Playboys

I love these shots from the article 'Designs for living' which featured in the July 1969 issue of Playboy magazine. I particularly like the top image which shows some of the biggest names in mid-century design seated on their creations. It must have taken some serious organising to get the the Crème de la Crème of mid-century design: George Nelson, Edward Wormley, Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, Charles Eames and Jens Risom in the same place at the same time for this incredible group shot. What I'd give to have been a fly on the wall at that photo shoot!

Black Beauty- Prospect House

I came across this House by Dow Jones Architects during a fantasy house hunt. It is a low energy, open plan, 4 bedroom home with separate studio located on Sion Hill overlooking Bath. I'm particularly loving the dark zinc cladding, the liberal use of concrete and the glazed red brick driveway reminiscent of the terraces at (my spiritual home) The Barbican.  

MAD for Mad Men

I have to say I am absolutely ecstatic that Mad Men is once again gracing our T.V screen's after a lengthy 2 year absence that seems an eternity. It really has been an excruciating wait but I'm glad to finally have my weekly fix of mid-century interiors back (for the next couple of months at least anyway)! I nearly had heart failure on first glimpse of Don and Megan's new apartment!

Toys for big kids

I First saw this product a year or so ago in Republic the Fritz Hansen magazine and I have to admit was secretly quite excited. It is a miniature 1:16 copy of Arne Jacobsen's villa at Gotfred Rodes Vej 2 in Charlottenlund by Danish company Minimii.
It only went into production recently and unfortunately even with the hefty price tag of £674 + shipping the first run has already sold out. Minimii are currently working on a flat packed version though so I'll definitely be keeping an eye out! 

Those who can't wait for the second run will be pleased to know Minimii have now also released a slightly more practical space saving wall mounted version (and it's a snip at just £449!)...

TIME-BER!

Aware of the dearth of decent alarm clocks having been on the lookout for for a replacement for a while now, I'd come to the conclusion that due to the ever increasing use of mobile phones to wake us they were pretty much obsolete.
That's why I had a chuckle to myself recently when I came across this product by New York based industrial designer Jonas Damon produced by Areaware and available in the U.K from SCP for £36.
It's basically a sustainably sourced wooden alarm clock shaped dock for your iPhone that with the addition of a free app turns your iPhone into a retro flip clock.
As they say, if you can't beat them join them! (but do it in style!)