10Nov07
It’s always exciting to see what’s new at Illu Stration, Mary Ann Williams’ German-based design studio known for innovating exquisitely tactile felt furnishings and accessories.
Mary Ann sent me these photos earlier in the summer (oops) but aren’t they perfect for late fall? Oak Leaves is a modular system which are either available assembled or as a do-it-yourself kit in a box for your own inspired creations.
Oak Leaves interlock into virtually any size or shape. Some suggestions from Mary Ann include shaping them into pendants (like the hot scarlet number shown above), rugs, wall panels, cushions, lampshades.
Softer and more enduring than a crunchy pile of freshly raked leaves…perfect for jumping on and rolling around in.
A snow white cushion, adds form, function and fun to any living space.
Like the pieces we’ve showcased before, these felt-Flokatis are made from renewable, biodegradable wool. Their interlocking nature means you can create and recreate to your heart’s content. For more information, visit the Illu Stration website.
Filed under Furnishings, Handmade, Interior Design, Lighting, Rugs+Carpet, Small Space Style, Wallcoverings|
Tagged Biodegradable, Changeable Style, cushions, design, DIY Style, Eco-friendly, Furnishings, Handmade, home, Illu Stration, interiors, Mary Ann Williams, modern decor, Reusable, style |
30Jul07
This Brooklyn-based design-build studio knows how to look at something old in an unexpected way. Founded in 2004 by a quartet of designers, Uhuru is a company that loves to rescue materials around town and transform them into clean, contemporary furnishings. Their latest love is heart pine, a popular construction material 25 years ago. This beautifully-grained wood is excavated from demolished buildings and given second life — like the Stoolen Lite stool above.
This Fenced In table converts an abandoned cast iron fence into furniture. This collection is all manufactured locally in Red Hook Brooklyn.
You can find more pieces and work by Uhuru on their website.
23May07
We’ve featured the wonders of recycled water bottles as art before, but this cascading fabric designed by British artist Michelle Brand truly mesmerizes me. The inspiration for these plastic petals were found at the bottom of a bottle–literally. Turn your empty Dasani bottle upside down and voila–a botanically inspired base. Michelle cuts, sands, and strings together recycled bottles to create this light catching fabric. Which goes to prove you can find beauty in the most unexpected, mundane places.
Up close and personal…Window Screen from the Flowerfall Series
Blossom Series of ambient lighting uses energy-efficient LEDs and recycled plastic petals:
Blossom lights aglow:
For Londoners interested in seeing Michelle Brand’s work on exhibit you can check out the Green Modernism Show at CUBE, on exhibit until this Saturday, May 26.
Via Belle Vivir
Filed under Art+Graphics, Interior Design, Multifunctional Design, Refashion+Refurb, Textiles+Fabrics, Unique|
Tagged Art, design, Eco-friendly, Michelle Brand, Recyclable, recycled art, water bottles |
22Nov06
If you’ve been following trends in interior design this year, no doubt you’ve seen the very sticky appeal of decorative wall decals. One of my design blog idols Design*Sponge surveyed design enthusiasts about the trend (here are her results) – but it looks like many (self included) still find them hopelessly a-peeling with lots of creative possibilities still to explore.
Here’s one variation that captures my green-little heart: magnetic rather than vinyl wall decals from Magscapes (the Dots series shown above). Designed by Patricia Adler of Peppermint (we featured her innovative Palazzo T4 Chandelier just yesterday) these decals give users a chance to design and redesign their interiors. To your heart’s content.
Magnetic rather than sticky, it’s actually the wallpaper that holds the secret. It’s specially made to be receptive to the decals and hold them permanently or temporarily. The decals are cut from rubber sheets similar to the backings on refrigerator magnets and voila–you can pin up and play.
The Fab Factor: The reusability gives a green edge over vinyl decals that can only be used once. According to the Magscapes, the decals and paper are made without lead, or hazardous chemicals so they’re safe to use in kid’s rooms, kitchens, wherever your inspiration takes you.
Design range is slightly limited, but you can work with them to create custom designs of your own. Still wondering about its recyclability and manufacturing standards and will update when we hear more.
Available online through Magscapes and through . Free samples available in Europe only.
24Jun06
A red hot bath? Why not. Finnish company Durat has designed clean-lined collections of tubs, sinks, basins. Available in over 40 colors, it’s likely you can find one to complement any urbanzen bathing retreat.
They have a variety of handsome, rectangular sinks to choose from, including both wall-mounted or base-mounted options. But it was the Torni Basin that won an Editor’s Award at this year’s ICFF show this year.
What impresses me most about Durat is the material. Made from approximately 50% recycled plastic content and 100% recyclable, Durat is a designer’s material. Architects and interior designers can create their own custom surfaces by specifying them in sheets, sinks, or by custom molding your own feature for commercial or residential application.
Durat’s commitment to uniting design and recycling earns accolades from FG.
Fabulously Green reports on the latest eco-friendly products that blend style, sustainability and social responsibility. A resource for designers and shoppers alike, we showcase daily green style finds in fashion, furniture, decor pieces reflecting eco-modern chic.
Filed under Interior Design, Kitchens+Baths, Materials+Finishes, Refashion+Refurb, Unique|
Tagged Baths, contemporary bathtub, design, Durat, Eco-friendly, modern tub, recycled material |
