Modern Furniture's Lifestyle

Augmented Reality - Rock Paper Scissor with T-post Magazine

marketer@kmpfurniture.com (KMP Furniture) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:17:54 GMT

With the print industry going bust and the online world reaching the point of saturation, new publications really have to push to stand out in the crowd. Magazines and newspapers are trying all sorts of things to get the attention of the reading public, but a company called T-Post has devised something completely original.

Every six weeks a T-Post subscriber gets a package in the mail. Inside the package: a t-shirt. And here's where it gets special. Printed on the inside of the tee is a news story. On the outside of the shirt is an artist's interpretation of the story (a different artist every issue). So instead of yet another piece of paper that will pile up and gather dust until you get around to recycling it, you have something doubly useful that you'll keep for long after you're through with the words printed on it. Still not impressed? Keep reading...

For the 51st issue of the magazine T-Post sent out a shirt that utilized a new technology called augmented reality. Seen in person the shirt featured black and white images of a paper bag, some rocks, and several pairs of scissors. But when the wearer views the shirt through a webcam, the garment becomes interactive game of rock, paper, scissors - complete with a 3D hand!

If your hoping to buy one of these shirts, you're out of luck. The shirts are not sold in stores and the company only prints as many shirt as they have subscribers every month. The limited edition status is part of the company's commitment to minimizing the production's impact on the environment. They are based in Stockholm, Sweden and have grown completely by word of mouth. Get your subscription for about $26 per issue by visiting www.t-post.se.

Vinyl - The Wallpaper for the Non-Committal

marketer@kmpfurniture.com (KMP Furniture) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:32:23 GMT

For a time the use of wallpaper in home interiors fell way out of fashion. The style was seen as decidely traditional and not forward in the design world. Now, the use of pattern on contemporary walls is making a comeback. Maybe you'd like to give it a try, but you're concerned you'll hate it then have to destroy your wall by peeling/scraping/sanding it off. The solution: VINYL.

If you've ever installed (or removed) old wallpaper you know what an absolute pain it can be: it's messy and getting it to line up right on the first try is almost impossible. But with the modern version of self-adhesive, vinyl-coated coverings you can skip the glue and best of all, if you mess up just peel it off and try again.

A brand called Tempaper makes a terrific variety in patterns that range from classic to funky modern. The company uses traditional techniques and modern materials to produce the temporary wall coverings. According to company literature, the "printing process incorporates the traditional technique of gravure or intaglio copper plate engraving with state of the art materials to bring a classic look and feel to the finished product."

To maintain a modern look, stick to papering just one or two small walls in an open space. This way the wallpaper will accent the room like art or accessories and it won't be overbearing. So go ahead and give it a try. And if tomorrow you decid you're over the neo-baroque trend, those fleur-de-lis can be gone in flash!

photos: bobbyberkhome.com

iHome - Apple Culture Seeps Into Interior Design

marketer@kmpfurniture.com (KMP Furniture) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:53:53 GMT

The products of Apple Inc. have proven unbeatable in the world of technology design. Competitors are constantly attempting to produce so-called “iPhone killers” - devices that try, but generally fail to even come close to competing with the runaway hit device. And while Steve Jobs and company do a great job with new technology, it’s safe to say that the aesthetic design of the company’s products has as much - if not more - to do with Apple’s tremendous success.

The draw of Apple culture is so pervasive that now designers are adopting the tech company’s style into furniture and accessories for the home. As part of Milan Design Week Italian artist Mirko Ginepro presented the iTable. The piece is a coffee or accent table made from Corian® with a glass window and steel legs. It is available in black, white, and bright yellow, on a custom order basis, from Ginepro.org. The company seems to enjoy creating home accessories that recall iconic images from pop culture. They also produce lamps shaped like ghosts from the Pac Man game.

If an iPod-shaped table is a bit too much of a statement, you can take the scale down and into a more private space - the bathroom. From OpulentItems.com, there’s the iCarta iPod dock / toilet paper holder. The quirky item comes complete with woofer-supported speakers and cordless power options. And at only $40, it’s a fun and affordable gift for your Apple-obsessed friends.

Photos: ginepro.org, furniturestoreblog.com, opulentitems.com

Women Fashion trends for Spring 2010

marketer@kmpfurniture.com (KMP Furniture) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:35:06 GMT

January of 2010 has been one of the coldest in history for the U.S. Eastern seaboard. And even though the month isn’t yet over, style-minded women are looking ahead to the warmer months and beginning to build their wardrobes. Designers in the fashion capitals of the world set the tone for the season across the globe and though there was a great deal of variety on the catwalks for Spring/Summer 2010, there were a few common themes that appeared in several collections. Expect to see these trends in women’s fashion from street style to couture boutiques.

Clean & Crisp

White is always a popular hue for Spring/Summer but this year it’s more than just the color that’s especially clean. Garments for the season have been cut with crisp lines that avoid too much frill or embellishment. There’s a menswear influence in some places, but the pieces are kept feminine with smart draping and close tailoring. Key labels: Max Azria, Celine, Chloe, Yves Saint Laurent, Matthew Ames.

Active Wear

Do you ever wish you could get away with just wearing your sweats all the time? If so, this will definitely be your year in fashion. Suddenly, fleece is getting the same treatment as linen as active wear carves out a significant presence in designer fashion. And even garments made in luxe fabrics like silk have the shape and inspiration from sports uniforms and gear. Key labels: Alexander Wang, Elie Tahari, Hermes, Nicole Miller.

Militant

With conflict happening all over the world, designers seem to be responding with a heavy military influence in their collections. In addition to the perennial bombers and trench coats, this year the flack jacket has made a major play. And the style hasn’t been limited to casual separates. Even evening gowns are seeing the influence of the rugged silhouette, which has been interpreted from everyday chic to evening glamour. Key labels: Haider Ackermann, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Balmain.

See-thru Sexy

This season fashion is taking see-thru clothing from trashy to classy… at least it’s trying. The Spring/Summer runways saw a bevy of exposed underwear and mesh panels that might make a modest person blush. This is definitely a trend to be used sparingly. But strike the right balance and it can make for a chic and breezy summer season. Key labels: Christian Dior, Fendi, Jason Wu, Nina Ricci, Rochas.

Although it’s the runways of New York, London, Milan, and Paris that validate fashion trends from year to year, these style can be found everywhere. Whether you’ve got your own personal couturiere or you’re trolling a thrift store, keep these styles in mind to stay on trend.

Modern Design accessories for Pets by WowBow

marketer@kmpfurniture.com (KMP Furniture) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:02:19 GMT

They say that after a while pets begin to look like their owners… or is it the other way around? At any rate, it follows that lovers of modern design will want their four-legged friends to enjoy the same stylish accommodations.

Designers like Kim Bull are making pampering your pet that much easier by producing luxurious and modern beds for your dog or cat. Bull said she grew tired of "pooch beds emblazoned in predictable plaids or tacky paw prints" so she created the line now known as Wowbow. The “Mija” bed features 10mm thick plexiglass frames in assorted colors. The plush cushions are crafted from faux suede filled with shredded memory foam for maximum comfort. With a bed like that, your pet won’t want to be yours!

Mija comes in three sizes, with price tag range of $911 to $1,366. The Wowbow line also produces food and water bowls so your pet can eat in style, as well as cat scratching posts to prevent your feline friends from turning on your furniture. In development is the Loulie line of beds for cats.

Bull is a London-based designer who founded the Wowbow brand “to pioneer and create unparalleled design solutions for our furry friends. By combining the best craftsmanship, animal husbandry and a unique personal service, Wowbow sets the standard for a new class in pet furniture,” says a statement on the company Website. “This vision appeals to the individual who values the very best in contemporary design with an uncompromising love for pets, as well as their aesthetic eye and personal environment.”

Sources: luxist.com, wowbow.co.uk

Modern Design With Baby

marketer@kmpfurniture.com (KMP Furniture) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:40:57 GMT

Every parent knows that after you have a child, you’re whole world changes. Those precariously perched glass sculptures and pristinely polished white sofas… you might want to rethink those when baby comes. But take heart parents. Your new role as the provider/protector for you bundle(s) of joy does not have to completely preclude your love of modern design. Designers these days know that it’s not only singles that love the sleek and chic look of a piece of contemporary furniture. When you’re elbow deep in diapers, you can still do it in style.

The Coco Stylewood Baby Lounger features a curved frame that creates a self-rocking motion. The piece is cozy for babies but instead of pepto pink or powder blue, the little chair comes in classic light and dark wood finishes. If you must have color, seat pads are available in a variety of brights.

A crib passed down from your mom’s mom’s mom is a cute idea, but carved flowers and a gingham dust ruffle just don’t fit into your slick décor. The solution: a crib from Leander, which isn’t just pleasing to the eye - it’s practical too. The 4-in-1 piece starts as a crib with two mattress heights, and can be transformed to a daybed, a transition bed, and finally a junior bed.

When you have a finely-tuned dining space, you hardly want to ruin it with a frilly high chair - even if it’s for your perfect little mini-you. Instead, take your baby into the space age with the very streamlined Fresco chair from Bloom Baby. The little guy or gal will be perfectly snug in a piece of furniture that looks like it was made my NASA. You can even get the seat pad in leatherette for a chic look that’s still easy to clean.

The sum total: being a parent doesn’t mean giving up your commitment to contemporary design. Just choose wisely and you and your baby can enjoy living in an environment of modern beauty.

Photos: leanderdesign.com, bloombaby.com,

Cool Portable Fireplaces - A Cozy Modern Convenience

marketer@kmpfurniture.com (KMP Furniture) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:47:27 GMT

In a traditional home (and by traditional, we mean “old-fashioned”) gathering around the fireplace meant that you would be going to a predictable spot in the home, that was likely along a wall somewhere. But as modern people, we like our fireplaces like we like our TVs, telephones, and lunches: PORTABLE.

Conmoto makes the Travelmate fireplace that can be moved around just like your sofas and chairs. The contraption uses an easy open/close fuel chamber and operates without producing any smoke.

The Apollo Tabletop Fireplace is diminuitive is size (4.75"W x 11"L x 13.75"H), but it's sure to make a big impression. At your next dinner party, skip the floral centerpiece and place one or two of these beauties on the table for a very seductive ambiance.

The Eco-Smart Q fireplace was the 2009 winner of the "Coolest Green Product" award at the New York House Magazine's Innovative Green Design Awards. The striking, spherical piece uses ventless technology and is crafted from fiberglass, stainless steel and toughened glass. The fireplace uses denatured ethanol, which is environmentally friendly and renewable.

From Vauni, the "Globe" fireplace is like having a controlled ball fire that you can place anywhere you want. The piece can be mounted on the wall, on a stand, or simply placed on the floor. Despite the cast iron or granite finish choices, the globes is light weight - making it truly portable for it's substantial size.

A portable fireplace can be a terrific way to add excitement, texture, and warmth to the otherwise cool and straight lines of a contemporary space. And with no need for chimneys, there's no need to worry about structural changes to your home.

photos: unicahome.com, ecosmartfire.com, furniturestoreblog.com

The Ultimate Luxury - A Non-Private Bathroom

marketer@kmpfurniture.com (KMP Furniture) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:44:10 GMT

For most of us, the bathroom is just about as private as a space can be. If the room does contain windows, they are generally placed so as to block any direct views inside or outside; And if you in there was someone else... chances are you know that person quite well. But when you are building a bathroom with the highest luxuries all bets are off. These days the ultimate in bathroom design just might be an exhibitionists dream.

One beautiful example of this is the Southern Ocean Lodge - located on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Designed by architect Max Pritchard, the lodge was built near the edge of 120-meter cliffs, which provide sweeping views of the ocean and the nearby wild bush. The builders of the lodge did their best to make guests feel as though they've simply been dropped into the undisturbed wilds of Australia (and the wilds happened to have a world-class restaurant and full-service spa). The location is so remote that there are no public works or utilites. Water is obtained from rain collection and electricity is generated onsite. Because of the remoteness, each suite can feature a gorgeous modern bathroom with the tub or shower right next to a floor to ceiling window.

Obviously, having a fully transparent wall of windows right next to the place where you wash your naughty bits means you're probably not located in the middle of the city - or even the suburbs. This design choices means you can afford one of the most enduring luxuries of all: SPACE. In these designs there are no human structures for miles around, which means the bather can enjoy the feeling of being outside au naturale.

photos: contemporist.com

Elie Saab Adds Yachts and Hotels to His Design Profile

marketer@kmpfurniture.com (KMP Furniture) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 10:42:23 GMT

Fashion designer Elie Saab is focusing his design prowess on something quite a bit larger (and even more expensive) than a couture gown. He is now working on producing ultra-luxe yachts in collaboration with Weyves International - an exclusive brand specializing in luxury travel on the high seas.

The Lebanese designer will create the external lines and design the interiors of three boats. The first of the three luxury ships will be unveiled at the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show in February 2010. The show is being organized by Informa Yacht Group, who also own and operate the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show and exclusive Superyacht Cup series.

"This show demonstrates Abu Dhabi's commitment to be recognized as a global super-yacht player at the same level as leading centers in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean," said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

Saab is leaving his mark in the Middle East not just at sea, but on land as well. The designer has also teamed with golf superstar Tiger Woods to open a luxury boutique hotel at the Al Ruwaya golf course in Dubai. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2011.

These extra-circular projects haven't slowed Saab down in the fashion world. The designer showed a Spring 2010 collection in Paris that must have had many a red carpet stylist drooling over the elegant draping and extravagant beading. Saab's next show will be for his Fall 2010 Couture collection and takes place January 27 in Paris.

Photos: paradizo.com, thefashioncult.com

Green Design - Cardboard as a Design Medium

marketer@kmpfurniture.com (KMP Furniture) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:00:14 GMT

Interior designer Hildi Santo-Tomas has made a name for herself by designing unusual and creative rooms for TLC’s “Trading Spaces.” Her design aesthetic was so out-of-the-box that show participants tended to either love or hate her style - usually the latter. One of Hildi’s most memorable TV moments occurred during the show’s 3rd season, when she transformed a drab attic bedroom into a cutting-edge boudoir with cardboard wallpaper and furniture. Yes, cardboard FURNITURE. While she directed the show’s carpenter to build a custom wooden bed, Hildi treated the Atlanta residents to a set of chairs and coffee table formed from corrugated cardboard, which she’d purchased in France. As expected, the conservative recipients of the daring design weren’t too pleased. However, it seems that Hildi may have been onto something. Afterall, artists are often well ahead of their times.

These days we’re seeing cardboard used in many unexpected places. Of course, innovative designers are still using the medium to make furniture. Dutch designers Maartje Nuy and Joost van Noort have created the "Vouwwow" chair (translated to “wow it folds” in English). The chair has even won the Thonet Mart Stamprijs 2009 award for best chair design. Made from recycled materials, the design won extra points for environmental sustainability. The collapsible nature of the chair also makes it easy to store and transport.

Now furniture made of cardboard may not amaze you, but what about a computer?! That’s right - even major electronics are getting the corrugated treatment… in theory, anyway. Designer Je Sung Park likes to remind people that disposable cameras are now commonplace and disposable cell phones are on the market as well. Accordingly, Park takes the leap into the realm of personal computing and offers that a lightweight, easy to use computer made of recycled paper products is the wave of the future. So far, the electronics of Park’s design has yet to materialize. But with the advancements in chip and screen technology, a cardboard laptop is certainly possible. Whether anyone would buy it remains to be seen.

Sources: chairblog.eu, yankodesign.com