Design Mind

Calder Jewelry Exhibit

2008-05-15T00:34:00.000-04:00

Recognized as one of America’s most innovative modern artists, Alexander Calder (1898–1976) redefined sculpture through his iconic mobiles, stabiles, and the popular Cirque Calder. Calder’s work in metal jewelry, however, is one form of his artistic output that is less known. Throughout his life, the artist produced more than 1,800 jewelry works of art, each made entirely by hand. This is the first exhibition devoted exclusively to his unique body of jewelry work, and consists of approximately one hundred objects, including necklaces, bracelets, brooches, earrings, and tiaras. Philadelphia Museum of Art. Bottom photo from Artnet.com.

Marimekko Spring Line

2008-05-14T01:00:00.004-04:00

Marimekko has some fabulous new fabrics this Spring that have a vintage modern look to them. Imagine them as wall art, pillows, bags or any other object you like.

Scales

2008-05-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

Scales room divider by Daniel Svahn is a very cool design.

The Great Ceiling Fan Debate

2008-05-11T14:44:00.008-04:00

My husband and I have been discussing the issue of whether to install a hanging light or ceiling fan with a light in our master bedroom, which has extremely high ceilings. I was against a ceiling fan for purely aesthetic reasons. Granted, there are many sleek, modern fan designs on the market these days, but we have a mid-century modern interior design sensibility, and I was having trouble seeing the new, ultra modern fans in that type of interior. Well, I think we've solved the problem. These fans fit my criteria of working well in a mid-century modern interior while providing my husband with the utility of a ceiling fan. Now we just need to find a very tall ladder to install one of these.

Keri Ataumbi, Modernist Native American Jewelry

2008-05-10T20:12:00.004-04:00

Keri Ataumbi has taken Native American jewelry design in a very non-traditional direction by combining the history of modernism with her own personal aesthetic. She approaches jewelry making as a process of creating wearable art, forms that are small sculptures whether on or off the body. At Four Winds Gallery.

Vintage Eyeglasses

2008-05-09T11:42:00.015-04:00

What's old is new in eyeglasses. Allyn Scura offers a large selection of vintage eyeglasses as well as a throwback line they are producing currently. They carry both men's and women's styles and sunglasses too. You'll want to keep a constant eye on the site because they go quickly.

Modern Interior Design

2008-05-07T10:24:00.017-04:00

There are an infinite number of ways to design a modern interior space. Finding ideas from professional designers is a great way to narrow down your options. Decorati is a great place to view hundreds of interiors to draw inspiration from.

Cool Storage From Generate

2008-05-06T10:16:00.000-04:00

Here are some unique and cool storage options from Generate.

Sendai Shelf

2008-05-05T22:56:00.004-04:00

The Sendai Shelf is a beautiful mix or natural wood and glass. The supports are walnut and alder and the shelves are the glass. What a striking combination of organic forms and strong lines. At Conran's.

Bulo Desk

2008-05-04T22:49:00.000-04:00

The Bulo desk has great lines, lots of desktop space and plenty of interesting storage. At Stylepark.

Shiraz Sofa

2008-05-03T21:53:00.000-04:00

The Shiraz Sofa is a comfort seekers dream. This fully upholstered sofa has a modern look that recalls the grandeur of historic French design and the comfort of a bed. Yummy.

Modern Mom At Chiasso

2008-05-02T14:44:00.013-04:00

Got a modern mom? Here are just a few gift options for modern moms at Chiasso.

Cement Planters By Pull And Push

2008-04-30T23:07:00.008-04:00

These cement planters from Pull + Push have a great modern architectural design to them that is all the more interesting due to the fact that they are each a little less than perfect. I think the are sublime.

Soleil Outdoor Furniture

2008-04-29T21:03:00.000-04:00

A fresh design to add interest to outdoor living, Soleil is perfect for lounging and entertaining. Constructed of steel mesh, it features a powder-coat finish for added durability and three color options. At Room & Board.

20th Obsession Jewelry

2008-04-28T10:46:00.001-04:00

Amazing mid-century modern jewelry from 20th Obsession.

One Smart Car

2008-04-27T17:38:00.005-04:00

As you may have seen in a previous post here, I'm a Smart Car fan. If your thinking about getting one you better get moving because the waiting lists in the US are growing. The Smart Car web site now has a car delivery date estimator which is accurate within 90 days. That just goes to show you how hard it is to get a good thing nowadays.

The Spa At Nemacolin

2008-04-27T14:11:00.009-04:00

With a mix of Asian and modern design, The Spa at Nemacolin Woodland Resort in Western Pennsylvania is not only a luxurious retreat, it's a wonderful design feast. You can take many of the ideas you'll see there and apply them to your personal space.

MIA

2008-04-25T10:31:00.002-04:00

I want to apologize for not posting so regularly as of late. It isn't easy being a one woman show and things have been a bit tough. I will post later today and try to get back to posting at least six times a week. Thanks for understanding.

You can help by sending this link to all your friends and bookmarking it for daily visits. The more visitors I get the easier it is to keep the blog going.

Thanks, Susan

Garbo Affordable Accent Seating

2008-04-22T21:36:00.008-04:00

Finishing off a living or entertaining space can cost a pretty penny. Garbo Contemporary Furniture offers some very affordable options in accent seating that will compliment just about any design sensibility.

Wall Of Water

2008-04-21T21:37:00.004-04:00

A friend of mine is designing his new salon and I have offered my services with the interior. We were talking about having a wall of water and I thought of a restaurant I love called Soba in Pittsburgh. They have this wonderful wall of water on slate tiles. The water forms a continuous sheet down the slate that is hard to capture in photos but I find it so beautiful and tranquil in person.

Silver Manzanite Tree

2008-04-17T20:32:00.003-04:00

Whether you're looking for a sculptural piece or jewelry storage and display, this Silver Manzanite Tree is stunning. What a fabulous addition to any decor.

Jewelry From Mio Studio

2008-04-13T16:55:00.010-04:00

Mio Studio successfully combines natural wood grains with metal and cable for a unique modern look. It's organic and industrial at the same time and so expertly executed.

Paige Russell Ceramics

2008-04-12T20:01:00.005-04:00

Paige Russell's work is pure of form and color. Her Sprout series has a wonderful modern look and is so usable. She has great talent.

Christa Coconut Lamps

2008-04-11T12:46:00.000-04:00

These Coconut Lamps from Christa have so much character in the coconuct wood and yet they sport a throwback shape to mid-century modern design. They come in a variety of sizes and shade options to suit any room. A beautiful way to bring an organic elemment into your modern space.

Aqualife Circling Shower

2008-04-09T18:55:00.000-04:00

I find many self contained showers to be quite utilitarian looking and lacking in good design. The Aqualife Circling shower is a wonderful exception. It has a minimal modern look while still providing all the bells and whistles such as 10 massage jets, a radio and mp3 player jack. I could get used to facing this every morning.