A HUSBAND & WIFE TEAM, Bryce and Kerry Moore have created a stylish collection honoring another remarkable duo: that of joint 17th century British sovereigns William & Mary. Each chair features front legs that are influenced by the design of that period, although a number of other details are simultaneously at work: note the layered Baltic birch plywood construction, the single stripe of hardwood, and the quaint blend of traditional elements and minimalist design.
$585-$1,078, designpublic.com
DURABLE, WATERPROOF and flexible, high density closed-cell foam is the ideal material for Lian Ng’s placemats and coasters. Each is composed of individual pieces that at first glance appear to be precariously connected; thankfully, the foam’s inherent strength allows each piece to sustain a fair amount of punishment. Two shapes are available: the circles have a feminine/organic touch, while the rotated squares are disheveled and slightly lackadaisical.
$9-$10, plushpod.com
DESCRIBED AS ECO-CHIC by the Today Show, these Bamboo Lacquerware Bowls by Bambu are also functional; available in convenient 4.5″, 6″ and 11.5″ flavors, the bowls are waterproof and food-safe thanks to a a natural lacquer finish. Each bowl is hand-coiled, shaped and finished and comes in eight popular and contemporary colors.
$12-$48, branchhome.com
SCREWS hold things together, yet this description (however apt) seems to be insufficient at conveying its importance. Industrial designer Ron Arad brings this simple fastener into focus with the eponymous Screw stool. Made from mirror polished aluminum and satin stainless steel, the chair is a fitting (and gorgeous) monument to its more humble forefathers.
$1,539, unicahome.com
YOU ZIG WHILE I ZAG goes the contrarian’s cliche, although in this case the terms describe the complementary relationship between an awkward dining table and an equally mischievous chair. Called Ziggy and Zaggy and designed by Frank Neulichedl, the collection features beech furniture with acutely angled lines throughout. Living (and eating) on the wild side has never seemed so permissible.
architonic.com
CHOREOGRAPHY, or dance composition, is the art of making structures in which movement occurs (source: Wikipedia). This is tangibly expressed in the Antani Composition, an Italian dining set with graceful curves that are as sleek and emotive as a flesh-and-blood dancer. Sophisticated and modern, Antani features a multilayered beech, cherry or wenge shell and chromed steel accents.
$989, italy4us.com
THERE IS SUCH A THING as design bloat; John Brauer’s ES Cutting Board seems to fit this scenario when you read its lengthy features list: a slope that allows liquids to drain; a “cutting angle” that offers ergonomic benefits; hygienic, non-slip and reversible polyethylene construction. However, one look at the board dispels such notions: if the aforementioned functionality is truly packed into such a simple, eye-pleasing shape, the correct description is not bloat, but elegance.
$50, nova68.com
MOD DECOR’S Emotion Bowls are literally brimming with energy; the playfully organic design is sure to elicit compliments (or at the very least, inquisitive glances). Four sizes are available, with each bowl designed to nestle within its successor. Multiple colors are also available, most of it tastefully concentrated around the lip of the bowl.
$17.95 – $74.95, moddecor.com
BLACK AND WHITE may be persona non grata in the world of TV, but continues to occupy a hallowed niche in contemporary design. This set of melamine trays by Paul Smith features Victorian Gothic-inspired patterns. The largest plate measures nearly 16 inches; all three are stackable and dishwasher safe.
£ 30, paulsmith.co.uk
Via: NOTCOT.ORG
A SLIVER of tempered glass focuses on the obvious highpoint of Sacha Lakic’s Dyna Table: four sleek, flowing legs with organic cutouts form the base of the table. Stained in dark Wenge, the Dyna has an architectural appeal that threatens to draw attention away from the main course of any meal–not an unwelcome diversion, by any means.
lakic.com
