Interior Design: 2011

Sunday, March 27, 2011

With the look of translucent marble, the Meltdown sink by Italy’s WET STUDIO is a sleek addition to any minimalist bath. Unlike marble though, the Meltdown is lightweight, being molded of recyclable Polyethylene. A special Teflon molding process allowed WET to reduce micropores in the Polyethylene surface, creating a basin with exceptionally high resistance to damage and stains. The design of the Meltdown also completely encapsulates the drain plumbing for a sleeker look. All of the technology doesn't end in the factory though, once installed the Meltdown really begins to shine, or more accurately, glow. WET has incorporated internal lighting into the body of the Meltdown, providing a soft glow to the basin, which is available in translucent orange, lemon, or white, as well as black. The glow can be customized even further with the addition of a small static projection screen, allowing custom messages or artwork to be projected onto the sink surface from the inside. The experience can even move beyond the visual when you add the internal, amplified speaker system, which hooks up to any CD or MP3 source. Simple yet complex, WET seems to have created the world's first true multimedia wash basin.

What's more Meltdown has an internal projection-shield that can project images from inside to its surface. You can even personalize the images projected to incorporate your company logo or opt for the ones available with WET.

WET's Meltdown washbasin is available in translucent orange, lemon, or white, as well as black. No word on pricing.

Brandt Aion

This appliance designed by Antoine Lebrun is a multifunctional kitchen for Fagor Brandt, meeting of electromechanical and vegetable technology. Thanks to plants used in aerospace industry , this appliance will allow us to improve our quality of life by filtering water and air. In closed position, the workspace and the sink (including dishes inside) are washed up with vegetal soap also provided by plants. The kitchen becomes then a green space in your flat.

the appliance is going to be a green space in your flat by using plants to improve the quality of life, filtering water and air. Lift the upper part and there’s a cooking surface and a sink. Close it down and the system will start the dish washing process, using vegetable soap. the concept is great, but would you buy one right now if it would be available?

Moody Aquarium Sink

Many people enjoy keeping an aquarium. There is something calming about watching tropical fish swimming and the tank is a great focal piece. You usually see the tank in living and family rooms but what about the bathroom? Intalbrass’ Moody Aquarium Sink will liven up boring routines like washing hands and brushing teeth.

It is really a functional aquarium. The tank is watertight and sits on a chrome finish brass stand with an integrated towel rail in the front. Access for feeding and tank maintenance is through the two soap dishes on either side of the sink. Water circulation, oxygenation and filtration are all delivered by the powerhead provided. It’s available for $4700. Let’s say you love fish, but have no extra room for an aquarium. That’s where putting fish in your sink comes in real handy. Or maybe you have so many fish, you’ve run out of places to put them. I’m sure it will be loads of fun watching the fish freak out every time you wash your hands.

Plugless Sink

Here's another way to monitor your water usage in the bathroom: use a plugless sink! It's a modern take on the old traditional basin bowls. In order to get rid of the water in the sink, you have to tip it over. According to its designer Maja Ganszyniec, the act of manually tipping the sink over and dumping out the water makes us more aware of how much water we are using and throwing away. There’s a reason behind this altruistic design though. Since you have to manually pour the water out into a spillway, you’re consciously aware of how much water you’re using. Great, I’m a total water hog so this sink would definitely make me think twice about leaving the faucet running.

Horizontally Integrated Siphon

In the image of modern design with a pinch of minimalistic ingenuity comes Axolute's sink with HIS (horizontal integrated siphon) technology. Brilliant! Instead of trying to hide the clunky pipes underneath most wash basins the HIS neatly rids the sink of water through a slot on the front edge of the basin which routes the liquid back to the wall connection. You can place the Axolute sink on its own or mount it above a vanity either way its clean lines and limited space encroachment makes it ideal for almost any modern space.

For those seeking absolute minimalist style, from Axolute will revolutionise your bathroom design. The stunning polished stainless sink features the HIS system, which replaces the traditional drain pipe usually visible underneath basins. Instead, the water flows along the slot of the front of the basin and back into the wall connection a clever, neat solution. The new washbasins T4, SP11, R52, and F7.5 are all made with the HIS system and introduced by Italian company Axolute at FuoriSalone 2008. The lack of pipes underneath makes these designs particularly effective when mounted by themselves, as well as highly convenient to be fitted over a vanity unit. Experience the simplicity and refined style of these new sinks.

The Origin Sink

Jin-woog Koo and Jae han Song from NOTHING Design Group took creativity to a whole new level and created one of the most unique wash basins we could possibly imagine. Drawing inspiration from the water stream that flows into the sea, The Origin is an allegorical design that uses a stone as its tap. All you have to do is “plug” the cobblestone in the water source and the tap is closed. A prime example of fashionable, modern aesthetics, it’s the easiest way of having your own river flowing through your home. Sidestepping queries about just how snug-fitting those stones will have to be, it’s a relaxing change from the roaring torrent of most sink designs.

The Origin, Washstand by Jin-woog and Jae-han Song, "a wash basin based on the source of a river and the way it flows into a lake. A small cobblestone blocks the source, which starts to spout water meandering down to the basin when the tone is removed. Then, the cobble can double as a plug for the sink."

IT is a washbasin inspired by the "flowing water of a stream" with a unique tap, a stone that releases or blocks the water flow.

Ammonite Sink

Ammonite washbasin made from patented concrete, with fossil-shaped basin, fossil size 64 cm, with integrated waste, including wall brackets, customized size from 900 to 1190 x 560 mm, available in the shades of the current colour range, weight starting from 44 kg.

A ammonite-shaped sink! Spit on an extinct cephalopod, then watch the water go around…and around…and around

There is no word on pricing, but my guess is that it would be very expensive to install. The sink shown is a cast-in-place version within a countertop; however a freestanding version is also available.

Erosion sinks

It serves as a reminder of thousands of years of rainfall and melting snow eroding the earth. Perhaps that is the greenest thing about the Erosion Sink by Gore Design. Every time you use the sink you'll be reminded of the earth's age and our impact on it over time. Gore Design is a company dedicated to sustainability in manufacturing concrete sinks and countertops as well as cabinetry and furniture fabricated of Plybooand formaldehyde-free products. This eco-friendly sink uses glass fiber reinforced concrete instead of using the typical reinforcing steel. This type of reinforcing concrete can be easily molded but still reinforced. This finished product is also lighter as no metals are used in the reinforcing.

Kanera E1

Simply silky. There is no better way to describe the flowing surface of the Kanera 1 E wash basins. Like silk. The liquid form is perfect for it’s intended use. Made for support, fitted or wall mount, there is drama when eyes first fall on this pleasing fixture.

this stunning sink by Graft, the building's award-winning interior designers, is what caught our attention. Looking at the bathroom as "a place of purification, relaxation, revitalization and timelessness, "Graft came up with the 1 E "to sensually stage the poetry of water within the overall concept 'bath.'"

With gently sloping curves that look as much man-made as they look carved by glaciers, the designers clearly have mastered the impossibly sleek organic forms that define today's aesthetic. The sinks will be available for purchase outside the W Hotel and Residences as well.

Fractal 23 dresser

Takeshi Miyakawa Design's Fractal 23 was an early New York Design Week standout at Bklyn Designs. The piece presents a variety of storage options, from full-size drawers to tiny cubbies. It is an Amazing modular cabinet. is more than worthy to take a place next to USB fart warmers and the like. Because by properly staggering 23 drawers of varying sizes, Takeshi Miyakawa has made use of every inch inside this cube.

Wouldn't this be a cool dresser or toy box for a kid? While this piece was undoubtedly designed for an older crowd, it looks like it would be great for storing all of those giant and not so giant odds and ends that babies seem to collect in their first years. Of course, the problem then becomes remembering which drawer contains what.

Drawerment

This idea looks nice, but is not something new, we presented some time ago a similar piece ( Chest of Drawers ), that was made from of discarded drawers, found and rescued at flea markets. Drawerment is a composition of drawers collected from old office furniture. The Drawerment is the creation of Czech designer Jaroslav Jurica of the Hubero Kororo Design Group and it was designed for the Dutch design house, Demakersvan for their renovated studio in Rotterdam. Jurica designed this to celebrate “the 15th anniversary of Tejo Remy’s chest of drawers for Droog Design called “You Can’t Lay Down Your Memory”. The idea as I’ve said is not new, but is another example of have we can use recycled pieces of furniture, to make something unique.

Drawerment is a composition made of old office drawers. Fluttering loosely on the walls, tables or on the floor they freshen up the cold office atmosphere. As a flock they sometimes arrange into groups, otherwise they just float freely in their own way.

Punished to the corner

A smart idea! It is the 'Punished, to the corner!' project, by Cristina Toledo. It is a storage space that can be mounted in any corner of your room and has been shown at the exhibition ‘the inhabitable space’ in valencia, spain. This piece questioned how designer utilize and create personal space, presenting some tangible solutions for those living in tight spaces. With a swing down door to conceal whatever it is you are storing, the triangular corner storage works in any corner space. Multiple units could be mounted to the wall in a tower to take even more advantage of a corner.

Changing cupboard

Front Design has created an awesome furniture called Changing Cupboard, which they exhibited at a recent Milan design show. According to their own words, the cupboard is “built out of turning advertising signs so the expression of its surface changes.” According to my own words, it’s a kick-ass psychedelic pixel-morphing furniture.It’s Simply program what pattern you want and watch it change like a rotating billboard.

Front Design call this a Changing Cupboard, but I tend to think of my cupboard as something over my counters.The Changing cupboard illustrates. The instructions should probably come with an eye-strain warning.

Pocket Library Book Storage for Small Places

Check out this innovative design by Ariel Jacubovich, the Pocket Library, a compact book and CD storage device that folds into a 21 inches (55 centimeters) cube. Made of MDF, the Pocket Library provides a proper space for books and other study material and helps to keep the study table neat and organized. It also comes with straps to keep the books intact and small castors for effortless shifting.

The idea of putting books in a box is usually annoying: they get filled with dust, if you're searching for a specific title you have to turn the box upside down to find it, and the boxes usually end up in a high shelve that you never look at.

The Pocket-Library, however, has a very simple organization with straps that keeps the books organized, it unfolds into vertical panes where you can easily scan for a book, and has small castors that make it easy to move around. The fact that it folds into a cube obviously make it suitable for a small coffee table or bench to keep magazines.

Transformer Shelf

The Transformer-Shelf designed by Martin Sammer prodcut design.

The design of this object allows to participate in the evolution of its shape.By using the TRANSFORMER-SHELF you will constantly rearrange the different units towards each other, creating myriad different shapes. This will have an influence on your impression of the object, the cognition of the surrounding room and the way you identify yourself with the Object.

he 120 x 85 x 75 cm size piece of furniture is composed of eight different modules, which are connected by an interlocking construction system to form a rectangular object. Drawn up in a reduced style, the compact body of the Transformer can be expanded through the active use of the drawer elements, simultaneously revealing the open inner structure.There are overall 20 different possibilities to insert elements in different sizes. The harmonised arrangement of shelf areas,recesses and lateral notches offers a maximal effective area of the modules, which are assimilated to standardised measure-ments. The cumulative height of the object, for example, corresponds to the dimensions of a worktable, while the drawer slots are in accordance with DIN. With a potential extended size of up to 3,7 meters per side the Transformer not only functions as a fluid shelving system, as a free-standing piece of furniture with a levitating character it can also serve as a partition.

Divided chest of drawers

Divided is a chest of drawers created by Front Design that you can divided and put together again so it looks like it defies gravity.

However does it stay up? Details aren’t clear, but we’re presuming that the secret behind the gravity-defying Divided chest of drawers is a wall or a glass support. If it goes commercial, we will discover which.

Surf Chair

Designed by Kenneth Lylover for the ‘Internet Collection’ competition at the Scandinavian Furniture Fair, the Surf Chair snagged the title for Winner of “Best Product” at the event. And from just looking at the thing, you can tell it has earned its spot.

The Surf Chair mounts the monitor at an easily viewed height, though interestingly (and actualy disappointingly) enough, doesn’t include some sort of fold out table for the keyboard and mouse. The peripherals are kinda left hanging on your lap. Though for the name of design, this was probably left out for a reason.

this rocking chair also managed to bag the price of Winner of “Best Product” there. This chair seems to be very comfortable, as you can see from this picture that it is fitted with numerous pillows to support every part of body.

Also the monitor is smartly suspended in front of the user by this one piece work station. However the keyboard and mouse are supposed to be placed as usual on the users lap. The Surf Chair looks like a total dream to use for gaming, or darn near any sort of long-term computer session.

Leaf Rocking Chair

Leaf is a rocking chair allowing the user to sit low to the ground. Its simple form allows the design to flow providing comfort with a polyurethane ball that locks it into any position. Simple, beautiful and full of color. Designed by Lime Studio.

Leaf is designed with a simple curved form and low height to allow multiple positions.

Made with birch plywoood, high density cushion, removable and washable fabric.

Taking inspiration from Mother Nature, the chair is truly rocking and funky and can be used for a number of purposes.

Living Lounge Chair

This marvelous chair by JGreen Design, excellently called the Living Lounge Chair, looks like a regular chair frozen in surprise, owner-caught during its secret nocturnal perambulations. Delightfully Mieville-like (Un-Lun-Dun!) and Burroughs-esque (Naked Lunch, passed through the filter of Cronenberg). $7,500, though, puts owning one well beyond my reach; luckily, $100 of blotter acid and a gin chaser will quickly morph my current chaise longue into a shadowy arachnid monstrosity for 1/750th the price.

The dimensions are 96 x 38 x 30-inch and it definitely has style, looking like a living creature with black arms made of poplar and a body with lavender micro-suede.

Azelea Wood Chair

Azelea branches are often used to form a trunk for other flowering species to wind their way up. They’re solid and fascinatingly gnarled – and it’s not hard to see why designers Wisteria considered them as the basis for this extraordinary Azelea Wood Chair.

feast your eyes on this stunning azalea wood chair!

some varieties of azalea plants have beautiful contoured branches, and are frequently used to keep orchids upright in their pots. their flowers and leaves (really the plants in general) are typically smaller than their rhododendron cousins, so by looking at the thickness of the branches, you can only imagine how large these shrubs must have been.

It is sculptural, commanding and truly extraordinary.

The Buldang Tube

This is a 30ft long tube that’s designed to be moulded into a range of comfortable armchair shapes. Created in Asia, this fun chair will set you back $2,380, so there’s not much chance of having them in every room in your house! Essentially it’s just a sausage shaped bean bag!

The Buldang and it's a 30 foot long plush tube that's designed to be molded into any number of comfortable seating arrangements like an enormous sausage-shaped beanbag (although it's not filled with beans or beads). It does look comfortable but it also looks hilarious. I don't think I could take it seriously unless it was in a kids room (think how much fun that would be!). Created in Asia and produced by Dupont Neotis Studio, the name stands for "modular armchair-sofa." It's covered in a specially ventilated "climate control" cloth and is selling for $2,380.

Octopus Chair

So you’re looking for just the right chair to accent your demon skin rug. Perhaps something tasteful and subtle that conveys your cosmopolitan demeanor. Well, Spanish artist Maximo Riera has just the chair for you.

The Octopus Chair is the first piece of the Animal Chair collection by Spanish artist and designer Maximo Riera. A three-year labor of love, the chair used advanced technology and engineering in order to manufacture and develop it, along with over thirty professionals from four different companies.

Maximo’s unique Animal Chair collection constitutes a diverse range of species, from mammals to reptiles to insects, replicated with biological accuracy and fused with a chair. Maximo began the collection as an homage to the animal kingdom in an attempt to reflect and capture the beauty of nature in each living thing.

Nendo’s Cabbage Chair

‘With Cabbage Chair, the roll’s original shape and function is obscured and its inherent material property gives rise to a unique conceptual object. Without processing or assistance, the work elicits an organic simplicity and carries messages of re-invention, human ingenuity, and delicate beauty.’

‘Since the production process is so simple, we thought that eventually, the chair could be shipped as one compact roll for the user to cut open and peel back at home. The chair has no internal structure. It is not finished, and it is assembled without nails or screws’.

nendo designed the cabbage chair for XXIst Century Man exhibition curated by Issey Miyake to commemorate the first anniversary of 21_21 Design Sight in Roppongi, Tokyo.

Miyake asked us to make furniture out of the pleated paper that is produced in mass amounts during the process of making pleated fabric, and usually abandoned as an unwanted by-product. Our solution to his challenge transformed a roll of pleated paper into a small chair that appears naturally as you peel away its outside layers, one layer at a time.

Resins added during the original paper production process adds strength and the ability to remember forms, and the pleats themselves give the chair elasticity and a springy resilience, for an overall effect that looks almost rough, but gives the user a soft, comfortable seating experience.

Since the production process is so simple, we thought that eventually, the chair could be shipped as one compact roll for the user to cut open and peel back at home. The chair has no internal structure. It is not finished, and it is assembled without nails or screws. This primitive design responds gently to fabrication and distribution costs and environmental concerns, the kinds of issues that face our 21st century selves. Thus, the cabbage chair fits active, optimistic and forward-moving "21st century people", the kind of people who, to borrow a concept Miyake expressed during a meeting with us, "don't just wear clothes, but shed their skin".

Orchid Chair

Definitely a topic of conversation for any guests you have come to visit! Probably more of a focal point than an actual chair, it does have a striking design though, probably making it different to any other chair you’ve got in the house.

Orchid Chair by Christian Flindt is a true piece of modern furniture. Orchid Chair is made from polished fiberglass and comes in 3 color combinations. The chair looks really good when the talk about design that was inspired by an orchid, but I hope is also comfortable.

Many of Flindt’s works are organically styled, with heavy use of flexible ABS plastic to achieve their striking shapes. Perhaps most striking is the Black Orchid; its monotone color interacts with ambient light, which in turn highlights its biological-cum-alien design.

The Conflict Chair

Made by Israeli designer Aviad Gil, the Conflict Chair is crafted from olive wood (just like the branch that universally symbolizes peace) and its design conveys a variety of messages - not the least being that for two sides to be able to sit down, there must always be a compromise.

To the left? To the right? This chair designed by Aviad Gil coveys the message that for two sides to be able to sit down there must always be a compromise. It is made from Olive wood, universally being the branch that symbolizes peace.

Chronarte Water Clock Design

The ChronArte Canna is a spectacular wall clock with real liquid display. A unique design feature for generous and timeless rooms.The twelve crystal clear tubes fill like a cascade with colored water. Minute by minute, hour by hour. When all are filled, the system empties and the cycle begins anew. Continuously flowing water as a symbol for time and its passing. Time as

an endless river. Realized with modern means.

The total height of this elegant clock measures 121 cm. The width measures 72 cm. Liquid colors available on consultation.

At 12 o'clock noon and midnight, all the water drains down to the bottom, starting the process all over again. It's a river of time. It costs a river of money, too, $12,000 to be exact.

Description:

Precious materials – subtly harmonized. Satined, anodized aluminium for the main body. Stable acrylic glass tubes. Specially conditioned water and high-tech ceramics for a long lifespan.

• Total height: 121 cm

• Basic body: height 30 cm, width 72 cm, depth 20 cm

• Columns: height 91 cm, diameter 5 cm

• Weight (filled) ca. 30 kg

• Water content 20 l (no fresh water consumption)

• Energy consumption 6 W at 230 VAC

• Radio-reception (DCF-77-signal) for exact time synchronization. Beyond

• the range of reception a quartz controlled timer is used.

• Automatic changeover from standard to daylight-saving time

• Standard price: CHF 15'000 inkl. VAT

Corpus Clock Design

The Corpus Clock is a large sculptural clock at street level on the outside of the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, England at the junction of Bene't Street and Trumpington Street, looking out over King's Parade. It was conceived and funded by John C. Taylor, an old member of the college.

The Corpus Clock is a new type of clock, said to be the first of its kind and with six patented features. It is also a piece of public art, having the power to mesmerise onlookers and challenge perceptions of the nature of time.

In parallel with a long and successful career as an inventor, during which he has patented over 150 inventions, John Taylor has had a passion for horology and an interest in creating a true mechanical spring-driven clock in the best tradition of the early English clockmakers Harrison of 'Longitude' fame. Indeed Harrison's 'grasshopper escapement' is one of the main influences on the Corpus Clock. However, instead of being hidden inside the clock, the escapement is external and enlarged, taking the form of a chronophage (time-eater) a fearsome beast that drives the clock, literally eating time. It is believed to be the largest grasshopper escapement of any clock in the world.

But as well as performing its escapement function, the chronophage has a repertoire of slow blinks, jaw snaps and tail movements. Below the monster, the time-telling part of the clock is also highly dynamic. The clock has no hands or digital numbers; instead vernier slits are cut into the face. Blue LEDs are arranged behind the slits so that when the escape wheel moves, lights appear to dart in concentric circles and pause at the correct hour, minute and second. So although the lights give the illusion of flashing in sequence, they are actually exposed mechanically. The clock's total power consumption is less than 60W.

Pods Designed for Napping

MetroNaps is a new take on an old idea providing purpose built comfortable facilities for a daytime powernap in city locations. The concept of daytime naps was once a ritualistic part of all our lives as children and in many latin and equatorial countries, the siesta is still a part of the culture. Even NASA has investigated the benefits of controlled naps and found was that performance was improved 34 percent and alertness improved 54 percent.

People just love to isolate themselves from their environment during or after a tough day at work with lights, music and a relaxing posture to take pressure off the heart and troubled mind. Advocates, such as Winston Churchill, Leonardo Da Vinci and Albert Einstein, have preached the benefits of a power-nap and even we second their thought. Have a look at some of the most interesting sleeping pods that simply offers a relaxing place for a power nap to shed the hectic day at work.

Metronaps EnergyPods have been especially designed for powernapping at work. The cocoon-like modest sleep pod is a room inside a room. When you are very exhausted from your hectic schedule and need to take a nap, all you need to do is to get into the EnergyPod. The pod reclines and closes a privacy shield around you.

Nature-inspired and incorporating cutting edge technology is how Lomme line of luxury beds could be described. Lomme stands for Light Over Matter Mind Evolution and the product is an outcome of two-years’ research into various facets of sleep. Designed by Günther Thöny of Thony Projekt, the bed itself is designed like an eggshell and the pod-like structure seems a perfect place to rejuvenate after a tiring day out. Form and function of Lomme employ best that art and technology has on offer.

Private Cloud Rocking Bed

Private cloud looks like a giant rocking chair, or to be more exact like a rocking bed. Private cloud is not a normal bed, is something that wants to revolutionize every bedroom. The bed requires a little more space than a “normal” bed but I’m pretty sure that this bed can offer new experiences to any couple. The bed will sway when someone will touch it, but therefore this section bed has also provided two back plates, that can maintain the a certain angle of tilt, like in the last picture.

If you prefer it sit still, the Private Cloud comes with blocks that hold it in place. The bent wood frame is beautiful, but this bed ends up taking up quite a lot of space, given the shape of the frame and all that rocking.

SwiTCh Table Design

Created by Ellen Ectors and made by Ellesco, swiTCh Table & Chair is a new concept in design furniture. 100% Belgian and completely handmade, it is a chair and a table, a relaxing seat and a small working place in one. It switches instantly and effortlessly.

Encompassing the timeless geometries of both a cube and a sphere swiTCh is formal and playful.The balance of contrasts yet proving highest comfort for sitting and working. Ergonomic aspects of the ball improve the posture, provide energy and help stay alert. Enjoy all the aspects offered by the swiTCh.

Switch Table Chair is a playfully and colorfully designed furniture that is a chair, a table, a relaxing seat and a small working place. Innovative yet a simple piece of furniture it is…Simply perfect!

It is a Clever table and chair design that can switch between an armchair and a stool with table.

John Nouanesing's Paint or Die But Love Me

Geeks and trendsetters alike are very fortunate when it comes to home furnishings as there are so many choices to select from. We’ve seen a lot of different, unique designs such as line art furniture, Revision Tables, and Inflatable Bubble Chairs, but when I saw the paint or die but love me table by John Nouanesing, I thought this is an exceptional design.

The name of this table really captures the spirit of the table as the glossy shine of the table resembles wet paint, while the legs appear to be paint that has been pooling. The color is also striking, a romantic red, the universal symbol of love.

If you’re looking to pick up a John Nouanseing original, you may be waiting for a bit. At this time, this table is still a design concept, and is not available for public purchase. The design is definitely unique, but more then likely, manufacturers may have some trouble recreating the legs, which may not be sturdy enough to support the wait of the table. However, who knows, some creativity in design engineering can certainly make this table a reality. You can bet thought that if this table does get picked up, red will not be the only color, I’m sure you’ll be able to pick any color of the rainbow.

With legs and edges shaped to look like dripping paint, the vivacious red table mesmerizes with its glossy surface and buoyant form that reflects the artist’s romantic disposition and hunger for love!

Leo KWMPF Cardboard Table

We’ve all heard of pieces of furniture that act as conversation pieces, but how about a table that not only starts conversations but actually looks like a giant speech bubble? Brilliant! Constructed entirely of scrap pieces of cardboard, Leo Kempf‘s conversation table is sturdy, witty, and an excellent option if you’re looking for a coffee table that will get your guests talking every time they come over.

The table made from small pieces of cardboard is a giant dialogue bubble. The grooved cardboard sheets are placed on top of the other forming a speech bubble shape; to fill the layers of the sheet plywood spacers have been used. The lightweight Conversation Table offers enough space to keep your stuff.

Fabio Novembre Him and Her Chair

A Chair crafted and sculpted around the female and male forms. Crafted from polyethylene, it is also suitable for outdoor use.

Like most really good rock stars, there are certain themes that inspire them. One of Novembre's themes is sexuality. He professes love for the human form, which he displays adoringly in these beautifully sculpted His & Hers Chairs.

Him & Her are born directly from the ideas behind the Panton Chair. An evolution of the hermaphroditic original, declined into the harmony of the two sexes. They assume sculpted forms like naked models of seduction…but they feel no shame.”

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Badminton Cabinet

It is not enough to say, as everyone will, that the Badminton Cabinet auctioned in London this week for $36.7 million is the most expensive piece of furniture ever sold.

The Badminton Cabinet (or Badminton Chest) was commissioned by Henry Somerset, 3rd Duke of Beaufort, at the age of 19. It took thirty experts six years to create and is named after the Duke’s seat of power, Badminton House in Gloucestershire, where it sat until it was auctioned by his descendents in the late 20th century.

The 18th-century Florentine ebony chest, which is inlaid with hard and semiprecious stones, was never about function. The piece was commissioned in an era when exquisite decorative objects signified wealth and power, just as paintings and sculptures have since. But Thursday at Christie's, this rare work -- only three of its caliber are known -- entered a realm that seemed reserved for fine, mostly impressionist, art. The Badminton Cabinet became the 17th most expensive item conveyed at auction. It ranks behind nine Picassos and four van Goghs, but just ahead of Pontormo's "Portrait of Duke Cosimo I de'Medici" (it was in Medici's workshop that the chest was made). Every other entry in the art market's Top 20 is a painting.

Dragons Chair

This expensive armchair belonged to a Paris-based art dealer before finding its way into the hands of Yves Saint Laurent, founder of the eponymous YSL luxury brand. Reportedly, that very same art dealer is the person who paid ten times the chair’s estimated value to procure it at a Christie’s auction. The chair was made by Irish designer Eileen Gray sometime between 1917 and 1919. Called the “Dragons” chair, it is one of Gray’s masterpieces and was expected to sell for €2-3 millions.

Tufft Rococo Table

The Tufft Rococo-style table was sold at a Christie's auction house in Philadelphia for the enormous amount of money of $4.6 million. Even though this was taking place in January 1990, no other piece of furniture has been able to surpass this outstanding feat and sell for a larger amount. However, the oak and glass table designed by Carlo Mollino in 1949 got somewhere close to it, as it was estimated last year at $3.8 million.

Originally, the Tufft Rococo-style table was traded at an auction house of Christie in Philadelphia. Initially priced $4.6 million during the auction, it is expected to have grown up these days. Although the auction had taken place long back in 1990, no other piece of furniture has been able to surpass this outstanding feat in terms of price as well as its style and uniqueness. According to its manufacturers, the oak and glass table designed by Carlo Mollino in 1949 , priced $3.8 million has some similarity with the tufft table

Named after its creator, the elegant piece of furniture is valued such a high price especially, due to its exclusive design intended initially for a rich owner residing in New Jersey. It was one of his direct descendants, Samuel Harrison Gardiner, who finally put it on sale.

Carved by Thomas Tufft long before during 1775-1776, the superb and fabulously expensive table has remained as the most exclusive piece of artistic superiority of the rococo furniture manufacturers. Initially, emerged as a particular style in art and home-interiors in late 18th century France, later it goes a long way to inspire artists and designers around the globe, including the American cabinetmakers.

Rococo-style furniture features a range of ornate furniture, which includes elegant tapestries, ornamental mirrors and other lavish trappings. The Tufft pier table, named after its creator, Thomas Tufft, was completely hand carved for general store owner Richard Edwards of Lumberton, New Jersey. The antique table with outstanding appearance features pierced fretwork and long legs, which ends up with narrow ankles and detailed ball-and-claw feet.

The most impressive thing about the world’s most expensive table is definitely not its price, but that it has retained its position for nearly two decades. It’s an enduring work of art!

Pininf Arina Aresline Xten

Pininfarina, a design firm that is known for designing luxury cars like Ferraris and Cadillacs, is responsible for designing the world’s most expensive office chair. Unbelievably, this chair costs more than most Ferraris!

Priced at $1.5 million dollars, Pininfarina’s Aresline Xten could be the most comfortable chair ever made. The Dynamic Synchronized Tilting system allows users to tilt the back and the seat independently while the Technogel in the cushions makes them conform to the shape of the user. The chair is also made from a durable fabric called Dynatec, which is also used by Olympic athletes.

Features/Benefits:

• SEATING SURFACE: Dynatec fabric utilized by Olympic athletes for comfort, coolness and range of motion; the first time used in a seat.

• SEATING TECHNOLOGY: Technogel®, developed by Bayer Leverkausen, that forms to the contour of the body and reduces seating pressure and fatigue by over 60%.

• SEATING SUPPORT: Lumbar support is adjustable to the height of the person, as is the independent headrest.

• SEATING COMFORT: Armtronic® system is revolutionary in its 70mm movement to any precise position that fits any size of person or any degree of comfort in arm adjustability. The arms float up or down together at the touch of a single button.

• SEATING CONTROL: Dynamic Synchronized Tilting movement is the most advanced ever utilized for positional seating. Both the back and the seat adjust independently of one another at complementing angles.

• SEATING MATERIALS: Polished aluminum or high tech graphite composition.

• SEATING COLORS: Four, among them the famous Ferrari Red & Maserati Blue, utilizing the actual factory paint for the automobiles.

• SEATING PRODUCTION: The Xten is handcrafted by Ares Line in Carre, Italy.

Dimensions: 25.4”W x 24.6-26.6”D x 46.5-52.36”H

• Seat: 25.4”W x 24.6-26.6”D

• Back: 25.4”W x 31.5”H

• Height: 46.5-52.36”H

Parnian Furniture desk

Parnian is the Designer and Retailer for the World's Most Expensive Executive Desk! Over $200,000 U.S.D.

Created by Parnian Furniture Design & Manufacturing of Scottsdale, AZ, this luxurious desk is made of six different kinds of exotic wood, including ebony and Carpathian elm, and a piece of custom glass. Each of their desks is custom built to fit the room it’s destined to grace. This particular desk was built to show off Parnian’s unique design in their North Scottsdale showroom.

This desk was originally made and designed by Abdolhay Parnian in the 1980's. This version was made with a built in return. It can be customized to be any shape, size and with a bookshelf or separate credenza.

Archeo Copper Bathtub

Want to soak in real Luxury, then answer me - what is the most expensive Bathtub in the world? The Archeo Copper Bathtub including the bath set and handshower from Kallista is the correct answer. Although there are many more expensive custom built tubs, we are only talking about the most expensive bathtub in production. Archeo, meaning "ancient and beautiful" in Greek, perfectly describes this solid copper bathtub that is hand-crafted by the same coppersmiths who restored the Statue of Liberty's torch. The spacious bathtub is 65 inches long, 31 inches wide, 30 inches high and 21 inches deep. This luxurious tub can hold 71 gallons of water (that’s more than anyone can need) and weighs 154 pounds. An elegant, fluted-shell copper bathtub faucet set with handshower complements the bathtub. It also features a turn knob finely etched with a starfish sitting on a seashell.

• Archeo - Greek for ancient and beautiful - perfectly describes the handcrafted detail of this solid copper collection

• This solid-copper, hand-crafted bathtub has an old world feel that will unquestionably make it the centerpiece of a unique bathroom

• Copper is a great conductor of heat, therefore feels warm to the touch

• 21" deep and holds 71 gallons of water

• Complements Kallista bathroom sinks, and faucets

Vividus Mattress

How much would you pay for a handcrafted mattress? Would it be worth $60,000 U.S. dollars to you?

For those passionate about savouring the luxury of sleep on the best mattress money can buy, Swedish bed maker Hästens has introduced the Vividus, the plushest bed ever produced by the company. Known for its practice of making beds by hand from purely natural materials for more than 150 years, Hästens’ craftsmen have a unique mastery of the materials’ properties and characteristics. Now all this knowledge has culminated to create the mother of all hand crafted mattresses. Each Vividus bed is unique, requiring 150-160 hours to build, and each one is custom-built by hand for its owner and bears the signature of the Hästens master craftsman who made it. “The idea of building a bed completely by hand, solely by proven methods, in the very finest natural materials has been our philosophy for a long time,” explained Jan Ryde, owner and CEO of Hästens Beds. “With the Vividus, we take every thing a step further — we set out to create the ultimate bed, a bed with absolutely no compromises. We have done so, based on the accumulated knowledge of more than 150 years of bed building.” The Vividus is covered with the company’s distinctive checked cotton design that is available in the traditional blue-and-white Hästens colour scheme or a variety of other hues.

Northland refrigerator

Northland, a 100-year-old provider of custom refrigerators, has really outdone itself with this 72” side-by-side refrigerator/freezer. It has a glass door and stainless steel wrap, features “daylight” interior lighting and easily cleaned glass shelves. The spacious fridge has a total capacity of 48.3 cubic feet

Northland manufactures a variety of different lines of refrigerators: large commercial refrigerators and high-end, built-in refrigerators for private homes. Northland refrigerators are largely designed as "custom" refrigerators. The customer selects the size of refrigerator (18", 24", 30", 36", 42", 48" or a two-cabinet refrigerator that measures 72"); and then selects from a series of interior features to customize their appliance (door style, freezer compartment, temperature zones, rack and shelving systems).

Northland refrigerators can be designed as all-refrigerator compartments, all-freezer, mini-freezer/refrigerator (room for an ice maker), top freezer, side-by-sides, or a combination of a side-by-side with a wine cabinet. Northland refrigerators are available in the following exterior finish: satin brushed aluminum, white, or black; glass door fronts are available on 18", 24", 30", and 36" units. Customers can also opt to choose a matching cabinet front for their refrigerator, and either select from a "handle-less" opening or choose a traditional refrigerator handle.

All Northland refrigerators use a patented power module system. All the parts necessary for refrigeration, freezing and defrosting are located within one unit. There are no evaporator coils or circulating fans. As a result, there is more storage space within the actual refrigeration unit, and service of the unit is accomplished with fairly simply removal of the power module and replacement.

Baldacchino Supreme Bed

The renowned designer Stuart Hughes teamed up with Hebanon by Fratelli Basile Interiors of Nocera Superiore to create the world’s most exclusive bed: the Baldacchino Supreme. This luxurious bed is hand-made of 107 kg of solid 24 carat gold and it features small decorative applications which resemble gold leafs.

The Baldacchino Supreme has a structure made from chestnut wood and curving ash wood with a canopy with edges in cherry wood. The lacquered, patinated and sponge batted bed also features the world’s finest Italian silk and cotton with no burn certification.

This is one bed that the average guy may never be able to sleep on. That is unless you have about £4 million on you. This is the Baldacchino Supreme, a luxury bed that is a result of a collaboration between Stuart Hughes and Hebanon. This is one of the most expensive beds that you can find in the luxury bed segment.

The Baldacchino Supreme is priced at 4 million GBP or around $6.3 million and only two beds like this one will be ever made.

Magnetic Floating Bed

The 2006 Millionaire Fair in Kortrijk, Belgium saw the debut of a magnetic floating bed that pretty much takes the cake for the coolest bed in the world—and the most expensive. Conventional beds and mattresses haven’t changed much over the years, and that’s where Dutch architect Janjaap Ruijssenaars comes in. The goal in his project was to make a usable piece of furniture that wasn’t constrained by the laws of gravity.

Ruijssenaars reportedly worked on the technology for six years in collaboration with Bakker Magnetics. Permanent opposing industrial-strength magnets allow the bed to float around 1.3 feet off the floor while holding almost 2,000 lbs. This aesthetically pleasing technology could also be applied to other areas in home furnishings like coffee tables, sofas, and Japanese dining tables. How cool would it be to eat sushi and drink sake off a floating table?

While the expensive bed will run you €1,200,000 (US $1.6 million), a smaller unit, one fifth of the full size, costs €115,000 (US $153,000). If you are a millionaire and simply must have this eye-catching bed, the people at Universe Architecture would be happy to make it happen for you.

As you might have guessed it you probably won’t be able to have anything metalic in the house once you have this bed installed. Its going to be plastic all over.

Jado Steel Style Gold Bed

Jado Steel Style, US-based luxury product maker unveils Golden Bed, which is coated with 24-carat gold and adorned with Swarovski crystals. The price of standard Golden Bed starts at $676,550. The Jado Steel designers and craftsmen can customize the bed according to the demand of the customers.

Ideal for adding the extra bit of truly exclusive interior decoration for Presidential or VIP Suites in High Class Hotels from 5 Star upward, or for that special touch in private homes or luxury yachts, this beautiful bed adds a touch of extra class to any location.

Highlights :

- DVD-Player incl. BOSE Soundsystem

- Blue-Ray-Player

- integrated Playstation 3

- Internetconnection

- Swarovski crystals on the sideboard

- Busch-Jaeger Controlpanel

- foldaway Plasma-TV (limited Pioneer-TV PDP LX-5080W)

- Waterbed

- equipped mit Swarovski Kristallen

-Personalization of Headboard possible (company-or-hotel logo, coat of arms etc)

- remote-control high-class DVD player embedded in the night desk

-built-in, gold-coated top-of.the-range Television.

Parnian Furniture bed

Furniture designer Abdolhay Parnian treats his furniture like works of art and it shows in the final product. It’s taken him two years to design this bed and I think you’ll agree that it was well worth the wait. It’s not only visually striking, with the eyelike headboard that will surely dominate any bedroom, but also equipped with features sure to intrigue even the most jaded of millionaires.

Parnian Furniture, an Arizona based furniture company, has unveiled what is says is the World's Most Expensive Bed. The bed was designed and created by the company's president Abdolhay Parnian. It is equipped to handle todays technology and includes iPad holders, charging stations, pop-up and swivel TV's and computer monitors. The bed also contains two LED touch light switches, one for backlight and one to illuminate the two attached floating nightstands with drawers. Other features include hidden compartments, gold and stainless steel detailing and sunburst inlay woodwork.

Parnian says, "I have been working on this design for over 2 years. My craftsmen have spent over 8 months making this intricate piece of fine art by hand. I am pleased with the look and feel of the end result and am now working on a much more elaborate version for a private client."

Pricing for the Parnian bed starts $38,000.00 and can reach prices of over $210,000.00 depending on features and materials selected. The Parnian bed is a very unique bed, but there are more expensive beds, such as the blinged out Golden Bed from Jado Steel, which costs $675,000.