While the name and the concept seem pure ’70s (if this bed’s a rockin’…),
the execution is most definitely not! This is the Mood Rocking Bed by Shiner International, and it has style!
I just have to say, I don’t know whether it’s the pastoral setting, the pretty draping of the netting above, or simply that I need a nap, but that bed looks awfully tempting, don’t you think?
The little wooden robot sits there, head cocked, arms outstretched, vacant drilled eyes staring into space. Its expression is puzzled and innocent. It looks like it wants a hug. It’s cute.
Sometimes, in the earnest seriousness of striving to live green, we forget our sense of humor. Marjolaine Poulin of M Design hasn’t forgotten… and she loves nothing better than to make other people smile, hence the little army of wooden robots marching out of her workshop in El Salvador.
Marjolaine (“Mao”) has taken scrap wood & discarded furniture and raised them both into art.
A native of Quebec, Canada, Mao splits her time between Montreal and El Salvador, always looking for inspiration. Her introduction to woodworking came in 2004 in Guatemala, where she learned classical bamboo carpentry from a Taiwanese master. Shortly afterward she began crafting her own designs hoping to promote bamboo’s many advantages as a building material in Central America.
Sometimes a company’s product is difficult to define: I had this trouble while browsing Tim Leefeldt’s RailroadWare website. Is it rustic? Industrial? Modern? Nostalgic? Well, take a look.
You decide.
There’s simplicity in these glass and steel designs, a clean look, one that’s versatile enough to be used in any number of decoration schemes. I think they would complement just about any setting.
As much as possible, the materials are reclaimed objects. Old glass & ceramic insulators, traffic light lenses, and hardened steel parts – the clips, spikes, and random hardware so abundant along unused rail lines – all hand-gathered by the artist and repurposed into lighting, door & cabinet hardware, and home furnishings. Read the rest of this entry
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
~Henry David Thoreau
"Seconds Count" by Jason Wilbur
In the face of natural disaster, where others see devastation, Joy Feuer – and the many artists & volunteers who work with her – see opportunity for transformation and renewal. Life is often about new beginnings. Since 2008 Joy’s non-profit organization, ART From the Ashes, has been helping communities and individuals rebuild from the ashes of their former lives.
The concept for ART From the Ashes came to life autumn of 2007, during one of the most destructive fire seasons in the history of California. AFTA was created to use the cathartic properties of art as a means of supporting the renewal of lives devastated by wildfire. Members travel to a disaster site and from it reclaim materials – burnt wood, ruined household goods, architectural elements, anything that inspires – to be transformed into works of art and later sold at an exhibition-auction benefitting the effected community.
Joy Feuer, photo by James Carbone
The process is deeply meaningful for Joy.
“We have seen up close and personal the powerful connection and healing properties that our art programming has on communities in Southern and Central California,” she said. “In the wake of disaster…watching what occurs to people and places, in that moment, you are there as well. Its human nature to want to help in any way possible. In the actions of ART from the ashes, we can provide resource and support to communities in need. Art provides a connection, provokes inspiration and invites hope. There are no boundaries geographically or creatively. Our desire is to honor this and expand our mission to help as many people as possible.” Read the rest of this entry
Although it isn’t a strict policy, I try not to feature Etsy sellers more than once. I’m glad I’m not strict about it, because if I was, I couldn’t show you this little gem…
Crafted in New Orleans by Matthew Holdren – whose gorgeous beds I featured back in May – the Kerlerec Desk is a pitch perfect piece of salvaged wood furniture.
If you are in the SoCal area in November, you couldn’t find a better thing to do than go see The Dunnage Show at Inheritance. A collaboration of all the members of L.A. Box Collective, the exhibit will showcase what happened to 12 tons of dunnage – headed to the landfill – when this creative group of master woodworkers got hold of it. Expect amazing pieces of furniture and accessories, if their previous work is anything to go by!
Place: Inheritance – 8055 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048-4517 ph (323) 658-6756
Date: Opening reception November 3rd, 2011 from 7-10PM
RSVP: BoxCoEvents@gmail.com
As a young(er) woman, I often thought of someday running off to France to live in an old chateau for a year or so. I’m not sure what I thought I would actually do once I was there – probably eat a lot of pain au chocolat – but I always dreamed of dancing around in a room amidst crumbling plaster and ancient wooden floors.
Ah, let the dancing commence! This lustrous oak herringbone parquet, which might have been reclaimed from a Parisian apartment, country dwelling, or even – be still my heart – a creaky old chateau, is now available in the U.S.!
Imported by Exquisite Surfaces, this antique French oak flooring is not only beautiful and steeped in history, it is also FSC certified!
I love the juxtaposition of centuries old oak boards with sleek, modern walls. Each element enhances the other so well, creating a harmonious whole, don’t you think?
I just returned from a brief (but fun) business trip to San Francisco, and once again I remember why I love to travel. Seeing new places, making new friends, and getting out of my daily routine are so invigorating to me. Now all I can think about are the places I want to go next!
Since I have such a severe case of wanderlust, I thought it appropriate to make this week’s “Etsy Find” a globe and map themed one. Enjoy!
Map covered wooden chair by New Yorganize.
Collier’s 1935 Map Drawer Pulls by Sherry Truitt
All the world’s a stage,… and that means there is a LOT of scenery that needs to be built!
Unfortunately, with all that scenery construction comes a lot of leftover scrap wood. Enter Etsy seller duolocal to the rescue – stage left.
Part of duolocal’s Load-Out series, the Drop-Cut side table is constructed entirely of leftover scrap lumber from theatrical productions. Finished with no-VOC linseed oil, this table has a cleverly designed notch, just perfect for large books to rest in.
Just catching on to the Steampunk trend in interior design?
"Steampunk Rooster" by Ursulav
Well watch out, because Steampunk’s little cousin Farm Punk is galloping up right behind it!
Fashioned from reclaimed barn wood and discarded bits of farm equipment, farm punk is earthy, rustic and very, very solid. This is furniture that will be around for generations (provided those generations don’t mind moving some seriously heavy stuff around with them!). Take a look at some of the great looking pieces I found (click on an image to see the source).
The Big O Console by The Steel Fork
Vice Versa Bench by UTD
The interioRevolution is a design blog devoted exclusively to sustainable interior design. Through product reviews, guest blogs by experts in their fields, special features and spirited discussion, the interioRevolution provides new knowledge and expands the dialogue on sustainable interior design.
