open house in August last year welcomed over 12,000 visitors.

Is this all apropos for a complex designed by an unapologetic Marxist, whose social-humanist ethos and stated feelings about the insignificance of his own trade led him always to do things his own way? Niemeyer intends to mean above all sticking by life: enjoying good times, friends, family and the resonance of nature. An immensely generous and apparently untiring spirit, the architect was from the start obsessed with a particular, rather than international Modernism, devoted to making spaces to embrace history and nature.

In his 2000 memoir The Curves of Time, Niemeyer writes that he deliberately rejected the right angle of rationalist architecture for the realm of bold curves and organic shapes, which, like Eero Saarinen, Jørn Utzon, Frank Lloyd Wright, and now perhaps Santiago Calatrava, he considers more essential to poured, reinforced concrete. His is therefore an oeuvre in which the functionalism of the "machine for living" is superseded by the plastic freedom made possible by reinforced concrete; wherein the monotony of pre-fabricated glass boxes might be overcome by sculptural, free-form, cast-in-place structures.

While he must be considered one of the last great Modern architects in the canonical sense, Niemeyer is also a contemporary artist. With projects of more than sixty, even seventy years ago today firmly entrenched in history, these new buildings in Spain emerge in a context that has been radically changed since the ideals of Corbusian internationalism. Certainly distant from the CIAM-brand of strident formalism he initially set out against; one hopes the Centro will successfully transform this post-industrial region into a cultural Mecca.

Image Credit: James Ewing Photography

Farnsworth House

2011-11-26T13:19:00.000-08:00

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Farnsworth House as drawn by Tadao Ando in 2009.

Organic Free Flowing Architecture

2011-11-26T13:10:00.000-08:00

This contemporary free flowing architectural masterpiece was designed by the French architect team of Atelier Christian de Portzamparc for the famous winery Chateau Cheval Blanc in Saint-Émilion, France. Its distinct organic shape would make Oscar Niemeyer smile.

There are some exceptional wines in the world. Cheval Blanc is one of them. When referring to it, people sometimes speak of absolute art.

When Baron Frère and Bernard Arnault (the client) decided to endow the estate with a new winery, they aspired to excellence and sought to break new ground.

The vinification of Cheval Blanc is a traditional business consistent with a perpetual quest for harmony and balance. It involves parcel management and respect for the cycle of the vine, constant adaptation to the nature of the grape and thoughtful, measured and considered attention to every action. The programme takes account of the specific features of individual parcels, as well as exacting standards and respect for nature.

But the owners also wanted something that would anticipate the future while blending into a historic landscape, since Saint-Émilion is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was a challenging mission that called for a rare combination of talents.

This challenge was taken up by Christian de Portzamparc, who considers that the truth of space cannot be dissociated from the imprint of time. The harmonious relationship between inside and outside has also been a constant source of inspiration.

In the heart of the vineyard, the "winery under the hill" initially looks like a promontory extending the château, a lifting of the earth, raised by sails of concrete towards the light and the sky. From a vantage point that seems to float in the air, the eye takes in the swathes of vines and the age-old history of the landscape.

A hill or a hanging garden floating over the vines? What gives the site a certain grace is a discreet cantilever effect suggestive of a pendulum, the geometry of the curved surfaces and their living substance of muted white moulded concrete, the unique atmosphere that derives from the natural light descending earthwards inside the vat house, between the contours of the great concrete vats. This refusal of enclosure, even though inherent in the material, is a remarkable innovation: the "winery under the hill" is a place of concentration, almost of meditation, and yet open to what surrounds it, being as permeable to the light of the vineyard as to the coming and going of workers and visitors. Between inside and outside, the winery is a place of transmutation and human interaction.

That grace also derives from the desire, in evidence all around, for perfect harmony between the place and its purpose. And that is probably where the elegance comes from: we are in the place where an exceptional wine is made, among the sublimated instruments of a highly demanding task that calls for skills to match. No line here is superfluous: everything contributes to the perfection of the actions involved, and it shows.

The technology is therefore treated as such: necessary facilities, not objects of ostentation. There are 52 vats because that is what parcel selection requires, and they are made of concrete. If the walls are of mashrabiya, it is to facilitate natural ventilation. The lighting is sober because it does not seek display or decoration. In fact, everything has been designed to replace energy-hungry systems with economical solutions. As a result, the winery is one of the few buildings in the wine business to have High Environmental Quality (HQE) certification, meeting particularly demanding criteria relating not only to the environment but also to the type of materials used, to water, energy and waste management, controlled hygrometry, acoustic, visual and olfactory comfort and the well-being of the people who work there.

It is the brand-new vision of a place and a long tradition. With boldness, high talent and a sensuality made visible, Cheval Blanc looks to the future.

Art of the Dance

2011-11-26T12:59:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the stars align and perfection is born. Take for example the amazing photography by Christopher Peddecord. These perfectly balanced compositions will certainly strike a chord with admirers of the early Richard Avedon pictures of which the ones from Veruschka are our favorites (see inlay below).

Wall Mounted Winerack

2011-11-26T12:34:00.000-08:00

Rosendahl Winetube Wine Bottle Rack Storage

If you have a collection of exceptional vintages like a full case of 1947 Château Cheval Blanc or 1869 Château Lafite you may find a wall mountable wine storage "trop de risque". But for all of us who have less preferential taste buds and buy less exceptional vintages such as Trader Joe's Two Buck Chuck, we will find great functional use in the minimalist Winetube designed by Danish designer Kim Almsig for Rosendahl in Denmark. Turn a storage option into an art piece with the simple ingenuity of the Rosendahl Wine Tube, with a natural aluminum finish. The Rosendahl Wine Tube bottle rack features innovative wall mounting that allows your wine collection to become a striking wall display. The design of the wine tube keeps bottles and labels clearly visible, allowing easy selection from your wine collection. The Rosendahl Winetube wine bottle rack is a beautiful wall-mounted wine bottle storage solution. The Rosendahl Winetube wine bottle storage rack is an elegant and stylish organizer for wine. This wall-mounted wine rack frees up space and looks clean and modern too.

Rosendahl's Winetube Wine Bottle Rack Storage is a perfect wine rack storage idea for smaller New York City style apartments, or anyone who appreciates a clean modern design aesthetic. Along with the stylish finish of the Winetube wine bottle rack, the bottles and their labels form an integral part of the design piece. This is in contrast to more traditional wine racks where only the necks of the wine bottles are visible. The exposure of the wine bottle's label makes it easy to get an overview of your wine collection. The Winetube is made from a brushed anodized aluminum tube, a series of smart cutouts allow the wine bottles to be suspended perpendicular to the Winetube itself. Simple wall mounting, with fixings provided. A great way to display several bottles of your favorite wine. Holds standard bottles of wine (not large bottles or bottles with special shapes or thicker necks).

Rosendahl Winetube Wine Bottle Rack Storage

Lolli Pop Girl 1968

2011-11-24T21:58:00.000-08:00

Ferrari 275

2011-11-24T21:42:00.000-08:00

The Spy Who Loved Me

2011-11-24T21:37:00.001-08:00

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Farnsworth House in Lego

2011-11-24T21:34:00.000-08:00

LEGO Architecture Farnsworth House 21009

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Farnsworth House in Lego. Replicate an icon of mid century modern architecture with the famed Farnsworth House! Few one-room homes are as strikingly modern and instantly recognizable as the Farnsworth House, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. This single-story steel structure with floor-to-ceiling glass walls was meant to open a minimalist interior to nature in an extreme way. Construction took place from 1945–1951 on a 60-acre estate beside the Fox River in Plano, Illinois, where it still stands today. The assembled Farnsworth House model is over 10” (25cm) wide on a base with printed name label and includes a booklet with facts about the building, its construction and history.

LEGO Architecture Farnsworth House 21009

Dieter Rams: the original Steve Jobs

2011-11-24T21:25:00.000-08:00

Dieter Rams: the most influential industrial designer of the 20th century.

Braun ET 66 calculator (1987) versus Apple iPhone 4S (2011)

Braun LE1 Electrostatic Speaker (1959) versus Apple's iMac (2011)

Things which are different in order simply to be different are seldom better, but that which is made to be better is almost always different.

Dieter Rams, 1993

Back in the early 1980s, Dieter Rams was becoming increasingly concerned by the state of the world around him – “an impenetrable confusion of forms, colours and noises.” Aware that he was a significant contributor to that world, he asked himself an important question: is my design good design?

As good design cannot be measured in a finite way he set about expressing the ten most important principles for what he considered was good design. (Sometimes they are referred as the ‘Ten commandments’.)

1. Good Design is innovative:

The possibilities for innovation are not, by any means, exhausted. Technological development is always offering new opportunities for innovative design. But innovative design always develops in tandem with innovative technology, and can never be an end in itself.

2. Good Design makes a product useful

A product is bought to be used. It has to satisfy certain criteria, not only functional, but also psychological and aesthetic. Good design emphasises the usefulness of a product whilst disregarding anything that could possibly detract from it.

3. Good Design makes a product understandable

It clarifies the product’s structure. Better still, it can make the product talk. At best, it is self-explanatory.

4. Good Design is unobtrusive

Products fulfilling a purpose are like tools. They are neither decorative objects nor works of art. Their design should therefore be both neutral and restrained, to leave room for the user’s self-expression.

5. Good Design is honest

It does not make a product more innovative, powerful or valuable than it really is. It does not attempt to manipulate the consumer with promises that cannot be kept.

6. Good Design is long-lasting

It avoids being fashionable and therefore never appears antiquated. Unlike fashionable design, it lasts many years – even in today’s throwaway society.

7. Good Design is thorough, down to the last detail

Nothing must be arbitrary or left to chance. Care and accuracy in the design process show respect towards the consumer.

8. Good Design is environmentally-friendly

Design makes an important contribution to the preservation of the environment. It conserves resources and minimizes physical and visual pollution throughout the life cycle of the product.

9. Good Design is as little design as possible

Less, but better – because it concentrates on the essential aspects, and the products are not burdened with non-essentials. Back to purity, back to simplicity.

10. Good Design is aesthetic

The aesthetic quality of a product is integral to its usefulness because products we use every day affect our person and our well-being. But only well-executed objects can be beautiful.

Braun Travel Alarm Clock

2011-11-24T20:36:00.000-08:00

Braun Travel Alarm Clock. Design retailer nova68 has managed to find new old stock of the classic Braun travel alarm clocks. A limited supply is available, Braun ceased production of these clocks many years ago and these are now getting rare collectible pieces.

Dietrich Lubs and Dieter Rams: Braun AB1 Travel Clock Alarm. The ultimate style icon! This iconic travel alarm clock was designed in 1971 and updated in 1987. Dietrich Lubs designed this now iconic clock for Braun, while Dieter Rams was Head of Design for the company. This super compact Braun alarm clock is the perfect travel alarm clock since it stands only 2.5" tall. While primarily used as a travel clock, this clock also works very nicely on the desk. The Braun AB1 Quartz travel alarm clock features an interval alarm signal and a quiet quartz mechanism. The alarm switch is large and easily operated. One AA battery will last over one year (not included).

Braun was one of the world's most commercially successful design firms in the post-war years through to the end of the 1980's. Born out of a garage in 1921, Braun made radio parts and diversified using rapidly developing technology. With an impressive design team including Dieter Rams (German, born 1932) and Dietrich Lubs (German, born 1938), Braun's reputation as a maker of innovative small appliances sky-rocketed: electric shavers, hair dryers, travel alarm clocks, digital watches, pocket calculators, stereo equipment. However with Braun's acquisition by Gillette and subsequently by Proctor & Gamble, the once prevalent line of Rams and Lubs products became obsolete in 2005 as Braun focused on shaving tools. The AB1 clock, shown here, a long-lived design, is a reliable, user-friendly, ever popular alarm clock.

Braun Travel Alarm Clock

Wine Glasses Perfection

2011-11-24T20:22:00.000-08:00

Perfection Wine Glasses. The most perfect wine glasses! Indulge yourself with the best wine glass money can buy. Designed by Tom Nybroe for Holmegaard, the glass division of Royal Scandinavia. The Perfection range has been created for wine aficionados who want well-thought-out functionality right down to the smallest detail. Perfection was truly designed for the wine. Any grape and and any wine should be able to unfold perfectly in the generous design of the series. The classic wine glass was fused with a new and innovative expression which nutures the wine. The large surface lets the wine readily unfold. The distinctive pour line helps correct and uniform dosage. And the design is so harmonious and pleasant to drink from that all senses will celebrate. We now have samples to try in our showroom. Established in 1825, Holmegaard is famous for its high standards in tableware glass. The lines are completely pure and the idiom is refined.

Perfection Wine Glasses

Gently Curved Glass House

2011-11-24T12:55:00.000-08:00

Gently curved beautiful minimalist modern glass house designed by the Italian architect Jacopo Mascheroni. This ultra modern dream house is located at the Lac Lugano in Switzerland.

Situated on the slope of a hill, on the shores of Lake Lugano , the villa consists of two volumes organized on different levels due to the particular topography of the site.

A polygonal shaped glass pavilion with rounded edges stands above a linear underground block. The living and dining room, the kitchen and storage spaces are located in the pavilion, while bedrooms, bathrooms and garage are in the lower level. Each level relates itself with independent outdoor spaces, which are closely related with the interiors.

The glass pavilion overlooks two very defined areas: the first, toward the mountain, is a very private zone resulted in the area between the property line and the building setback line according to the local building code. The second is a garden overlooking the lake. In the same way, the bedrooms face a garden enclosed by the building and the perimeter wall.

The ring, obtained between the perimeter wall above and the pavilion, amplifies the interior space, with seems much larger than what it actually is. The ring-like space, that embraces the building on the north side, grants constant ventilation and natural light to the living areas, also due to the white cladding of the perimeter wall and white gravel which reflect the sunlight coming from the south.

The horizontal treatment of the perimeter wall emphasizes the scenography, creating moving shadow effects according to the different position of the sun in the sky. At the same time, a night-time artificial light scene is the ideal reverse field for the lake panorama.

All the additional functions of the pavilion are contained in a central lacquered wood block, which acts as a sort of a thick penetrable wall that separates the kitchen from the living room without dividing the space with doors, and in which are located the powder room, the kitchen, the stairs, bookcases, all mechanical systems and the technological and audio-video equipment.

Great attention is given to the environmental aspects, as the use of geothermal energy, roof gardens, the rain-water collection system, the choice of highly efficient low-emittance glass insulated with argon gas, to optimize the thermal efficiency of the shell and the use of natural sun shading as the placement of deciduous trees in the south-west area of the building.

New York Crumpled City Travel Map

2011-11-23T12:25:00.000-08:00

New York Crumpled City Travel Map

Map of New York City: New York Crumpled City Travel Map. Designed by Emanuele Pizzolorusso, made in Italy. Forget folding, just crumple and go with the New York City: Crumpled City Map! Crumpled City Maps are printed on lightweight, flexible material that is durable and waterproof, no folding or tearing like traditional paper maps, just stuff into your pocket, handbag, or the maps draw-string pouch! This New York City map has an easy-to-read clean, modern design with important streets, museums, galleries and monuments clearly marked and indexed. Ten Soulsights, places with a special essence, are also noted on each map. Made in Italy, Crumpled City Maps come in a gift box with a draw-string pouch for storing the map after each use. Nine popular world cities available including London, Paris, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York. Map Size: 34 inch W x 23 inch H. A unique gift idea for city trippers, trip-missers, New Yorkers, Ex-New Yorkers and just about anyone else that loves the Big Apple.

Unlike traditional New York City paper maps which can be awkward to deal with, the New York City, Crumpled City Map, can be easily crammed into your pocket, backpack or the carrying pouch provided, without having to worry about refolding it along the original creases. Moreover, the Crumpled New York City map is printed on special technological material that makes it the lightest and most resistant map on market, as well as 100% waterproof which is perfect for even the most demanding New York shopping trips. The most unique map about the most unique city in the world; New York City. This New York City map provides details about a large part of the city, including streets, monuments, museums, art galleries and much more. New York City's Crumpled City map includes a sightseeing index and a list of unique Soulsights.

New York Crumpled City Travel Map

Contemporary Italian Design Chair

2011-11-16T14:29:00.000-08:00

Karim Rashid Woopy Chair: Indoor and Outdoor Chair by B-line, contemporary Italian design chair. Sleek, modern and effortlessly elegant design chair from the B-line contemporary modern furniture collection. This beautiful sculptural modern armchair was designed by Karim Rashid for B-line in Italy. The inviting fluid shape of Karim Rashid's Woopy Chair looks attractive from every angle. This modern free-flowing chair displays a form true to Karim Rashid's modern style. The Woopy Chair brings together the meaning of form and function. A versatile, lightweight, durable and generously-sized small modern armchair. The Karim Rashid Woopy Chair is available in a selection of delicious colors. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, the Woopy Chair is made from durable rotomoulded polyethylene. A very appealing modern armchair; for use in upscale modern homes, spa resorts, hotels, bars, etc. Each chair comes individually packaged in a box. Made in Italy.

Karim Rashid Woopy Indoor and Outdoor Chair by B-line

Citrus Juicer by Eero Aarnio

2011-11-16T14:18:00.000-08:00

Alessi Citrus Juicer by Eero Aarnio. We are glad to see some new creations by Space Age designer Eero Aarnio for Alessi. One of them is the citrus-squeezer "Citrus", in thermoplastic resin. This beautiful citrus squeezer is the perfect modern kitchen accessory. For over half a century, and with great consistency, the Finnish designer Eero Aarnio has designed brightly colored objects for the house with rounded, geometric shapes that allude to a kind of space age design code. His works, almost all made in plastic, are short, visual tales that combine features both humorous and playful with precise and explicit functional meanings.

Eero Aarnio is known for such iconic designs as his "Ball Chair" (1966), "Pastil Chair" (1967) and "Bubble Chair" (1968). Finland's Eero Aarnio (1932) is one of the leading innovators in contemporary Scandinavian design. He interests me because I see in him a sort of childlike elder, an eternal boy, always ready to grasp the playful and paradoxical aspects of the design world. In short, a sort of "Scandinavian ludicism" far from the austere professionalism prevalent in Northern Europe design. The projects we're presenting today are the first in a series of objects that is destined to be expanded. (Alberto Alessi).

Alessi Citrus Juicer by Eero Aarnio

Kartell Dune Serving Tray

2011-11-16T14:07:00.000-08:00

Kartell Dune Serving Tray by Mario Bellini for Kartell. Kartell's Dune Tray is one of the most beautiful serving trays ever created. The Dune tray was designed by Mario Bellini for Kartell in Italy. Kartell's innovative design transforms even a simple serving tray into something extraordinary. What good is a tray if it doesn't say something to the viewer, to the person examining it, using it? Who is going to remember it? What good is a tray if it's only good for carrying things?

The Kartell Dune serving tray is a stylish kitchen accessory made by Kartell in Italy. The semi transparent polycarbonate of the Kartell Dune serving tray sculpted from within varies in chromatic intensity and luminosity. The Kartell Dune tray seems to project a magical three-dimensional illusion onto the surface holding glasses and cups. Images fluctuate and flow in the beautiful Dune tray. Like mountain torrents, rivers of lava, fiery flames. Animated images of the caprices of wind and light. Like the waves on the sea, desert dunes or the shimmering reflections of silk. These rainbow-colored trays are the first born of a family of small objects. Invented and designed to delight you with unexpected emotions.

Kartell Dune Serving Tray

Woopy Kitchen Counter Bar Stool

2011-11-16T14:03:00.000-08:00

Woopy Kitchen Counter Bar Stool. Karim Rashid Woopy Kitchen Counter Bar Stool by B-line. Sleek, modern and effortlessly elegant kitchen counter high chair or bar stool from the B-line contemporary modern furniture collection. This beautiful sculptural modern bar stool was designed by Karim Rashid for B-line in Italy. The inviting fluid shape of Karim Rashid's Woopy kitchen counter bar chair looks attractive from every angle. This modern free-flowing bar stool displays a form true to Karim Rashid's modern style. The Woopy kitchen counter bar stool brings together the meaning of form and function. A versatile, lightweight, durable and generously-sized small bar stool. It has a comfortable backrest and armrests as well as a chromium-plated tube serving as a footrest. The Karim Rashid Woopy bar stool is available in a selection of delicious colors. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, the Woopy kitchen counter bar stool is made from durable rotomoulded polyethylene. A very appealing modern bar stool; for use in upscale modern homes, spa resorts, hotels, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, etc. Each chair comes individually packaged in a box. Made in Italy.

Woopy Kitchen Counter Bar Stool

Dish Drainer Kitchen Board

2011-11-06T13:54:00.000-08:00

Jorre van Ast modern Geo Dish Drainer. A wonderful Pantone color rendering as a dish drainer. The Geo Dish Drainer offers a timeless contemporary modern look, ideal for use in the kitchen, next to the kitchen sink. The beautiful Geo Dish Drainer designed by Dutch designer Jorre van Ast is the most amazing kitchen accessory! The breath-taking decorative and functional dish drainer is available in two color compositions, either blue or warm grey. The Geo Dish Drainer is an exceptionally sculptural everyday kitchen accessory that successfully fuses art and function in an extraordinary way.

Is the dishwasher almost full or do you have a number of items that you prefer to wash by hand? The Dish Drainer Geo has been designed especially to drain this small amount of washing-up. The Dish Drainer Geo is a splendidly designed mat; the subtle height differences in the design will ensure that the water will easily drain off. The Dish Drainer Geo means it is no longer necessary to use a large dish drainer which is awkward to store. The Dish Drainer Geo is flat and takes up very little space. It can be put away if required, but that really isn’t necessary because its design, inspired by geographical contour lines, ensures that it blends harmoniously into every interior.

Geo Dish Drainer Kitchen Board

Kitchen Design Droplet Fruit Bowl

2011-11-06T13:22:00.000-08:00

Gijs Bakker Modern Droplet Fruit Bowl. Design for the modern kitchen: a wonderful rendering of a rain drop touching water as a fruit bowl. The fruit bowl offers a timeless contemporary modern look, ideal for use in the kitchen or dining room. The beautiful Fruit Bowl designed by Dutch designer Gijs Bakker is the most amazing kitchen accessory! The breath-taking decorative and functional fruit bowl in the form of a falling water drop is now available in polished stainless steel. The fruit bowl is an exceptionally sculptural everyday kitchen accessory that successfully fuses art and function in an extraordinary way. This beautiful fruit bowl was sculpted after an original drop that falls into water. The fruit bowl is easy to lift from the top. Use the droplet as a convenient handle so it can easily be transported around the kitchen or dining room area. This high quality fruit bowl is made out of 18/10 stainless steel. The fruit bowl by Gijs Bakker is an eye-catching centerpiece filled or empty. The bowl should be hand washed for best care. It makes a great gift for newlyweds or new homeowners.

Gijs Bakker Modern Droplet Fruit Bowl

Classic One Glass Table Lamp

2011-11-03T22:29:00.001-07:00

Classic One Glass Table Lamp

The Classic One glass table lamp was designed by Maria Berntsen for Holmegaard in Denmark. This lamp has become an instant classic table lamp with its distinctive and highly refined transparent glass features. Very simple, but stylish and genius. It is made from a single piece of handblown glass! This beautiful masterpiece of light will perfectly fit any interior. Established in 1825, Holmegaard is famous for its high standards in tableware glass. Perfect for both small residential and large scale commercial projects.

Maria Berntsen created a minimalist and future oriented lamp out of glass with One, whose shaping mirrors the essential forms of a lamp.

The One Table Lamp is manufactured by the Danish company Holmegaard and is opened at its top. In the opal-coloured version the illuminant is hidden by the upper part of the lamp. The clear-glass variant however, offers deep, open views into its inside and shows the bulb as well as the socket with its cable.

Available online from:
http://www.nova68.com

Classic Braun Men's Watch BN2BKBKG

2011-11-02T22:22:00.000-07:00

Classic Braun Men's Watch BN2BKBKG. Braun Watch Black Leather Band BN2BKBKG. This Braun watch is part of the Braun watch collection. This classic Braun men's wristwatch was designed by Dietrich Lubs and Dieter Rams during the 1970s. It has an easy to read minimalist dial layout, inherent to the Dieter Rams motto "less and more". Other features include analog display, three-hand quartz movement, matt stainless steel case with screw on case back, 5 ATM water resistance and scratch resistant mineral glass. NOVA68 is the official distributor of Braun Watches so each watch comes with a 2 year manufacturer's warranty.

Classic Braun Men's Watch BN2BKBKG

Kitchen Accessories Pinch Bowls

2011-11-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

Kitchen Accessories Salt and Pepper Pinch Bowls: Una Mela e Una Pera. Una Mela e Una Pera: Salt and Pepper Pinch Bowls. A set of beautiful pinch bowls that was inspired by Italian wooden design objects from the 1960s. Fans of Enzo Mari's mod pop art graphic styled prints; La Mela & La Pera will certainly appreciate this wonderful and very stylish set of pinch bowls. These beautiful pinch bowls are perfect to present gourmet salts, pepper corns and favorite seasonings on the dining table. These pinch bowls are also perfect for holding herbs or serving condiments. These apple- and pear shaped pinch bowls are expertly crafted from solid bayong wood and have a rich warm color. They are further enhanced with a food-save vegetable oil finish. Practical and beautiful, these beautiful salt and pepper pinch bowls look great left out on the table our countertop. This signature set makes a unique gift idea for any aspiring kitchen chef.

Salt and Pepper Pinch Bowls: Una Mela e Una Pera

Apartment Building Planter

2011-11-01T22:42:00.000-07:00

Pull + Push: Mansion Concrete Indoor Garden Planter. The Mansion Planter was designed by the Japanese design firm Pull + Push. An apartment building reproduced in miniature form makes for a unique indoor planter. The Mansion Planter is literally the most unique home for small indoor plants.

Mansion Planter image credit Rakuten

Designer Nobuhiro Sato designed this unique planter to resemble a realistic small-scale apartment building, as known as a Mansion in Japan, complete with windows, balconies, handrails, stairs and, of course, a rooftop garden. The Mansion Planter is constructed of durable mortar, glass and brass.

Pull + Push: Mansion Concrete Indoor Garden Planter

Braun Digital Watch BN0046BKBKG

2011-11-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

Braun Digital Watch BN0046BKBKG. Braun men's wristwatch with electro luminescent display. Braun Watch Black Leather BN0046BKBKG. This Braun watch is part of the Braun watch collection. This classic Braun men's wristwatch was designed by Dietrich Lubs and Dieter Rams during the 1970s. It has an easy to read minimalist dial layout, inherent to the Dieter Rams motto "less and more". The Braun BN0046BKBKG digital watch features a durable black leather strap, which is very comfortable and light on the wrist. Other features include a minimalist electro luminescent digital display, 12/24 hour time display, date feature, PM indicator, matte black plated stainless steel case with screw on case back, 5 ATM water resistance and scratch resistant mineral glass. NOVA68 is the official distributor of Braun Watches so each watch comes with a 2 year manufacturer's warranty.

Braun Digital Watch BN0046BKBKG

Braun Mens Watch BN24WHBKG

2011-11-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

Dietrich Lubs and Dieter Rams: Braun Men's Analog Watch BN24WHBKG. Braun Watch Black Leather BN0024WHBKG. This Braun watch is part of the Braun watch collection. This classic Braun men's wristwatch was designed by Dietrich Lubs and Dieter Rams during the 1970s. It has an easy to read minimalist dial layout, inherent to the Dieter Rams motto "less and more". The Braun BN0024WHBKG watch features a luxurious black leather strap, which is very comfortable and light on the wrist. Other features include an analog display, sub second dial, three-hand quartz movement, matte stainless steel case with screw on case back, 5 ATM water resistance and scratch resistant mineral glass. NOVA68 is the official distributor of Braun Watches so each watch comes with a 2 year manufacturer's warranty.

Dietrich Lubs and Dieter Rams: Braun Men's Analog Watch BN24WHBKG

Terrarium Indoor Garden Planter

2011-10-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

Free Flowing Indoor Garden Terrariums. These fantastic terrarium indoor garden planter makes "the" most perfect gift for the city-dwelling botanist. These exceptional free-flowing terrarium planters were inspired by the organic shapes found in mid century modern Danish glass design. Highly decorative in form, these finely crafted glass terrarium planters create a relaxing and peaceful display. The terrarium planters are fashioned from recycled glass by master glass blowers. Bubbles, dimples, rippling and natural flow marks add to the artisan appeal of these terrarium planters. Each vessel is unique and is made with at least 50% recycled glass content.

Free Flowing Indoor Garden Terrariums