By the definition of Zen, one finds enlightening as a sudden understanding. Zen in design typically means that there is understanding and clarity where the core of the room is revealed for the first time. Pictured here are the Solaio wardrobes in a modern bedroom setting. From my perspective the wardrobes belong there, neither dominating the room nor being diminished in the design of the room. I like this simple style as it speaks of Zen clarity and moves away from the clutter prone perspective that we as humans gravitate towards. Product information: here.
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One of the fastest growing segments of the furniture business is the "small space and multi-function" categories. With so much growth in metropolitan cities and vertical dwellings where space comes at a premium price, the need for convertible furniture is on the rise. You will have several options with the "Trix" which is comprised of three different sized cushions linked by a system of rubber bands. The Trix starts out as an ottoman for two people, easily transforms into a lounge chair, and finally it can be turned into a cozy bed. The Trix fold out ottoman was designed by famed designer Piero Lissoni and is made from expanded polyurethane upholstered in three-dimensional woven technical fabric in your choice of white or black. Made in Italy by Kartell. $1,292.00 + 39.00 shipping in the continental U.S. 39.5" w 14.2" h 29.5" d Get it Here
Here is a fun and completely different chair that has endured the test of time. The Pastil chair from Eero Aarnio was designed in 1967 as an after thought of the famous Ball Chair. According to Aarnio " a lot of empty space is sent to the other side of the world inside the Ball Chair. A new round chair would fit in this space, and so the diameter of the Pastil chair is the same as the opening of the Ball Chair". Upon its release the Pastil received the American Industrial Design Award and was hailed as "the most comfortable form to hold up the human body" by the New York Times. Today this all fiberglass form is produced by Adelta in Finland and is available from hivemodern.com for $1695. 36.5" dia. 20.5" h
I am often amazed at the ingenuity of architects and designers as they challenge our concept of shape and space. This unique shaped contemporary building is located in Melbourne where it resides in a prestigious area steeped in history. This four-story building is planned to have a café at its first level and offices above. On the fourth level is to be an office where the honorary consular of Monaco will reside offering a grand place to meet and greet dignitaries and important guests.
Part of the scope of this project was that Melbourne wanted to create a sense of urbanism as it is has slowly eroded over time. According to the architect firm, McBride Charles Ryan, this type of project is rare. I applaud the government for getting behind such a wonderful contemporary architecture project. I am sure that this building will be a sight-seeing stop for tourists.
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I am looking at design objects all the time so it can be hard to be surprised since so much design is interpretations of styles created in the past. The "Riddled Front Cupboard" from Horm of Italy caught my attention this morning. First off the visual appeal is amazing on this piece as I am drawn into the wood work of the modern cupboard. To create a surface in the walnut veneer as Horn has done, they used laser technology to cut into the wood to create the riddled surface. Some of the pictures show light coming from inside the cupboard which appears strange, but is due to the fact that there are lights inside which create a unique illuminated appeal. This piece only comes in walnut veneer, but is available in a white or black matt lacquered surface. I have included a pictured of their non-riddled version as a point of comparison. So, tell me which one you like, the riddled or non-riddled version. Measurements: 50 cm x 192 cm x 66. Product link: here.
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