Desirable-Designs.

Guido Crepax inspired comic strip furniture- "Valentina nel metro" by Giuseppe Canevese..

2007-10-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Guido Crepax inspired "Valentina la donna è mobile" furniture by Giuseppe Canevese.

The collection "Valentina, la donna è mobile" stems from the theories of the Artistical Movement called Radical Design, which began in the Sixties in Tuscany ( Italy ) before spreading to other parts of the world. At that time, the thoughts behind architecture changed "radically".Objects and products were no longer designed in view of their mere function, but were transformed into an actual "emotional media" in which to encapsulate ideas, thoughts and yearnings . Influences from the world of Art and Philosophy contributed to the creation of absolutely innovative objects and pieces of furniture, projects and prototypes permeated by a new sense of critique on the function of objects.

Available to buy from: http://www.mossonline.com/

Guido Crepax and his donna Valentina.

"Crepax began to work as a graphic artist and an advertisement illustrator while still studying architecture. In 1963 he entered the world of comics, and two years later he created his most famous character, Valentina. She was representative of the spirit of the sixties. The Valentina series of books and strips became noted for Crepax's sophisticated drawing, and for the psychedelic, dreamlike story lines, generally involving a strong dose of eroticism. Valentina, inspired by the silent film actress Louise Brooks, soon became the main character of the series, whose last episode was published in 1995. " Wikipedia.

A few months ago, I saw a picture of a dresser from the “Valentina” by Opus range, in some magazine. Unfortunately, I didn’t note down any details so I’ve been scouring the net in the hope of rediscovering them by typing phrases such as“cartoon furniture” into search engines. Somewhat unbelievably, I eventually got lucky via http://eternallycool.net/ and the rest is history . I really do like this furniture. It’s refreshing to see unique and imaginatively designed furniture that has nada to do with current trends. These pieces, placed in the right setting, have real show stopper potential. The trick to pulling off this range successfully is to keep everything minimal. Anymore than one piece in the same room would be design suicide. It's best placed in a clutter free, large and possibly white painted room . Design wise, this furniture is akin to a great piece of art and should be the focal point of the room. It's best to decorate the rest of the room around the piece as opposed to visa verse. Let’s face it, you purchase this type of furniture because you want it to stand out. So, it would be a terrible shame not to maximise its potential. http://www.ennezero.it/valentina.php

Demelza Hill - Snap and Dine.

2007-10-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

This portable disposable lunch setting will appeal to anyone who loved airfix as a kid. You could even get creative with colours and design and make each plate unique piece of art before placing them on the picnic rug. It's a great design for the scatty for you'll never forget a piece of cutlery again. But, unless Hill manages to get "snap and dine" mass produced to a level where they become cheap chic, I fear this design mightn't be a commercial success.

Perrier Jouet's flowery bubbles.

2007-10-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

I really like Perrier Jouet's flower bottle. Champagne is a luxury item so why shouldn't the

packaging reflect this? You're buying into decadence and pampering and from the minute you see this bottle, your mood is transformed. I'm obviously not alone in my thinking as the "flower bottle" was launched in 1969 and is still going strong . Of course, the fact that the actual content tastes sumptuous and it's one of the world's most celebrated champagne's has nothing at all to do with it's popularity :)

Beautiful hand painted glasses come with the gift set.

Expect to pay circa £80.00.

I could murder a bottle of it now..

Beano and Dandy comic canvases. Make a kid of the 70's happy.

2007-10-19T18:39:00.001-07:00

Anyone, who read these as a kid would want them. Great gift for those difficult to buy for brothers or boyfriends.Printed onto 100% cotton canvas using archival inks and mounted onto a wooden frame.

Available from http://www.55max.com/

20 x 28 inch canvas =£135.00 55 x 39 inch canvas=£425.00

Wheels ahoy!

2007-10-19T17:55:00.000-07:00

ScooterDesk by Utilia.

The ScooterDesk is a mobile station for all your occasional tasks.

Their space saving stackable design means that they'd be a rather handy supplementary table and chair for a range of businesses during peak times. The ScooterDesk is also, a hassle free way to take some work into more unusual locations such as the garden, terrace or even the bathroom.

Available from http://utilia.be/collection/scooterdesk/

The Series X files.

2007-10-19T17:36:00.001-07:00

Series X by by GRAEME MASSIE ARCHITECTS for OUTGANG.

"Series X, an innovative and exciting range of contemporary multifunctional furniture comprising seat, table and footstool.Each product has a continuous loop form in a unique profile, which enables it to be rotated into different positions offering maximum versatility - upright, recliner and perching stool, coffee table, side table and foot stool, all matching each other's heights and uses.Brilliantly designed, crafted to the highest standards and an absolute visual delight. Manufactured by laminating CNC-cut exterior grade birch-faced plywood sections and finished with a water-based clear lacquer, the products are available in single and double seating sizes in solid timber, fully weather-proofed and perfectly happy used in or outside the home. When being used externally, the products should be waxed on an annual basis prior to the onset of winter.All timber used for the manufacture of Series X has been selected from sustainable managed sources authenticated by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).Standard lengths are 600cm, 1200cm and 1500cm, but non-standard lengths are available on request." via within4walls.

Available from http://www.within4walls.co.uk/

2007-10-16T19:22:00.001-07:00

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Beam me up in an egg bed, scotty....

2007-10-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

The Lomme Bed.

"Lomme is a restoration project - converting thousands of hours of unsatisfactory, interrupted sleep into deep, replenishing, natural rest."http://www.lomme.com/

Allegedly, Lomme spent two years researching sleep problems to create this futuristic luxury sleeping pod. Their website states that it features light and sound therapy which I believe in layman terms equates to; built in speakers, ambient LED lights and a USB port to plug your iPod into. Superfluous adjectives aside - it's a damn nice bed.

Transporter by Alberto Frias.

“I kind of sat down and meditated, and the sun was shining on me, and I was immersed in the light,” said Mr. Frias, a Las Vegas architect, recalling a day in 2002. “And I had this feeling of expansiveness, of being in the present moment — a trance like state.” via "The New York Times". This fibreglass space capsule comes with a water bed, sub woofer speakers and an array of bright flashing LED lights by Colour Kinetics, designed to synchronise with music. Ambiance sorted, the pod owner can concentrate on zoning out through whatever methods deemed appropriate and wait to be transported to a seriously higher astral plane. You never know, you might meet Mr.Frias there.

Gotta love this guy, really. If you want a night out, count me in. You sound like fun ;)

Those with claustrophobia or prone to epileptic fits need not apply.

http://desirable-designs.blogspot.com/

If I spill tea on Microsoft's interactive coffee table, will it clean it up for me?

2007-10-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

Microsoft's "Surface' coffee table is an interactive touch sensitive computer. Multiple users can interact with the machine by touching or dragging their fingertips , photo's, a paint brush etc. accross the screen. It's also, designed to work in unison with other pre bar-coded gadgets and objects such as phones, cameras, music players and keycards.The possibliltes for this gizmo are endless, excluding perhaps, actually functioning as a coffee table.

Think, the fictional technology seen in the film" Minority Report" minus the gloves and you've got the gist.

The "Microsoft Surface" video below reveals all.

If you fancy a giggle watch "Microsoft Surface - The Parody" by the cheeky sods at SarcasaticGamer.com. It's really funny.

Available from Ikea as a flatpack http://www.microsoft.com/surface/

Touch-feely and versatile. Love thy wardrobe...

2007-10-14T11:39:00.001-07:00

Blend by Karim Rashid

Available as a storage cabinet or wardrobe with a choice of ten different coloured laquered finshes.

http://www.horm.it.com/

I think this design with it's curvy exterior would look great as a fridge? Using different materials, obviously.

Armoire by Pinch.

The Armoire is a collection by Pinch consisting of three different designs featuring a range of wood finishes and colours.

The Alba.

This white wardrobe is my personal favourite from the collection.

Double wardrobes available from £3,840.00 and singles from £2,525 .

Marlow Armoire.

Frey Armoire.

This classical looking wardrobe is available in solid timber and painted finishes. I'm not actually sure why I added the "Frey" wardrobe to my blog as it's really rather dull. Don't buy it.

If you prefer to use the Armoire as as a linen cupboard, kitchen cupboard , media or even a bathroom unit that's not a problem. Pinch have created a wide variety of interior options to cater for individual needs. And, if you can't find what you're looking for, requests can be designed bespokely.

http://www.pinchdesign.com/

Will they fly off the shelves...........?

2007-10-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

Sudoku nerobianco by Mario Bellini.

Available in polish aluminium and blackwhite wood finishes from http://www.horm.it/

Solaio by Carlo Cumini.

The columns are available in natural beech, whitened beech stain and beech with mocha staining. The shelves are MDF panels and are available with the colours listed below with textured finishings.

Colours: White, silver, mocha, graphite, black, green tea, warm gray, rubine red and gold.

www.horm.it

Sendai 2005 by Toyo Ito.

Available with 3 or 6 polished laminated stainless steel shelves. Solid oil-varnished, turned black valnut and alder wood structures, with turns, each at a different angle and a different diameter.

http://www.horm.it/

Really nice investment buy this. The polished steel reflects the surface and ecologically friendly wood.

Ripples by Studio Tecnico Horm.

2007-10-14T09:55:00.001-07:00

Tempered glass top table and matching seats.

Frame in plywood composed of 5 different types of heartwood: walnut, mahogany, cherry, oak, ash and vegetable oil finish.

I haven't seen this table and chair but from the pics it appears timeless. Let's face it , nature never goes out of fashion.

Available from: http://www.horm.it/

Dotty about dots.

2007-10-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Polka dots by Toyo Ito.

These units designed by Japanese born Toyo Ito are available from http://www.horm.it/ .They come finished in either whitened beech or beech with mocha stain. The frame and front are in beech, the circles are made with frosted methacrylate. It includes glass shelves, lights and adjustable feet. I really must get around to having a gander a Toyo's designs. In paper they appear more than great but it's difficult to judge a piece without feeling and seeing it . If I had to judge his polka dot collection, I'd go for understated statement furniture which is a grand feat to achieve. Toyo has definitely peeked my interest.

Tide by Karim Rashid.

2007-10-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

Available in yellow, white, silver, mocha, graphite, black, red rubin, gold, green tea and warm grey lacquered finishes.

Available from:www.horm.it

Dazzling Daydream - Swarovski (again) and Kludi.

2007-10-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

Doesn't it seem like Swarovksi have their crystal fingers in every pie these days?

PASSION “Passion” – uses granite, limestone, ceramic, crystal, glass and chrome to produce an elegant, male friendly luxury bathroom.

“Delight” - consists of limestone, crystal, glass, wood and chrome and creates a bright, calming ambiance.

Bow chica Wa Wa.

2007-10-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.ustogether.eu/

usTogether combines the best of new British and Irish designers to produce different products for the market. They've started with bathrooms and WOW - they've certainly achieved their objective. I saw these products at the "100% Design" exhibition and they're completely and utterly stunning . Such seamless, flowing lines...... drool.

Apparently, Middle Eastern buyers are snapping them up. In fairness , they're the perfect bathroom addition for high end boutique or five star hotels. Watch out for them appearing in posh hotels all over Dubai or fitted on private Saudi jets sometime soon.

I've never wanted to be filthy rich but I'm actually feeling depressed that I may never even get to soak in one of these beauties.

Are Apple ditching their signature white colour?

2007-10-12T19:13:00.000-07:00

The new iMac has an anodized aluminum frame. The iPhone and iTouch are only available in black. The Shuffle was never available in white and the iPod was revamped sporting either black or silver colour options. Are they retiring the colour that set them apart from other computer manufacturers?

Jeez, just when interiors are mostly white and glossy they dump the colour that would match the trend. Must be a man at the helm there.

But never fear "colorware" are available to customise your toys. Offering a broad range of colours and a mix and match colour service to personalise your iPods, gaming consoles, laptops and other accessories, there's no need to suffer black gadgets again. http://www.colorwarepc.com/

On the other hand, having seen the "future iMac concept" by Kromekat - why bother! http://www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/index.php?image_id=1248178&member According to Adam Benton courtesy of Renderosity "The iMac features a 30" ultra-thin LCD screen, which is totally transparent when the iMac is not in use. The screen can also be set to various levels of translucency, and can fade during sleep modes etc. The keyboard is also totally transparent, low profile and a curved ergonomic design, with light sensitive illuminated keys. Everything is of course, wireless".

I wonder when that's available?

Console tables by Johnny Egg.

2007-10-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

Flocked console table.

Suspension console

I love the way he uses shocking colours inside his units to contrast with the outer dark materials. Available from http://www.johnnyegg.com/

2007-10-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

Coffee Tables by Johnny Egg.

2007-10-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

Available from http://www.johnnyegg.com/

Mirror Drink Bar by Johnny Egg.

2007-10-11T20:56:00.001-07:00

You may need to consider hiring a cleaner before buying this handsome piece.

Available from http://www.johnnyegg.com/

Flocked mirrors by Johnny Egg.

2007-10-11T20:48:00.000-07:00

Pink flocked and Aubergine mirror & chandelier

Flocked Victorian mirror http://www.johnnyegg.com/

The lovely Johnny Eggs' twisted designs.

2007-10-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

I've met Mr. Egg twice now. Once, at the "Grand Designs" show and a few years later at the "100% Design" exhibition. He treats the average "Sunday driver" of design shows, the likes of me , who oft frequent these venues, as if they're a huge buyer, and makes individual time to show and chat about his products.

Egg appears to be one step ahead of interior trends. His mirrored twisted furniture collection caught my eye at the show a long time before it became "en vogue". His latest glamorous baroque "ish" designs are also very "Now".

This guy has style and creativity. I just don't understand why he's not more well known as a designer - strange. He's perfect for lignet Roset.

Mantra by FEG.

2007-10-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

I love this bed. It's designed with the Feng Shui principles in mind, such as the very low base and rounded contours. Allegedly, it's covered with a material which mitigates the damaging effects of electromagnetic fields. All that possible boloney aside, it's just one good looking bed.This bed isn't calling me, it's screaming and yelling my name. I can just imagine myself all snuggled up under the duvet ....Available in wenge and teak to fit a 160 x 200cm mattress, or in wenge to fit a 200 x 200cm mattress. Mattress not included. Available from: http://www.europebynet.com/

It's not rocket science - Thelermont Hupton

2007-10-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

The thumb tray - Functional serving tray with thumb hole.

Thumb bowl (from the 'not at the table' range).

Ideal for parties or T.V dinners.

The Lap Mug - designed for lounging. The knee mug.

The Edge Plate. Available from:http://www.thelermontupthon.com/