BOO!

Happy Halloweenie!!! I thought it would be appropriate to mention something about my obsession with Philippe Starck's Louis GHOST Chair and other acrylic furniture today. Designed in 2002 for Kartell, the Ghost Chair perfectly blends old and new-- a classic Louis XV design in modern polycarbonate. Perfect proportions and a transparent material make it incredibly versatile.


Starck (who designs just about everything besides chairs, too) also designed the La Marie chair above.

Also from Kartell, the Bourgie Lamp designed by Ferruccio Laviani.

Oly Studio Acrylic Lorna Side Table

Even Target has caught on to the acrylic trend! You can get this clear acrylic chair for just $160.

Architecte

One day when I have a house with an office it will include this splendidly functional and beautiful drafting desk from Roche Bobois.

The Architecte Desk from Roche Bobois.

Black Magic

I got my new issues of Veranda AND Domino in the mail the other day so I've been pouring over them while I've been bored at work. One thing that stood out to me was that there were black and white features in both magazines. Lots of black and deep grey walls, lots of contrast. I can't decide if I love it or hate it but I thought it was a very daring and dramatic look. Not to mention Halloween appropriate! See what you think...


This was the feature in this issue of Domino. I was excited because it's the home of Jenna Lyons, the creative director at J. Crew. And who doesn't love J. Crew? But I just couldn't decide if I liked the house. I know... that is horrible to say... but I just thought it seemed a bit cold. Black and white are about as classic as it gets but it can sometimes just be too rigid and lifeless. But that's just my opinion...

The kitchen with black cabinets, concrete countertops and simple, open shelving.

Sitting area off of the kitchen.

This is Lyons' son's nursery and where we start to see the black walls. It is at least livened up a bit with the yellow and white striped ceiling which I think is so adorable!

More nursery. Love the comfy sheepskin on the floor and the Alexander "Calder-esque" mobile. Very sophisticated!

Can I have a whole room for clothes and shoes?!?! Please??

Bedroom with more black walls.

Bathroom with more black walls. I love the cast iron tub, copper fittings and herringbone floor.

This is the home of a Houston designer, Renea Abbott from the current issue of Veranda. It also features a black and white and theme. Several wallpaper/fabric patterns are from Kelly Wearstler's line for Schumacher that I adore! The wallpaper and chair fabric are her "Imperial Trellis".

More Kelly Wearstler fabric - Gordian Weave

Quote Day!

It's Never Too Early...

It's never to early to appreciate good design!! Check out these ADORABLE infant shirts and onesies from tinymodernist. My future children will own the whole collection. :-)

Eames Molded Plastic Rocker onesie

Eames' LCW (Lounge Chair Wood) on child's shirt

Philippe Starck's Louis Ghost Chair infant shirt

Van der Rohe's Barcelona Chair

And how about an Eames Anniversary Edition Plywood Elephant?? Charles Eames designed the model in 1945 but it wasn't produced until last year. Available at eamesgallery.com.

Although I don't think I have what I would consider "modern" taste, I've always had a great appreciation for modern architects and designers. One of my favorites is Alvar Aalto. To our 2008 eyes his work doesn't seem that exceptional, but if you take yourself back in his time (1920's to 1950's-ish) he was doing some very progressive and groundbreaking things that all designers have now adopted. Check out the Viipuri Library he designed and was built 1933-35 in Vyborg, Russia:

The auditorium was designed with an "undulating" ceiling of wood strips, meant to add warmth to otherwise stark white interior and improve acoustics.

As much as I admire his architectural designs, I would much prefer to live with one of these vases he designed. I have been in love with them for a while now and they remain on my wish list every year!


Clear Finlandia Vase

Aalto Turquoise Vase

Aalto Large Clear Tray

Available here.

Waterworks

Tonight I am attending a little event to preview a few new items by Waterworks, one of my favorite sources for bath and kitchen fixtures and tile. I love their designs-- always fresh and classic, but with a little twist. Here are a few of my favorite fittings:

The new Olympia Lavatory Faucet. I love the sphere on the top!


The new Chesterfield bun foot tub.



The Easton Wall Valve with a unique oak handle.

One of my favorite lines of theirs is the Etoile. Above is the deck mounted tub filler.

Another gorgeous line is the Opus line that features elegant crystal handles.

And I had to throw in at least one kitchen piece! The super classic Julia Mixer.