Disappearing Act

Don’t you love it when the typically ugly yet necessary items of your household like speakers, television, storage units can be hidden so they just slip into the background unnoticed?  Well I have a couple of those here, except they’re not ugly.  They’re like art.  Yes, they do slip into the background but as pieces of sculpture and not hideous storage.

The Italian company DE CASTELLI has created in my opinion one of the most beautiful and innovative solutions to storage yet.  If you look at the image below you see what seems like a tower of slate bricks; perhaps a pedestal for a vase or a sculpture sitting in the centre of a foyer or the corner of a room.  

However; it is an illusion.  This pedestal is actually a tower of many different sized drawers that are on push-to-open drawer runners.  And it isn’t made of slate; it is actually wood treated to look like the beautiful shale.  I absolutely love this.  A tower of drawers that looks just like an interesting sculpture base is actually a much needed storage space.  I love the hidden mystery of it.

Another Italian company, OPINION CIATTI has created a similar solution to storage.

At first glance, this tower looks like metal building blocks piled up on top of one another in a somewhat cockeyed manner.  However; hidden in these building blocks are wonderfully spacious storage areas.  It is the mitred edges of the storage doors that helps keep the secret.  I am also fascinated by the way they are stacked askew.  It distorts the clean lines and creates this imperfect perfection.

 

 And there you have it.  Different ways to avoid the dreaded question of:  “How do we get more storage??”  It is creative, interesting and adds a little bit of mystery to a space. Everyone loves a surprise ending.

Designer Profile: RILUC

The Franco-Portuguese furniture design company RILUC was created in 2009.  They have a distinct approach to the design of their furniture as they strive (and in my opinion have succeeded) to combine engineering with design.  RILUC’s core material of choice is stainless steel which they believe ensures the high quality and durability of each piece. 

When I encountered RILUC at Maison Objet I was blown away by the presence of every item.  They all combine this robust, sheer strength with an elegant beauty.  That shows me that the designers behind this company really have the creative know-how it takes to succeed if they are able to combine two completely opposite characteristics into one object.

I have included four different pieces to show you what this amazingly innovative design company can do.

I adore this console table or 'Mousse Sideboard' as RILUC calls it.  It looks like a bunch of bolts or screws attached together which gives it that engineered, industrial quality, yet the graphical impact of it is so appealing, beautiful and light.  These two characteristics blend together to create a dramatic, eye-catching piece.

The base of the 'Tower Table' below looks like a geometrically shaped crystal.  The reflections and the play of light off the shapes of the stainless steel definitely grab me.  It is a stunning piece, well designed yet simple at the same time. 

The 'Aline Chair' made me laugh at first because it reminds me of a balloon animal with its tubular structure.  But, when I sat on it I was extremely surprised that I was able to sit on it for a period longer than a minute.  It really wasn’t an uncomfortable as you would think!  Of course I don’t know if I could last for a three course meal on it but that’s not really the point of this chair.  It is beautiful, creatively engineered and a work of art.

I absolutely LOVE RILUC's 'Twist Table'.  It is such an uncomplicated design and is a beautiful piece of contemporary furniture.  I think what I love about it, is you could actually use it in a variety of different styled rooms.  Of course the uber modern is the most obvious choice, but you really could use it in a contemporary-traditional space.  It could create a beautiful juxtaposition next to a French Bergere chair upholstered in a contemporary fabric. 

  

I love discovering new designers because it takes you away from using the typical designers that you feel comfortable with.  It forces you to take a chance, explore the unknown and get those creative juices reenergized again.

The Plastic Option

Who doesn’t love wacky and colourful right?  That’s what I thought when I came across two design companies who only produce acrylic furniture….but with a fun and whimsical twist!

ACRILA’s acrylic furniture line is really quite amazing.  The majority of their collection applies the image of a traditional style of furniture (in fantastic bright colours) onto plastic contemporary furniture (chairs, coffee tables, lamps, stools etc).  I find this idea to be innovative, creative and full of funky charm.  It mixes the über contemporary with traditional, elegant style – not always the easiest of tasks.  

KOMODO also produces plastic/acrylic furniture but has added a wonderful element of randomness.  The two tables below are both, cubist in shape, but include a surprising twist on the table tops.  The first one has a gigantic birthday cake emblazoned on it - An absolutely hilarious surprise that produces a fabulous ‘EAT ME’ wonderland quality.

The second has filled the table top ‘box’ with clear plastic balls……creating a very ‘je ne sais quoi’ factor, no?

Very fun, very quirky and definitely not for everyone, but I just love throwing out the wonderful and crazy for you all to consider.  Tell me what you think of these….please!

Furniture as Art & Architecture

I’m always fascinated when I find a piece that looks more like a skeleton frame structure than a piece of furniture.  I found quite a few of them recently and thought I would share them with you.  Let me know what you think.

I find the three items below really quite interesting.  To me they very much look like a form of architecture.  And think about it, when a designer is creating a piece, isn’t it really a type of architecture?  It has to stand up.  It has to withstand weight and must be able to spread that weight out so that one part of it doesn’t collapse.  PAULE BROCHERE is almost a mini architect in his own right as a few of his pieces definitely move away from the typical box form of furniture design.  I love his pieces because they still are functional pieces of furniture, but they are also extremely fascinating designs.  So you’re not only adding storage and function to your space but also an element of interest.

This coat rack by MINIFORMS is more like a piece of art.  It really is stunning, a beautiful bit of design work.  But again, it is still functional; it still serves a purpose other than to just be looked at. 

Purposeful yet beautiful design.  That is what I’m getting at.  Sure we can all just have some typical pieces of furniture to do what we need them do – store and display things.   But when you can add something artistic and beautiful to your home in the form of furniture, why say no? 

Créatif

When attending design shows there are always a handful of designer finds that make you stand back in awe of their sheer imaginative genius.  I found quite a few at Maison Objet and I would like to share them with you.  Here are a number of those finds that I found to be astoundingly creative.

This first one is so cute and sweet that I actually let out a laugh when I first saw it.

It is a metal tree toilet paper holder by PRESSE CITRON!  For all those people out there who have been trying to find a better way to store toilet paper – here is the most creative solution out there! 

 This would be great in a funky, fun and colourful home or even a cute addition to a children’s bathroom.

This next find really stunned me.  It is probably the most intriguing thing I have found in a long time.  These coffee tables by LIANA YAROSLAVSKY are out of this world.  She has mounted what looks like sinking chandeliers into plexiglass.  This too me is just all-inspiring.  Creative brilliance at its best.  It definitely has this, dark, wonderland thing going for it.  Maybe it’s the surreal shock of it that I love so much.  Whatever it is, it is something exceptional.

I think these mannequin lamps by BEAU ET BIEN are so artsy and fun.  How cute would this be to find in the corner of a chic and cleverly designed room?  I also love the addition of the random little butterfly on the shade. 

For all those people looking for a way to display their empty wine bottles, I have found a superb solution.  These light fixtures by POMAX have slots to slip the neck of the bottles into. 

They give off a lovely glow from the green glass and would be a fantastic, creative addition to a dining room, bar area or over a kitchen island.

Keep your eyes out for the extraordinary and unexpected.  Finds like these are the perfect stimulation to get those creative juices flowing. 

Bringing the Industrial Home

There is something about having an object in your home that has had its own past.  Something that wasn’t always just a piece of furniture, but had a real use. An object that brings a feeling of history.  Here are a few pieces I found from ARXE.

The two ARXE tables below are not only stunning pieces but actually have their own story.  The steel frames and legs were salvaged from antique machines used in the 1800’s.  

The cabinet below is probably my favourite.  It is made out of salvaged painted pine, with the doors coming from old warehouse wall-storage boxes.  The top of the cabinet is covered in leather taken from old machine belts from the 1850’s.  This piece could be used for any number of things, but there is no question it will add a distinct feeling of history and a huge amount of character to your home.

This chair is just fantastic, and you can find them everywhere now.  This one is an old industrial stool from a seamstress workshop, but you can find old architect’s stools in wood and different kinds of metals.  They’d be great as bar seating for your kitchen island!

I have been seeing these ALL over Parisian antique dealers.  Old train wheels/train tracks that are being turned into coffee tables with leather, glass or iron.  I absolutely adore them and if they didn’t weigh a ton I’d be shipping one home with me. 

I love adding an historical element to my space.  Constantly adding new, mass-produced pieces to your home will only create an empty, unfeeling space devoid of character.  Try it at your place, I promise it will reinvent whichever room you try it in.

Designer Profile: Yann Jallu

Designer Profile: Yann Jallu

While wandering through Maison Objet, I discovered a number of designers that I just adored.  Yann Jallu was one of them.  I find his work elegant, creative and beautiful.  I have included a few here to introduce you to him.

I absolutely adore this writing desk.  It has lots of little geometric slots for your materials - Functional while stylish and sophisticated.  My favourite combination!  I love the natural curve of the desk.  It adds a lovely feminine appeal to it. 

This little cocktail side table is smart and graceful with it’s straw marquetry, and tapered, sabre-style legs.  With it’s oval shape it harkens me back to the early 60’s circa MAD MEN.

Coffee tables don’t always have to only be clunky, functional objects.  Sometimes they can be elegant and refined, and here is an example of that.

This piece is light and sophisticated and would be a happy addition to a living room of the same look.

This console shelf is stunning and unique.  It is fantastically designed piece that adds interest to a space while being functional.

I love discovering new designers to see what they have to offer.  Yann Jallu is a master who understands that an interior requires style and grace. 

The New Life of Scrap

Scrap metal seems to be a big hit with the European design crowd.  I’ve actually been quite surprised with how many designers here are pursuing it in their collections.

There’s obviously a market for it, so let’s look at a few options we can choose from.

This chair by THOTMEA is mostly made out of old barrels.  The old metal is cold and harsh, but as luck has it, one of the barrels was painted red which really does heat it up a bit.  You can definitely add more comfort and warmth with throw cushions (but I think we can do a bit better than the one here- YUCK!).  Something like this could be a great corner piece in an urban loft or even as a collection of thrown together patio furniture. 

Next we have a workspace and desk by INTERIOR DECO.  It kind of looks like dad’s old work bench down in the basement, but I can see the appeal.  Makes you want to hunker down and get some work done!  It might feel more at home in a bachelor pad, but I can definitely see it working in a chic urban space with an edge.

These cut out rectangles of framed scrap are stunning.  They definitely have an ethnic appeal to them, and if you can see it in the picture, one is even being used as a headboard for a bed.  These really are gorgeous, and could be used for a number of amazing items.  For instance, you could use one to make a feature wall in a dining room and attach tea light holders to create an ethereal, dreamy feel.  

This little collection by VINCENT CADEAUX is fantastic.  Rusty metal, bolts and some old, flecked paint is all you need to create a stellar bar set.  It creates a fantastic look and would be perfect in a city apartment. 

This style is funky, young and different.  You’ll definitely cause a stir when you introduce this into your home.  Please note though, if it’s a true recycled piece you want, check with the designer, as some collections are only based on this sought after recycled look. 

Favourite Innovative Finds

 Maison Objet is one of the best places to find a plethora of innovations for the home.

Here are a couple of my favourites from the show.

This is a stellar item for clean freaks (like me) and moms!   MODERN TWIST EUROPE has developed silicon rubber place mats (as well as serving dish doilies and coasters).  I don’t know about most people but I am unbelievably anal about keeping my things in pristine condition and have always thought about how I am going to deal with having children.  I am definitely not one of those women that will be outfitting their dining table with Disney character, dishware and forks.  With this product I think I have found the answer to my OCD-like problems when I have kids. 

Some great facts about this product:

• Low chemical reactivity – making it resistant to staining or acidic foods (like vinegar, tomato sauce and wine), and household cleaning products
• Very low toxicity, making it safe for direct and prolonged contact with foods like oven bake ware, plate liners, cooking sheets.
• Does not support microbiological growth – bacteria and most other germs cannot grow on it, making it a very “clean” surface

 These placemats are beautiful, well-designed, practically indestructible and a breeze to clean.  They will protect your table from messes, look brand new for an era longer than it’s cloth counterpart and keep your dining room’s designer look all while being kid-friendly. 

A small but great answer to keeping at least one room free of ‘kid-stuff’ that has taken over the rest of your house.

This PAPER vase by VIRAGES is amazing.  You can change its shape by moulding it into a dish, a small bowl or vase according to what you want to use it for.  It may be thin and lightweight, but it’s design gives strength and resistance to its bowl shape.  When not in use you can fold it into itself so that it is paper thin.  It is innovative and eye-catching and unlike anything I’ve ever seen. 

Enjoy!

Sweet Little Chairs

And the adoration of Maison Objet continues.

Accessories are always a fallback if you find your room lacks interest and character.  Why not bypass that fallback and go straight for the main components of a room for those qualities?  Yes, there are only so many designs for a couch, and if you want something ‘designery’ and creative you’ll probably spend a small fortune on it.  But what about chairs?  Every room needs a single seater, and you’ll likely spend a lot less on a designer chair than on a designer couch.

Here are some great options I found that are different, sweet and attention snatchers.

This little number by MEMENTO grabbed me instantly.  The bright colour of the legs muted down by the more subtle shade of the seat is the perfect collaboration of loud and quiet.  It is finished off with a little ‘saddle bag’ and buckle adding an instant element of sweet diversity.

 

These beauties are from MAGIS.  From the front you have a contemporary stacking chair typical of the modern day kitchen seater.  From the back however, with a damask style mould, you now have an elegant, fresh twist on an everyday chair for your eating area.  I love this uptake because the adaptation was well thought out.  The only enhancement is on the back of the chair.  And really, how often do you look at the front of a kitchen chair anyways?  Someone is either on it or it is pushed under the table.  Bril.

These sweet seats from MUUTO are carved from wood.  They have an elegant and almost fairy like quality to them.   I think they are absolutely gorgeous and so unlike anything I saw at Maison Objet.  That is probably because they are used with a natural material, and to me, natural materials are what makes a house warm.  

This “Magic” chair by Davide Conti certainly had me fooled at first.  It is a fantastic illusion, and if you like having that shocking wow factor to amaze your guests, this chair is for you.

If you’re having trouble seeing how it is actually standing up, look more closely.  There are two pieces of plexi glass attached to the seat of the chair and the front leg.  I am always a sucker for the new and intriguing and I’m sure your friends are too.

Here is an updated version of Arne Jacobsen’s ‘Ant Chair’ (of which there are many!) by ASIATIDES.  It is pretty and cute and you could probably use it as funky patio furniture.  Adding the uncommon use of steel for residential furniture would be a great touch. 

So try to steer away from resorting ONLY to accessories to add those great final touches.  Let’s venture out and take home an extraordinary, fun, intriguing piece of furniture for your space.  You never know, it might inspire the rest of the room!