Clerkenwell Design Week: Minuscule chair

Fritz Hansen have launched a new chair by Cecilie Manz.  I'm a fan of Cecilie's Caravaggio lights and Essay table. I have to say though, this one for me; exactly what is says on the tin springs to mind- minus cool. The lines of the tub seat are actually quite nice but why the zimmer frame legs? Personally I think it would have looked great on wooden legs or at a push even a wire sled base. I don't doubt it will do well for them in the contract market though. It's a sturdy one and I think it would work well in a restaurant or bar.

It's not all bad though, the press shot for the chair is cute! and...

Fritz Hansen had put on a mini exhibition amongst which I found this image of from an old catalogue which looks as if it's from the 60's. Aerial images of different tables and chairs with colour coordinated place settings. WOWZERS! 

Clerkenwell Design Week: Nub chairs

Spotted this on The Andreu World stand. It's called The Nub chair and it's by Patricia Urquiola. 

It's got a real Windsor-y vibe to it which is 'so hot right now'. I like the use of the turned spindles for the back rest and the contrast between smooth front and bobbly back. 

It comes in several variations and a whole host of finishes. It's also available with a metal peddestal or sled base (which really don't do it for me, but whatever floats your boat!)

  

Also available is this small 2 seater bench which is adorable. The Walnut/turquoise combo is gorgeous.

Clerkenwell Design Week: Katakana writing desk

Loved this leather topped american black walnut desk by Dare Studio. Beautifully made with some great design features- drawers with tilted bases so that things don't go missing in the back, cable management and a secret storage area. It's also available in oak.

Clerkenwell Design Week: Animate bedside tables

I think these 'Animate' bedside tables by Young & Norgate are stunning. They are made from American blak walnut with formica in assorted colours. They have been designed and made so that the drawer mechanics are clearly visible which really shows off the top notch craftsmanship. They retail at just under £900 and are made to order in South Devon and are limited to 100 so if you want to get your hands on a pair you better get your skates on before they are all snapped up!  

There is also a writing desk in the same range.

Clerkenwell Design week: Bulb lights

Saw these on the ex.t stand at The Farmiloe building. They are by Belgian designer Deevie Vermetten for his company Fermetti. They are also available in white or grey ceramic with a white fabric but i think the natural oak version above is rather charming.

St Bartholomew by Maxim Velcovsky and Jakub Berdych: Devine interior

I love this interior by Qubus studio at St Bartholomew Church in the Czech Republic. The designers have opted for seating from 2 modernist design gods- Charles Eames for the clergy and Verner Panton for the congregation. The simple cross cut out from the white Panton S chairs is a particularly pleasing aesthetic if not somewhat sacrilegious!

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!)...