Preview: Block 90 Penthouse

Tucker loves his new home-  more photos soon!

Hella Jongerius

By Amanda Rickenbach

Holland would be nearly completely under water if it weren't for the ingenious invention of polders and dikes in the 12th century. Is 65% nearly completely? Maybe not, but it's a pretty high percentage. This incredible engineering feat reflects the adage "God created the world, the Dutch created Holland." To this day the Dutch continue to reclaim land from the rivers and the sea using a complex system of dykes and drainage canals. 

"Hella Jongerius's 2005 Polder Sofa for Vitra references the geographic makeup of her homeland in both name and design. Its elongated horizontal lines, low-lying form, and asymmetry echo the patchwork of the Dutch landscape and create visual interest from every viewable angle."  Each section of the sofa is defined by it's own unique fabric, color, and proportion. Decorative buttons made of natural materials like bone and mother-of-pearl create another level of dimension and character. 

The Polder Sofa is available in a variety of sizes and several colors of either leather or fabric. The pictured sofa by Jongerius was created with Maharam Polder for Vitra. The textiles include mohair velvet and two scales of checked wool. This sofa is a fun mixture of geometry, texture, and comfort. I personally love the checked wool cushion and think that the inspiration behind the design is unique and fabulous. 

Photos: Maharam 

Rare Find

The most beautiful ornaments I've seen this year.  Michelle Hartney can be found at Rare Device.  'Tis the season!

Grant Park Kitchen

Recently completed Grant Park Kitchen in Portland, OR

Architect: Giulietti/Schouten Architects

Interior Designer: Fig Studio

Contractor: JDL Development

Custom Art Glass: Batho Studios

    Photo Credit: Josh Partee Architectural Photography

Herringbone laid Italian porcelain adds graphic punch to the galley floorplan

The custom glass backsplash exemplifies the client's affinity for bold focus and rich details

Anigre set on the horizontal gives texture to this storage-focused space

Glimpse & Gander: Maharam Design Studio

Our fabulous local Maharam rep, Richelle, hooked us up with an amazing tour of the Maharam Design Studio, located on 5th Ave., just steps from Union Square.  We were so impressed with the kind atmosphere and inspiring projects they have in process...and I know exactly what fabric I'm going to use on my next cafe project. 

 difficult to tell from this photo, but those pieces are actually embroidered!

We were surprised by the intimate size of the design team, and that such sweeping projects and new product offerings came from such a tight group.  Maharam does partner with some of the most cutting edge folks around: Hella Jongerius, Bruce Mau, and Paul Smith to name a few, and they're new products really show a commitment to innovation. 

Maharam is a fourth-generation, family run business.  The office is light, bright, and airy (any creative's dream!).  The head honcho's office is out in the open, with a library fit for a design king.  In fact, anyone in the office is welcome to borrow his books.  He also has a nice collection of bikes I would have liked to take out for a spin.

 Textile Sneak Peeks

Maharam Digital Projects - Full Scale sampling.  "...at the convergence of art and design, Maharam Digital Projects is an expansive are carefully curated portfolio of digitally printed wall installations."

I have a renewed appreciation for what goes in to launching new textile patterns and weaves.  Maharams studio is the perfect example of what dedication and hard work can bring to designers and the marketplace.

Eames House, Santa Monica

Everyone has some sort of bucket list (if you don't, you should really start one!) and I was very happy to check this destination off of my list! I've been wanting to see the Eames House since my first day at architecture school. The highlight of the visit was getting the chance to see the 2nd Eames Lounge to roll off of the assembly line! Charles and Ray Eames designed with both a creative and practical eye, always allowing the body to guide their forms. Their design principles have always been an inspiration in my own work. I'm greatful that the Eames Foundation continues to allow the public to see this beautiful home!

Here are a few images of their home overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, CA. Sorry, no interior shots were allowed.

Food For Thought

This amazing supermarket concept, designed by Work Architecture Company for the Philippines, redefines what a chain store experience should be. Don't the apples look like little pieces of art set against this wonderfully fresh backdrop? We can't always shop at a sweet local mom-and-pop outfit, so when we need to hit the mass retailer, shouldn't it be an experience? Images courtesy of www.interiordesign.net