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.
Home Inspiration from Smile and Wave
Mar. 10 10
Just found these inspiring home photos from Rachel of Smile and Wave, thanks to the pns flickr group. Always enjoy seeing vintage pieces on display like this. Globe collections will never get old in my eyes.
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.
Platypusfile House Tour
Mar. 3 10
Today, Tallahassee artist Janae of Platypusfile is sharing her home with us and answering a few questions. There are so many things to see in Janae’s home. I find something new everytime I look at these photos. But one thing that’s certainly hard to miss? Janae and her husband’s collection of over 2,500 books. Wow! Enjoy the tour…
What kind of home do you live in?
Our cozy 930 square foot cottage is a place where I bake, draw, collect, sew as well as sing and dance with my husband and son. We also have three very loving cats that often find the perfect stack of fabric to lie on. We live in Tallahassee FL, which is a vibrant college town. I am an adjunct instructor at the local university as well as part of a handmade co-op, Textures Handmade Market. I sell handmade goods as well as teach workshops. I am also online at my shop Platypusfile on Etsy.
How would you describe your design style?
My home is forever informing how I see the world as well as how I am comfortable in the world. I love things and want to be with these treasures as much as I can. I am a collector of patterns, natural specimens, woodcarvings, bottles and feel that both my home and my approach to art+craft is one of a collagist. I imagine foreign textures mingling, opposing patterns harmonizing, and objects turning into drawings. My collections influence my art, but so do the many books we collect. I am an avid looker at 1970’s craft books, botanical drawings, Japanese Ikebana as well as old quilt and pattern books.
Simply I think of my design style as an amateur naturalist collecting for a wonder cabinet.
What is your favorite room of your house and why?
Before moving into our home, the former owners did some renovations.
They turned a three-bedroom house into a two bedroom, which opened up our living room quite a bit and gave us a wonderful fireplace. Our dinning room/living room/kitchen all-empty into one another, this allows for our family to be together in most moments. I love that harmony; I enjoy working at the dinning room on an art project while my son plays in the next space. This interconnectedness is what makes our home work so well.
On average, about how much time per week are you able to put into creating?
This also allows me to spend more time on my artwork than if I had a separate space. I believe I spend between 4-6 hours a day on creating which also includes the time I am photographing and using the computer.
What is your favorite thing to create for your shop?
Currently, I love making the Women Explorer dolls. They give me a chance to escape from the world, thinking about someone else’s adventures. I enjoy finding old clothes and remaking them into their new outfits – mixing old world designs with a contemporary flare. I also enjoy how they are both machine stitched and hand stitched; this
allows me to enjoy them in my hand, carrying them about. I have made them riding bird pillows and most recently one is sailing in her own boat.
What advice can you share on getting a business started?
Textures Handmade Market is an amazing shop in our small feeling town; it has a wide range of goods from very intricate complicated expensive goods to small sweet simple items that sell quickly. I think that has showed me that it is a great idea to have several different price points when you are selling to the world. People love the one of a kind special fancies but perhaps cannot afford them, but still want to be able to purchase some of your work. I think that has been one of my biggest lessons, to try to have several things at different prices. With that said, it is still important that they all fulfill your vision.
Thanks so much for the tour Janae. Visit Platypusfile on etsy to view more of Janae’s work.
This is Wallpaper
Mar. 1 10
At first glance, I could hardly believe this was wallpaper. I love the look of plate walls, but don’t have the patience (or decorative plates) for it. So, this wallpaper by Studio Ditt might just be the solution I’ve been looking for.
There are a couple of other selections to choose from as well. Like this scrapwood wallpaper. Visit Studio Ditte for more inspiring finds for your home.
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.
Wednesday Workstation
Feb. 24 10
It’s been a while since our last Wednesday Workstation post, since we’ve been doing a lot of home and studio tours lately. So today, we are taking a little peek at Afi’s (of Joo Joo) workspace. It’s so organized and inspiring. Don’t you think?
Afi was recently a featured seller on etsy for her other shop, Joo Joo Land. Read the interview here.
Visit Joo Joo on etsy to view her original artwork and prints.
And Joo Joo on papernstitch.
All images c/o Afi’s blog
