Finnish artist Klaus Haapaniemi designs an amazing collection of tapestries and printed décor, and he currently has an affordable collection of dishware at Anthropologie. I love the whimsical nature of his folkloric illustrations, which often blend animals with floral patterns. This theme transferred to a printed dress or top makes a fun statement piece!
(Images via Man Boss & Anthropologie.)
What word comes to mind when you think of a fabulously retro fridge? If it’s Smeg, welcome to my world! The Italian appliance company was founded by Vittorio Bertazzoni, a member of a family of blacksmiths and kitchen builders since the 17th century. In the late 1950s, Smeg launched one of the first gas cookers with an automatic switch-on function, oven safety valve, and a cooking programmer/timer, followed by a laundry and dishwasher range in the 1960s. More products were added and collaborations were made over the next few decades, and in the 1990s Smeg introduced the retro 1950s refrigerators. Today, Smeg is run by the third generation of Bertazzoni entrepreneurs.
(Images via trendnet, apartment therapy)
Monday’s History Lesson: The Swan Chair
Wednesday’s Design Meets Fashion: Faceted in Black / Kantha
Friday’s Destination: Looking Outside- Porthole Windows
Porthole windows are a fun alternative for the home. They can look great anywhere from the front door to the powder room. The style has a natural connection to cruise ships, but these attention-grabbing circles aren’t just for nautical themed interiors. Do you have the perfect place for a porthole window in your home?
(Images via pinterest, Belgian Pearls)
One of my all time favorite fabrics to work with and use is kantha. Kantha actually refers to a type of embroidery used widely in India and Pakistan, but it’s also used to describe the fabric and blankets made from used saris and stitched together using said stitch. So not only are kantha fabrics eco friendly in that they’re repurposed, but each piece is completely unique.
Anthropologie recently came out with a line of dresses using kantha fabric which are gorgeous, and designers are starting to use it for more than just blankets in the home décor department. I have my eye on these ottomans!
I have an affection for geometric multi-faceted shapes that stems from my childhood love of origami. Although shapes like dodecahedrons are covered with fine edges and surfaces that feel modern, they are also inherently organic and natural, and a lovely break from the traditional square, rectangle and triangle.
(Images via High Street Market & Nixon.)
The Swan Chair was designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 for the lobby and lounge areas of the Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. Its elegant and organic shape lent itself to the common areas, and soon it found its way into homes. Jacobsen used Styropore to create the continuous fluid shape of the seat. Available in leather and fabric upholstery and an aluminum base, the Swan is still in production by Fritz Hansen in Denmark.
(Images via hive, the city sage)
Monday’s History Lesson: Dirk Jan Rol/Janine Abraham
Wednesday’s Design Meets Fashion: Honeycomb
Friday’s Destination: Wonk NYC
Wonk was founded in 2004 in Brooklyn, NY with the goal to produce furniture that combines functionality with affordable design. I came across them by accident on the internet, and I’m so glad I did. All of their products are made in Brooklyn, and they are modern eye candy. Their furniture is practical and beautifully made, and available in a variety of lacquers and wood veneer finishes. They also do custom. Did I already say they are reasonably priced? Although they don’t have a shopping cart system online, they do offer delivery throughout the U.S. for the entire line.
(Images via WONK)
With beekeeping on the rise, it’s no wonder that designing with honeycomb patterns is emerging as well. I love these DIY honeycomb shelves from A Beautiful Mess–a unique way to curate some of your favorite objects.
(Images via A Beautiful Mess & Emma Stine.)
