*NOTCOT in home+decor - 05.26.09 -

Tote Bags as Throw Pillows

throwpillow.jpg The reusable bag trend is a bit out of control. They are pretty much the new t-shirt as far as things to put your graphics on. In concept, i love it ~ less plastic bags, less waste, but then a new problem has cropped up, i think i have an unhealthy amount of reusable bags and tote bags that i love too much to part with, but there is no way i can use that many at one time, even with piles in every house, car, bag, etc… What i HAVE needed lately are throw pillows though (i’m working on figuring out what to do with my empty room, so far stuck an ikea couch/bed and a big desk to play with in there)! And whether you want to call it a new way to reuse cotton tote bags, or recession chic, or multipurpose bag/pillow covers… once the random idea popped up i had to try it!

Tote Bags as Throw Pillows! I grabbed a few of my throw pillow inserts that were floating around and some of my favorite tote bags (it’s especially good for those bags you love that are a bit thin material-wise as good functional totes). They don’t look half bad, give me an excuse to SEE some of the graphics i love but tend to end up in a closet, and they are actually really comfy!

Now the part i haven’t tackled/resolved yet ~ do i alter the totes? Remove the handles? Or cut the handles and tie them to close the cushion covers? Or add zippers? Or just make custom perfectly sized cushions for them in a light fabric i dont mind having show? That way they can always be swapped back to being used as totes again? Truly multipurpose? Or do a slight stich across the tops to sew them in that can be easily removed when needed?

Take a peek at more pics on the next page… and i also got curious whether all those reusable shopping bags works nearly as well… so you can see a pic of that too…

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*NOTCOT in home+decor - 05.25.09 -

Paul Loebach Step Stools

paul2.jpg First spotted at the Areaware booth at ICFF, then again at the Designboom Local show ~ how adorable are these nesting “Step Stools” tables by Paul Loebach? The design is so perfectly cute, and the color palette really makes it pop! … in a refreshingly green playful minimal sort of way. “Hard Maple, Birch Plywood - Inspired by the simple versatility of American Shaker furniture, these nesting stools pull out to make a set of steps.” See more images of it from both shows on the next page!

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*NOTCOT in home+decor - 05.24.09 -

Design House Stockholm Family Chairs

dhs0.jpg I have had a thing for awesome classic-esque black wood chairs with a twist… i went through classics, was tempted, but wanted more. And then i walked into the Design House Stockholm event at NY Design week, and just gravitated to these 4 Family Chairs by Lina Nordqvist - and just FYI, i love almost all things DHS, so i knew i hadn’t seen these before, and just kind of wandered past the door list and right over to them. They are such a fun twist on a classic! Here’s their description:

“Not every chair is created equal. Especially not Family Chairs by Lina Nordqvist, a foursome of traditional Swedish stickback chairs. Separately they present themselves as individuals, unique chairs aspiring to be something more than just pieces of furniture. Together they form a boisterous family, with each one displaying a distinctive character. Even the horizontal spindles between the chair legs play their part in the game. “I’m fascinated by objects, and I like it when they have their own special individuality, something beyond mere technical function. That’s why I decided on a graduation project at Beckmans College of Design in which I transformed something well-known and traditional into something unexpected.” It’s no surprise that Lina Nordqvist’s Family Chairs seem to be made for the stage: she has already pursued a career as a professional set designer in the Swedish film industry for several years. Family Chairs will be available in natural wood and in a black-lacquered version.”

See the many pictures on the next page! Which is your favorite? I also have a thing for playfully mismatched chairs…

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*NOTCOT in home+decor - 05.23.09 -

IKEA PS 2009

ikeamain.jpg IKEA PS Collection 2009 is stunning ~ those of you following NOTCOT.org may have seen a bit of this collection as it launched in sweden ~ and as the playful animations about the design stories behind the collection began to circulate. While the anticipation for this collection is not yet over (the collection wont be available in the US until August 2009) - but it’s official US launch was at ICFF, so i finally got a chance to check it out in person! This year the theme is “Never Ending Design Stories” - the press release says: “The new collection is all about stories. Stories about our roots, of empowering people, of innovative ways of minimizing the use of resources and maximizing our responsibility for our world.” And the products reflect this beautifully with so many playful, unique, pieces that manage to dance the line between mass produced and full of character. You can see some of my favorites above ~ and on the next page take a peek at pics from the IKEA booth at ICFF 09, as well as the full catalog of products, and a peek at the history of the PS collection.

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*NOTCOT in design -

DesignGlut ICFF 09

designglut0.jpg It’s always such a pleasure to go visit the DesignGlut booth at ICFF ~ i’m not sure how to describe it other than delightfully edgy ~ it is so playful, yet realistically dark ~ basically i always end up wanting everything ~ and as silly as Kegan Fisher and Liz Kinnmark may seem, they manage to pull it off this playfulness with more charisma and seriousness than you may expect from a design duo selling your eggs pants. Their photo shoots and booth design were stunning as always, and they’re even launching a new product… the Candlestrip ~ just like what it sounds like ~ candles with plug bottoms, ready to stick into almost any outlet (i still think they were pretty risky to have outlet plates as well as candle prototypes in the same booth waiting to be plugged together!) ~ but basically the candles go into a power strip like holder!

Take a look at some closeups of the new goodies, and their fun booth on the next page!

p.s.
i hate that every time i see them i feel like i need to buy a few dozen more hookmakers!

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*NOTCOT in food+drink -

The André Balazs Sunset Beach Rosé Cork

abrose1.jpg I’ve written about quite a bit of packaging design, and alcohol packaging in particular often has some beautiful designs, but i think this is a first where the detail that grabbed me most was the cork! Once we popped this cork, i couldn’t help but spin it around and around, and as we drank the bottle the question really became, who’s chasing whom?

This is the cork of the André Balazs Sunset Beach Rosé ~ which is a collaboration with his long time friend and local Long Island winemaker, Christian Wölffer. Apparently vines planted at his Sunset Beach hotel will also contribute to future réserves. The label is also a fresh, beautiful water color representing that French Riviera/Miami lifestyle ~ lounging on towels with toes dipped in the water, raising glasses of Rosé as the bartender wades into the sunset behind with tray over his head? Cute label ~ rumor has it the girls on it are his daughters? Anyhow, take a peek at more pics on the next page…

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*NOTCOT in travel -

Operation Window Seat: Sunset Flying in on LAX

setting0.jpg As i clean through many ICFF pics ~ i snapped a few as we were coming in to LAX, and it was such a foggy day the sunset was absolutely stunning, and caused some crazy lens flare with awesome orange blobs i’m quite liking tonight… and the colors… if you haven’t been able to tell by now sunsets/sunrises/incredible views are just so inspiring and entrancing to me! So here’s a random weekend post of the glowing orbs my camera found… you can watch the sun disappear on the next page…

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*NOTCOT in home+decor - 05.22.09 -

Illuminant - Kristin Birna Bjarnadottir

light.jpg I have to admit this up front because i felt so silly about it ~ when i was trying to start catching up on what ICFF goodness to share, i couldn’t get this insane reflective jellyfish-like icelandic lamps out of my head, so i start photoshopping pictures, and then researching online, only to find that it had already been on NOTCOT.org #20302… So yes, even I can’t keep up with absolutely everything anymore, and truthfully, it was even cooler in person!

Now for those who don’t know, these lights are Illuminant by Kristin Birna Bjarnadottir out of Iceland ~ and there is no actual LIGHT in the light! It is like a jellyfish of reflective fabric ~ reflective strands hanging down and bundled above the more classically shaped lamp shade ~ and on the floor is a high powered LED light, simply shooting light up inside of it, and the result is this ethereal glowing free flowing creature… and to change colors, you simple put glass filters on the lights. (Literally just put a glass disc on the top of the light source) Now, imagine a forest of jellyfish in the ocean… can you imagine these installed in an array of sizes and heights hanging from trees in a garden party?

Take a look at the various pictures on the next page!

p.s.
i could also totally see these installed in a rave/burning man type situation evolved into a visual/sound installation where the lights pulsate with the music and possibly even push bursts of air upwards to create perfectly timed motion in the tentacles of a forest of these… how fun would that be to watch?

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*NOTCOT in travel - 05.21.09 -

My Standard Room Views

view0.jpg As promised, here is a look at the many different views from my window… down at the highline running directly below, the statue of liberty on the horizon, breath taking sunsets… every room at the Standard New York definitely gives you an amazing floor to ceiling window to watch (and be watched) as the world goes by around you…

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*NOTCOT in travel - 05.20.09 -

My Standard Tub with a View

sny0.jpg I have so much to show you its hard to know where to start ~ especially when all i want to do is curl up in bed, stare at the view, and pass out! Sad to be leaving NY tomorrow already, but will definitely be back soon! SO, for starters, it only made sense to run a hot bubble bath to figure out what to write, and that lead to taking pics in the bath, and then of course i had to give you a peek into my favorite part of The Standard New York… while i did tour the facility (both open, and not - the roof is so awesome!) with Andre Balazs the other day, that will have to wait. Prioritizing, what you really need to see first is the TUB! You can literally open up the slats so from the tub you can watch the skyline ~ which is stunning whether its day, sunset, night, etc… or i guess you could watch tv too… or chat with whoever you have in the room with you. It’s also such a deep massive tub you could easily sink into it, or fit a bunch of people in, whatever suits you.

So take a peek of the view from the tub ~ and around the room and various details that have caught my eye. While there are 16 different room layouts/color schemes in the hotel ~ of the ones i toured, this one is definitely my favorite! Take a peek on the next page, and view shots to come…

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*NOTCOT in home+decor - 05.19.09 -

Artemide + DJ Kreemy (aka Karim Rashid)

artemide0.jpg I suppose the real question is… How can you pass up seeing DJ Kreemy (Karim) spin and dance all decked out in one of his all pink outfits (down to the watch even!)? There was quite a line for the Artemide party once Karim was spinning, and it was really quite odd trying to explain to this older french couple that may have just happened to wander through Soho at the right moment what it was exactly that people were lined up for… Also hilarious to see more beefy guys in super tight tees, this time green with I <3 LED on them and serving appletinis… The Cadmo lights by Karim were quite beautiful as well, honestly i liked them far better in person than i had in photos that had been circulating. Take a peek at the grassy window display, Karim in action, the lighting, and the I <3 LED bartenders on the next page!

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*NOTCOT in home+decor -

Kartell turns 60

kartell0.jpg Amazing that Kartell is celebrating their 60th birthday this year! 1949 - 2009! To celebrate their design week party was “Kartell, 60 Years of Design! What a wonderful world!”. Such a classic design powerhouse ~ it was fun not only to see some of their new pieces launched this year, but also their great color sorted displays, playful human cut outs, great use of mirrors, and perhaps my favorite unexpected detail… beefy guys in very tight I <3 Kartell Lights shirts, complete with their lighting collection on their backs. I couldn’t help but as the nice server to pose for me to share his shirt with you! So click on to the next page to take a peek at the Kartell soho show room and the scene tonight!

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*NOTCOT in travel -

SPiN + Sunset @ The Standard New York

pingpong0.jpg Sinking into my bed barely conscious, debating what to show you before i give in and pass out… been quite the night of wandering, but the most bizarre and not so design week related event this evening brought me back to those awesome Artek Shigeru Ban chairs i showed you… only instead of being on a tour… this was the The Standard SPiN New York Classic - for those (like me) who know little about the ping pong world - here is the SPiN bio: “SPiN New York is a 13,000 square foot ping pong social club on Park Avenue in Manhattan’s Flatiron District. The club offers unparalleled table tennis courts with Olympic quality cushioned flooring and 17 individual tables, including a stadium-like center court. In addition, SPIN New York houses a pro shop, lounge, bar, private room sponsored by Fred Perry and over a dozen internationally known professional coaches and players who are available for private and group instruction.” Intense, right? Did you know Susan Sarandon is a huge ping pong lover?

Anyhow, in addition to this party of a ping pong classic (don’t get me wrong, there were some there extremely serious about the sport, and alongside were many party goers and an open bar) - the sunset out on the deck and in the background was absolutely stunning. Jaw dropping to say the least… so check out the many pics of this scene on the next page!

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*NOTCOT in design - 05.18.09 -

Stella McCartney Inflatable Dinos

stella.jpg Walking by the Stella McCartney store in the meatpacking district you can’t help but notice, stop, stare and giggle at the window filled with inflated dinosaurs ~ some even taking over the heads of mannequins while others swoop down on those with their arms raised… It’s bizarre to say the least, but part of me can’t help but wonder what it takes to get hired to come up with and execute THAT idea. It sounds like it’d be terribly fun! See more pictures on the next page… the close ups crack me up.

p.s.
if you’re in need of fun attention grabbing playful ideas like these, we should chat!

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*NOTCOT in home+decor -

Marimekko Sanna Annukka Kanteleen Kutsu

container0.jpg I love the work of Sanna Annukka. I also grew up loving Marimekko before i even knew what it was (i have the very beat up kids stuff to prove it somewhere). And when Sanna Annukka designed an animal themed print for Marimekko… yes, i pretty much got super excited. And then today… while exploring the meatpacking districts design week happenings and wandering into the Playful New Finnish Design Shipping Container (regulars will already know my fascination with shipping containers for anything other than shipping)… and then getting to see the Sanna Annukka’s Marimekko Kaneleen kutsu pattern in person… and being handed a press kit IN A BLACK AND WHITE TOTE OF THE FABRIC… yea. I was pretty much on cloud 9. I’m totally making that tote into a throw pillow. A throw pillow with handles. That can be hung on the wall when not in use?

BUT back to the point at hand ~ Sanna Annukka’s Marimekko Kaneleen kutsu pattern is stunning ~ and i’m so thrilled to have access to the press photos to get to see all the products and patterns up close! And to share them with you! (as well as photos of the totes that the lady was kind enough to let me photograph and pick through in the shipping container) But also, the story behind this pattern is quite lovely as well…

So here’s the story from the press release:
Sanna Annukka has created for Marimekko a series of expressive designs full of meaning, telling stories from the Finnish national epic, the Kalevala. The Kanteleen kutsu fabric depicts forest animals that have, enchanted, gathered to hear the joyful tunes played on the kantele, a plucked string instrument, by Väinämöinen, the main character of the Kalevala. Väinämöinen, a shamanistic hero, had made his instrument from the jawbone of a giant pike. Mugs, tea towels and other ready-made products feature individual animals ñ birds, squirrels, bears ñ picked from the Kanteleen kutsu fabric. The Sampo, a wealth grinding magic mill with a multi-coloured lid, is featured in the impressive Taikamylly fabric and matching cushion covers, plates and trays. The Ihmemaa art print, sold by the repeat, shows the landscape of Kaleva, the Land of Heroes, and Lake Alue. In the depths of the lake, a whitefish has swallowed fire fallen from the heavens. The series also includes the Onnen helmet duvet cover design, which tells of how Väinämöinen, moved as he played the kantele, cried big tears that flowed into the sea and there changed into pearls.

See all the many many pics on the next page!

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