Archive October 2008

The “Re’s” of ECO friendly design 0

Oct31
bamboo screen

One of the earliest of Charles and Ray Eames’ designs in molded plywood: the folding screen.

Well… this is an eco friendly version in bamboo.
I have been inspired by the creative thinking of the many people who have come up with ways that we can all change the way we live. In Design there are so many options for our homes. It can be as simple as re-arranging or re-vamping what you’ve got.
Here are just a few tips that can help put you and your family on the path to ECO friendly living spaces.
When I think of decorating I start with a good furniture space plan & the 2 biggest parts of the room: flooring and walls. Then window treatments & accessories.
re-define: Many of my fellow designers are ripping out the wall to wall carpets in clients homes. They are known for trapping toxins & harboring allergens. re-finish that hidden hard wood floor underneath. If there is no wood to be found re-place that carpet with a sustainable hardwood floor made of bamboo or even cork!


Ok so I am not saying carpets are all bad. re-use: I love the Flor modular carpet squares because they can be taken apart so face fibers and backing can be re-cycled and made into new Flor products with the return & recycle program. And they are just cool with all the ways you can configure them. The other reason I love them is because if one gets damaged you are only re-placing a section: no waste!

Flor’s Modular Carpet Square & Eames Plywood Chair

re-purpose: For furniture invest in high quality products that will last longer. Here are some ECO friendly finishes to look for in your furniture hunt. You can find very interesting items using cork, bamboo, stainless steel, reclaimed & recycled wood or bent plywood like the Eames molded plywood chairs & coffee tables.
re-paint: Why would you use paint that gives off that toxic smell? New Paints that give off a low oder are just smarter options; like the Mythic Paint. It is absolutely free of all toxins and vocs. 0% toxic =100% smart.
I hope that you try some of the tips and start re-thinking the ECO friendly way!

Iconic Designs 0

Oct29
Broadcast panel in Gloss Red with Eero Saarinen Tulip Side Chair & Tulip Side Table.
LineCity panel with Le Corbusier LC4 Chaise
Palm Springs panel with Eames Lounge Chair
Albert panel in Gloss Black with Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chair.

As an interior decorator I am always hunting for great ideas for my next project. I came across these amazing decorative wall panels that would make any design style come alive! They are made of carved wood core with a laminate overlay and come in several color options by a company named B+N. I love them because of the texture they will add to your room with their Iconic patterns. With plenty of options to choose from to give that focal wall that extra WOW factor. They are Art: Just like the Iconic furniture pieces in front of them.

Inspired by various design eras they are the perfect compliment for your modern furniture.
I love the Broadcast Panel shown with the Tulip Side Chair & Tulip Side Table. I think that the panel’s nod to the great age of television and the similar shape of the slender tulip stem of Saarinen’s designs work so well together. And in contrast I love to see people mix a piece of modern furniture with a bit of traditional style like the Albert panel. It’s pattern is designed with the Victorian era in mind, with decorative flourishes and patterns reminiscent of William Morris prints of the mid-19th century. This is the perfect match with the Barcelona Chair creating a “transitional” design style.

Mix it up or keep it true modern through and through; either way with Iconic Designs like these you can’t go wrong!

Mid-Century Modern Furniture: Back Drop or Scene Stealer? 2

Oct22

Back drop or scene stealer?

I obviously am a fan of the modern classic furniture designs since I work at Paradigm Gallery. Lately it seems that every other television commercial or show is featuring one or more of the greats. I find myself looking for modern furniture while enjoying my favorite shows. It’s like “Where’s Waldo” for me.

For example, I saw an “Advair” commercial that starts off with a woman curled up in the Eero Aarnio’s Ball chair talking about asthma. Then it cut’s to younger girl sitting still in an Eero Aarnio’s Bubble chair, and another lady in a Palla woven rattan Giovanni Travasa chair.

What I like about this commercial is that there are only 3 things in it: the actors, the product, and the chairs!

It’s really interesting how everything is still while the story unfolds and then there is the round shaped Advair disk. As the product’s wonders are revealed the people are all shown smiling and spinning in their round shaped ball & bubble chairs.

These chairs are modern classics in their organic and wonderful shapes.  You can’t help but notice and love them!

There are other modern furniture sightings on the tube out there (don’t get us started on Mad Men). Let us know if you spot one.