DESIGN FOR MEN

Surrounded by construction, I have become incredibly inspired by scaffolding. All of sudden, it came to me – scaffolding would be great for creating a bed and perhaps many other pieces of furniture. So I am just inspired…I am considering making a headboard out of scaffolding for my place. The following are some great pieces for inspiration.

Scaffolding Bed above via Design Sponge
Constructed of scaffolding tubes and wood planks by the husband of Marijke Hukema of Restored in Amsterdam

Motel Out of The Blue via Dezeen

Designers Maartje Dros and Francois Lombarts used scaffolding to turn a construction site into a conference area. The project, called Motel Out of The Blue included meeting rooms , lecture hall (pictured above), dining room,  library and 50 rooms (above) for visitor accommodation.   I particularly love the day bed…I could see that transformed into something really comfy for indoors or outdoors.

Scaffold Board Table via Ryan Frank

Made (exquisitely I might add) out of planks from scaffold

This week, I will be guest blogging at Curbly.com. Today, I posted an article on a mural in my DC studio that I created by transferring the line work from a Marimekko wallpaper. I took some photographs and while I was at it snapped some shops of my place which is a work in process. I have started with the basics and I am about 50% done. I am only posting the the living room, which doubles as my home office and kitchen. Stay tuned for more on the design which will include painting accent walls, vintage industrial furnishings, and much, much more.

The color palette is monochromatic primarily because the walls are freshly painted an off white.  Accent walls will be different tones of gray. In my home office / office area, my I love the use of an IKEA kitchen cabinet for storage above my desk.  The walnut desk is temporary…I will be replacing it soon, with something smaller in scale.  Additionally, a cowhide rug, end tables and a custom bench will be added to the living room.  I despise the carpet but what can you do, it is a rental.

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My splurges thus far, have been the Blu Dot Paramount sofa which I absolutely love and a 42″ flat screen television.  The scale of the TV is questionable but it is great for watching movies, I feel like I am at the theater.

The kitchen will be receiving a chalkboard backslash wall and I have a plan to add shelving over the bar which I am excited about.  I am thinking toledo stools for the bar.  No photos yet of the bathroom and bedroom because they are still works in progress – however here is a sketch of the bedroom design…

The same curtains  from the living room will define the entry.  The accent wall will be charcoal gray and I plan to do a coffee sack inspired stencil on this burlap-like fabric which is left over from a project.  The nightstands (click here to view) and pendant will be vintage industrial.

Stay tuned for more on the design process!  And check out the article on Curbly by clicking here.

I am really enjoying the new direction of West Elm in their Fall 2010 catalog.  The design team has integrated some of the vintage elements while preserving the West Elm look.  The result feels more like what a home should be, a mix! I always love to see a product catalog that is inspiring from a design standpoint.  And it helps people envision a space that doesn’t feel like it came straight from a catalog.  I stopped cold when I saw the above image.  I love the gallery of frames and the wallpaper.  After doing some digging, I located the wallpaper which is “elizabeth on shimmer” from the eco-friendly madisonandgow.  Here are more new West Elm items that I love.

Woven veneer pendant

Jigsaw Spin Bookcase (L) Wood & Resin Boxes (R)

Tripod Table

NICE JOB WEST ELM!!

Images from West Elm

Factory 20 is a design collective located in Sterling, VA focuses on providing an eclectic mix of art, furniture, lighting, and beyond.   I love the attention to detail in their styling and the consistency and sophistication of their photography.  The following are some of my favorites items in their current inventory.  Above, the 1950s Scolari Vintage Brass Chandelier is stunning! No wonder it is sold!

Custom Early Century Shop Desk

USA, 1920s, Custom Early Century Shopkeepers Writing Desk and Storage. Custom made for a bookseller’s shop in Boston. This piece was created to display rare books and for bookkeeping. Solid old growth oak. Open-backed for wall placement. One of a kind.

Victorian Eastlake Pier Mirror Cabinet

USA, c.1880s. Impressive High Victorian Pier Mirror Foyer Cabinet, Solid Walnut Construction. Designed in the fashionable Eastlake style.

Paul Laszlo Brown Saltman Desk

USA, c.1940. Paul Laszlo (attr.) for Brown-Saltman. Bleached Mahogany Students Desk. Very Good Condition. Early Modernist Form.

Artist Atelier Modular Steel Drawer Unit

USA, c.1940. Artist Modular Storage Wall Units. Atelier Organization, Infinite Drawers. Two Units Pictured, Two Units Available.

Vintage Spun Aluminum Beehive Lamps

USA, 1940s, Vintage Beehive Spun Aluminum Tripod Floor Lamps. Fully Adjustable. All Aluminum Construction. Newly rewired with vintage braided cloth wire.

Images and Product Descriptions by Factory 20

Some spaces perplex even me. The idea of letting it all hang out is hard to swallow prompting people to store most of their items out of site.  This apartment featured on OWI is all about exposure.  The consistent use of wood shelving throughout cohesively ties all of the rooms in the home together.  Additionally, the minimal furnishings prevent the space from feeling cluttered.  Essentially the items on the shelve function as artwork in the space.

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The living area / office combo features blinds lining the entire window wall, creating a nice screen adding even more texture to the exposed brick walls.

The barn door is propably one of the largest that I’ve seen creating more of the feeling of a portal at the door. Although I am a bit confused about why there is a skateboard in the middle of the room.  I always find it odd when just one element in an organized space is out of place.  But perhaps the owner uses the skateboard as transport from room to room.

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The detail of the accentuated edges of the shelves creates a nice slated wall at this platform area.  We find the same shelving in the kitchen/laundry as well which feels quite industrial and intimate.

The bathroom is definitely my favorite space tying in the shelving with the wood slats of the tub surround.  And I love the use of steel for the tub even though it makes me feel like I would be bathing in a large sink.  Nothing in this home is expected and clearly there is a little something to letting it all hang out.

Images from OWI, photography by Vercruysse Frederik

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Simply put…Awesome!  I recall loving my race car themed childhood room.  But this room designed by Kate Dixon of Artistic Living Spaces for the Symphony Designer Showhouse in Kansas City takes the cake (sorry mom).   The circus themed room features her son as the ringmaster and the space somehow marries fun and sophistication.   I love all of the clever storage solutions found in custom components from the ferris wheel to the awesome bed.  I wouldn’t mind having that bed myself.  Check out the full article on Design Sponge by clicking here.

Adorable and inspiring…what an great way to start the weekend!

Photography by Chad Jackson, Images from DixonStyle

John Beck, owner of John Beck Paper & Steel, is a humble craftsman based out of  Edwardsville, IL.  Beck has channeled his passion for welding and working with his hands into a successful business.  He is doing what he loves and I must say that I am loving what he is doing.   Here are some stand out stars from his work.

Furniture

ANTI-TRUNK (pictured above) 1/8” steel sheet construction, hand painted, distressed and waxed. You can choose the number.

LIMITED EDITION TABLE Sheet Steel Construction, Solid Wood Core

DESK 3 Steel tube frame with glass top

ADJUSTABLE SHELVING UNIT Steel frame w/ adjustable steel shelves

Kitchen

ADAM ISLAND Steel sheet top, under counter storage with built in cutting board and knife storage

Lighting

LIGHT ONE & MINI LIGHT ONE Steel tube / with wire mesh shade / 30W Edison style bulb

GREEN DEPOT CHALKBOARD PENDANT This steel sheet lamp shade can be written on to send a message.

Custom Projects John Beck will do just about anything custom including exhibits, signage, work stations,  furniture, and lighting.  At Treo Salon, JBPS designed the monolithic bar with backlit logo, pendant fixture, as well as the cutting station in the rear.

Transformations The team at JBPS also transforms vintage finds into functional furniture.  The stunning table above was created using steel frame, reclaim wood drawers turned, and glass top.

Sliding Doors 2” steel frame, sheet steel insert panels.  Includes hanging track and wheels.

IMAGES FROM John Beck Paper & Steel

Typically industrial furniture is heavy but Jim Zivic Design has found a way to construct furniture that is light and effortless. Here are some of my favorites.

Bin Storage Credenza (pictured above) This piece will be great once I have an office large enough! And yes the storage bins are available separately.

Bin Storage Shelving Unit Custom

Leather Link Hammock

Camp Bed with Felt Headboard

Gem Light with Articulated Arm

Desk with Bin Storage

Hex Leg Coffee Table

Felt Zip Rug

Check out the collection on the company website by clicking here.

IMAGES from Jim Zivic Design

I am a sucker for the vintage and the industrial, so I was in heaven when I found Get Back Inc.  Located in Oakville, CT, this store started in 2000 by cabinet and furniture makers.  At Get Back, industrial finds are transformed into functional furniture.  Additionally, salvaged pieces are restored and vintage furnishings are also sold.  I was practically drooling when I saw pictures of their showroom.  So, next time I am in the area I must stop in…the only problem is that I may never want to leave.

The following are some pieces that caught my eye.  I love the attention to detail and how new pieces blend perfectly with the old.

Industrial Garment Hanging Rack and Shelving Cart

Bent Plywood Rosewood Stack Chair

Industrial Stools

Industrial Cast Iron Two Tier Bar Carts

Vintage Laundry Bins
IMAGE CREDITS: Images from Get Back, Inc.

Consider these Dandux Laundry Carts as an extension of my industrial obsession piece on Interieurs. The design dates back to 1918 and the carts feature a steel frame and canvas bin that’s elevated base. Store your laundry and make a design statement at the same time for $130-230.

Image from Uncrate