eyewash design: "everyday" inspiration for the home.

the TV in my mind - one piece at a time...

2008-02-27T07:42:00.005-05:00

OK, I've been obsessed with Johnny Cash's "One Piece at a Time" ever since I can remember. Come on. Who amongst us doesn't honestly feel great delight envisioning the blue-collar worker sticking it to the man? It might be because nearly all of Cash's songs are so serious that this particular one never fails to make me happy. As he sings, the TV in my mind never fails: it always showed Johnny singing with a great big smile on his face - something he rarely showed in public.

Much like discovering the perfect side table, or lamp, I knew exactly where to place this. I couldn't keep it to myself, this is vintage Cash, after all! Doing a music video...sometime in the 1970's. With June Carter Cash! And, here I'd thought Michael Jackson was the first? Duh, of course the King of Cool did it first! I'm just sorry I couldn't give you a better living room Johnny and June! At least you're featured on a flat screen and at least it's hi-def., so you can watch up-close-and-personal just how hilariously charming this is.

It would do all of us good to take a couple of minutes and watch this classic number. After all, Johnny's got a good point. As much as we'd like for some things to happen instantly, sometimes we have to bloody well wait. That's just life. Slowly, steadily building, one piece of a time - all we need is patience. Just look at Cash in the end! He's ditched his guitar and is standing on stage in a tuxedo, proudly belting the tune out with one of the biggest smiles I've ever seen! Woo-hoo! I might have to make this vintage video posting a habit. Thanks, Mr. Cash. Now, go forth and get your piece, people!

wipe the slate in 2008!

2008-02-19T20:40:00.029-05:00

Photo by Malaysian phototgrapher Abdur Rashid (flickr user: Ibnu Yusuf). See more here.

A very happy new year to all. Since this is the first post of 2008, I wanted to pass along a neat little tradition I've been practicing for almost a decade. This idea sprung from ing to have positive reinforcement on a daily basis, in the most simple way possible.

As a purveyor of things, I began by thinking about of the great stuff we use on a daily basis, without even as much as a second thought. And you might be surprised at the sheer amount. Unfortunately, in today's hustle, we often neglect to recognize simple beauty. After all, everything essentially boils down to a series of "hi's" and "byes". Some are thoughtless - others, insignificant. Some first seem trivial, then turn highly relevant. Yet, when we actually take a moment to think, a lot surprisingly "stick": the good, the bad and the ugly. Though, if we're not careful, life can quickly pass. For, it does not wait. If life's all about those "hi's and "byes", then why not try and make them the very best?

Thus, rather than coming up with resolutions I'd only feel guilty about not achieving later, such as -->blog daily<-- I committed to a yearly "motto resolution", instead. This highly scientific methodology is KISS all the way. Each year's motto must rhyme with the corresponding year, while remaining short enough to fit on a mobile phone. By roughly calculating the sum total of times one opens and closes one's mobile phone on a daily...a weekly...a monthly and ... on a yearly basis, one would be surprised by how quickly the numbers add up. A positive affirmation at the ready, subconsciously helps make those "hi's" and "bye's" all the more meaningful. It really can't get more simple than this.

Photo by: Artist, Teacher & funny flickr user, Tamelyn. Original here. Check out more of her work.

Let me tell you, the contest was fierce. Unlike previous years, 2008 afforded a bevy of possibilities. Foregoing the risk of sounding every bit the cliche INXS song, some were: Don't be Late; Try Not to Hate; Love Your Mate ... even Fornicate in 2008, were contenders.

However, while all good practices, none exactly qualify as a "life philosophy". Then, serendipity hit: "Wipe the Slate in 2008!"! Over the years, a bevy of friends, family and associates have adopted this simple positive practice and it feels as though we've stumbled onto a sort of "pay it forward" idealogy. Change is always much more manageable in small chunks. Therefore, having ability to switch it every 365, allows each practitioner to consciously breathe fresh life into every new year. Feel free to use the practice, because the more people who do, the better it gets for everyone.

With February's end's fast approaching, this year's "simple" wiping has already proven more difficult than anticipated. Then again, nobody said simple meant easy and we all know it's more than a little difficult for a leopard to change its spots. After spending the last month or so figuring out how to practice what she preaches, this leopard's already feeling spent. Wiping our slates may help to keep things simple while and practicing it can be highly rewarding, it can also prove most difficult. In this, I'm no different. I've got clutter. We all have clutter. In fact, we have entirely too much clutter. We're surrounded by and bombarded with it - whether it be physical, mental or spiritual clutter. Thus, 2008's the year I've made a commitment to de-clutter. I'm wiping it, baby! All of it! And, if feels positively de rigeur!

Interior shot of my living room. The vintage indoor swing pays homage to more simple childhood days of growing up in the south. Sitting in and swinging, immediately takes me back to more leisurely days. The fact it's now in NYC - the very epitome of a non-relaxing environment, it allows for an instant daily shake-off. I always place fresh flowers - or an art installation - on the light box table. It's the first thing one sees upon entering and the last upon leaving. The Zen wall hanging is a recycled chip board door, painted red. For more info., visit: nycloft

Fortunately, the ancient Chinese figured the formula out thousands of years ago. By brilliantly combining the laws of Heaven (astronomy) and Earth (geography) to help one improve life, those feung shui Masters truly left us a gift. Don't know about you, but I'll graciously accept most help coming my way. After all, something that can't hurt, can only help. At worst, it does nothing. So?

Two words spring to mind. Feng shui. The phrase literally translates into English as "wind-water". In fact, early practice relied on astronomy to find correlations between humans and the universe and was thus inseparable from the political power of pre-modern China. Hum. Seems the more things change, the more they really do stay the same! Specifically, feng shui followers practice the art of arranging objects - such as the internal placement of furniture in a space - to achieve harmony with one's environment. It's also used for choosing the most suitable place to live; for plotting a burial site - even for agricultural planning. Proponents claim practicing the principals of feng shui can aide in positive effects of health, wealth & personal relationships. To others, it's a pseudoscience. The goal of today's feng shui is to situate the human built environment on spots with good qi. The "perfect spot" is both a location and also an axis in time. Some areas are just not suitable for human settlement and should be left in their natural state. For all its conjecture, it really is more manageable than one might think.

With this firmly in mind, I plan on delving more deeply into the practice. However, for now, I'll leave it to another post. But, I do firmly believe all things begin and end in the home. Often, when things in our personal lives don't seem to be "working", recognizing the root of our issues is a good start. This isn't as easy as it sounds. But, by understanding what's good and what not, what needs improving and what good staying put, the next step is to conceive a firm plan to begin simplifying our lives. By wiping our collective slates, lets hope we can all begin to gain some clarification and get some peace of mind. Bit by bit, we can all move onward and upward in 2008!

boyms' babel blocks

2007-12-27T16:03:00.003-05:00

Meet Moishe, Nafisa, Mary, Chen & Jose. These solid wooden blocks, by Constantin & Laurene Boym, were designed to promote tolerance & respect, as well as to celebrate New York City's unique melting pot. Each member of the posse is 6" tall & features silk-screened clothing. The Babel blocks were featured in Metropolitan Home this month, so I'm a tad late on the tip ---> sorry!

Ask yourselves: What is truly unique about New York City? The museums? NOPE! The opera? GUESS AGAIN. The architecture? Well kind of. BUT, what truly makes NYC unique is its people. Yes, the men & women busily going about their day on the noisy city streets - a fascinating mix of races; religions & cultures.

Boym Partners do a fantastic multi-media job celebrating this spirit with a souvenir of New York's religious & cultural diversity. The hip, peace - loving crew's available for purchase for $75, per set of five. They can be found at various design-y stores like Moss. And, each block has its own MySpace page (click on each name in the first paragraph to go there). The Boyms' page ---> here.

BABEL VIDEOS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

the BABEL TOURISTS: watch as a "Jesus Saves" t-shirt wearing construction worker aides Moishe & Nafisa:

the BABEL ELEVATOR: watch Moishe, Mary, Jose & crew get into the same elevator & not spark "beef":

BOYM BIOS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

Laurene Leon Boym born in NYC & earned a BFA from School of Visual Arts in 1984 & earned a MID from Pratt Institute in 1993.

Prior to joining BOYM Partners Inc., she worked at Smart Design, Inc. & Carbone Smollan Associates. She was the Designer in Residence at Cooper Hewitt in 1993. Also in 1993, her work was the subject of the ground-breaking exhibition Mechanical Brides @ the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum. She joined BOYM in 1994, bringing humor / fun to products & exhibitions.

Laurene Leon Boym was a founder of Association of Women Industrial Designers (AWID) in 1992, co-curating Goddess In the Details in 1995 & ran the organization between 1995-97. She's been teaching product design @ Parsons since 1995 & is the mother of seven-year-old Bobby Boym.

<---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

Constantin Boym, born in Moscow in 1955. He graduated from Moscow Architectural Institute & in 1984-85 he earned a Master's degree in design from Domus Academy in Milan.

In 1986 he founded Boym Partners Inc. in New York City. His studio's designs include tableware for Alessi & Authentics, watches for Swatch. Exhibition installations include: Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum & the National Building Museum. Objects designed by Boym Partners are included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Constantin is the author of the book New Russian Design, published by Rizzoli in 1992. From 1988 - 2000, he taught at Parsons School of Design, where he was a coordinator of Product Design Department.

UPCOMING BOYM PARTNERS STUFF ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------->

Deitch Projects is known for their interactive performances that incorporate the artist and their space, eg. Fisherspooner. "Things I Have Learned In My Life So Far" is a new exhibition by Stefan Sagmeister, one of today's most innovative and influential graphic designers. Boym Partners has been commissioned by Stefan to initiate a live performance in the gallery window on January 31, 2008 (76 Grand Street: SoHo, NYC). Can't wait!

lovegrove & repucci's nyc delft porcelain dinnerware

2007-11-20T10:15:00.000-05:00

The classic tradition of Dutch Delft craftsmanship hits the streets of New York City in lovegrove & repucci's 'New York Delft' Porcelain dinnerware collection.

Each place setting is made of fine porcelain and has five pieces; a dinner plate, a side plate, a soup bowl, as well as a cup and saucer.

While there is certainly a lot of tablewear on the market, I find this collection completely unique, scoring a cool factor of 10.

CB2 opens in Manhattan.

2007-11-14T09:29:00.000-05:00

FEATURED (TOP RIGHT) FAR EAST APPETIZER PLATE - $1.95 ea.

Last Wednesday was a busy one. After waiting months for Crate & Barrel's (CB)"2" flagship store opening, New Yorkers' were finally appeased. Located on thelower end of Broadway (451) - teetering on the furthest regions of SoHo - the flagship CB2 location is conveniently situated two blocks from the Canal Street N,R,W station. The store is dazzlingly eye-catching & in true CB fashion, has been executed in such a way that a fan of its goods feels as if they're walking through a real-life catalogue. CB2's offerings are certainly well made, inexpensive, colorful & fun - but those expecting ground-breaking designed goods might just want to shop elsewhere.

However, its SoHo opening provides the long needed gap-filler between super high-end, costly furniture / home accessory items & well-executed, affordable, tried-and-true designs in "furniture alley". Where La-z-Boy tried two years ago opening a concept store on Wooster St., carrying Todd Oldham's exclusive line & failed, CB2 seems to have perfected a winning formula. This is precisely why I predict this will not be the company's only store location for very long...

While CB2's not for everyone, it certainly offers something for everyone. The Peekaboo clear acrylic accent tables are a stand-out, priced from: $159-$329. At under $300, the Silverado glass & steel dining table offered in round & rectangle are elegant, classic & are a true bargain. And while not the least expensive daybed options, the Lubi & the See-Saw sofas are smart, space-saving guest (or regular) minimal bed options.

TOP LEFT: COCONUT BED-$999.00; INDIE BED-$499.00; MERCURY BED-$799-899.00. RIGHT: ENGLISH STRIPES-$14.95 - $79.95; SOLID STRIPES-$29.95-119.00; PAIVANTASAAJA-$29.95-109.00; SUVETAR-$19.95-89.95; KALA-$29.95-119.00 & SUVETAR-$19.95-89.95 (linens)

There are also plenty of cash-and-carry items on hand to delight the "must-have-something-right-now" shoppers. For you "exclusive" shoppers, in-store items also appear to be on offer. For example, I purchased a beautiful ultra-thin, stainless steel hammered bowl for $39.95. After a cursory online search, the only comparable one found was by the Conran Shop, for a whopping $125.00. Seeing the CB2 bowl & the Conran Shop's side-by-side, even the most discerning eyes wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Shhhhhhhh! From my lips to yours...

Depending upon how you view it, the staff is very eager to help the multitudes buzzing about & they're also fairly knowledgeable. I spoke with Kelly, who spent a great deal of time explaining the differences between the catalogue & in-store shopping "experience". Among many things, she explained that CB2's upolstery is crafted in High Point, N.C. This is something that made me personally very happy, as many American furniture companies are sneakily & very rapidly fleeing N.C., shifting their manufacturing operations to China. This should also make U.S. consumers who care about such things very happy. For, not only does N.C.-made furniture ensure wait times are less than 12 weeks (the time it takes for containers to cross the ocean & go through customs), but, in purchasing nationally made products, one can also feel good about supporting one of the last industries still manufacturing in our country.

If you're searching for a wide array of fabric options, you're barking up the wrong tree. However, the plus side to this is that most upolstered items are in-stock (housed at CB2's N.J. warehouse) & are available for delivery within three days. If not stocked, they're shipped directly from N.C. & delivered within eight days. This is like a dream come true for anyone whose been caught in the quagmire of ordering comparable furniture & know all too well the 3-6 month lead times associated.

TOP LEFT: CHET SOFA- $899.00; RIGHT: ECLIPSE PENDANT LAMP- $19.95; AUDREY WALL CLOCK: $49.95; WILDGRASS PILLOW- $29.95; ADDAA HAND SCULPTURE-$49.95 and MARIMEKKO® RO WALL HANGING-$24.95 - $39.95

Additionally, a handy in-store computer kiosk makes gift-registry a cinch. After selecting items with the store's tagging gun, a giftee's list is generated & instantly uploaded to CB2's website. When sending out invitations, the person adds their registry note & guests can either go to the store, or online, to purchase listed items. Even better, the most finicky of those registered may go online at any point thereafter to make changes to their list & to see which items have been chosen. Way neat-o!

CB2's scaled-down furnishings make for perfect solutions to the quintessential minute urban spacial challenges. In addition the the regularly sized floor rugs, they offer a great selection of on-premises FLOR tiles at more than reasonable prices. Their Marimekko prints are beautiful & the $24.95 - $89.95 price-points nearly make one guiltily feel as if they're walking out with a "steal".

New Yorker's should be pleased to know the store offers a courier service for all five boroughs. The charges vary, depending upon amount of items purchased; cost of goods & same-day, or next-day delivery; but start @ $15.00 and should be no more than $69.00. This is perfect for anyone setting up an apartment, readying themselves for a gathering, or simply wishing to save themselves a schlep around town. All in all, if you're downtown, a visit to the new CB2 store should be on your go-see list.

Halloween Mod. Lamp

2007-10-31T16:33:00.000-04:00

In keeping with the spirit of today & as tomorrow's the Day of the Dead, I thought I'd share this little number. It's another light brought to you by en Pieza. I'd venture to say this one's a perfect feature for any adult Halloween party! Again, if you're into having something nobody's seen anywhere, or need something for that person who has everything, En Pieza's the place to go. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Artist Charlie Harper: a Tribute.

2007-10-28T20:28:00.000-04:00

Career illustrator, father & husband, Mr. Charley Harper passed in June, leaving a staggering body of work in his 60-year prolific career. Charley, is succeeded by his wife of 60 years, artist Edie Harper & his son, Brett Harper. Best known for his colorful & reductive illustrations of nature & animals, Charley - as he preferred - was born on 04 August, 1922 in Frenchtown, West Virginia. In addition to his illustrious art career, Harper was a WWII veteran, serving during his tenure as a student at the Arts Academy of Cincinnati.

After graduating in 1947, Charley & Edie were married. Around this same time, Charley won the distinction of being the first-ever winner of the Wilder Traveling Award. Charley & Edie honored both the award & simultaneously, their nuptuals, by traveling for several months across the western United States. Upon returning from his inspirational travels, Harper began working for a commercial art studio in Cincinnati. Shortly thereafter, he began working soley as a freelance illustrator for clients including: the Ford Motor Company; Golden Press; Crosley Broadcasting Corporation & the U.S. National Parks Service.

ABOVE: HARPER'S LAST COMMISSIONED WORK, A POSTER FOR CORNELL UNIVERSITY'S BIRD LABORATORY, COMPLETED IN 2005.

Charlie Harper, both an artist & a conservationist, designed posters for every state in the U.S. In retrospect, his depictions of each region's unique wildlife has visually helped to shed light on North America's rapidly disappearing nature . Harper's last commissioned work was a poster for Cornell University's Bird Laboratory (above), completed in 2005. The Cincinnati Museum of Modern Art featured a retrospective of his prolific work last November that runs throughout 2007.

ABOVE: "PAINTED BUNTING", ONE OF HARPER'S ORIGINAL LIMITED SILK-SCREENS PRODUCED IN 1952 FOR LONG-DEFUNCT LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE, FORD TIMES (produced by the Ford Motor Company). LATER FEATURED IN THE (out of print) BOOK, BIRDS AND WORDS'.

Not only is Harper's appealing style clearly of the spare & modern tone we associate with the mid - century movement in art & design, but he was a capable naturalist who has been called, "THE Audubon of his time." His depictions of flora & fauna convey - with only the most necessary marks - the true essence of his subjects. Charley managed to be a humorist without anthropomorphizing the animals he chose to depict. One gets the sense Mr. Harper not only didn't feel the remove of human distance or superiority toward his subjects, but that he greatly respected with a keen observational power, the intricacies & sublime design of nature.

Last year, I was fortunate to have been involved in hosting an art exhibit for Charley in SoHo, NYC. He was in poor health, but graced the attendees of the first-ever collective retrospective exhibit of his work. Mr. Harper was one of the most gracious people I've ever met. The feeling of being able to celebrate alongside Charley as his beginning works came full-circle near the very end of his life, is an indescribable moment. As most artists' are rarely afforded the opportunity to see the fruits of their labors recognized, it was an honor to share in this monumental occasion. That Harper's silk-screens have now ushered his name to the lips of generations 50 years later, is the true testament of his enduring work.

ABOVE: HARDCOVER MEASUREMENTS: 18.5" X 13" - 440 PAGES

"Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life", (pictured above) was designed by: Todd Oldham, was launched this Fall. Inside: a collection of Charley's art from 1947-2006, including: illustrated work from Betty Crocker's 'Dinner for Two', 'The Golden Book of Biology', 'The Animal Kingdom', 'Ford Times', National Parks Poster & the Cornell Lab of Ornithology poster - among others. There are two available editions: the Limited & the Popular. The Limited comes in the actual size of Charley's silk-screen prints: 18.5" x 13", is 385 pages, featuring over 500 images & includes a silk-screen print! The Popular is sized: 12" x 8.5" with an embossed cover.

For more information: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charley_Harper

Modern Cat Box

2007-10-27T00:46:00.000-04:00

You guessed correctly. It's furry Friday here on eyewash. In tribute to my own mixen, wanted to share an innovative little number I discovered some moths back... Can't recall exactly where I uncovered this, but haven't been able to get it out of my mind since.

The Kattbank's a litter box designed by architects Travis Weedman & Arielle Glade for the feline-inclined modernist. It's innovative design tackles the oft challenging space-sharing issues for cat-owners with style, finesse & function.

Kattbank's duality is akin to winning the lottery twice - in one day! As a both bench & litter box concealer, it's this cat-lover's dream come true!

Made from hardwood & finished in sleek lacquer, it comes in 14 different colors & four wood veneer finish options. While the standard Kattbank's dimensions are: 48/60W x 20H x 18D, they'll do custom sizes & are up for trying their damndest to match a custom color for you. Love this option. Used to have a wonderful old Australian gentleman who would mix-to-match anything I brought to him. A flower - please! Leaf? Lipstick? Rock - no worries, mate was all he ever mustered & I was disappointed not once. There wasn't a challenge too great. Not many people do that these days, so kudos to you guys at Kattbank!

They even sealed the interior with lacquer to repel those icky cat pee-pee smells. This feature's sure to be a good recipe for more manageable cleaning. There's a removable plastic grid that creates a walk-off area to remove litter before your cat steps out. Those hit my two Eww Factors: 1- standing over the dreaded box to clean! 2- When barefoot & walking around, stepping on those stray litter bits. Eww times two!

Could this get any better? Apparantly so. Because there are removable & adjustable interior dividers, which means if you have two litter boxes, you can put them both inside. With only one box, you can divvy the space & do with it what you like. This thoughtful design feature means a lot to a New Yorker without any closets! And speaking of, as the designer's are both architects who do wonders in cat toilet furnishings, I'd love to see what they turn out for people! Will definitely be watching for their next feat! Visit the site for more information: here.

Just couldn't resist adding this image. How hot is that chair with the bench? Happy Friday & a good weekend to all!

Recycled Pull-tab bags by Escama

2007-10-24T15:07:00.001-04:00

Ok, I know, two posts in a row - on handbags. Well, a good thing's a good thing, so who am I to deny? This gorgeous sustainable bag collection by Escama (fish scales, in Portuguese) is produced by the craftswomen of cooperatives located in Brasilia, Brazil. Prices for their goods are set by-the-cooperative & production is in-their- control. Every bag comes with an individually signed card by the artisan. How great is this? Helping women AND looking glamorous in the process. Even Zsa Zsa would be proud. Really, a win-win.

Bags #1-2: the Socorro Shoulder Bags by Escama ($95.00) are roomy enough for a day bag & glitzy enough for a serious night out. They're hand-crocheted, consisting of over 700 re:cycled aluminum pull-tabs. Lightweight, smooth textured & it has a supple expandable weave design. STATS: H6" x L12" x W2", Strap: 21" (crochet padded for comfort); zipper closure; nylon lining, including an inside zip pocket.

Bag #3: the dainty Chica Rosa Cosmetic Clutch ($35.00) has room to fit: a mobile; keys; cosmetics & pocket cash. It's a superb little accessory that won't bog you down. Hand-crocheted, it brags of over 200 recycled aluminum pull-tabs in construction. It's small, but packs a punch. STATS: H4" x L18" x W1"; featuring zipper closure with nylon lining.

Other available styles:

the FRANCISCA (500 re:cycled tabs @ $77.00)
the TONIA clutch (350 re:cycled tabs @ $77)
the MASHA (1,600 re:cycled tabs @ $160.00)
the LUCI tote (1,500 re:cycled tabs@ $250.00)

On Escama's site, all six styles are available in five colors. There, you'll see the expanding line, including a bracelet & a belt (not yet available). It's worth a visit.

trash design

2007-10-23T20:01:00.000-04:00

Move over Donatella & make way for eco-tech chic! Made of recycled computer circuit boards, this nifty little number comes in countless designs. Each one is hand-made & therefore, uniquely one-of-a-kind. This makes for one sustainably sassy little number.

If the mere style factor isn't motivation enough, then get this: TRASH DESIGN is a department of the Dismantling & Recycling Center of Vienna, whose main aim is to re-integrate & to re-qualify the long-term unemployed & disabled who make these items.

If you take one minute & think about this concept, it's mind-blowing. Not only are their goods mostly made by re:cycling cast-away items, but, by & in this process, they're attempting to rehabilitate the socially discarded! That's literal & figurative poetry in motion, folks. Karma factor: 10 of 10.

Recap: By acquiring one of their products, you'll be supporting a social AND an environmental cause, simultaneously.

If you're feeling the vibe & live in Europe, or know someone who does (products aren't yet sold internationally), it can be yours for EUR130.00. That's USD185.22 / NZD246.11 / AUD207.12 / CAD179.17 or HKD1,435.59, respectively. Wherever you might be, whatever your beliefs, you've got to give it to the Austrians for conceptualizing this uniquely produced, stylish product.

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Three Beds for the Price of ONE! From Infant to Toddler to Teen.

2007-10-22T13:09:00.000-04:00

Before anyone asks... NO, I don't have children that I'm aware of and NO, I'm not expecting one anytime soon. However, I sincerely believe there's a bit of a baby boom happening that nobodies talking about, because every gal around me has either just had a child, or is expecting (and conversely asking me what my problem is). Perhaps it's just the water in NYC, but I've consulted mates around America & even as far away as Australia & they've reported similar findings - usually while stroking their expanding tummies. In the course of this highly scientific study, I began thinking about just how far we've gotten in terms of modern baby accoutrement's.

It seems serial entrepreneur Philip Erdoes (also responsible for "The Girl with the Pearl Earring") had another genius idea when he conceptualized duc duc back in '04. Then, I was working at a certain iconic NYC architecture firm & perversely aware of interior offerings when he first mentioned the idea. I was very excited about the prospect & told him as much. Back in these old days, there wasn't a lot on offer in the baby market that didn't include pastel colors & a lot of fluffy crap. Just thinking about it makes me want to upchuck - yes, it was that dire!

Or was it? It seems I'd missed one designer whose been plugging along since the early 90's. Name: Roberto Gil. Roberto was in Tribecca designing furniture when I was in high school worrying about which outfit to wear. Starting in the same downtown loft where Jeff Jamieson, also a furniture designer, lived (@ the time, Jamieson was churning out color plywood furniture out of Donald Judd's SoHo basement). Oh the incestuous world of furniture!

Born & raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Brooklyn-based designer & architect Roberto Gil was earned a Masters in Architecture from Harvard University & worked as an architect for Fox & Fowle, as well as Agrest & Gandelsonas, before starting his furniture company, Casa Kids, in 1992.

It wasn't long before Gil’s colorful pieces were seen in the windows at Barneys New York (Mr. Doonan does have a great eye), FAO Schwarz & in museum shops of the Whitney, the Guggenheim & the MoMA. He's been a busy-bee, designing successful furniture ranges for the likes of: Offi, Simplicity, Alex Toys, Ameriwood, Crate and Barrel & Williams-Sonoma. His designs are marked by an efficient use of materials & intuitive connection systems. Pieces are less designed than constructed & it's no surprise to hear he cites sawhorses & scaffolding as inspirations for his own “practical minimalism,” amongst others.

Roberto's crib, turn toddler, turn twin bed is part of his spanking new Ola! Collection, launched this month. Defined by its rounded corners & smooth edges, the pieces have an appealing organic softness & sense of containment, without sacrificing their modern aesthetic appeal. The three Ola! Pieces include an armoir, a dresser with a removable changing table top & a crib designed to grow with a child from birth - adolescence. The extended life span of the crib & companion pieces is not the only sustainable design feature of the Ola! collection. The wood is Lyptus & is a fast growing IBAMA certified, plantation grown, Brazilian hardwood. Gil's designs are engineered to reduce the amount of material needed without compromising structural stability. The result: highly durable / strong furniture that's surprisingly lightweight. While made in Brazil, the entire collection can be shipped flat to reduce costs & energy consumption.

So, whilst all of my friends are doing the hard work, I'll happily stick with helping them save some money whilst giving junior a groovy pad in the process. Mum's are forever, but rad furniture sticks. Helping to shape the integrity of the future homes of tomorrow is no small feat & I'm quite happy with this responsibility!

Bic Pen Chandelier

2007-10-21T20:05:00.001-04:00

Stumbled across a wonderful site out of the Netherlands today, called Superuse - "where recycling meets design." It's jointly run by 2012 Architects / Suite 75 & is a community of designers, architects & anyone at all interested in inventive ways to reduce, reuse & recycle. Readers write about & vote on everything from: product design to furniture & interiors, to green design & reuse on an urban scale. It's perfectly friendly & free of the general "airs" one tends to find in these kind of places. If @ all interested in the platitudes of Re: invention : newel : use, this a site is a MUST.

Hadn't planned on being there long, but before I knew it, two hours had passed! You know the saying. Amongst the many gems discovered was this wonderful custom Bic ballpoint pen chandelier ("895 Rome" - 120cm H x 80cm D) by En Pieza commissioned by Misty Beethoven for her Rome shop. Ooh, I do so admire the Italian sense of over-the-top style, wit & glamour! Calgon take me away ----- > straight to the Italian Riveria. However, I digress.

There are varying designs, including table lamps (below) that can be custom ordered for your specifications. For example, the "Volvik 77 NNA" is a single hanging lamp in the pendant style - perfect for smaller dining table scenarios. There are table versions in varying colours, but the "Volvik 50BR" really appealed to my penchant for red. These babies aren't cheap, but what custom Italian hand-made anything is? These are just the right mix of style-meets-quirky that's sure to be a conversation topic for years to come. If you're into having something nobody's seen anywhere, or need something for that person who has everything, En Pieza's the place to go.

okki eyewear

2007-09-10T17:37:00.001-04:00

In starting this "homage to simplicity" concept, I thought, where-the-heck to begin? The sheer volume of possibilities being endless, I immediately found myself careening headfirst into one of those Cher in Moonstruck "Snap out of it!" moments when it struck. Looking no further than the very tip of my nose, I found forgotten inspiration in my trusty Okki spectacles, otherwise known as model #3240.

While my personal DUH quotient in my quest for this first post definitely rated a solid "10", these beauties were a literal "no-brainer". After months of combing NYC for the most distinctive pair of glasses I thought I could stomach, I literally stumbled upon Manhattan Grand Optical (203 Grand St.) after swinging by Ferrara Bakery to grab some goodies.

Based on the phenomenal positive compliments every time I hit the streets sporting these beauties, Okki was well worth the time it took to find them & the nominal investment. The less-than-decade old Italian-based eyewear business is worth checking out & even have cool children's eyewear & sunglasses selections. If you're looking to make a bold eyewear statement, Okki's a sure bet.**The folks at Manhattan Grand are also superb & have a great range of other interesting choices, in spite of the fact they did their best to talk me out of this actual pair**. I'd even venture to say my #3240's were the best investment I made all year!

eyewash 1,2,3: (1) relax, (2) keep things simple, (3) do so daily

2007-08-31T14:13:00.000-04:00

Inspiration in the everyday is an easy concept, yet often it's neglected in our busy lives. Getting lost in the details can makes keeping things simple a rather sticky affair...

HISTORY: eyewash commonly refers to a fluid used in the aid of rinsing eyes. It also describes the apparatus used to physically wash the eyes, in the event of contamination by foreign materials or substances.

A lesser-known definition refers to the "spiffing-up" of base camps, in anticipation of visiting high-ranking officials. Essentially, "making the most" with not a whole lot. Causally, the end result leans toward minimalist as sheer necessity takes precedent. A lot of sweeping dirt out of the way; painting rocks white & simply white-washing nearly "everything" abounds - resulting in eyewash.

Believe necessity to be the mother of invention? Whole-heartily prescribe to the theory of form follows function?
Visual clutter drives you to crazy town? Believe part of today's modern movement must entail environmental; ecological AND social awareness & action?

For whatever reason, if a fan of the clean, modern, minimal aesthetic, then the concept might speak to you. Eyewash will feature the people & things that help to make our lives more simple, beautiful, comfortable & healthy.

Enjoy! I look forward to your feedback!

eyewash design on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/eyewashdesign/

eyewash design on etsy: http://www.eyewashdesign.etsy.com/