concrete*enthusiast

nice 60's design

2009-11-04T17:41:00.002-05:00

i really enjoyed the exhibitions in the 'danish museum of art and design' in copenhagen, dk. especially the one about 'danish design  – from the 20th century' (you could download the exhibition catalogue here)

the most i liked the showroom full of 'arne jabobsen' design::

most of those pieces have been designed for the 'sas royal' hotel (1955-60) in downtown copenhagen, dk::

it's still there. i've checked.::

check out 'room 606' (from hotel's website)::
:: room 606 is the only hotel room with the original arne jacobsen décor from july 1960 when the hotel first opened its doors. with the grey, blue-green colors, the wengé wood and a selection of the most representative furniture designed for the hotel, this room takes its visitors to another time and place. room 606 functions as a regular guestroom and is a must for arne jacobsen fans and design lovers ...
hotel guests with an interest in design are welcome to visit room 606, when it is available. arne jacobsen designed the famous egg and swan chairs for the royal as well as the lesser known and rare drop chair... ::

nice. maybe next time i should stay there...

50's lamp

2009-11-03T11:15:00.002-05:00

isn't this a real 'classic' modern design? a lamp designed in 1958::

i would like to have one of those in my living room...

these are the original collages in the 'danish museum of art and design' in copenhagen, dk::

story behind the product (from louispoulsen.com)
:: the 'ph artichoke' is considered to be a classical masterpiece made by poul henningsen (called 'ph') more than 40 years ago. the structure is made of twelve steel arches. on this structure ph placed 72 copper “leaves” in twelve circular rows with six blades in each row. because each row is staggered from the previous, all 72 leaves are able to “cover for each other”. this design allows viewing the fixture from any angle without being able to see the light source located in the center of the 'ph artichoke'. the original 'ph artichokes' were developed for a restaurant in copenhagen called the 'langelinie pavilion', and they are still hanging there today. ::

lamp:: ph artichoke (original:: ph kogle = "conifer cone")
design:: poul henningsen (dk, 1958)
by:: louis poulsen (copenhagen, dk)

'lousiana' design museum in humlebaek, denmark

2009-10-31T11:54:00.002-04:00

we spent one week in denmark near copenhagen... what a nice city... always surrounded by (danish) modern design...
one night we went to 'lousiana' - museum of modern art.

one of the current exhibitions is 'green architecture for the future'

from lousiana.dk
:: a sustainable future calls for new inventions, materials, processes and complex architectural methods in the built-up environment. for sustainable architecture is a far more complex matter than rainwater collection and solar cells. that is why the architecture of tomorrow is inextricably bound up with the exploration of new scientific and technological frontiers...
the thematic exhibition is divided into three sections – the city, climate & comfort and metabolism... ::

this exhibition is related to the upcoming united nation's 'climate change conference' (dec. 7-18, 2009) in copenhagen...

'einzeiger' watches

2009-10-29T08:03:00.003-04:00

cool idea inspired by history - single hand watches
i like this one by 'karl falk'::

:: all watches come in a black leather presentation case featuring an additional stainless steel bracelet and tool kit ::

by:: 'karl falk watches' (germany)

i like this table... of course...

2009-10-28T12:37:00.008-04:00

a really nice table made of concrete... 'table p1'::

from archiexpo.com::
:: modern furniture in purist style, without extra ornamentation;
cement is the foundation of purist furniture from the furniture house of 'cantate'. pandomo®-frontal fulfills the most rigorous demands regarding durability. the external surface – without joints – is one of a kind, with an amazing appearance which makes every piece unique. each piece is hand-made furniture characterized by a variety of colors, shades and various etchings and patterns. the intersection of opposites – rugged and smooth surfaces – gives a changeable effect to the appearance of the surface under various lighting angles, which highlights the liveliness of the unique material which is applied to a thickness of just 5 mm, using a special spraying technique. this technique gives a load capacity generally reserved for wood floors or natural stone ::

by:: 'Zack Design' & 'Cantate' (Germany)

break the silence

2009-10-26T06:18:00.003-04:00

i know it has been a while... was quite busy with life and family...
i promise to get back to blogging... in case someone is actually (still) reading/following my blog!?
in the meanwhile, i was collecting stuff that i plan to blog in the next couple of weeks.... just stay tuned

save 20% of ink and toner

2009-02-17T11:56:00.001-05:00

:: the prints we make for our 'daily use' not only use paper, but also ink. according to 'spranq creative communications' (nl) your ink cartridges (or ink toner) could last longer. they have therefore developed a new font: the 'ecofont'.
"After dutch holey cheese, there now is a dutch font with holes as well."
appealing ideas are often simple: how much of a letter can be removed while maintaining readability? after extensive testing with all kinds of shapes, the best results were achieved using small circles. after lots of late hours (and coffee) this resulted in a font that uses up to 20% less ink. free to download, free to use. ::

ecofont ... simply idea, huge environmental and financial impact (especially since printer ink is more expensive than 'champagner')
... for windows, linux, and mac os ...

'tree planting'

2009-02-01T08:48:00.004-05:00

gift of green® - prove you care, plant a tree for someone special.

:: when you buy someone a 'gift of green', one native tree is planted in an ecosystem restoration project in the united states. the recipient also receives a plantable ornament made of seed paper, plus a card telling them about the environmental benefits of their tree. you can even send a personalized message. 'gift of green' sustainable products make an eco-statement and are suitable for any occasion. ::

i'm not really into all of their design ideas - but i think that's not important here... ;-)

products of 'green mountain energy'

please recycle more airplanes!

2009-01-31T11:54:00.001-05:00

'jumbo hostel' - a really cool idea... to re-use a jumbo jet as a airport hotel...

:: the airplane, a decommissioned model 747-200 jumbo jet built in 1976, was last operated by 'transjet', a swedish airline that went bankrupt in 2002. it was originally built for 'singapore airlines' and later served with legendary 'pan am'. ::

at the moment they even remodel the jet engines that will end up as usable 2-bed rooms, too...

@ arlanda airport, stockholm (s)

nice idea to recycle soda cans...

2009-01-19T12:31:00.004-05:00

...not that we actually have any soda cans in the house...

:: recycling a soda can has never been so much fun! with the 'tin can robot' kit kids can transform recycled soda cans into robots. a soda can, one aa battery, and a screw driver is all that's needed. ::

another cool sled

2009-01-18T11:44:00.005-05:00

this looks like real fun...

'zipfy' (pronounced [zip’ fee]) is a uniquely designed rugged plastic snow sled with a distinctive lever used for stability and turning.

:: the easiest, safest, most exhilarating downhill sport... ever ::

hubby's new exercise toy

2009-01-17T14:28:00.001-05:00

my hubby will buy a new bike this weekend... 6300 white by trek (usa)... finally...
it's the result of 2 new year's resolutions (saving gas by biking more often to work, and doing more exercise) and the nl tax saving option 'fietsplan'...
very nice and stylish, i'm jealous, ... and i get a used trek mountain bike...

nice case for electronic gadgets (handmade felt)

2009-01-15T10:26:00.004-05:00

i think that's pretty cool!!!!!!!!

looks quite sleek - just right for such cool electronic gadgets...
i need one for my macbook pro :-)

100 percent wool felt, handmade in germany + also available in leather
by:: 'red maloo' (germany)
designer:: katja hettler & jula tullman

:: redmaloo's concept is to be minimal, traditional and modern all at the same time, taking natural materials and re-introducing them into modern life. redmaloo looks for an idea behind each product, be it functional or emotional. redmaloo wants to introduce a human touch and warmth to the functional world of electronic devices. ::

cardboard play house and mobile doll house

2009-01-14T14:19:00.002-05:00

a sturdy cardboard play house.
:: 'casa cabana' comes decorated with a cat on a tree, a small ant, a rabbit and a squirrel and still more than enough room to color, paint and decorate your very own casa cabana. let it be your tree house, mansion or hiding shed. give it as many names as you like …– and do you want to be left alone a bit? … put a sign ‘no trespassing’. 'casa cabana' has a door, seven windows and many spy holes. ::
dimensions:: h.105 cm x w.70 cm x d.70 cm
weight:: about 3 kgs

this 'mobile home' doll house is easy to install, easy to carry. with 8 rooms, stair openings and spy holes. and an attic for storage. for knights, pirates and princesses. it folds up flat, making it easy for play dates and weekend trips. for on the road, when staying over. for a day in the park, or on holidays.
dimensions:: h.46 cm x w.22,5 cm x d.36 cm
it is even available in the moma store.

design by:: kids on roof (nl)
they like imaginative and colorful designed objects. they believe less is more.

and sustainability is a key issue to them:: their cardboard products are made of recycled paper and biodegrable.

a 'morgan threewheeler' for kids

2009-01-12T09:13:00.001-05:00

the 100 anniversary of 'morgan' ... celebrated with the 'superSport junior' pedal car for kids... nice timeless design, and cool, too.

design sleds

2009-01-11T12:13:00.004-05:00

design-sleds by car makers... not only for fun, but maybe also a good business idea in hard times... ;-)

green disposal of X-mas tree

2009-01-10T10:13:00.006-05:00

we returned our real X-mas tree to the garbage collection... they will use them to generate 'green' energy, ... and we got a energy-efficient light bulb as a reward...

what a nice idea to save energy even when it will be generated the 'green' way.

all the best in 2009!

2009-01-01T12:28:00.001-05:00

i hope you agree - better late than never... to all my blog-'followers' ;-)

egg cup made of concrete

2008-12-11T10:53:00.001-05:00

'frühstück im bett' (breakfast in bed)

material:: concrete
design:: julia lodes (germany)
simply concrete / 10 liter design

shop @ betoniu

pump it up, the couch

2008-12-10T09:53:00.000-05:00

'eclosion' :: pump up according to your mood ::

design:: olivier gregoire (ny, usa)

concrete jewel case 'klunkerbunker'

2008-12-08T04:12:00.000-05:00

this is a really innovative way to 'house' your jewelry - very concrete, too
'klunkerbunker'

design:: david oelschlägel (leipzig, germany)
10 liter design

shop @ das rote paket

'PanAm' lounge straight from the 60s

2008-12-05T10:14:00.011-05:00

the 'PanAm lounge' is a private lounge situated on the top floor penthouse of the 'eden building', built in 1966, where once pan american airways (PanAm) crews were accommodated in private apartments during their berlin layovers. the lounge was the common room where everybody met and where legendary wild parties took place. three roof terraces offer spectacular views over the berlin skyline.

since the PanAm days nothing has been changed. the design is still late 60s, the furniture is original and even the post boxes of the former tenants are still in the lobby (never opened though).

stephan balzer runs the lounge together with natascha bonnermann. they turned this penthouse lounge into a hip location for parties and events in berlin.

environment.furniture

2008-12-02T12:06:00.006-05:00

this is a really nice bed. real wood, environmentally sustainable, simple design, and it looks great next to exposed concrete!
not to mention that i would like to live there, too...

'santos bed' (see pdf file) by:: environment.furniture (los angeles, ca)

:: we put the chic in eco-chic ::

seen in 'dwell magazine'

'bacon case' for your cell phone (handcrafted)

2008-11-29T10:22:00.001-05:00

i'm not really sure what i should think out this... but it looks kind of cool, and it is creative!
the 'bacon case' for your cell phone, and you can order every size...

:: the case look really like a piece of bacon. you can feel the irregular and the illusion is perfect. each case is different. ... the whole case is seamless and felted in one piece. i can felt the case in each size, please tell me your type of phone or anything else. it´s absolutely trendy!!!!! ::

design:: antje schmitt (gangkofen, germany)
buy here:: dawanda.com

another nice e-car

2008-11-28T08:41:00.006-05:00

remember my post about the tesla roadster by tesla motors (ca) about a year ago?

here is a very stylish european answer to the californian e-car design::

mindset six50 - a four-seater hybrid car with roof-top solar panels

:: ... the driver can choose between two modes of driving. in the electro-mode – which is emissions-free – the built-in electric motor is used, with a fully- charged battery guaranteeing a range of over 100 kilometers. in the hybrid mode an optional, compact combustion engine is activated additionally, which, at a constant optimal engine speed, functions as an electricity generator for the battery charge, boosting the cruising range to over 800 kilometers.
according to mindset the 95hp motor should enable speeds of up to 140km/h and acceleration from 0-100km/h in under six seconds. the company, which is based in switzerland plans to roll out 10,000 of the cars by late 2009, at an estimated asking price of 50,000 euros. ::

company:: mindset ag (spirt avert ag, switzerland),
design (and ceo):: mürat günek , previously car designer at mercedes-benz and vw

happy thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T10:39:00.002-05:00

wooden radio

2008-11-26T11:41:00.005-05:00

the 'magno radio' - a nice mix of retro style and modern design

hand-crafted in indonesia and made from sustainably harvested wood instead of non-biodegradable plastic... they only use trees from plantation and care for the re-plantation in their hometown

design:: singgih kartono (magno, indonesia)
award winning

vintage scooter

2008-11-24T16:22:00.002-05:00

maybe the perfect way to stay mobile in times of increasing (energy) costs... in style, of course

'bloom my buddy' vase

2008-11-23T06:17:00.005-05:00

what a cool idea to 'display' flowers and plants!

:: it's a boy. it's a girl. or an it - whatever suits you best. and as a brand new type of vase it's open to suggestions. will it be haute couture in a flowery dress, seductiveness with roses so red, sheer envy with hauntingly green chrysanthemums or an angry look with thorny branches? 'bloom my buddy' is the easy type: fun to play with, free to create your wildest dreams and an ideal spokesperson for your moods and grooves. it looks at you as if to say: 'go on, express yourself.' ::

see:: product page + ideas
design:: nils van eijk & miriam van der lubbe (studio van eijk & van der lubbe, geldrop, nl)
shop:: 'yksi' (nl) (small buddy + large buddy)

seen @ 'dutch design week' in eindhoven, nl

2008 release of 'concrete countertops' (book+dvd)

2008-11-22T10:49:00.003-05:00

i'm in heaven. one of my favorite diy books will appear in a new addition::

about this book:
:: in seven simple steps, the clear, complete directions in this book and companion dvd give you everything you need to create a customized concrete countertop that's functional and attractive.
if building a concrete countertop doesn't strike you as a traditional home improvement project, you're right. but the detailed advice and step-by-step illustrations in the book, plus valuable demonstrations on the dvd, will help you create a flawless countertop in just two weeks -- all with basic tools and materials.
for a fraction of the price you'd pay for granite, marble or any artificial material like corian, you can make a beautiful concrete countertop to suit any décor. and by taking a complicated process and making it so utterly simple, best-selling author 'fu-tung cheng' makes your job enjoyable, affordable and rewarding. ::

paperback + dvd
by:: 'fu-tung cheng' (chengdesign, berkeley/ca, us)
publisher:: 'the taunton press inc.' (newtown/ct, us)
release date:: 12/02/2008

see offer and movie @ amazon.com

'casa kubaa' = (play)house for sale

2008-11-16T13:18:00.006-05:00

:: the playhouse consists of a set of twelve lightweight blocks made of polyurethane foam finished with a tough but soft coating. 'casa kubaa' encourages children between 2 and 12 years to design, build, climb and play together. it is ideal for companies and organizations that work with groups of children. ::

you will be surprised at the countless shapes and creations that children can develop with 'casa kubaa'...

seen @ 'dutch design week' in eindhoven, nl

by:: koen crommentuijn & marjan verboeket = 'studio papas' (eindhoven, nl)

'sunshade' umbrella/lamp

2008-11-15T17:26:00.002-05:00

:: 'SunShade' is a shade by day and a light source at night. the flexible solar cells in the cover of the parasol collect energy from the sun. as the sun goes down the shade transforms into a lampshade and brings light during the night. by means of sensors, the 'SunShade' opens and closes automatically. like a mechanical flower, it reacts to day and night. ::
the first models will be on the market in 2009.

see nice flash animation how it works

seen @ 'dutch design week' in eindhoven, nl

design by:: lianne van genugten (nl)

'yoyo' lamp

2008-11-11T12:03:00.000-05:00

'yoyo' - this stylish lamp made of translucent plastic comes with its own red extension cord (~17.5 yard). you can 'roll' (∅ ~18 inches) it wherever light is needed, indoor + outdoor. this cool art object comes with 'loft flair'.

design:: catarina von matérn + lisa lindström
by:: 'elmar flötotto' (germany)

nice prefab...

2008-07-24T10:09:00.001-04:00

made of concrete + timber + steel plates

:: it is a low-cost housing, 140 m2, to be sold and repeated in many places as concerned people exist. in this regard it relates to the idea of the container since it has no place. with the purpose of reducing construction time, geometry is simple and the construction system is on prefabricated basis. its arrangement is a cross shaped where, in order to embrace the nearby landscape, public areas are placed in second level in a 4 meters high cube.
this severe volume is covered with steel plates that create a double facade that gets hot and therefore increases ventilation of the space in between , refreshing the inner side of the wall.
with regard to materials, the building recognizes the inherent uncertainty and inevitability of weathering as a continuation of the building process rather than as a force antagonistic to it. :: (archdaily)

the 'la reserva house' in la reserva (colina, chile)
architect:: sebastián irarrázaval (chile)
via:: archdaily

another use of recycled shipping containers

2008-07-22T13:59:00.003-04:00

they are used as a backyard for children living in public housing in south melbourne, Australia (see details @ coolhunter)

design:: phooey architects (australia)
via:: coolhunter

please see also some of my older posts how old shipping container could be reused: illy cafe + freitag flagship store

ikea bike trailers in denmark

2008-07-21T11:38:00.002-04:00

use an eco-friendly way to bring it home... might only work in a plain country.
(click here for details:: copenhagenize)
via:: inhabitat + treehugger

re-use of an old barn

2008-07-20T12:18:00.005-04:00

i couldn't imaging to live in the countryside... i changed my mind!

architect + interior design:: rita huys (buro II, + buro interior, belgium)
via:: inhabitat + archdaily + wallpaper*architecture

energy efficient cooking + swiss design

2008-07-10T12:12:00.004-04:00

in times of high energy costs every idea to conserve it is very welcomed::

'hotpan thermal cookware' by 'kuhn rikon' (switzerland)
:: combining superb functionality with swiss design. ::

what are the benefits of thermal cooking?
- thermal cooking:: some recipes start the cooking process on the stove top, transfer the pan into the clip-on serving base, and finish the cooking process off the stove. food tastes fresh without re-heating.
- waterless cooking:: food cooks in its own juice for better tasting, more vitamin-rich meals
- fat-free browning:: great for low-fat lifestyles
- clip-on serving base:: converts cookware into elegant serveware
- thermal insulation:: keeps food hot up to 2 hours or cold/frozen
- energy efficiency:: use 70% less cooking energy by using the thermal-cooking method; good for you; good for the planet
- insulated, convex lid:: heat stays inside the cooker, and the lid knob stays cool

how exactly does a thermal cooker work?
double walls. cooking is easier and more efficient as a minimum of time is needed to begin cooking. the double-walled construction takes over the cooking process and food finishes cooking off the stove while durotherm keeps your meal piping hot until your family is ready to eat. double-walled construction saves up to 60% of cooking energy and reduces clean-up as the clip-on serving base allows you to take durotherm directly to your table or buffet. a triumph of form and function, these carefully crafted and richly designed cooking and serving casseroles make a striking addition to any kitchen or dining room decor.
food cooks in its own juice, preserving vitamins and making food naturally delicious. thermal insulation makes it possible to start cooking on the stove and finish the cooking at the table!

nice idea, wrapped in swiss design! i like it ;-)

amazing hotel

2008-07-09T12:14:00.008-04:00

i'm still looking for the best stylish vacation spot this year. i found it!!!!!

the 'aire de bardenas' is a new concept hotel.

:: single-story design surrounded by nature, forming part of the landscape. the 22 rooms available include four deluxe suites, piercing alongside the bardenas reales national park and biosphere reserve. ::

project pics @ hotel 'aire de bardenas'
design:: monica rivera + emiliano lopez (barcelona, spain)

more pics @ 'yatzer designistoshare'

'lobster' chair

2008-07-08T13:27:00.003-04:00

brilliant retro design (looks very '50 to me) - inspired by nature

design:: oluf lund and eva paarmann (lund & paarmann, denmark)
by:: strictly design (denmark)

cozy seating

2008-07-07T13:06:00.009-04:00

this chair looks very comfy to me! ;-) very nice...

the 'little cube' and the 'lux' by arik ben-simhon.

design:: erik ben-simhon (tel aviv, israel)

and i also like their 'butcher table' coffee table::

new (photo) toy for me

2008-07-06T13:00:00.008-04:00

i love to take photographs... and i just got a new gadget to express myself::

a new canon powershot sd 790 is (canon ixus 90 is).
by:: canon (japan)

i like the simple slic design in retro style, and the metal camera body. also some of the features, such as ...

:: face detection technology

... ensures superb people shots by automatically setting optimum focus, exposure, flash and white balance. face select and track lets you choose and track your primary subject, so you never lose a special face in the crowd ::

:: motion detection technology

... there’s no need to worry about blur with motion detection technology. this clever feature compensates for camera shake and subject movement while maximizing image quality ::

... come in handy when dealing with moving objects, such as concrete*tots :-)

unfortunately, there is no review yet @ my favorite camera review site
digital camera resource page by jeff keller (s.f. bay area, ca)
:: an unofficial resource for current and future owners of digital cameras. it is aimed more towards the consumer end, rather than the high end professional cameras ::

at least they have one @ steve's digicams (page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, sample pics)

ecosmart concrete

2008-07-05T08:11:00.001-04:00

concrete goes 'green'. thanks!

:: there is an increasing demand for concrete worldwide, estimated to double within the next 30 years. how can that demand be met without a corresponding increase in greenhouse gases? by using supplementary cementing materials (SCM) to replace a maximum amount of the cement in concrete, we can reduce energy and resource consumption, reduce CO2 emissions, and lessen the negative environmental impact. there is a further environmental benefit in that most commonly used SCMs (such as fly ash) are waste products and would otherwise end up in landfills
'ecosmart™ concrete' is produced by replacing cement in the concrete mix with an optimum amount of supplementary cementing material, such as fly ash, a by-product of coal fired power plants ::

by:: ecosmart™ foundation inc. (vancouver, bc, canada)

concrete that 'eats' air pollution

2008-07-03T15:30:00.005-04:00

:: 'tx active' is a photocatalytic principle for cement products which can reduce organic and inorganic pollutants that are present in the air....
since its first utilization in rome, the development and improvement of this type of cement has been relentless; if the early cements were effective in keeping the surfaces clean, the level of photoactivity of the new environment line is such that it abates the organic and inorganic substances responsible for air pollution. ::

by:: 'italcement' (italy)

the active principle 'tx active' was used for the first time in 1996 for the production of the precast blocks that, once in place, would have formed the three imposing sails in the 'dives in misericordia' church designed by richard meier in rome.

see article in 'ny times' :: the vatican's modernist moment; a church designed by richard meier is consecrated in rome ::

project:: jubilee church (la chiesa del dio padre misericordioso) rome, italy 1996-2003
architect:: richard meier (us)

glass tiles made from recycled glass

2008-06-28T12:37:00.009-04:00

i really love glass tiles... and this tops it. tiles made to 100% from recycled glass. every used wine bottle will end as a design object... ;-)

:: blazestone tiles are crafted entirely from post-industrial and post-consumer glass; they add no additional oxides or colorants. each tile is handmade from unique combination of glass that give their tiles their distinctive appearance and subtle color variation. 'bedrock' blazestone shows how beautiful sustainability can be. ::

by:: 'bedrock industries' (seattle, wa)

found @ 'cribcandy'

mid-century inspiration - mod chair

2008-06-27T13:03:00.008-04:00

that's the 'stingray' rocking chair. mid-century mod design - 'eames' inspired. it really reminds me of the 'eames molded plastic rocker' (1948).
there is a plastic version, a veneer version, and a upholstered version of the 'stingray' chair.

red dot award: product design 2008
:: the 'stingray' rocking chair resembles gentle sea waves. its appearance is an interesting new interpretation of the plastic version of the curved chair created in 2002 as it is now manufactured in veneer. the chair is available, for example, in african macassar ebony wood, whose grains emphasise the organic form of the stingray, whose shape was inspired by the sea. the new version of the 'stingray' is also available with a cushion that invites to extend the hours of comfortable relaxation. due to the curves of this chair the cushion is made of several pieces. here, as well, the inspiration from the sea is evident. the veneer and the comfortable cushion lend the 'stingray' a trendy look establishing new possibilities for a modern, yet cosy interior. ::

i would love to have the black plastic version! nature-inspired and still very simple...

design:: thomas pederson ('spark', denmark)
made by:: 'fredericia' (denmark)

'milk gone bad' table lamps

2008-06-24T16:20:00.009-04:00

:: two different artistic experiences come together in this project. anatomicfactory’s objects meet bombo’s illustrations, giving us food for thought on the ambiguity of products that often have a hidden second nature. 'milk gone bad' is a collection of eight lamps somewhere between toys and furnishing complements. made like milk cartons, each piece is one of a series. the light turns on to show the product’s real contents, a startling imaginary world of mold. ::

what a cool table lamp! i really like the idea and the illustrations...

do you see the mold? i do...

design:: 'anatomic factory' (italy)
illustration:: 'bombo' (italy)

'arne jacobsen' restaurant

2008-06-23T07:59:00.002-04:00

my hubby was (stylish) out last week... i'm jealous. he was invited to have dinner+jazz in 'restaurant jacobsen' on the coast line of the baltic sea::

facade facing the coastal road

ground floor

'restaurant jacobsen' in klampenborg, north of copenhagen (denmark).
it is part of arne jacobsen's building complex 'bellavista' (1932 - 35) (see images) on the coastal road in klampenborg (denmark). at that time the buildings were called 'the dream of the a modern lifestyle'.

inside you can find examples of vintage arne jacobsen's design for tables and chairs:: 'ant' chair, 'series 7' chair, 'swan' chair, 'egg' chair, ...

architect:: arne jacobsen, bellevue scheme 1932 - 37
restored by: architects MAA PAR ladegaard and christiansen (denmark)

see also @ 'arcspace.com'

amazing 'little field of flowers' rug

2008-06-22T10:46:00.010-04:00

what a rug!
'little field of flowers' shows a beautiful textured pattern that comes to life! it is amazing and quite stunning. fashion forward and design savvy - this rug will amaze!
these flower shaped pieces of felt gives this carpet a beautiful appearance. its surface is full of constant movement and volume. It is a modern rug which asks to be touched, caressed, experienced. it is truly unique and each rug is intricately handmade using a hand loomed technique.

it received a 'red dot award' in 2007 in product design

design:: 'studio tord boontje' (bourg-argental, france)
for:: 'nani marquina' (barcelona, spain)
materials:: hand loomed, dyed felt 100% wool

:: 'little field of flowers' is a rug that integrates the classical flower ornament in an innovative composition. the flowers are not woven into the rug as a pattern but are individually punched out and appliquéd afterwards by hand. the result is a shimmering carpet strewn with blossoms, the look and feel of which is reminiscent of a real meadow of flowers. in living spaces it becomes an eye-catcher that provides space for daydreams. ::

cool ethical pots

2008-06-21T11:00:00.009-04:00

recently i posted this about my new ::concrete:: planters in my bathroom. now i was asked where i got them from.

in fact they are fake. it's 'terracino lite'
:: an evolutionary range of eco-products made from a combination of terracotta and 100% natural elements. it has been developed and created to offer a unique item to meet all of the requirements of the plant pot enthusiast, namely light weight and a healthy environment for the plants thanks to its natural water absorption and release.
'terracino lite' is available in 3 color shades: terracotta, charcoal & green. ::

i choose charcoal that looks like concrete. i like this product. very light weight!

they are made by 'terracino pro natura' (italy). and this is an ethical manufacturer.
their code is based on a few but very perceptual conducts, a factory brand must accomplish to be considered as 'ethical'::
- NO to child labor
- NO to forced labor
- YES to a minimum impact to the environment ...
- ...

organic and fairtrade fashion

2008-06-15T12:57:00.003-04:00

'armedangels' (cologne, germany) is a fashion label that combines style and ethics. it creates stylish fashion made with
:: an uncompromising rejection of child labor, wage exploitation and environmental pollution. ::
everythings @ 'armedangels' is made from 100% organic cotton and manufactured under 'fair trade' standards. the best is they donate part of the money to the charity 'read india' in pratham/india that helps kids to learn writing and reading.

the same is true for santa monica (ca) based label 'social awearness'. they also follow the philosophy organic, fair trade, no sweat shops, ...

:: if we all do a little today, it will have a huge impacts on tomorrow ::

i couldn't agree more...

new schoolbag for concrete*tot

2008-06-14T08:17:00.010-04:00

little concrete*tot will enter school in august. we started to look around for the best schoolbag in terms of design, safety, and ergonomics... we bought a 'scout' schoolbag for the older concrete*tot about 2 years ago. and we still like it. what we love about the 'scout' is::
- light weight
- fits perfectly (even suitable for little kids)
- a lot of safety features (such as reflective materials)
- long lasting
- 97 % recyclable materials
- contains no harmful and allergenic chemicals
now they have a new 'scout mega' schoolbag::

it received a 'red dot award' in 2007 in product design

:: the 'scout mega' is a schoolbag for primary-school pupils which features a 360-degree safety concept and an innovative flat design. shaped side pockets made of a newly-developed reflexite combined material optimise the angle of incidence of vehicle lights from street traffic. reflective carry straps further increase the safety of the schoolbag. an intelligent body construction makes it 20 per cent lighter and gives it high stability. a separate, two-part organiser with a special colour code can be used as required for optimal packing of the bag according to ergonomic criteria. the back padding is ventilated and ergonomically shaped. the functional design allows easy opening of the top flap and provides a large interior space. the flexible carry-strap attachment adjusts to any clothing the child may wear. ::

like a said - a well thought-through product. a synthesis of uncompromising safety, ergonomics, function, and style. i think we found the candidate that we will check out for sure. ;-)

design:: dirk fleischhut, martin hoffmann, andré lüthy (estragon gmbh, zürich, ch)
by:: 'alfred sternjakob gmbh & co. kg' (frankenthal, germany)

the originial - 'mod vintage bike'

2008-06-13T14:25:00.005-04:00

a couple of days a ago i blogged a post about viva's 'milla miggla' bike
::mod vintage bike::
please see the comment. apparently the original design is from jens martin skibsted of 'biomega' (denmark). and i don't like copy-cats! so, here is the bike 'copenhagen' from 'biomega' for your own comparison::

:: designed by 'skibsted', this is the fifth generation of our in house designed bike. the copenhagen (cph) bicycle is the quintessence of danish and scandinavian design - minimalist and practical in its approach. the beauty lies in its simplicity - all you need is there and what you don't is not.
wallpaper magazine chose the cph as the most promising means of urban transport, together with the 'bmw c1', and they voted the same model as the 2nd-best line of products in danish design, after 'georg jensen'.
the copenhagen has been displayed at numerous exhibitions such as “20th century design” at the danish museum of decorative arts, the touring exhibition “dreams on wheels” and countless more. ::

again, i really like the :: patented 'new tightening system' biomega shaft :: drive
:: ... a unique biomega innovation. a special integrated transmission offers a host of advantages: no greasy trousers, hardly any maintenance and extreme durability. tech-heads: this shaft has less transmission loss than the average chain - where chains rust and destroy your jeans, the shaft just gets smoother and smoother. ::

also very innovative is the stem design.
:: machined from a solid piece of aluminum, the mark newson designed stem is a beautiful piece of industrial design that also incorporates another biomega innovation. the design eliminates the steer tube cap found on many stem designs providing for a better seal that protects the headset against corrosion. ::

i couldn't agree more! a beautiful and simple frame design, uncluttered by cables or chain as cables are routed inside the frame...
:: the bike also minimizes maintenance: the shaft- driven train eliminates all of those oily sprockets (saving your trouser legs), and the disk brake and internal consecutive gears and cables protect its mechanics from the elements. ::

this is the perfect, stylish solution for our city bike needs! i need to make a test ride!

design:: jens martin skibsted (designer, founder and ceo of 'biomega', denmark)
made by:: 'biomega' (denmark)

btw:: find more details about jens martin skibsted's design @ 'oeo'
and his blog here.

more style - less work

2008-06-07T10:10:00.007-04:00

i like diy projects & i like large italian floor tiles (1 m by 3 m). with new materials like this one it's getting easier every day.

renovate the floor of your home w/o demolishing before saves time and money
:: ... 'kerlite plus', the ceramic solution you were looking for to renovate that old flooring. with a minimum height increase – from 3 to 3.5mm – 'kerlite plus' has a tough fiberglass mesh backing, doubling its cladding potential. the sky’s the limit for this stunning, minimum weight tile. with 'kerlite' it’s easy to lay new flooring in your home. but more than that, it’s economic and simple. 'kerlite plus' can be installed directly over existing flooring in wood, ceramic or any other compact type of surface. this is because the underside of the ceramic slab has been reinforced with a dense fiberglass mat. as well as allowing excellent heat conduction, this minimum thickness mesh ensures the tile sticks solidly to the adhesive spread on the substrate. with just 3.5mm additional floor height there’s no need to adjust the level of doors and jambs. ::

by:: 'cotto d'este' (italy)

cool bike ... for hubby?

2008-06-06T15:48:00.011-04:00

this is the ultimate gadget for the city nomad...

:: light up the night :: with 'puma's 'glow rider' glow-in-the-dark bike (in two colors). i really like the orange one that glows yellow at night.

:: the glowing paint sucks up sunlight during the day and lets it loose after the sun sets. ::
that's the ultimate safety feature.

the bike is actually based on the danish 'biomega' bike.
the biomega 'boston' is a folding bike and has an integrated anti-theft device.
:: the unique locking system uses a 'down tube' chain lock, which is integrated as a structural part of the frame. if the lock is broken so is the bike - why steal it then?
the quick & easy semi-folding mechanism & folding pedals makes public transport, cars & elevators more accessible. built for town convenience, the bike goes where you go. ::

this is the perfect, stylish solution for hubby's city bike needs!

'puma' urban mobility bike 'glow rider'
design:: jens martin skibsted (designer, founder and ceo of 'biomega', denmark)
made by:: 'biomega' (denmark)

'hand-made' chair

2008-06-04T16:34:00.005-04:00

'do hit' chair - this steel cube (sledge hammer included) can be 'hammered' into the desired shape... also ideal for letting off some steam ;-)
:: smash, hit and pound it into your own perfect piece of functional art ::

material:: 0.04" thick steel
design:: marijn van der poll (design academy eindhoven, nl)
'droog design'

nice floor cushions

2008-05-31T17:24:00.005-04:00

'livingstones'
:: a high quality, surrealistic set practical as a floor cushion. oversized pebbles, a resting area with varying sizes and shapes that can be arranged according to your mood, for contemporary interiors. ::
by:: 'smarin design' (stephanie marin, france)

concrete art

2008-05-30T13:39:00.006-04:00

art on concrete floors
:: the fine floral ornament, applied to the concrete surface, highlights the clean and simple character of the space while adding a touch of warm contrast to minimize the cold austerity of the material. ::
what should i say? i'm a concrete*enthusiast! ;-)
by:: 'transparent house' (s.f., ca)
found @ 'trendir' via 'cribcandy'

swivel chair

2008-05-29T16:38:00.006-04:00

i like the new leather swivel chair 'tirup'. white leather would look really stylish next to our white natuzzi couch.
design:: carl öjerstam
by:: 'ikea'

concrete furniture

2008-05-28T14:07:00.000-04:00

concrete furniture:: table + bench, 'freiswinger' chair, rocking chair
design:: 'metrofarm' (berlin, germany)

in 2005 a collection of concrete furniture designed by 'nunu' was shown. at the time each piece (a bench, a table, a dj desk and a rocking chair) were prototypes. since then the production has been optimized. nunu’s work has been shown at numerous international exhibitions and fairs ...
table + bench:: each piece of our concrete furniture is made of three parts. the legs are made of steel-reinforced concrete. they are connected by a central piece that is either upholstered, laminated or made of solid wood. concrete furniture by 'metrofarm' is not mass-produced but hand crafted. each piece is unique, and can be adapted according to the particular requirements of the customer.
via:: 'designspotter'

'nestt' car seat

2008-05-27T16:15:00.009-04:00

:: deriving its primary form from an egg, the ultimate safe enclosure... ::
simple design aspired by nature. easy use and safety included. very nice.

and cushions are available in all colors you might like!

design:: 'think/thing' (chicago, us)
via:: 'moco loco'

nice outdoor furniture

2008-05-26T12:02:00.000-04:00

'pallone outdoor' (design:: roy de scheemaker, 2005)

'marlin' (design:: ontwerpers.nu oppewal & van der velden, 2006)

'beluga' (design:: ontwerpers.nu oppewal & van der velden, 2005)

i love these outdoor chairs, but i guess they would need to be in the backyard of a house like this to have the perfect environment!? anyhow, i probably will check them out at the 'leolux-design-center' right here near eindhoven, nl...
by:: 'leolux' (nl)

stylish jug

2008-05-25T14:33:00.005-04:00

:: 'quack' - resembling the body of a duck. this insulated serving jug in plastic and aluminum is a stylish vessel for casual entertaining. ::

this is the way i like the combination of design and function. very simple and very useful!

design:: maria berntsen
by:: 'georg jensen' (denmark), us online store

concrete planters

2008-05-24T12:25:00.000-04:00

i just placed these nice planters on the windowsill in my bathroom. as you already know i love the look of exposed concrete. and this look in contrast to green grass... i'm in heaven when i enjoy a bubble bath ;-)

improving bike safety ... by using a responsive jacket

2008-05-22T10:37:00.001-04:00

one of the little concrete*monsters will get a new bike this friday... i found this nice idea to add more safety (visibility) to the biking fun::

design student michael chen (uk) came up with a concept for a (safety) jacket he calls reactiv.
:: i cycled round london for hours in the dark wearing my first prototype - a £10 waterproof jacket with LEDs stuck on by gaffer tape, :: he said. :: for the first time, i noticed that cars passed me more slowly, gave me more room, and that the drivers and passengers were even making eye contact. ::

the design has won a 'james dyson award' in 2008 from the dyson foundation that's dedicated to inspirating design innovation. (you know, the company that makes the stylish vacuum cleaners!)

:: michael was inspired by the 'nintendo wii' to come up with reactiv - a responsive cycling jacket.
the jacket uses an accelerometer that senses movement to change the colour of the LEDs in the back from green (accelerating) to red (braking). it has amber LEDs in the arms which are activated by a tilt switch behind the elbow. these light up when the arm is lifed, indicating the cyclist is about to turn.
reactiv allows the cyclist to communicate their intentions to other travellers and thus it will hopefully reduce the 20,000 incidents involving cyclists on london's roads every year.
british judges were impressed by the simplicity and effectiveness of michael's design. ::

design:: michael chen (uk)

mod 'vintage' bike

2008-05-21T11:16:00.012-04:00

update:: please read the comment by skibsted and my new post.
apparently this is a copied design!

:: the people behind 'viva' bikes have more than 20 years of experience in the bike marked.
they believe that the soul of a bicycle comes from driving properties and design. high quality parts improve performance, but the liveliness of an urban bike comes from the design of the bike... ::

i love the simple design and the vintage style of the 'mille miglia' with shaft transmission! no messy chain any more!

nice retro kitchen renovation

2008-05-20T16:21:00.000-04:00

'pam's kitchen'
found @ 'retrorenovation'

'lumibaer' (a glowing bear) lamp

2008-05-18T10:28:00.011-04:00

if you like gummibears this would be the perfect light source for you! i like the white upright one, about 23 inches tall. they are already 10 years old, but still very cool like at the day they were 'born'!

they started as lamps for kids room, but ended as cult design items.
in five different colors (white, blue, yellow-orange, red, green)
design:: heinz klein + georg leidig (germany)
by:: 'elmar flötotto' (germany)

the perfect espresso cups

2008-05-17T14:28:00.005-04:00

for home and for to go...

'pill+', made of ceramics by:: revol (france)

decor wallpaper

2008-05-16T16:06:00.002-04:00

i like wallpaper on an accent wall
by:: 'ferm living' (denmark), 'ferm' is danish for 'clever'
webshop:: 'ferm living us'

walk on re-used cab tires

2008-05-15T14:01:00.001-04:00

one of the little concrete*monsters got really nice shoes:: 'yellow cab shoes'. they are super cool, and the sole is made of used cab tires!!! this is recycling in style...

i love 'diesel'

2008-05-14T10:27:00.001-04:00

'diesel' (italy) ad from the 80's

'green' home products

2008-05-13T13:33:00.001-04:00

i found this nice online shop. 2 designers (anu suominen from finland, monica potvin from spain) offer products made of eco-smart materials

:: charming objects for living made as sustainable as possible! ::

by the way:: i like the 'sunjar'...

retro-style furniture by 'leolux'

2008-04-29T11:13:00.011-04:00

'akka' (design:: stefan heiliger, 2004)

'helical basic' (design:: axel enthoven, 2001)

'gazetta' (design:: gerard vollenbrock, 2005)

'formi phase II' (design:: frans schrofer, 2005)

i like this modern furniture by 'leolux'. simple design, a kind of retro look, not too bulky, but it still looks comfortable. nice!
and there is a 'leolux-design-center' right here near eindhoven, nl
by:: 'leolux' (nl)

outdoor fireplaces by 'zenoproducts'

2008-04-28T16:03:00.004-04:00

i like those outdoor fireplaces by 'zenoproducts' (nl) ... simple form, raw material, but still functional... and most of all:: beautiful
unfortunately it's still missing in my backyard ;-(

orb vase

2008-04-27T16:45:00.001-04:00

:: fabulous organic form! this creamy ceramic vase has perfect lines that work in any decor. display a small cactus as we have shown here, or one gorgeous bloom and a little seagrass... use your imagination. it's foolproof in this 'panton'-inspired orb vase. a perfect gift for design addicts! ::
seen @ 'realm dekor'

i'm thinking about making one myself... i'm not sure about the choice of material, yet.

retro-style kitchens

2008-04-26T16:15:00.002-04:00

i would love to have retro-style kitchen with very modern appliances. i already found some design inspirations...

found @ 'retrorenovation'

enjoy a burger in 'arne jacobsen' furniture

2008-04-25T13:13:00.002-04:00

my hubby works now every other week in copenhagen, denmark. i just figured out where he could go out for a stylish fast-food dinner...

:: mcdonald’s in denmark ... is in the process replacing all interior in its restaurants. the traditional fast food restaurant interior known today is about to be replaced with café and lounge interior. mcdonald’s wishes to create an interior that caters to the modern consumer to whom design, quality and pampering have become a must not just at home and at work but now also when people need a burger in a hurry. this experience they can get at for example the newly renovated McDonald’s at 'nørrebros runddel' (copenhagen, dk) where the 'big mac' may be consumed in arne jacobsen’s “the egg”, “the swan” or “the seven”... ::

not that i like 'fast-food' that much, but ... i would probably enjoy some of the side-dishes in style.

via:: 'copcap'

bag the bag

2008-04-21T13:13:00.008-04:00

:: paper or plastic? edward norton describes a simple, easy step everyone can take to help clean up the environment ::
please watch the video on the 'national geographic' website.

i totally agree... i always use the cool bag i got from 'method'.

'interior weeds'

2008-04-20T10:21:00.001-04:00

this would probably be the only place in my home where 'weeds' would be very welcome... really cool idea!

:: ... 'interior weeds' is a project about nature. the way that weeds emerge and grow in the streets, are ... a beautiful thing. it shows the power of plants in our human environment. with the center piece you can create an interior plantation from street weeds, or other personal selection of plants. ... ::

design:: arwin caljouw (nl)
via:: 'labour of heart'

diy:: oversized wall artwork

2008-04-19T08:07:00.000-04:00

nice idea... (was in the cb2 spring '07 catalog) ... will try to do the same ...
by:: 'apartmenttherapy'

eames ... thank you

2008-04-18T22:58:00.002-04:00

found on 'youtube'

furniture ... made out of slate

2008-04-16T12:44:00.005-04:00

black slate tiles are really great. we used them to tile the place in front of our fireplace ... and also other parts of the house.
now, i found even furniture that is made out of this very 'cool' material. nice!
by:: 'lutz kommallein' (germany)

vacuum in style...

2008-04-10T14:13:00.006-04:00

a treat for me ... the cool handheld vacuum by 'dyson'. we used our air miles to get one for home + car.
you could have one, too. check mod*mom's giveaway :: 1 'dyson' vacuum + meet mr. dyson in nyc

an other kind of ugly doll

2008-04-05T11:35:00.003-04:00

i like 'pooki' and his friends ... reminds me of the 'ugly dolls' ...

:: the first 'pooki' was hand stitched in 2001 by marie joxe-colllins, a french designer/illustrator. her inspiration being the birth of her first son... over time, and numerous hours of work, other characters appeared; creating the funny gang of 'pookiland'. after the success of the plushes, made from soft fleece, the 'pooki' collection was expanded to include bags and room decor. every season brings something new to the collection. ::

little concrete*tot would probably love one of the bags!
by:: 'pooki and co' (france)

'the great sunflower project' (sfsu)

2008-03-28T16:14:00.006-04:00

we plant sunflowers every year ... and this weekend we will do it again. i simply love them.

here is a really nice idea, and a project (s.f. state university) you could do with the little ones::
help the bees! plant a sunflower in your garden!
by watching and recording the bees at sunflowers in your garden ... free sunflower seeds for planting inclusive ...

via:: 'fresh dirt '

retro tunes ...

2008-03-25T15:32:00.005-04:00

50's ...

60's ...
by 'roadstar' (alba plc.)

reclaimed / reused hardwood + concrete

2008-03-24T21:00:00.000-04:00

'flat' (pdf) + 'swilken' (pdf) bench

'acronym designs' benches are crafted with reclaimed or reused hardwood + concrete legs ... concrete and hardwood = nice mix of raw + industrial and refined material that exhibits the beauty of nature (indoors or outdoors)

happy mod easter!

2008-03-23T08:43:00.004-04:00

via:: 'baldiness' @ flickr

textile made out of concrete

2008-03-22T10:29:00.007-04:00

concrete textile, a curtain made out of concrete ("betonvorhang" in german) ... a really nice idea that just has been awarded in the red dot awards competition in 2008.
as you can imagine, i like the look of exposed concrete ... and this textile will be very long-lasting ... in that sense, very eco-friendly.

design:: memux (thomas mennel, reinhard muxel)
producer:: oberhauser & schedler bau gmbh, hermann rudolph baustoffwerk gmbh
via:: 'dezeen'

finally, my favorite chandelier 'lights up' my life

2008-03-21T08:40:00.003-04:00

i admire this chandelier for ages ... i really want it so badly above my dark wooden dinning table that is surrounded by white 'panton ' s-chairs ... if it wouldn't be that expensive ($2,600)::
the cellula chandelier @ design within reach

now, i found a similar one that is really affordable::
the vitoria @ eglo leuchten (austria)
i was lucky. we live now in nl ... and a local home improvement store had it on sale for only €99!!!! it is not quite as detailed as the original, but it is close enough ... and i can have further shopping fun with the saved money ;-)

mod high school in copenhagen, dk

2008-03-20T10:30:00.000-04:00

'fatboy' in the lounch area of a high school? wow ... i definitely went to the wrong one ...
what a cool school ... the 'ørestad college' (high school) in copenhagen, ørestad (denmark)
design:: '3xn' (copenhagen, denmark) ... see flash animations on their website!!! definitely worth a click!

via:: 'coolhunter'

retro fridges ...

2008-03-17T08:42:00.000-04:00

... are so cool ... especially in a mod home ... by:: 'big chill' + 'smeg' + 'elmira' + 'bosch'

i love the contrast of mod and retro ... but it has to be a new, energy efficient one ...

reverse graffiti:: clean green street art

2008-03-16T16:01:00.000-04:00

ossario : art less pollution
urban intervention:: alexandre orion
music:: instituto
video:: big bonsai
www.ossario.net

via:: 'inhabitat'

lights ... by eero aarnio

2008-03-15T09:55:00.002-04:00

'double bubble' lamp (2001)

bright light 'origo' (2007)

and new 'the swan' (2008) ...

in addition to his classic designs, eero aarnio designed two new lamps in 2007, 'the swan' for 'melaja ltd.' and the bright light 'origo' for 'innojok ltd.' ...

:: swan is clearly related to the double bubble. it has a rotationally moulded plastic body that scatters light beautifully. it is also lighted with an energy saving compact fluorescent bulb like the larger double bubbles. Unlike the double bubble, however, swans come in three colors: black, yellow and opaque white. the swan will be available from selected retailers starting april 2008 ::

design:: 'eero aarnio' (finland)

i like 'hanging' fireplaces

2008-03-14T12:19:00.002-04:00

'drop' by 'an-trax' (italy)
design:: 'massimo iosa ghini' (italy, 2003)

'fireorb'
design:: 'douglas garofalo' (chicago, il, 1999)

recubed low stool ... reclaimed wood + concrete

2008-01-03T17:00:00.000-05:00

design:: 'acronym designs'

:: this indoor/outdoor recubed low stool is made with a reclaimed walnut hardwood top + concrete base. the reclaimed top uses the cutoff from the manufacturing of reclaimed flooring, extending the life of this quality material even further. ::

via:: 'vivavi'

... new life in NL ...

2008-01-03T16:17:00.000-05:00

happy new year!

sorry for the long break ... we had to 'relocate' ... and finally made it to our new 'home' in eindhoven, nl (you know:: the dutch design city).
we just found a home (townhouse - typical dutch with large windows), but we are still waiting for our container with the household goods ...

dirt(y) floors

2007-12-01T20:49:00.000-05:00

eco-friendly 'dirt floors' (here in el cerrito, ca) are at the forefront of the movement towards 'natural building' - using materials that have had the least amount of processing:: ... dirt is mixed with lime and sand to harden and after two weeks is sealed with linseed oil and beeswax ... (via 'nyt')

retro bread box

2007-11-29T22:42:00.000-05:00

we have a very vintage bread box ... a white enamel metal one - a nice find years ago at the antique fair in alameda, ca.

but if i would have to buy a new one this would be my first choice:: 'grandy' - very cool 40's style retro-classic bread box.

i like the 'breadboy' too ...

design:: 'wesco' (germany)