Retro Daze Blog http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog Just another WordPress weblog Sat, 14 Feb 2009 10:00:02 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 ECO ART: Cold House Ice Furniture http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/eco-art-cold-house-ice-furniture/ http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/eco-art-cold-house-ice-furniture/#comments Sat, 14 Feb 2009 10:00:02 +0000 Moe Beitiks http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/02/14/eco-art-frozen-furniture/ eco art, environmental art, ice furniture, hongtao zhou, lake mendota public art, public environmental art, university of wisconsin student art, student sustainable art, student environmental art, climate change art

Almost all furniture once possessed a life elsewhere before it became an object in your home. It might have been a tree, or a metal, or a fluff of cotton, or any other of the multitude of resources harnessed from nature and then tossed in the cycle of urban living. Artist Hongtao Zhou, in his installation of ice furniture, seeks to re-frame this cycle by creating a simple, temporary, and very cold place to sit on the shores of Lake Mendota, Wisconsin.

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]]> http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/eco-art-cold-house-ice-furniture/feed/ 0 Objectified Director Gary Hustwit Interviewed by Dwell http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/objectified-director-gary-hustwit-interviewed-by-dwell/ http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/objectified-director-gary-hustwit-interviewed-by-dwell/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:00:57 +0000 Mike Chino http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/02/13/dwell-interviews-gary-hustwit/ objectified movie, gary hustwit film, sustainable design, industrial design, good design, dwell interviews gary hustwit

Our good friends at Dwell Magazine recently conducted an excellent interview with director Gary Hustwit (of Helvetica fame) about his upcoming film Objectified. Whether you’re an industrial designer, a design junkie, or just eagerly anticipating the coming film (we are!), their extended conversation offers an insightful look at the nature of good design, the objects we use everyday, and the current state of industrial design.

Check out the Interview at Dwell’s Blog >

]]> http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/objectified-director-gary-hustwit-interviewed-by-dwell/feed/ 0 Come Up To My Room ‘09: Eric Mathew & Andrew Ooi http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/come-up-to-my-room-09-eric-mathew-andrew-ooi/ http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/come-up-to-my-room-09-eric-mathew-andrew-ooi/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:19:17 +0000 Harry tag:mocoloco.com://571dccd8b50151d888bd8e14b9ad986c andrew_ooi_eric_mathew_2.jpg
Eric Mathew and Andrew Ooi's origami light fixtures are made of printed Japanese paper. The print is of wood grain and though the lamps are made of paper they are surprisingly robust, as wood would be. My guide at CUTMR, show curator Jeremy Vandermeij, had this to say about Andrew and Eric; "[they] share a common interest in the elegant versatility of paper as a design material. Their work utilizes paper as a valuable commodity, in contrast to its popular public conception as a ubiquitous disposable resource. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese uses of paper in the production of items of everyday use, their work has evolved to include lighting, furniture, and ornament."

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Eric Mathew and Andrew Ooi’s origami light fixtures are made of printed Japanese paper. The print is of wood grain and though the lamps are made of paper they are surprisingly robust, as wood would be. My guide at CUTMR, show curator Jeremy Vandermeij, had this to say about Andrew and Eric; “[they] share a common interest in the elegant versatility of paper as a design material. Their work utilizes paper as a valuable commodity, in contrast to its popular public conception as a ubiquitous disposable resource. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese uses of paper in the production of items of everyday use, their work has evolved to include lighting, furniture, and ornament.”

]]> http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/come-up-to-my-room-09-eric-mathew-andrew-ooi/feed/ 0 Inhabitat Blog Picks of the Week http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/inhabitat-blog-picks-of-the-week/ http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/inhabitat-blog-picks-of-the-week/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:00:25 +0000 Olivia Chen http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/02/13/inhabitat-blog-picks-2-13-09/ inhabitat blog picks, cute quirky design ideas, unusual green

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. Ugh, for those of us that are single, even if fabulously so. But who says that we don’t also deserve an extra dose of lovin’? Which is why this week, we want to show our appreciation for your faithful readership here at Inhabitat by sharing the cute and quirky design ideas we have seen — because hopefully you love the cute and quirkiness in us too!

Treehugger tells us about some really neat Japanese lamps.

Haute*Nature showcases re-purposed wool lamp shades that are warm and cozy.

Keetsa Mattress Store shares the Bike Chair, made of recycled steel and aluminum bike parts.

NotCot features Paula Hayes’ rather unusual and botanical “Living Necklaces.”

]]> http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/inhabitat-blog-picks-of-the-week/feed/ 0 MAC Cosmetics Hello Kitty Collection http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/mac-cosmetics-hello-kitty-collection/ http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/mac-cosmetics-hello-kitty-collection/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:05:19 +0000 razen tag:populuxebooks.com://08f3263f24f036ab836cd5b655b2aed1 MAC meets Hello Kitty for a new collection of cosmetics. Wow! I want all of them!

]]> http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/mac-cosmetics-hello-kitty-collection/feed/ 0 GREEN RENOVATION: A Modern Extension for a London Home http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/green-renovation-a-modern-extension-for-a-london-home/ http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/green-renovation-a-modern-extension-for-a-london-home/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:00:22 +0000 Bridgette Steffen http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/02/13/renovation-crawford-partnership-camden-extension/ crawford partnership, green roof extension, renovation green roof, modern renovation, spacious renovation, expansive renovation

Green renovations like this one in London are really exciting, because they show how much potential there is for taking something you already having and making it so much better, through the application of smart design. Crawford Partnership, a London based architecture firm, was responsible for this remodel and extension. They replaced a dilapidated lean-to shed with a modern and spacious extension that includes an open kitchen and dining room with an extra bedroom and office above it– all while staying within the confines of the existing home. And to top it off, the extension includes a green roof covered in sedum.

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]]> http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/green-renovation-a-modern-extension-for-a-london-home/feed/ 0 Radiant Dark 09: Knot by Yvonne Ip http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/radiant-dark-09-knot-by-yvonne-ip/ http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/radiant-dark-09-knot-by-yvonne-ip/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:54:50 +0000 sabine7 tag:mocoloco.com://5a56ccce8ecfd8a4c21c30e8481210c1 yvonne_ip_knot_seat.jpg
A mass of pressed wool strips makes up Yvonne Ip's Knot seat. A giant overhand knot illustrates how form follows function when the structure becomes the object. The result is a hybrid seat and floorcovering. Deanne Lehtinen's Solar Bench is made of acrylic off-cuts, solar-powered light and reclaimed wood to exist as a quietly elegant bench by day and a glowing light sculpture by night when a skeletal from is revealed, emerging from its dark wood surround. The Loyal Loot Collective presented the Make A Mend furniture patches that revive old, damaged furniture. This repair hardware takes on the role of repair jewellery cover unsightly corners and edges in a useful and ornamental way.

+ madedesign.ca

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A mass of pressed wool strips makes up Yvonne Ip’s Knot seat. A giant overhand knot illustrates how form follows function when the structure becomes the object. The result is a hybrid seat and floorcovering. Deanne Lehtinen’s Solar Bench is made of acrylic off-cuts, solar-powered light and reclaimed wood to exist as a quietly elegant bench by day and a glowing light sculpture by night when a skeletal from is revealed, emerging from its dark wood surround. The Loyal Loot Collective presented the Make A Mend furniture patches that revive old, damaged furniture. This repair hardware takes on the role of repair jewellery cover unsightly corners and edges in a useful and ornamental way.

+ madedesign.ca

]]> http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/radiant-dark-09-knot-by-yvonne-ip/feed/ 0 Samsung Releases Solar Powered Phone! http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/samsung-releases-solar-powered-phone/ http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/samsung-releases-solar-powered-phone/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:30:52 +0000 Jorge Chapa http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/02/13/samsung-releases-solar-powered-phone/ http://www.inhabitat.com/wp-content/uploads/samsungblueearth1.jpg" alt="samsung blue earth, samsung solar powered phone, samsung solar phone, solar powered phone, recycled plastic water bottles, solar power, green power

Green Gadget fans have been waiting for the holy green grail of gadgets for awhile now: the solar-powered mobile phone. And now it seems that Samsung has finally delivered on this promise with their brand new Blue Earth phone. Blue Earth is a gorgeous green touch phone that has a full solar panel on its back which can generate enough power to charge the phone. And yes – the gadget is still small enough to fit in your pocket!

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]]> http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/samsung-releases-solar-powered-phone/feed/ 0 Radiant Dark 09: Elegant Corruptions http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/radiant-dark-09-elegant-corruptions/ http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/radiant-dark-09-elegant-corruptions/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:44:24 +0000 sabine7 tag:mocoloco.com://a98cf2f182139f7e1a6b3d27379ac727 radiant_dark_2009_3.jpg
Elegant Corruptions is the second edition of MADE Design's curated Radiant Dark exhibition. Julie Nicholson and Shaun Moore presented work from 33 Canadian design studios in a setting that allowed the works' creativity to shine. The theme was one of juxtaposition. The designs were simple and effective, but with a twist that played up the notion of decay, flaws or breakdown. The result was elegance via an unexpected journey. Stay tuned as we focus on the highlights of a tightly curated and very stimulating exhibition.

+ madedesign.ca

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Elegant Corruptions is the second edition of MADE Design’s curated Radiant Dark exhibition. Julie Nicholson and Shaun Moore presented work from 33 Canadian design studios in a setting that allowed the works’ creativity to shine. The theme was one of juxtaposition. The designs were simple and effective, but with a twist that played up the notion of decay, flaws or breakdown. The result was elegance via an unexpected journey. Stay tuned as we focus on the highlights of a tightly curated and very stimulating exhibition.

+ madedesign.ca

]]> http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/radiant-dark-09-elegant-corruptions/feed/ 0 MoCo Submissions http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/moco-submissions/ http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/moco-submissions/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:43:12 +0000 sabine7 tag:mocoloco.com://09bbbb9555c2905f38525000a1aa0f2c staffan_holm_newton_table.jpg
+ Staffan Holm and Dan Sunaga are the designers of the Newton coffee table, which uses two rings of pressure-molded wood as a base. The edges of the rings are forced towards the centre, creating curves that became the table's signature.

cellule_wood.jpg
+ Joy de Vivre has come up with a new concept for modular latticework suitable for urban dwelling. Cellule is made from UV stabilized polypropylene and can be used indoors and out. A system of snap legs and pegs allow the lattice wall to expand or be moved. The modules can be attached to most surfaces with ease and there is a tidy cap to hide all hardware. The curved surfaces allow climbing plants to weave in and out quite nicely.

met_iscreen.jpg
+ The IScreen from Li-Rong Liao is a modular screen composed of laser cut units of plywood and Masonite. This pattern is made up of the letters in LISA, but eventually patterns will be customized from any characters.

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+ Staffan Holm and Dan Sunaga are the designers of the Newton coffee table, which uses two rings of pressure-molded wood as a base. The edges of the rings are forced towards the centre, creating curves that became the table’s signature.

cellule_wood.jpg
+ Joy de Vivre has come up with a new concept for modular latticework suitable for urban dwelling. Cellule is made from UV stabilized polypropylene and can be used indoors and out. A system of snap legs and pegs allow the lattice wall to expand or be moved. The modules can be attached to most surfaces with ease and there is a tidy cap to hide all hardware. The curved surfaces allow climbing plants to weave in and out quite nicely.

met_iscreen.jpg
+ The IScreen from Li-Rong Liao is a modular screen composed of laser cut units of plywood and Masonite. This pattern is made up of the letters in LISA, but eventually patterns will be customized from any characters.

]]> http://www.retrodaze.com/Mid-Century-Modern-Furniture-Blog/Mid-Century-Modern/moco-submissions/feed/ 0