Brave Space is a Brooklyn-based group of designers with a focus on sustainable products that are both a bit playful and contemporary. Their environmentally-friendly Bamboo Slide is a classic example of both their philosophy and their New York roots, with a small footprint that is perfect for tight urban kitchens. A sliding butcher block top adds nearly another 2 feet to its length and also reveals an extra, removable cutting board. Two drawers to either side of the table also slide out for additional storage space. In Brave Space’s words, this useful kitchen island also allows a host to simultaneously prepare food and serve as barkeep–making Bamboo Slide not only efficient in space but in time.

The Hollow line of tables features an open-ended “hangar” that sits just underneath the tabletop, useful for hiding relatively flat items such as magazines and books. The end table is particularly suited for storing periodicals with pockets on its legs, while the bench makes up for its length with a central cutout that allows for access to its hollow interior. A light blonde bamboo trapezoidal inner frame is wrapped by a darker amber shell, which is an interesting play on negative space. Finished in organic herbal oil, these tables are both minimal and sustainable.

Brave Space’s Tetrad series is based off of Tetris, a game to which many of us can attribute lost hours and sore thumbs. Not only is the shape of Tetrad just like its electronic counterpart, but its pieces are interchangeable too. This allows for an infinite variety of combinations; stylish, double-sided beveling only adds to the permutations by making the individual shelves reversible. A Pack Flat version comes with metal backing and fast shipping, while the Mini and traditional versions are bulkier but finished in more stylish Walnut.

Deep Space is a two-toned Baltic Birch and Walnut wardrobe which highlights Brave Space’s love for compartments and extra storage spaces, with a variety of hidden, shallow and deep drawers located not only inside its cavernous 4 foot-deep interior but installed inside its longest door. Three exposed drawers allow for easy access, while a bi level shoe rack near the bottom and a hanging rack near the top handle clothing and other apparel easily. Powder-coated black aluminum hardware accents an otherwise fully wooden frame which is finished with their patented water-based BioShield formulation.

The Bamboo Stagger and Desk 235 both feature zig-zagging perpendicularly oriented parts; the Stagger is a shelving system with an asymmetric configuration to make room for irregular pieces such as vases while maintaining a fairly compact profile, while Desk 235 is wrapped in thin cherry/walnut veneer panels for a lightweight appearance. 235 is so named for its shelving which resembles a digital clock; now if only we all got to leave work at 2:35!

Lastly we have the Folded Bed, which is a sleek, low-profile bed platform with the same thin-panel appearance as the Stagger and 235. The headboard is flanked by two semi-translucent panels which, are useful for diffuse rear lighting. Even the slats are stylish, as they not only flush with the bed but fully integrated into its frame. In addition to the products featured above, Brave Space also provides custom design services to fit your own needs; for more information, visit their website by clicking here.

Although colorful/patterned decor is all the rage these days, light colored furniture still continues to occupy a hallowed niche in contemporary furnishings. Above: the plasticky/mod Orbit dining set is appropriately named, as it instantly brings back memories of 2001: A Space Odyssey. The playfully rounded chairs in particular are infused with the optimism of the 1960s; chromed steel lends the entire group a hint of sophistication.

The use of white furniture in a living room is simultaneously the most rewarding and most controversial. Placing such furnishings (which often attract scuffs and stains like moths to a flame) in a high visibility setting is best reserved for those of us with a mean clean streak. All things considered, the arrangement above makes a compelling argument: sleek, rounded cocktail and end tables flank a minimalist splitback sleeper sofa. A white vinyl upholstered chaise ups the style equation a notch while a bubbly TV stand with chrome trumpet base complements the other tables in the room.

The Jazz series is a fairly elementary storage solution for with a bit of mod style. The display cabinet features an alternating grid of square cubbies with five sliding doors which are removable if you want to maximize display space, while the low-slung buffet table includes four smaller cubbies hidden behind two sliding doors. What really sets Jazz apart are the quartet of triangular legs which splay apart in a cartoon-like fashion; overall, a nice mix of utility and fun for cool cats all around.

For pure simplicity, it’s difficult to beat the Solo bedroom group: aluminum features are the only real flourishes on an otherwise very simple and square template. Definitely a set for minimalists, Solo is perhaps most at home in a loft setting; the elegant platform bed and cosmopolitan dresser and nightstand are perfectly matched with concrete floors, New York-style brick walls and exposed columns and ductwork. All of this and more are available at Eurway.

It’s always nice to feel good about anything you buy; it can be said that Andrew Moe’s furniture engenders good feelings twice over with not only style but environmentally sound production practices. Reclaimed lumber is the Moe Design Studio’s medium of choice, and as such no two pieces are ever alike.

Above: The Olathe series of tables is perched upon tapered, insect-like legs and can be topped with glass, wood or even stone. The top table is made from hickory, while the bottom is made from oak–both from reclaimed sources.

The Ames and Musashi are solid and imposing coffee tables with fundamentally different design approaches; Musashi is clearly more asian-inspired with a cantilevered oak top, while the Ames is minimal and modern. Musashi actually utilizes two pieces of steel to support its “roof”, whose ends are purposely exposed at the top of each leg. The Ames utilizes more traditional dovetail joinery to produce an essentially seamless transition from the sides to the top.

The zebra-like Chama is composed of several different species of wood to give it a unique striped look. The example above is made from soft maple and spruce, with a contrast not only between colors but textures (smooth vs. rough). At just over 1 1/2 feet in height, Chama is suitable as a short end table, stool, or plant stand.

Ridgeway looks a bit like it was sculpted from a single and unbroken piece of wood. In reality the white-washed finish nearly obscures the transition between the legs and the bottom of the seat. I like the overall shape of the piece – sharply tapered legs and an uneven top give Ridgeway a playful, handcrafted look with just a touch of modern.

The city of Mancos is located in the extreme southwestern corner of Colorado, and is rich with farming, timber and mining industries. The Mancos bed is somewhat of a testament to a predominantly outdoor culture with a rustic, unfinished red oak frame. I say somewhat, in that the bed is also clearly contemporary in shape, if not in texture.

The elegant Ophir desk and chair combo is made from rich ash wood with gorgeous, sweeping legwork on both pieces. This collection is my favorite, as it balances both minimalist aesthetics with just enough flair to make a statement. For more information on the Ophir and other pieces by Andrew, feel free to visit the Moe Design studio. Note: although his work is mostly made to order, some of his tables are also available at Vivavi.

Via swissmiss: Courtney Skott is a recent graduate of the Wood/Furniture program at the California College of the Arts, but don’t let that fool you – she draws from a diverse background that includes majors in journalism and engineering as well as work in the internet industry. Perhaps the best embodiment of Courtney is in her innovative Cloud Bed which serves as a “room within a room”. This is a bed that is layered with meaning: the curved corners are clearly contemporary, the frame is based on Chinese alcove beds from the Ming Dynasty, and the cutouts are digitized clouds from a trip to Patagonia. All the while, the bed is more functional than most, with casters that allow for easy repositioning. Image attribution: Heather and Fraying

Corrugated cardboard is not necessarily the classiest of materials to emulate, but the Map Cabinet and Corrugated Bench (both, above) are surprisingly handsome. Made from bent plywood, the wavy sheets are not only interesting but also help to give structural integrity to the overall piece (much like with real cardboard). The plywood itself is detailed with silk screened patterns; forests in the case of the Map Cabinet, and chantilly lace for the Corrugated Bench.

As a fellow Bay Area resident, I can relate to the rationale behind Courtney’s prototype Quake Shelves. Each shelf (made from Padauk wood) is bolted to the wall with a patina-finished metal bracket–not a bad feature to have in a tremor, although the shelf can slide back and forth within the bracket.The metal actually is dotted with holes that represent the locations of earthquakes in California for the previous week, guaranteeing a certain level of uniqueness for each piece.

The Un-upholstered chair is exactly that – this chair not only revels in its wooden frame, but has been routed through the Walnut veneer to expose the base plywood. A repeating floral pattern and the natural warmth of Walnut is enough to temporarily fool the eye into thinking the chair is perhaps thinly wrapped in fabric, but this chair is simply wood, through and through.

Like the Un-upholstered chair, these Tree Stools reflect Skott’s Wood/Furniture background, although more in spirit than actual composition. Save for a plywood frame, the stools are actually designed for comfort with ample foam padding. Each stool is wrapped in a jacket of wool which is meticulously pin tucked to give it the appearance of bark. As with many of Courtney’s other pieces, these stools are expensive at $3500. I do however look forward to seeing more of her work in the near future, if not for ownership, at least for inspiration.
courtneyskott.com

With an extensive portfolio that includes clients such as Kartell, Artemide and Vitra, Antonio Citterio is an exemplar of classic contemporary style with low-profile furniture and clean lines. Above: both Visofa and Charles are minimalist sofas with chrome frames. Visofa features a backward slanting seat that nearly sits on the ground and is tightly wrapped with stylish cowhide leather, while Charles can be upholstered in either fabric or leather.

As its name implies, the Freetime series is all about versatility with a movable backrest that alternates between a normal forward and rearward “relaxation” position. Its foam padded cushions rest on fabric webbing, which is not as supportive as a spring-based system but has enough comfort for moderate use.

The Diesis is a heraldic double cross (‡) with a storied history, perhaps best utilized by the French: first by Joan of Arc and then again by the Free French forces which resisted Nazi occupation in World War II. Elements of this double cross can be seen in the triple sofa cushions on the Diesis sofa, which is available in either fabric or leather. Wide leather armrests balance on deceptively thin die-cast aluminum arms and feet, although the base frame is made from sturdy rolled steel.

Modularity is the primary goal of the Arne series (an homage to Arne Jacobsen), with a variety of end and middle units that allow for placement either in the middle of the room or along the walls. Citterio actually designed Arne (and particularly the curved variant) to encourage family togetherness. The playful color combinations hint at a diversity of configurations; the armrests alone come in short, suspended and enveloping versions.

Marcel is also a flexible seating system and my favorite due to its low-to-the-ground profile. Polyurethane foam cushions rest on a sliver of brushed aluminum, while tilted backrests seem to literally project from the floor. Similar to the Arne, Marcel can be positioned anywhere in the room: I particularly love the double chaise lounge + ottoman configuration, which looks similar to these swank Manhattan Loft beds.
antonio citterio bio (b&b italia)

Maybe it’s just the professional photography–but New York-based Lorin Marsh’s line of furniture is infused with an architectural elegance that crosses the boundaries of traditional, contemporary and transitional furniture. Above: the metropolitan Plinth cocktail table is supported by two bronze monoliths with wide bases that resemble the load-bearing components of a bridge, while both the Eclipse and Handle Bar tables feature thinner, more wiry frames. The Eclipse is made from stainless steel, while the Handle Bar’s base is crafted from brown Parisian iron and topped with a limestone slab.

Wood never looked so good: the Solitaire dining table is a solid table with a pleasant mix of rounded and squared elements, and is absolutely stunning in glossy Macassar ebony. Simpler but more contemporary, the Cube is named after the slick lacquered wood block that sits on its stainless steel base.

Lorin Marsh clearly prefers an eclectic variety of materials; the U bench has a fairly basic design but is clad in textured metal to give it a more imposing, stone-like presence. Similarly, the Nesting Tables also look to be made from concrete or rock, but are actually wrapped in Mink goatskin with polished nickel hardware accents. Lastly, sandstone-like paneling on the Waterfall cocktail table is actually bleached goatskin, also accented with polished nickel around the underside.

Like prop pieces from a ritzy Art Deco movie, the Glam sofa and club chair have flared and vertically ribbed backs with smooth, rounded arms. Beautifully upholstered in metallic silver fabric and finished with dark wooden legs, these chairs are sophisticated and flashy – much like Hollywood celebrity of the 20s and 30s. The Tivoli game table and Jansen chest complement the Glam collection, as they are both sheathed in stainless steel and accented with classy gold and brass; with shiny furniture like this, it’s no wonder that celebs seem to perpetually sport sunglasses.

Significantly more subdued but just as classy, the Fretwork ottoman and Maze desk feature dark, geometric frames with. Both pieces highlight a playful tendency to form similar elements from fairly different materials; while the Fretwork’s frame is made from maple wood, the Maze is actually perched on iron legs.

Saving the best for last: the Laslo chandelier is a stunning 12-light fixture with fancy serpentine arms juxtaposed against a futuristic, satin nickel frame. This unique blending of contemporary and traditional design is classic Lorin Marsh. In an age of mass-produced me-toos, quality innovation–even if it draws on historical influences–is always welcomed by the discerning consumer.
lorinmarsh.com

Although I’m not entirely convinced that patterned tabletops will stand the test of time, they do a decent job of catching the eye–in a good way. Via Sensory Impact: Kinkyform’s Nopattern and Zenvironments tables are the result of collaborations with budding/established graphic artists. The signed, laser-cut wooden tables snap together without the use of glue or nails, and are scratch and waterproof.

For slightly less frenetic patterns, Scandinavian Surface features prototype printed tabletops on their website. Though not currently in production, it’s worth contacting them here if you’re interested in a quote. Images are via: Poppytalk and Astrid at Flickr.

One of the more famous “pattern pioneers” is Patricia Urquiola, who we first featured here. Her Damasco tables are decorated with a combination of lacquered inlay Asian silkscreen and damask fabric patterns. Available at Unica, the tables are available either round or square, both with the ever-popular popular wenge-stained finish.

Tord Boontje is another prolific pattern designer, with glass being his preferred medium. Above: the simply-named “Oval table” features a laser-cut steel frame with powder coating and a printed glass top, while the gorgeous Rialto Deco is pure printed glass with ghostly floral silhouettes. He does use wood in one instance – his The End Nail Table is made from wood, nails and spray paint. Although interesting, I find it difficult to stomach the sky-high price tag: $11,800.

Anna-Katriina Tilli & Mari Relander’s delicate Anemone is fairly basic – a powder-coated metal frame and a sandblasted glass top. Where it obviously stands out is the handmade lace (available in black, silver or red), whose effect becomes readily apparent by looking at the leafy shadow cast on the floor.

The beautiful Yakuza table has somewhat dark underpinnings, with its name derived from the heavily-tattooed Japanese mafia of the same name. This intricately detailed coffee table is covered with Asian artwork which is digitally printed onto a flesh-toned veneer surface. Like many of the other tables featured in today’s post, the Yakuza is intriguing, stylish and utterly unique.

Peter Harrison’s LAVASSA line utilizes wood, metal and concrete (relatively ordinary materials) to exceptionally creative and stylish ends. While I’ve heard of wood and metal, and perhaps metal and concrete, all three of these together seems like an odd combination–until you see Peter’s work. Above: Carbon looks somewhat like an inverted suspension bridge, but is actually a sofa table. Ten stainless steel cables intersect to form an exquisite diamond pattern near the bottom, while the lacquered Mahogany frame is bracketed at the corners with concrete blocks.

Io and Isotope are tall end tables that both sport fashionable wenge wood. While Io uses curved stainless steel rods, Isotope opts for a more columnar design with two planks of wood topped with 3/8″ tempered glass. I like the restrained use of aluminum trim in both tables, which helps to add a bit of gloss.

Although its namesake is an inert gas, the Argon coffee table is medley of dynamic elements. A complex, moebius-like network of stainless steel is the star of the show, an X-shaped Mahogany base, concrete legs and a tempered glass top (your choice of round or square) add even more visual interest.

The Mercury and Jupiter benches both feature relatively large slabs of concrete–these are not light pieces by any means. Both Mercury and Jupiter feature a gently curved, almost propeller-like Mahogany seat, but only the Mercury includes faintly-visible graphite lines which are sealed underneath lacquer.

Not all LAVASSA pieces are furniture-size–both the Barossa and Napa are wine holders that use the weight of a concrete base to counterbalance wine bottles near the top. The Barossa has an especially high center of gravity, giving it a somewhat precarious but sophisticated presence, while the Napa is perfect for counter tops. Although Peter does not mention prices for any of these pieces, you may make an inquiry by filling out his contact form.
lavassa.com

Chista is a New York-based furnishings designer with an emphasis on materials – specifically, wood. Similar in premise to Stew Design, the execution is entirely different. Chista prefers to keep its wood as close as possible to its original state, and excels at taking natural coincidences and making beautiful furniture. Above: several tables are formed from slabs of richly colored aged teak for a wholly primitive look.

The Root block table and solid wood lounge chair are even more primitive, with the natural channels caused by water and decay not only retained but emphasized. In the case of the Root table, the damaged appearance is unique, if not entirely functional (lost coffee cups anyone?). The lounge chair is beautiful, although not something I would want to sit on for any length of time without plenty of padding.

Chista’s Dubuffet tables are also made from teak wood and feature complex, organic slices that are extruded vertically. They bear somewhat of a passing resemblance to traditional Chinese characters. A glossy lacquered surface and a flat-top make these slightly more acceptable in a clean, minimalist setting than the previous Root table.

Above: the stunning Slice line of tables are cross-sections of Tamarin and Teak wood, dominated by a single gaping and irregularly-shaped hole. A squared, tapered design and smoothly sanded surface is a stark contrast to the raw, chaotic center – gorgeous, yet simultaneously disturbing.

Chista also makes more traditional furniture: the Coconut line is made from solid coconut wood, with an emphasis on rectangular segments in its design. Each piece features a beautiful matte surface that reveals the fine grain of the wood. Modern but not cold, due largely to the naturally warm colors of coconut.

My favorite work by Chista is pure art: these old chinese roots are familiar yet entirely natural. Many of these pieces look like something out of an HR Giger painting, with surreal curves and an alien biology. The wild-yet-tamed “Horse” is startlingly accurate, down to not only the shape of a horse but its pose. I’ll take the horse any day – truly natural coincidences are a beautiful thing, and Chista has an uncanny ability to not only find but beautifully prepare these wood pieces for the home.
chista.net

While the story of the ugly duckling that turns into a beautiful swan is an inspiring one, perhaps more admirable are the ducklings that take that ugliness and make it all their own–cultural definitions of beauty be damned. Polish designer Martin Gawlik’s Arc chair is not ugly, but it isn’t pretty either. A short, but skinny frame with four protruding legs and a nearly vertical backrest bring back memories of tiny yet tall European cars, while the slightly swollen leather upholstery adds a comical touch. Again, not a conventionally pretty chair–but it’s got character, a trait that is generally lacking in most furnishings.

Also by Gawlik is his Boxx sofa, so named because of regularly segmented cushions. This is a sofa of contradictions, at once built on a wiry metal frame, yet wrapped in thick, bulbous cubes. Somewhat like a lanky guy dressed in a muscle suit, this thickly padded chair is definitely comfortable: its relatively short stature and single arm design is essentially an invitation to lounge.

Perhaps one of the more pressing problems of our time is that of loose change in sofas (alright, perhaps not). Tomek Rygalik has essentially done away with the whole issue in a nice example of creative marketing by making the “bug” into a “feature.” Above: the Hidden modular seating system has a deep channel running its length that also doubles as legs. Not only a catchment for coins, the trough can hold everything from magazines to laptop cases.

The Longo seat features a contemporary design with unique tapered cushions and soft, yet sweeping curves. I particularly love the textured fabric option from the British Designers Guild. Thick, leafy patterns cover its surface, with a pattern that looks almost leathery from a distance. This 3-seater is also available in Italian leather or original Alcantara for those who prefer a smoother look.

Lastly, we have the aptly-named Slim seats: a minimal stainless steel frame and a thin foam coat are all that make up the basics, with your choice of fabric cover to match your decor. This is truly furniture on a diet, with a forward slanting frame that resembles an athlete poised to run. All of these pieces and more are available at IQ Matics.

There are some designers whose enthusiasm for their work shines brighter when compared to others; Karim Rashid is one of them. His work includes everything from ultra-modern seating to sophisticated tableware, and you can tell he has fun creating all of it. Above: the two-toned Kurv chair focuses on a curvaceous and ergonomic wood frame with an upholstered center, while the undulating Orikami sofa features a chrome frame and your choice of fabric or leather upholstery.

Karim’s tabletop accessories are equally unique, with the porcelain Ripple Bowl (top) being a prime example. I’m particularly fond of his stainless steel pieces, which use sensuous curves to maximize the interaction of light on glossy metal surfaces. His trio of Flare candlesticks is on exhibit in Chicago, New York, Tokyo and Prague (to name a few), while the Kissing salt/pepper shakers, Tulip candlestick holders and Jimini Creamer and Sugar come in sexy pairs.

While Rashid’s usage of wood, metal and fabrics is definitely stylish, his glass pieces are simply elegant. Above: the aptly named Tilt wine decanter features an easy-to-grip neck, while the ribbed Bopp vases are winners of the Gold Star Gallery Award.

My favorite glassware is the Motus collection. Made from full-lead crystal, Motus features delicate swirling ribbons etched into the surfaces of dinnerware and vases. For more information, visit either Karim Rashid’s shop or Nambé.

Vivavi is one of my favorite retailers due to its emphasis on carrying environmentally friendly products. In particular, I am a fan of their stylish, asian-themed shelves by Iola Design. Above: Kumiko is a freestand shelving system made from bamboo planks. Shelves alternate between full-length and half-length, while the base is supported by flared legs. Also available is a shorter version (Miharu).

Hasegawa and Chiaki are wall-mounted displays with creatively organized shelves. Hasegawa in particular provides ample storage space with its massive 83 inch wide frame. The more diminutive (but affordable) Chiaki is also more versatile, with a foot print that is not as intrusive as its larger sibling.

Lastly we have the Akira and Ayumi wall-mounted shelves which fill the central cavity with dovetailed drawers. Though not particularly large, these cubbies are a great way to hide small clutter such as keys and coins. As with all the other shelving systems mentioned in this post, Akira and Ayumi are made from solid laminated bamboo. For more information, visit Vivavi or Iola Design.