Design Trends

I discovered it was to represent the way humans first communicated with each other! Nico Ueberholz (the same person who had the 250-year-old olive tree in his 2005 EuroShop exhibit) had installed 12 tons of granite! Each piece of rock was cut with a long slot - much like a prehistoric tuning fork. A variety of mallets were supplied to attendees to tap and play on the stones. The various combinations would create different sounds and pitches, thus reducing communication to its basic form. To provide an interesting backdrop, the vibrations were linked to a projection screen that visually represented the sound patterns.

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:22:59 +0000

EuroShop 2008

d’art design gruppe by Freddy Justen

I loved this exhibit! The interactivity, the playfulness and the simplicity of materials worked together to create a sculptural experience. Mounted in the base cabinets were touch screens that showed the development and thought process of the booth concept as well as supplementary company information. In addition, there were take-aways that we all love, such as stress balls, mints and a bottle of blow bubbles. Each had “www.use-thing.com” printed on them. A great feature that extended the exhibit’s experience - long after the show was over.

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:19:57 +0000

SMART Car

I suspected it was just a matter of time before we would see drivers’ craving for large SUVs and gas-guzzling luxury cars to come to an end. With the focus toward environmentally friendly and economical substitutes, it seems a perfect time to launch the SMART car in the United States. Popular in Europe for several years now, the rising cost of gasoline is making this product a transportation consideration for Americans, too. Interestingly, when I stopped by the dealer, the SMART was presented to me as an addition, not a replacement, to my current car. At $13,000, it seemed like an extravagant accessory, but a fun experience.

www.smartusa.com

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:18:36 +0000

Eco-Friendly Paint

I wish I would have known about Mythic Paint’s products when I repainted my home.
Take a look at their website. They have great colors and claim to be 0% toxic. “Safe for people, safe and pets, safe for the earth.”

www.mythicpaint.com

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:17:56 +0000

Spring Color Palette

Need some help choosing colors for an upcoming project? Pantone has an extensive color matching system for a variety of different applications accommodating an assortment of industries.

www.pantone.com/spring2008

www.pantone.com

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:55:21 +0000

Parametre by 3form


A lightweight alternative to solid panels and fabric partitions is Parametre. It is produced by 3form - the same company that manufactures those amazing resin panels. This 100% polyester material comes in several colors and sizes with custom sizing an option. Also, it is UV treated for internal and external applications. www.parametre.us www.3-form.com

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:20:02 +0000

Kirei Board

Kirei Board is a great material constructed entirely from reclaimed lightweight agricultural fiber.
Take a look at their website for a broad range of applications and specifications.
Also, be sure to take a look at Kirei Bamboo and Kirei Wheatboard.
www.kireiusa.com

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:48:29 +0000

Pottery Barn

The other day I received a PBteen catalog.
Before that, there was Pottery Barn Kids, which I thought was a very successful collection of furnishings and accessories for babies and children. I knew it wouldn’t be too long before a “teen” version would come out.
What impressed me most was how clear and easy it was to choose a look, personalize it and purchase all of the items in the vignette. Playful names like “lounge ‘n bubble dot” or “snowboard guy” help to identify and personalize the look. Additionally, cross branding with Benjamin Moore Paints makes it easy to purchase all of the items shown at once.
www.PotteryBarnKids.com
www.PBteen.com
www.PotteryBarn.com

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 15:28:42 +0000

Ettore Sottsass


Ninety years old and he is still producing amazing furniture! Best known as a founder of the 1980’s design movement Memphis, Ettore Sottsass recently had an exhibition of work open in New York. While you are on the site below, also check out their other featured designers: Shiro Kurmata, Ron Arad, Wendell Castle and Marcel Wanders. www.friedmanbenda.com/artists/ettore-sottsass/

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 15:15:19 +0000

Current Energy


A cross between an old-fashioned hardware store and a science museum, “Current Energy” is full of environmentally conscious resources. If you are looking for energy saving products or an energy audit of your home or business – check out a store in your neighborhood or go online: currentenergy.com.

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:46:41 +0000

STEP inside design

I recently came across a great new magazine called STEP inside design.
Their collection of diverse articles is geared toward many levels of design professions. Very impressive.
www.stepinsidedesign.com

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:58:28 +0000

The Glass House

One of the greatest landmarks of Modernist American architecture, Philip Johnson’s Glass House was recently opened to the public.
Originally built on five acres in 1946 as a retreat from living in the city, the development became a work in progress for Johnson – eventually covering more than forty acres over a fifty-year span. In his words, the complex became “a diary for an eccentric architect”.
Located in New Canaan, Connecticut, the most important structure in the complex is the Glass House that he designed while working with Mies van der Rohe. It was donated to The National Trust for Historic Preservation after Johnson’s death in 2005 at the age of 98. In addition to the Glass House, the complex of fascinating structures includes a guesthouse, a study and amazing painting and sculpture galleries.

www.philipjohnsonglasshouse.org
www.nationaltrust.org

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 15:48:03 +0000

Where you there?

	I was amazed at the hype and publicity surrounding Apple’s introduction of the iPhone. Whether it is or isn’t another breakthrough invention – the marketing of this piece has been a leap ahead compared to Apple’s typical product introduction.
	The Apple employees who lined up and applauded those first customers, who so patiently waited in line for the iPhone’s arrival, really impressed me! When was the last time you were given such a reception for making a purchase? This definitely personalized the purchasing experience, built hype, and reduced the negative aspect of having to stand in line for hours - if not days.
http://www.apple.com/iphone/gallery/dayone/fifthavenue.html

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 11:40:52 +0000

laEyeworks

Summer is here, and what a perfect time to buy a new pair of sunglasses.

My friends Gai Gherardi and Barbara McReynolds at laEyeworks have been designing and producing great frames since 1979. Their innovative shapes and use of materials have challenged and set the standards for many optical designers to follow.

I still have my first pair of laEyework’s sunglasses that I bought in 1980 called “The Beat II”.

Their frames can be found at most fine optical shops. But if you happen to be in Los Angeles, drop by the store at 7407 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90046. Or give them a call at (323) 653-8255.

www.laeyeworks.com

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 20:16:09 +0000

GRAVITY FREE 2007 (May 14 - 16 in Chicago)

Regardless of your occupation – I strongly recommend you attend this year’s Exhibitor Magazine’s Multidisciplinary Design Innovation Conference. More than twenty extraordinary design superstars and innovators will come together to discuss “The Geography of Curiosity”.

Come Curious. Leave inspired.

Check it out –

www.gravityfree2007.com

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 20:17:57 +0000

Nothing Lasts Forever

Considered the ultimate in its day, The Stardust goes out with a bang…true to Las Vegas style!

Check it out.

www.reviewjournal.com

I found this article informative as well:

Article in www.nytimes.com

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 14:20:10 +0000

Trend Setting Web sites

I always find trend-setting websites informative and entertaining.
This one was sent to me last week. Take a look.
www.trendhunter.com

Also, if you haven’t visited these lately, take a moment to read them as well.
newsletter at www.springwise.com
newsletter at www.trendwatching.com

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 19:36:51 +0000

Green Materials

I am always on the lookout for green materials. ABET Laminati has a new line of decorative surface material out on the market called Tefor. The colors selections are really cool, too! Made from laminate manufacturing waste mixed with polypropylene, Tefor is not an HPL but a thermoplastic. It is great for low abrasive environments and with the color running throughout – there is no longer that dark grey line on the edges.

www.abetlaminati.com

Wed, 13 Sep 2006 19:25:07 +0000

Project Show

	Tired of the “same ole” trade show? I suggest attending the Project Show in Las Vegas. It’s a bi-annual apparel show that equally promotes established, and not so established, fashion designers. This show reminded me an “anti-mall” I visited in Southern California, designed by Pompei A.D.
	Imagine presenting your product with minimal props and the freedom to be very creative within your space. A few of the details that made this show so cool were the inflated aisle signs (not numbers but New York City street names), the lounge furniture boardwalk (complete with sand), and the DJ spinning the latest beat to help attendees get their groove on. Combined, these sensorial extras created a truly creative experience.
www.projectshow.com www.pompeiad.com http://www.icsc.org/srch/sct/sct0505/dev_leasing_1.php

Thu, 10 Aug 2006 14:24:19 +0000

Green Goes Mainstream

Going “green” has been on my mind lately. For those of you who read my blog on a regular basis, you will remember me mentioning ecofriendly.com. It’s a great website with links to many environmentally aware products.

The environmentally conscious movement seems to be a hot topic these days. Green was once a word and interest often associated only with the liberal Birkenstock crowd. I now believe as a designer, it is my responsibility to incorporate recycled or eco-friendly materials into my designs. This is a trend that I believe is not only here to stay, but is demanded from our clients and client’s clients.

The most recent cover of “dwell” magazine (September 2006) reads “Green Goes Mainstream”. Fortunately for us, it is loaded with numerous resources for green and sustainable materials.

Check it out!