Room by Room – the Nelson Daybed
Mar. 11 10
This week, Room by Room with FormFire Glassworks is looking at the Nelson Daybed, or Case Study Daybed.
Designed by George Nelson in the 50s as part of the Case Study Program in Southern California, this piece functions as both a sofa and a bed. Perfect for a quick nap, rear bolsters are removable for use as a bed. A thinline platform and steel v-shaped legs make this a very light addition to the modern home, great for use in small-space living. Available through Modernica, it is also available as a full bed size, and has options for side bolsters and a table extension. Daybeds are a nice use of space, looking like a finished living space during the day, and available for extra sleep space at night.
Some days are just more tired than others, and today’s accessory picks center around nap and relaxation time. A rolling side table adds a vintage feel, topped by a vase in matte and glossy finishes. A bird quilt echoes the clean lines of the daybed, while a graphic print gives a modern feel with a dash of color. A t-shirt rug is a great place to set your feet after a long day.
Next week I will choose a new iconic piece and give you my picks for accessorizing your modern home.
Room by Room – the Eames Elephant
Mar. 4 10
This week, Room by Room with FormFire Glassworks takes a look at an fun addition to the children’s room, the Eames Elephant.
Designed as a child’s toy/seat in 1945, the original elephant was created from two pieces of bent plywood. Only two original pieces were made, one of which went directly to the Museum of Modern Art. In 2007, Vitra decided to release an all-plastic version that is also suitable for outdoor play. Whether used as a toy or a chair, this is a sweet, fun and modern piece for any child’s bedroom or play area.
There are so many great handmade choices out there to accessorize your child’s room or play space. A knobby-kneed alligator print adds whimsy to the top of a dresser. A puffy quilt creates warmth and texture, while a set of stuffed owls hangs as a garland above a window. An animal-filled alphabet is a super learning tool, while a vinyl forest enhances creative play.
Next week I will choose a new iconic piece and give you my picks for accessorizing your modern home.
Daily Favorites
Mar. 4 10
Thursday’s picks from the site. Especially love…
This Old Thing bracelet $15 by BananaSaurus Rex
Wishing for Spring
Feb. 25 10
Spring is getting so close. And I just can’t help thinking about it day after very cold (for Florida) day. What about you? Are you itching for spring?
Friendly Forest Think Spring Collection $9 by P.S. Its in the Details
Room by Room – the Mies van der Rohe MR Chair
Feb. 25 10
This week, Room by Room with FormFire Glassworks takes a look at an iconic transitional piece, the Mies van der Rohe MR Chair.
Originally created in 1927 with a tubular steel frame and wicker caning seat, this simple chair fits nicely into both the minimalist modern home as well as into a warmer, more natural setting. Designed as part of the MR Collection, Mies’ chair is available with leather seating and padding, and also comes as a side chair, without arms. Personally, I am a fan of the wicker version, which keeps the clean lines of the shapely frame, while adding texture and warmth. The slight springiness of the steel frame makes this a comfortable piece, and its spare construction makes it a light addition to a dining room, home office, or as an extra chair in a living area.
This combination of simple line combined with tactile sensation led me to an eclectic selection of handmade accessories. I love the melding of authentic materials and simple forms. A concrete box houses an indoor thermometer, while bowls of a similar material hold succulents that bring in a contained piece of nature. Linen baskets hold oft-used items, and add substance with their leather handles. A set of simple porcelain vases counterbalance texture with a touch of smoothness, and a walnut base lamp with an Edison bulb adds the warmth of wood and a modern twist on an antique look.
Next week I will choose a new iconic piece and give you my picks for accessorizing your modern home.
{DIY} Pocket Size Letterpress Sketchbook
Feb. 23 10
Anything pocket-sized is cool with me. Grab it and go types of things. And of course, letterpress is always a plus. So I combined a couple of my favorite things for today’s diy: a pocket size letterpress sketchbook. Its similar to a project I did for 100 Layer Cake a while back, but I switched some things around to accommodate for a more practical everyday item…
What do I need to make this?
Materials: Needle and thread (or embroidery floss), scissors, blank sheets of paper (consider using a thicker weight than standard printer paper) and blank letterpress cards. Optional: bookbinding awl and paper cutter. The most important materials though are the letterpress cards that you choose. I chose a blind embossed eyelet lace set from Pistachio Press. Look for letterpress sets with multiple cards to save even more money, and use an A2 size card (4.25 x 5.5 inches).
How do I make this?
Steps (above for images): 1. Measure the letterpress cards you are using, and then with a paper cutter or a pair of scissors, cut the sheet in half horizontally. Now you have two halves of paper that are of equal size.
2. Trim about 1/4 inch off of your newly cut sheets all the way around the edges. Then fold sheets in half (hamburger style this time) and stick the pages inside your letterpress card.
3. Trim any excess so that it fits neatly into your letterpress card. There shouldn’t be too many problems with that though since we already trimmed the pages before folding them in half.
4. Next, turn to the middle section of your newly formed booklet. Using a stab or bookbinding awl, create three evenly spaced holes down the spine of your booklet.
5. Use your needle and thread or embroidery floss to go through the three holes as if you are binding a book. Then tie the thread or embroidery floss off and cut off any excess. Thats it- all done. Here’s the finished product…
Looking for more ideas for quick and easy projects? Click here to visit the tutorials page filled with almost 30 diy’s.
Room by Room – Wright’s American Modern
Feb. 18 10
This week, Room by Room with FormFire Glassworks re-enters the kitchen to look at a classic of modern tableware, Russell Wright’s American Modern.
As we have been going through modern classics, it is important to remember that furniture is not the only type of iconic item that can bring immediate style to the modern home. Designed in 1939, Russel Wright’s American Modern line, currently in reproduction by Bauer Pottery, is a great example of timeless style. In a fun range of colors and with an amazing sense of form, these pieces are just as often displayed as part of home decor as they are used for the table. I have collected quite a few pieces in chartreuse and brown myself, and have just pulled them out of the cabinets to make use of them in our kitchen. Wright’s motto was that “good design is for everyone,” and the re-release of this gorgeous line has made that more possible.
To complement the strong style and colors of Wright’s pottery, simple lines and strong design are best for your other kitchen accessories. A hand-shaped oak cutting board echoes the sinuous lines of the pottery. A magnetic knife block is spare, yet practical, while a wooden salt and pepper set feel wonderful in the hand. Coasters made from vintage fabrics add and extra kick of color, while a cutout felt runner adds a touch of geometric pattern with a subtle look.
Next week I will choose a new iconic piece and give you my picks for accessorizing your modern home.
Thanks to backhomeagainvintage for the American Modern collection photo.
