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“Scandinavian in its simple, unadorned and practical design, this ceramic pot from Sagaform is an ingenious way of enjoying fresh herbs much like flowers: Insert a bunch in the enlarged opening, and keep hydrated by pouring water into the corner hole. The broad base ensures that all those little stalks have access to water, while allowing air to circulate so herbs keep from becoming limp and waterlogged. Easy to take apart for cleaning. And at this price, you can buy several and surround yourself with the scent of freshly cut herbs.”

From designer Philippe Starck comes the Lux collection of plastic plates, cutlery and dinnerware. The plates all have a plastic “horn” for holding drinkware in place.

The PL200 lounge chair by Piero Lissoni features a satin polished molded aluminum base with a oak seat with either a natural oak finish, a high-gloss finish or lazured oak finish in a variety of colors.

[posted by kris]

The Muji Store is opening it’s first large-scale retail store in Soho in the US on Friday, and designophiles couldn’t be more excited. I was able to see into the store last night as the workers were moving merchandise in, and it looks pretty similar in size and layout to the Tokyo store (shown above). There were textiles for home lining the back wall and sweaters and shirts lining the right wall. The most exciting part about the new store is all the larger scale furnishing items that you can’t order from overseas, and of course the electronic items will now be wired for US voltages. Stay tuned for more information and products as the details unfold.

[posted by kris]

We’ve seen this before but now it’s in a new color.

The ICON lamp is designed out of three flat sheets: two identical metal-sheets and a sheet of veneer. The metal sheets, cut by laser, include all the necesary construction parts to hold the lampshade, lamp-holder, cable and base. Put together this way the lamp offers two perspectives. A “slim” form from the side view and the siluette of a lamp icon from the front view.

This unobstrusive design is very accomodating to a great variety of both private and contract interiors.

[posted by kris]

These hand made white oak or black walnut wall storage boxes can be customized to customers specifications.

They are made with traditional construction techniques with mitered joints.

“The Plateau Boxes are designed to frame objects in a natural, unobtrusive environment. Because they are blindly fastened to the wall, the boxes —and the objects they hold— exhibit a unique lightness of form. Each box is independent unto itself, so users can apply their creativity to configure the boxes on a wall.

Available in black walnut or riftsawn white oak, with sliding door and shelf options. Custom size and proportions available upon request, please call for details.”

med; 37” w | 12” d | 16” h
large; 37” w | 12” d | 18” h

[posted by kris]

Well known fashion photographer Fabien Baron has ventured into the realm of interior design with his sofa series for Cappellini with the same aplomb and sense of style with which he approaches all his work.

“consisting of an armchair and a series of sofas, benches, poufs and cushions, the extra sofa series maintains baron’s simple, yet stylish block design. these solid seating components are constructed of a satined stainless steel base with white nylon feet supporting a sturdy plywood and solid poplar frame with horse hair, coconut fiber, cotton wool and polyurethane foam padded upholstery and a fixed external cover available in a choice of colorful cappellini fabrics or leathers. a rectangular and a square cushion are also available.”

[posted by kris]

Finally, a modern solution for a Christmas tree skirt.

“New from FLOR, these fun carpets are just perfect for under your tree. The style is the same as FLOR’s popular Fedora tiles. Total size is 39.4″ square and made from 80% post-consumer recycled polyester with a stain resistant finish. All made in the USA.”

[posted by kris]

This reissue of the 1950 original is perfect as a dining table or desk.

Materials: Legs are formed sheet steel with legs running diagonally on the outside, connected to a circular tubing central crossbar tubular, all metal parts with black coating finish; table top is cream HPL laminate with black HPL laminate edge.

COMPAS TABLE DIMENSIONS: 70.75″ long x 31″ wide x 28″ high

Update: Now on sale.

I’m really kind of in love with this piece by Tord Boontje, and the texture will really soften up a modern space.

“There are six distinct shapes of flower combinations, in three different tonalities, which creates an intriguing composition that’s all about movement, texture and color. A witty approach to a floor covering, Boontje brings the experience of walking through a meadow into an interior space.”

This is probably best played in a commercial application or a large scale home, but the Fall of the Damned pendant lamp is a slightly frightening, if not interesting way to light a space.

“A dramatic, pendant lampshade, shaped into a classic image of guilt and morality. From a distance, The Fall of the Damned appears to be an organic and intricately textured ornament. Upon closer inspection it is revealed as a mass of naked bodies, reminiscent of Dante and Rubens, fused together in agonizing beauty.

The amazingly complex shape of this limited edition lampshade was made possible via the help of Materialise’s MGX technology. Using innovative 3D printing, digitally created designs are ‘printed’ with a laser, adding layer upon layer until an intricately detailed piece is formed.

Limited Edition of 40.”

I went to the new CB2 opening in Manhattan the other day and was pleased to get to see this close up. It’s well constructed and generously proportioned.

“No matter how many times you relocate, redecorate, change linens, change wall color…our white wonder is wonderful. Padded and upholstered head to toe (even the side rails) in pure white all-cotton canvas pre-treated with a protective stain-resistant finish… Benchmade in the USA with the same quality and attention to detail as our upholstered sofas. Kiln-dried hardwood and wood composite frame.”

Queen Bed. 66.5″Wx91.75″Dx40.5″H (5.5″H from side rail to floor).

Update: This item is no longer available. (10/30/09)

This pendant lamp measures less than a foot across so it would be perfect for smaller scale settings, such as over a small dining table or kitchen island. And it has a really small price tag too, so you could even buy one for either side of the bed.

“Sleek 3″ brushed steel band, frosted glass diffuser and metal mesh top keep a tight modern beat. White cord with tandem metal cable for extra reinforcement.”

11.75″dia.x3.5″H

2 Gigs of storage hidden in a familiar childhood toy.

Colors: Black, Blue, Green, Red, Yellow