happy memorial day weekend.

Be Bold. Latika!

 Memorial Day weekend is almost upon us. Summer is just around the corner. This Summer I am seeing bright and bold colors.  I am craving dinnerware that has some "punch," power and rich patterns. The porcelain dinnerware shown here is from the Latika collection from Echo Design. This collection celebrates a 70's spirit with a sunny palette and exotic paisley pattern perfect for the contemporary table. All pieces are dishwasher and microwave safe and appropriate for use every day. Another wonderful detail is the price. An assortment of twenty pieces is available for around $150.00. It is also possible to purchase individual place settings as well as accent pieces. A table set with these attractive porcelain dishes, bowls, platters, etc. is certain to be cheery and fun. The colors are uplifting and the paisley pattern is interesting and eye-catching. What a lovely way to get set for summer!

Refreshingly Simple.

Sometimes it is best to just keep things simple. A room that is overflowing with "things" can not only be tiring on the eye but uncomfortable to spend time in. This cocktail table from OGGI Design features a satin nickel base and a 42" wide table top. While it is an uncomplicated look, the various directions each of the "multi-directional" lines of the base makes this an interesting piece. It is a sculptural table that is worthy of being the centerpiece of a room. I have no problem mixing this very contemporary table with more traditional or transitional furnishings to create an interior design that is Urban Sophisticated and eclectic. Paired with furniture just as contemporary in value, the will result will likely be fresh, modern, understated, yet beautiful design. The glass and metal table is priced at around $1,800.00. It is also available with a solid stone table top. I am not as fond of the stone table because the stone top blocks the clear view to the very interesting table foundation.

"Steampunk" Sculptural Art Lamps.

 I consulted the Urban Dictionary for this definition. "Steampunk" is a type of subculture that mixes the styles of past generations (such as the Victorian era) with modern conveniences, creating inventions that look as if they could have been created generations ago. For instance, a Gameboy would be powered by steam and contain clockwork parts rather than silicon and electrical wiring.

My friend, Stuart Dymond of DymondDesign, has taken his hobby of creating Steampunk Sculptural Art Lamps to the marketplace. These brilliantly fashioned lamps are like none other that I have seen. They are individual works of art that have been created from reclaimed and salvaged mechanical or building parts, vintage wood boxes, stained glass, porcelain, exotic wood, aluminum, brass and copper to name a few of the materials. 

Stuart is a local artist currently living in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His shop has recently had it's grand opening on Etsy.com and his selections of Steampunk lamps are fantastic. A one-of-a-kind lamp, such as Stuart's is not necessarily favored for the light it emits, but for the originality and creativity behind the work of art. It is a piece of sculpture for a room. A "jewel" piece. Certainly a conversation starter.

Stuart Dymond's Etsy.com profile sums it up well. As he states, 

"I am a local artist in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
I specialize in unique, one of a kind Victorian "Steampunk" style art lamps but also build a variety of contemporary and Asian inspired lamps.

 
Each piece is handcrafted from vintage/new materials and professionally fitted with new wiring and electrical components.

 
My lamps are truly "out of the ordinary" and cannot be found in stores.
Every lamp is an original work of sculptural art lighting and none of my designs will ever be duplicated.
Scale, proportion, asymmetricality and whimsicality are incorporated in all of my designs."

 He goes on to say that he is available to be commissioned for custom pieces that may incorporate sentimental or special objects. These lamps or art pieces are worth checking out. You may do so by clicking here.

Want to experience the ICFF in New York City?

For those individuals lucky to be in New York City or traveling to the New York City area this weekend into early next week, there is a Contemporary Furniture Fair at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center that is not to be missed. If you are not a member of the Trade and would like to experience this exciting event, the good new is that there is a "Public Day". This is a day when design enthusiasts, students, or anyone who would like to check out the very best in contemporary and modern design may attend the ICFF. "ICFF" stands for "International Contemporary Furniture Fair." The day to mark is Tuesday, 22 May 2012. Here is what the ICFF website has to say about Public Day:

"Design is everywhere, and it's here to say. So, if you want to discover more about what's new and what's next, what's in and what's out, what's hot and what's not, make your way to the ICFF at the Javits Center. That goes for your design savvy friends, too. Tweet them. Text them. E-mail them. Phone them." Or, just send smoke signals into the air. (I added the part about the smoke signals).

For more information, or to buy tickets, please click the link to the ICFF website here.