Mid Century Modern Chair finds - posted by Crafted by Lindy

Top to Bottom, Left to Right

1.Eames plywood chair tote - Medium Control Goods

2. Eames chair - the bees knees designs

3. Eames Furniture Necklace - Le Photique

4. Mid Century Modern Jacobsen Egg Chair - tiderdesign

5. Eames lounge chair and ottoman - 1 inch buttons - Off The Record

6. mid.cent.mod - Salty and Sweet

[Lindy lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband and son. Besides blogging, she enjoys running her stationary business and creating new designs for her Etsy shop. You can read her own blog here.]

Coveted: Modern home on Lake Tahoe

Modern home on Lake Tahoe, originally uploaded by alamodestuff.

This is the house I want on Lake Tahoe. It isn't for sale and I have no idea how much it would cost, but I COVET it none the less. If we lived in Reno, I would knock on the door and tell the owners to call me when they are ready to sell. Then I'd go out and sell everything I owned, including my soul, to own it.

I'm kidding...a little.

Ceiling art - something to look up to

When I was a kid, I used to lay on my back and imagine walking on the ceiling.  I'd envision the furniture upside down and what it would be like living from that perspective. 

In college, I studied interior design and sociology.  I wanted to design spaces that would heighten and enlighten the senses in hospitals, clinics, or any place where people needed to feel better.  One idea I had was putting art on the ceiling of hospitals.  I thought that kids, in particular, would benefit in having something to look at to divert their attention from their hospital stay.  I still feel strongly that our surroundings can have a significant impact on our healing.

Yesterday, E (my 8yo) fell back with all of his weight onto a heavy duty garden rake and impaled himself.  I rushed him to the ER where he was attended to.  We spent 3 1/2 hours in the ER of the children's hospital where I noticed they had painted colorful birds and lady bugs on the ceiling.  I thought the attempt was great, but after looking at the images for many hours realized that kids could use more.  How about a series of mazes or puzzles to keep them preoccupied?  Or perhaps installing some artwork like that of Ji Lee, an artist I saw in a magazine on Sunday when E and I were in the Urgent Care for several hours (see yesterday's post). Lee's 2008 Parallel World project is exactly what I used to imagine as a child...that there is a parallel world that exists on our ceilings.  These installations can spark our imagination and take us to places unknown.

"People fill the floor of their homes with furniture and walls with paintings and pictures. So why are the ceilings left empty? Decorating ceilings was a celebrated art form in the past centuries that somehow got lost through the reductionism of modernism. People don't look at the ceiling anymore. It's a dead space. So I wanted to bring a small wink to this space. I also liked the idea that somehow there's a parallel world which coexists with ours."

[source]

I've got nothing for you today - literally

Better than nothing - Poster, originally uploaded by midwich.

"This typographic A2 poster has been created in an ASCII style. The hundreds of hand drawn (pencil) dashes make an optical illusion which form the letters. If you look closely (see larger size) you can see the letter forms hidden in the dashes."

For more information and to see other posters check out Binary & The Brain"

Tansu step chests - furniture design with staying power

My favorite piece of furniture, and something that I treasure, is my Tansu step chest. It is the only piece of furniture that we willingly paid full, perhaps over, price for simply because I had always wanted one. Four or so years ago, I happened upon a Chinese antiquity shop filled with gorgeous chests, accessories, and statues. As I wondered through the store, I ended up in its basement where I found this particular piece. I called my husband and pretty much sobbed that it had to be mine.

The Tansus chest originated in Japan sometime in the 1800s. These chests were designed to enhance the minimal aesthetic of Japanese homes at that time and hold every day items such as food and clothing. They were also known for being minimal, practical, and portable.

[source]

The Tansus step chest is one of the earliest examples of Japanese cabinetry. Utilitarian in its design, these chests often bridged the literal gap between floors or served as room dividers sharing the same drawers and openings on both sides. They were also designed to be moved easily and quickly in times of disaster. Larger chest handles served as pole inserts so that the chests could be carried on the backs of two people.

[source]

My step chest is identical on both sides. It comes apart in 11 different sections, including the base.

Besides its functionality and practicality, I love how these chests fit seamlessly into any decor. This beautiful piece of furniture is steeped in history and remains relevant today.

Classic Tansu in a modern loft. [source]


Custom cabinetry that mimics Tansu [source]

Handmade mod Tansu chest by Wook Woodworking on Etsy (Northampton, MA)

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Combined shelves from CB2 [source]

To see more great Tansus chests, visit this Flickr group here.

BONUS: While researching this post, I came across these great ideas that relate to the shape and functionality of Tansu. These would be perfect in small spaces.

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Chair Love - posted by Crafted by Lindy

I've been wanting a funky, post modern, urban looking.........well chair for our living room for quite some time now. Unfortunately space always plays a factor. So for now I'll enjoy these lovelies through the world wide web. I hope you enjoy them too!

(top to bottom, left to right)

1. Mid Century Slipper Style Chair Bokz Lounge chair Eames Era Classic - Lunar Lounge Design
2. Birch Plywoood Lounge Chair - Michael Arras
3. Mid Century Lemonade Chairs (pair) - Spruce Home
4. Rock-a-bye Baby Rocker - l + j industries
5. Orbit Lounge Chair Eames Aarnio Kartel Eras New classic design - Lunar Lounge Design
6. db chari - Designed by Francis

[Lindy lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband and son. Besides blogging, she enjoys running her stationary business and creating new designs for her Etsy shop. You can read her blog here.]

What to do with those old incandescent lightbulbs

1243 incandescent lightbulbs illuminated by one single low energy light source. What Watt? is a homage to this soon to be defunct icon. Designer - Tim Fishlock, London.

Time lapsed video of its construction.
What Watt? from Tim Fishlock on Vimeo.

original source: Contemporist

Original, organic, computer generated jewelry by Nervous System

I popped over to Craftland today to drop off a seat belt messenger bag that a customer wanted. I had to peruse the goods...with holiday shopping in mind, of course. There were so many wonderful things to get me into trouble. I want a hat, fingerless gloves, jewelry (lots of jewelry), a headband, you get the picture.

I was able to pick up a couple really cool gifts (I know I'll find more when I put in my volunteer hours in the shop) and couldn't resist buying myself a little something.

I fell in love with this ring by Nervous System. I had seen their work before but never in person. LOVE IT! This particular ring is made from a hard nylon so it's lightweight and comfortable to wear. Best of all, it was only $15.00. I'd love to have it in sterling silver (hint, hint).


Nervous System is truly unique in both it's design process and end product. Using computer applications they explore their design concepts utilizing various algorithms they generate. The end result is beautifully organic pieces that essentially formed on their own. Their website goes into more detail as well as offers their applications for customers to explore and create their own custom pieces.

Another great bookshelf idea - Reader's Nest

Save your place and shelve your favorite books - a design collaborative by David Design

Handy dandy to-go cup coffee sleeve by Umbra

Why didn't I think of this?! The perfect gift for the person who buys their coffee on the go! The Handisleeve by Umbra is available at The Container Store here.

This modern home makes my heart flutter

I just came across this wonderful home in Sebastopol, California, by architects Turnbull Griffin Haesloop. As I looked through the photos, a few of which I've re-posted here, my heart literally raced with excitement. I would love to live in a space that caused that kind of energy. It's the functional open space and natural lighting that really appeals to me. I also love how it blends into the surrounding landscape so beautifully. Surprisingly, the main house is only 1,700 square feet. It appears much larger. If the space is functional and open, who needs anything bigger?!

For more pictures and descriptions, visit Contemporist.com here.

Munkii Vintage Bookshelf

This is a fantastic line of bookshelves designed by Jaren Goh for a furniture company in Singapore, Munkii. These bookshelves combine baroque and contemporary styling, perfectly melding the two into a piece that is functional, whimsical, and relevant to our time. I love them! For more pictures, visit Design Milk or the Munkii website. [originally seen on Design Milk]

Water your plants in style with these modern watering cans

I recently came across this great modern rain barrel that incorporates a watering can and a tap. It was designed by a very talented Bas van der Veer in The Netherlands and, in my opinion, is divine. Besides its sleek style, I love that it is multifunctional and eco-friendly.

This discovery got me thinking about watering cans. I have an inexpensive can that drives me batty. It is too small, and forces me to go between my plant(s) and my sink so many times that I've opted to use a huge glass vase instead. So, I thought I'd search for a modern can to replace it. Here are a few that I really liked:

1.2.

3.

5.6.

1. Stainless Steel Can - $91.14

2. Jerszy Seymour: Pipe Dream Modern Watering Can Magis, Italy - $98.00

3. Kiwi Watering Can by Alessi - $49.00

4. Ikea -$1.99

5. Twist and Spout - $6.99

My favorite, and one I'll likely purchase is the Twist and Spout. How ingenious to make a handle/spigot to be used on plastic soda bottles. Why didn't I think of that?! And why am I not surprised that it was designed by my buddies over at Fred and Friends!

Light bulb candle set by Areaware

I love the irony in these candles by Areaware.

Friday's Find: modern and novelty pillows by Sofa Garden

Initially, these modern pillows, by Sofa Garden, jumped out at me. I love the combination of the bold color block and real cork fabric application. But as I began looking around this great shop, I found some novelty pillows that are also fantastic and perfect to add a bit of humor to your decor.

Here's a cigar that won't smell up your house.


I really don't have to say much about this pillow. It simply made me laugh.

Modern porch swing

I've always thought it would be great to have a swing indoors. Yes, first I'd have to have the space, but I can dream can't I?

I was visiting one of my favorite modern websites and came across these great powder coated steel swings [via GrassrootsModern]. They are by Rick Brown and David Cano of Brown Studios, in Louisiana. Available in orange, teal, white, charcoal, and black - $700.00 + shipping.

These make me wish I had a porch or loft.

Small in stature, large on impact - home decor from the Frank Lloyd Wright Collection

Laser cut with precision, these intricate wooden screens, by Prairie Arts, make a big design impact on your desk, table top or mantel. If you are a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright or the prairie style, you'll love this site. From pottery to ornaments, these reproductions are all based on Wright's original designs and are meticulously made.

Here's an easy decorating tip: display a grouping of 3 or more ornaments on the wall. You can fill a small space (i.e., over windows) or hang them together in a larger grouping for bigger impact.

Groundbreaking technology that will change both gaming and our world

Today's 'modern' post is a video about Project Natal, by XBox. Of course, my 12 year old showed this to me. This new technology enables the user to interact naturally without controls. You have to see this! It's like something right out of the movies.

"This is a pivotal moment that will carry with it a wave of change, the ripples of which will reach far beyond video games" -STEVEN SPIELBERG

Poaching made easy with Poachpods

We love to make eggs Benedict in our house (with a super easy hollendaise sauce packet from my local grocery store). I've been keeping an eye out for a poacher and found these Poachpods at my local hardware store, of all places. Made of flexible silicone, these pods can also be used for molding and baking.

These are great! I've never poached eggs so nicely and I love the rounded shape. They come in packs of two, so I'll have to buy another set.

Mid Century modern for the birds

C and E made this bird house together. When I saw it, I thought it had all the elements of a mid century modern house. Do you think the Barcelona chair is too much?