Outdoor
Bringing an edge to outdoor furniture
After having worked as a designer for some of the most amazing brands (Dior, Guerlain, Jean Paul Gaultier, Issey Miyake, Yves Saint Laurent, Lauder and Clarins) Frederic's attention turned to industrial design.He was behind a very successful modernisation of the Tolix chair.
He is bringing fresh and edgy designs to the outdoor market.
I love these three pieces fresh from this year.
His site just opened over the weekend and is worth a visit.
Link: Frederic Gaunet
Cut steel garden wall decor
Award winning designer Susan Bradley confirms her strong sense of design with this new version of her lovely laser cut outdoor 'wallpapers'.
For those new to the name, Susan Bradley is a fresh British design talent. After an established career in the multi-media design industry, she has successfully turned her attention to 3-dimensional design. Since her design studio was established in 2004 Susan's designs have won international acclaim being exhibited in London, Milan, Cologne, Rotterdam and Tokyo, and featuring in leading design, style and interiors media worldwide.
Link: Susan Bradley
Outdoor — September 25, 2007
Posted by Anne
Viteo and Danny Venlet are surely amongst those leading the revolution of outdoor furniture design. And they have once again taken the Parisian furniture show 'Maison et Objet' by storm. This time they came up with an outdoor waterbed called Lylo. As always the Austrian brand has developed it in all weather materials of the highest quality.
Link: Viteo
Outdoor — September 13, 2007
Posted by Anne
Viteo's new Teppan Yaki module is a further extension of its modular outdoor kitchen range.
It is probably the only outdoor cooking set-up on the market that offers a healthy /light option for the summer BBQ preparation of fish, meat or vegetables. Fusion cuisine lovers will love it!
Link: www.Viteo.com
Outdoor — August 31, 2007
Posted by James
Emmet Lounge chair and ottoman
I don't think we've ever featured a product from Room & Board... I've never bought anything from them... but I've perused their catalog and their products seem decent and some are quite nicely designed.
Take, for instance, this modernized version of the classic American Adirondack chair. I like the laid back comfort of an Adirondack chair... nice wide arm for my beer... but generally don't like the aesthetic. This one might change my mind... depends on how comfortable it actually is to sit in.
I definitely dig the lines and the fact that it is constructed of 100% post-industrial recycled material.
Link: Room & Board
Designer: Loll Design
Related: Weekend Project (L+L 5/20/2004)
Interior/Exterior Tile
Continuing the tile theme tonight is the ECOTECH tile from Domus Tiles. The ECOTECH tile is made from recycled porcelain leftovers and is available in four colors. Two finish options are also available (natural and structured).
The ECOTECH is an interior/exterior tile designed for both wall and floor use and is offered in 6 sizes with the largest being 23" x 47".
Link: ECOTECH (Domus)
Keeping the outdoors simple
I'm a sucker for all things clean, simple and full of pop. So it was a no-brainer when I came accross a collection of outdoor garden furniture by designer Jennifer Newman.
Shortlisted for the 2006 Grand Designs Magazine Award, Newman's products are constructed of welded aluminum that is available in a wide array of powdercoat finishes. She also notes that the aluminum allows for the pieces to be refinished in the future once you grow tired of your initial color selection.
So there really is no excuse not to go with the pink now!
Link: Jennifer Newman
Coolahhh
This just may be America's most wanted cooler. Ice down those libations and Express Yourself by adding some chill atmosphere to your par-tay...
Designed by Danny Venlet for Belgian outdoor furniture company Extremis, Ice Cube is made from white polyethylene with fluorescent bulbs inside. But priced around $1650 (without lightbulbs, by the way)... it's All About the Benjamins, baby.
Drink It Up, yo.
Designer: Danny Venlet
Manufacturer: Extremis - Ice Cube
Outdoor — June 22, 2006
Posted by James
Elemental outdoor furniture from Sweden
I really like the simple and familiar forms of this outdoor furniture suite designed by Peter Brandt for Swedish furniture maker Nola. The design is basic and almost utilitarian somewhat recalling national park furniture, but with gracious proportions and details.
The line features an armchair, a round table, a rectangular table, a bench, a bench with backrest, and a bench with backrest and arms. The pieces are made of either pine finished with alkyd oil enamel or oak finished with oil.
Link: Nola
Designer: Peter Brandt
Alumninum furniture and objects
I first saw the work of MuNiMulA over at Design*Sponge last week... I was impressed with the straight forward yet beautiful creations and decided to check them out a bit further. Turns out MuNiMulA is a design and manufacturing firm located in Quincy, Michigan... coincidentally, I spent quite a bit of time during my childhood in the rural countryside not too far from Quincy. Now, quality of their work is reason enough to feature MuNiMulA here, but that bit of serendipity just sealed the deal.
The anodized aluminum construction of MuNiMulA's line of furnishings make them perfect for indoor/outdoor living - light weight, durable, versatile and practical. The clear anodizing leaves the aluminum with a slightly matte silver finish is often used in the marine and boating industry. There is a caveat for the colored finishes though; prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the bright colors to fade over time. MuNiMulA’s upholstered pieces are offered in weatherproof Spinneybeck leather or outdoor canvas by special order.
Link: MuNiMulA [Thanks, Jenifer!]
Glowing stones for indoors or out
These cool sculptural outdoor lights provide a nice soft glow... no need for a bunch of 150 watt flood lights on the patio, folks.
Created by Italian designers Marta Laudani & Marco Romanelli with Massimo Noceto, they look great clustered together or scattered along a pathway. Use them inside too if you like... the designers also have an indoor version made of opaque Murano glass called Stone of Glass, but the outdoor ones could be used indoors as well.
Made of durable, weather-tested polyethylene. Uses screw-in fluorescent bulb.
Design: Marta Laudani & Marco Romanelli with Massimo Noceto
Manufacturer: OLuce
Buy: Y Lighting
Via: Better Living Though Design
Also: Product Dose
Related: Bloom (L+L)
The Australians tap the Danes again - this time for a barbeque
Now this is by far the best barbeque design I have seen: clean, sleek, and simple. Designed by architect Jeppe Utzon (grandson of Jorn) as a simple table, the grill is constructed from Corian and stainless steel. The grill cover panels extend to create extra bench space when the grill is in use and feature a lock to prevent from being closed while in operation.
It is a beauty, but beauty comes at a price: $7,999 AUD, that's about $6,000 USD. I guess it costs a lot to look this good.
Link: Electrolux
Firm: Utzon Architects
Via: gravestmor
Face-to-face lounging for two
Architect and designer, Michael Hilgers, created the dialounge as part of an exclusive collection for the label rephorm. The dialounge is available in orange, olive, and cream and features cupholders along with a place for your magazines.
"The communication- chaiselongue dialounge is manufactured in PE in the rotational-moulding process. It is wheatherproof, can be dismantled, is stackable and has integrated cupholders as well as space for magazines.
for Club, Lounge, Pool, Hotel, Garden, Bar, Patio, Beach, Livingroom...."
Link: dialounge [Thanks, Michael!]
A bed that goes out to catch some sun
I've always thought of a day bed as a piece of furniture that is a lounge seat by day and a bed by night. José Gandia takes the term a little more literally. This is a bed for high noon on the beach or in the backyard. The 80" cubic canopy is a picture of luxurious simplicity, surrounded on all sides but completely open to light and air. The frame is made of anodized aluminum, with removable panel upholstery and a polyuretane foam mattress. (We hope pieces like these will soon meet their "eco" alter ego.) This is the item you were imagining all those times you tried to make a tent with tapestries and giant umbrellas. Now if only it came with the Spanish coastal backdrop.
Link: Gandia Blasco
Via: LifestyleNavigator
The new Halley VI Research Station puts design on ice
Buildings that walk and wear "puffa-jackets"? If you thought the Halley V Research Station from 1956 was getting a little drab and dated, then the proposals for the new Halley VI Research Station will delight your intellectual and aesthetic sensibilities.
The project is commissioned by the British Antarctic Survey or BAS a collective of scientists that have been in the business of researching Antarctic conditions for 60 years. The truth is if you are going to be sent to a land as unforgiving as the Antarctic, it no doubt helps to be deposited in something as smart and stylish as Halley VI.
Link: Halley VI
Via: Metacool
Outdoor — August 8, 2005
Posted by Anthony
I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your (bird)house down.
Don't be swayed into thinking your feathered friends, living large in their Modern Birdhouse, will be safe. Modern Birdhouses, in case you hadn't noticed, are constructed of wood. And just like the second little pig found out, houses "built of sticks" are sure to fall down (or get chewed up by rabid squirrels).
The Museum Birdhouse is constructed of stainless steel and was inspired by Gehry's Guggenheim Museum. It's available in round or teardrop shapes and the opening can be sized according to the needs of the birds. And best of all, it's squirrel proof.
Link: Tom Dukich
Outdoor — July 14, 2005
Posted by Anthony
Urban Stone
The STO bench system from Macaedis is comprised of 12 different bench modules. Made of natural stone, the models can be linked together to create an organic flow or used as stand alone pieces to accent your urban environment.
Designs are varied, including basic benches, benches with recessed seating, with back and arm rests, fountains, and tree wells.
"Stone is the finest of all natural construction materials. Its physical characteristics and its historical significance cause feelings of comfort that can hardly even be approached by other materials. Its long, beautiful ageing process has all the dignity of a natural cycle. Architecture in buildings and in urban spaces must relate to its surroundings. Stone brings us into touch with our history and our culture, conveying the perceptible message that is a natural part of the human environment.
It transmits wealth, depth, elegance and quality as no other material."
Link: Macaedis
Socially and environmentally responsible furnishings
SCI-Arc people seem to be everywhere I look lately.
Ann Arbor based designer Jonas Hauptman is a part-time faculty member at SCI-Arc, and has just launched a line of environmentally responsible chairs and tables.
The seats are from a composite of reconstituted North American Aspen Tree flakes and a formaldehyde-free adhesive system in a process inspired by the process used to produce shipping pallets. The seats are available in a variety of stock clear and satin tinted finishes. The steel tables feature a heavy duty high gloss white powder coat finish and are suitable for outdoor use.
Link: Hauptman Products Inc.
Via: Inhabit
Outdoor — May 31, 2005
Posted by Anthony
Not your dad's firepit
Ever wonder what happens to old decommissioned propane tanks? We always did (well, not really, but we wish we could say we did). On that note, John T. Unger did and he did something we could only dream of doing: He cuts them up and makes one very cool fire pit out of them. With flames no less. Flames, so hot right now. We're diggin' it John!
"The Great Bowl of Fire is cut from quarter inch thick steel— you could hit it with a car and it wouldn't notice. Your car would though, so I don't really recommend such extreme product testing. A better idea might be to chuck it off the roof, but please be careful getting it up there, it's very heavy."
Link: Artbuzz [Thanks, John!]
Folded aluminum lounge chair
We've seen the molded plywood version before, but we were not aware of this powder coated aluminum bad boy.
Designed by Toronto-based architects Brigitte Shim and Howard Sutcliffe, the chair is suitable for outdoor use. The ply version has a base price of $2,225 (Canadian), but a price is not listed for the metallic variety.
Designers: Shim-Sutcliffe Architects
Manufacturer: Nienkämper
Outdoor — May 9, 2005
Posted by James
Modern oncrete planters and fountains
Simple, elemental, tactile, honest... we like the raw yet refined cast concrete planters and fountains by Studio Four Los Angeles.
We first became familiar Studio Four last year at CA Boom, and since then we haven't seen anything else like these refreshingly straightforward modern garden pieces. Sometimes the simple ideas are the best!
Link: Studio Four Los Angeles
Outdoor — May 4, 2005
Posted by Anthony
Mailbox. Updated.
Originally developed as an entry for the 2005 *Frost furniture prototype exhibit in Edmonton, this hot pink mailbox from designer Adriean Koleric is sure to get your postman's attention. The mailbox is constructed from welded steel and features illuminated frosted plexi-glass letters on the front. The light is connected to a light sensitive transformer so it will not light during the day.
"From the start my main objective was to maintain a simple form that would not compete with the house / structure it sat infront of, plus be able to compliment any adjacent greenery. For something that will sit among shrubs and trees, it should look like it has the same right to be there. It almost feels like it grew out of the ground itself to a point that you almost anticipate it to get bigger each year or even sprout leaves. But the question usually asked is why pink ? Reason being this prototype was finished in that particular color was to bring it some attention right from the get go. With such an ultra simple form it needed a punch that would make someone stop and take notice."
Update 5/5/05: Looks like we're late to this party. Check out Josh Spear's write-up on this from a few days back.
Designer: Adriean Koleric
Link: I T E M [Thanks, Adriean!]
Outdoor — April 19, 2005
Posted by Anthony
A nice place to plant your seed.
Serralunga makes flowerpots. Small pots, ginormous pots, and every size pot in-between. One of the interesting tidbits we found is that some of the designers, while sketching their pots, sketched them with specific plants in mind. While some pots might be approriate for your orchids, alocasias, and cannas, others are much better suited for your agaves and cactii. The Hole Pot (featured at right) features.....get this, Holes!....allowing you to see the plant inside. Genius!
Link: Serralunga
Outdoor — March 9, 2005
Posted by James
Fine outdoor furniture
We're always on the lookout for cool outdoor furniture. Henry Hall Designs is based in San Francisco and is available throughout the U.S. They offer a wide range of styles by designers such as Frank Boschman, Julian Chichester, Jean-Louis Guinochet, Wim Segers and Kris Van Puyvelde. Of course, we like the contemporary collections they offer. And Treehugger says they're OK... all teak is plantation grown... so you can rest easy while you lounge in the sun.
Link: Henry Hall Designs
Outdoor — January 27, 2005
Posted by Anthony
Cast concrete amenities
Kornegay Design is an Arizona based company that specializes in cast concrete planters, benches, and receptacles. Their products are cast from a proprietary concrete mix which is extremely durable in cold weather environments.
I've been looking for landscape elements for my garden and must say, the Nutshell design and the Mex Bold (featured at right) are two of my favorites.
Link: Kornegay Design [Thanks, Paula!]
Outdoor — December 29, 2004
Posted by James
A Case Study for the birds
Perhaps you don't live in the modern home of your dreams... but at least the birds in your yard can. Designed by architect Dail Dixon of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, these modern birdhouses are inspired by Entenza's Case Study Houses Program (1945-1962). Each of the three designed is named after a Case Study participant: J.R. Davidson, Richard Neutra, and Ralph Rapson.
[The birdhouses] are hand-made of sustainably harvested teak and finished with an oil that protects against water, mildew, and UV rays. The roofs are constructed of sandblasted 1/4" thick aluminum plate and aluminum dowels.
Link: Modern Birdhouses
Designer: Dail Dixon
Via: Treehugger
Reproduction "space age" molded fiberglass planters
These neato planters by Austin, Texas based Hip Haven are "faithful reproductions" of the original bullet planters manufactured in the 50's. The planters are available in 9 fiberglass colors. The stands are metal in a choice of 4 finishes and are available in 3 different heights. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
Peachy keen.
Link: Hip Haven
Outdoor dining
"PicNik is a table-seating combination specially created for the balcony, small surfaces and semi-public spaces. Made from a standard, massive plate of aluminium (10 mm), PicNik behaves like a ‘piece of art’, while integrating itself into its surroundings. Its simplicity in design and its contemporary colours (5 colours available) make it a must-have for the urban ‘bourgeois-bohemian’. Also available in a junior version (scale 2:3)."
Designers: Dirk Wynants & Xavier Lust
Link: Extremis
A classic recreated
"Reinventing the classic U.S. Parks Dept. Bench, the playful Parks Dept. 47-B is a postmodern triumph of technical form and historical style. Translating the long, splinter-ridden lines and informal geometry of its predecessor into a shorter, splinter-less masterpiece, the 47-B is a robust chair sturdy enough to handle even Smokey the Bear's generous girth."
Materials: Hardwood (Baltic Birch)
Designer: Shawn Bruce
Link: Parks Dept. 47-B
From Armani Casa
"Chaise Lounge in naturally painted solid oak, wood seat with strips, adjustable back rest, with small wheels in black rubber."
Link: Armani Casa
Simply cool
Designed by young French brothers Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, this collection is a wonderful interpretation of common tube framed patio furniture. We like the proportions and straight forward design. The collection features chairs, chaise lounges, stools and tables. Chair covers that don't look like an after thought are also available.
Link: Magis
Designers: Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, Paris
Outdoor — June 29, 2004
Posted by Anthony
Modern Garden Gazebo
New from modern furniture designer Richard Schultz:
"Our new Pavilion is a modern garden gazebo designed to define space and create shade. The structure is 100% stainless steel with pleated vinyl mesh top and side curtains. Choose from our modular components to create your own layout."
Link: Richard Schultz
Outdoor — June 22, 2004
Posted by Anthony
Eggs and birds are beautiful
"Egg Bird Feeders attract many types of wild birds and the elegant, clean design is a perfect addition to any outdoor environment. The handmade Egg Bird Feeder is also easy to use, durable and gray squirrel proof."
Link: eggbirdfeeders.com
Outdoor — June 14, 2004
Posted by Anthony
A stainless steel alternative.
Outdoor showers are the hip thing to have in your yard this summer. Earlier, we featured a shower from Target and one from Restoration hardware. The Target shower, we found out, was made from nyatoh wood, which just isn't quite up to par with the teak found on the Restoration Hardware shower. However, if wood just isn't your thing, we've found a stainless steel model at -- where else? -- DWR:
"The slender Coro Shower has an easy-to-assemble, freestanding design that hooks up to any standard garden hose for convenient beach and poolside rinsing. Attached to a heavy metal base plate (diameter of 17"), it is completely stable and scaled for users of every height. The shower’s all-stainless steel construction is resistant to corrosion, and will provide years of consistent use. Because of its compact and unobtrusive form, the design is a practical addition to even the most manicured of outdoor environments. Made in Italy."
Link: CORO
Designer: Danny Venlet
Link: DWR
Reference: Outdoor Shower, Part I
Reference: Outdoor Shower, Part II
Furniture by Marmol Radziner for use... well... indoors or outdoors
Good looking outdoor furniture that we would gladly invite inside. Designed by Los Angeles architects Marmol Radnizer.
Link: Indoor/Outdoor by Marmol Radziner Furniture
Indoor/Outdoor furniture made from Iroko wood
"The Deneb Outdoor system is derived from the Deneb table. The system is comprised of a table and matching bench. The same base is used for both and they each have an Iroko solid wooden top.
The principles of Stua are embodied in this system, simplicity, timelessness and warmth. The Deneb system is suitable for indoor and outdoor use."
Iroko wood is a popular alternative to teak with a similar texture and grain.
Link: Stua
Designer: Jesus Gasca
Sculptural outdoor/indoor furniture by architect Jeanne Scandura
We like the fluid forms and tactile quality of this line of furnishings including some pieces suitable for outdoor use.
Float has been an effort to create objects with material integrity that improve over time, respond to the human form, and welcome a dialogue with architectural space. The furniture reflects a joy for experimentation, versitility, and cultural curiosity.
Link: Float
Outdoor — May 25, 2004
Posted by Anthony
Sure it costs more, but is it really that much better?
Earlier this month, we featured an outdoor shower that is being sold at Target. Today, we came across a similiar item being sold at Restoration Hardware.
"After a dip in the ocean, lake or pool, a rinse-off in this outdoor shower will wash away salt, silt or chlorine, and keep bare feet from transferring half the beach into the house. Constructed of durable, water-loving teak.
Features include:
Solid brass plumbing
Hardware has a satin-nickel finish
Built-in shelf holds soap and shampoo
Slatted platform provides a comfortable, puddle-free place to stand
Hooks up to an existing outdoor tap with a hose connector (not included)"
Link: Restoration Hardware
Link: Industrial Strength Woodworking
Reference: Outdoor Shower
Outdoor/indoor furniture by Belgian designer Mathias Claerhout
We like the simple materials and delicate lines of the Deckhopper, an adjustable lounge chair for use indoors or out. Claerhout has also designed several accessory pieces which vary from the practical (Side Table) to the whimsical (Lightsprinkler).
Link: Mathias Claerhout
Stainless steel and teak garden furniture.
"Gargantua is a multifunctional piece of garden furniture, made of durable materials: galvanised metal, stainless steel and teak.
Gargantua offers 4 benches and place for 8 persons. Each bench can be placed on 4 different heights: normal sitting height, teenagers height, children’s height or all benches at the top (then it is turned into a giant table offering place for 12 persons). The benches can be taken away to make place for wheelchair or a highchair. Now also available as option: cushions & backrests. The backrest can also easily fitted to the existing model."
Link: Extremis
Designer: Dirk Wynants
Do-it-yourself outdoor chair - "a modernist update of the Adirondack chair"
Here's a little project for you to tackle this weekend: The Sunset Chair. Not too sure about the little decorative diamond shaped cutouts on the chair back... we're thinking of just skipping that step. Designed by architect Stephen Kanner for Sunset Magazine.
Via: Sunset Magazine
Plans: The Sunset Chair
Designer: Stephen Kanner: Kanner Architects
Outdoor — May 12, 2004
Posted by Anthony
Another budget bullseye from Target
"Taking an outdoor shower can be so refreshing––and with this shower, it’s so easy! Just attach a garden hose to enjoy open-air bathing. Perfect for spa lovers or for cleaning up the kids after playing outdoors, the shower is made of striking yet sturdy nyatoh wood, a fine-textured Indonesian redwood. Its sleek, simple design features a large wood base, handy soap tray, easy-to-turn knob, adjustable pole and showerhead in brushed chrome finish."
Link: Target.com
Via: Dwell Magazine (print edition)
Reference: Outdoor Shower, Part II
Durable outdoor/indoor furniture
German based Dedon offers several collections of contemporary hand woven wickerwork furniture covered with Hularo® fiber. Hularo is a "synthetic fibre, comining the best characteristics of natural materials with the advantages of innovative technology."
Link: Dedon
Link: Hularo
Outdoor — May 9, 2004
Posted by James
Fountains and sculptures from reclaimed natural rock.
Sculptor Adam Distenfeld uses reclaimed rock from construction projects in New York City for his creations; custom fountains and sculptures for indoor and outdoor spaces.
Link: Brooklyn Rockwerks
Quality, modern outdoor furniture made in America
Made from Ipe (a high quality sustainable wood), stainless steel and natural composite materials, Modern Outdoor has three lines of chairs, tables, benches, carts and planters.
Link: Modern Outdoor
Outdoor — May 8, 2004
Posted by Anthony
Lighted Pot
"Rob slewe designed BLOOM! for the new terrace of the Parnassia beach pavillion in the Dutch seaside resort of Bloemendaal. BLOOM! is characterised by its simple but classy design and versatility: a flowerpot doubling as light! Its cleverly designed dimensions make BLOOM suitable not only for flowers and plants indoors as well as outdoors, but also for use at (garden) parties, filled with ice to chill champagne or other mixed drinks, for example.
The double-walled, waterproof flowerpot is made of high-grade plastic. Inside the pot are two 11 watt energy-saving light bulbs that can be connected to both outdoor and indoor lighting systems."
Link: Bloom
Contemporary indoor/outdoor furniture
David Trubridge is one of New Zealand's best-known designers of contemporary furniture. He has designed some very nice indoor/outdoor pieces, and we like his general philosophy.
Link: David Trubridge Design
