Like many pieces of furniture, the essential function of a clock is rather simple–yet, our timepieces still manage to come in a bewildering variety of shapes and sizes. Above: this alarm clock from Gump’s in San Francisco shows that beauty needn’t be skin deep: all of its inner workings are visible down to the cogs. A brushed metallic rim with exposed metal screws helps to give this piece a nice dose of style.

If the complicated/mechanical-look is not to your taste, this Wood Plinth clock from West Elm goes back to the basics. The entire frame except for the movement is made from a slice of acacia, and then lacquered for a smooth finish. As this is primarily manufactured by Nature herself, the clocks can vary significantly in shape and size.

For those of you who feel the Wood Plinth clock’s natural features leave a bit too much to chance yet love its simplicity, French publishing house Domestic’s “Vynil” is worth considering. Yup–Vynil is made by a publishing house, since the vast majority of its components are little more than vinyl stickers which you can position as you please. Frankly at $80 I think it’s a bit much for a bunch of stickers (which are arguably stylish) and a $10 clock movement, but enough people are buying it–it’s currently sold out at Rare Device.

Time (and arguably causality) is purely a mental construct, yet one that occupies a very tangible role in our daily lives. The Magnet Words Clock brings a different mental aspect to the forefront with magnetized words that you can shuffle around its face. I particularly like the “dance” and “play” stickers–they just need to throw in a few like “food coma”, “party” and “me-time”.

Rnd_time looks somewhat like a (programming) function, which is appropriate given its form: the “rnd” stands for “random”, in that each number is assigned its own cube, each of which can be randomly placed on the wall. Available in black with white numbering (or the reverse), the cubes aren’t too large–about 2 1/2″ LxWxH–but they do look like they could double as shelving for trinkets, small photos, and of course–action figures.

If mathematics isn’t your thing, you’re really not going to like the Numero Clock. The 24″ wide face is crammed full with numbers (I count at least 80) which are tightly packed enough to form a fairly interesting pattern that faintly resembles swiss cheese.

No, the Giovannoni clock (above) doesn’t float–though it would be really cool if it did. The image is more an example of beautiful but misleading marketing, since its primary feature is the ability to wirelessly transmit time from the rectangular base unit to the orb, or “time sphere”. The sphere can then be moved to another room and will project the time onto any surface, as long as it is within range of the transmitter.

Flip clocks are my favorite – not nearly as complicated as the Gump clock at the beginning of this article, but mechanical enough to evince feelings of nostalgia. The retro-stylish Karlsson Flip Clock (above) actually has an analog timepiece, but does have a flip motion calendar. For real novelty, however, the immensely popular Yoshitomo Nara clock takes the cake: with 84 distinct drawings that represent the different hours and minutes of the day, it actually makes watching the clock fun.

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

Just an abbreviated post today as I celebrate Christmas … above, via our friends at DesignMilk: Blomus’ Estilo contemporary christmas tree is made out of shiny stainless steel, with each “branch” carrying a tealight. Although not the color of a traditional tree, it captures the essence and lighting of one.

Above: another candleholder christmas tree, this time with a wrought iron frame. The stars come in not only silver but gold, white, green, red and blue, while the tree itself comes in small and medium sizes. Made by Cescanis Decorative Accessories in Turkey.

Lastly, the Lesley Craze Gallery exhibited these swirling light sculptures by Wolfgang and Heron in 2003. Called “Flo Light”, each handmade strand is made from steel and is available within the UK only.

Happy holidays. Please celebrate safely (and if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, warmly).

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.

Bathrooms are in many ways the only true sanctuaries in a home, where privacy is sacred–which is perhaps why we all appreciate them when they are not only sanitary but stylish. In this article we focus on Spacify’s line-up of vanities – that is, the humble and unassuming sink. Above: the Sidonia Vanity looks like something out of a 50s diner with its cherry red finish, but the contrasting white trim and curvaceous design betray its Italian roots. Beyond its rather exuberant design is perhaps one of the more commonly overlooked necessities in a bathroom: storage. Two cavernous cabinets underneath each sink and triple drawers down the middle provide ample room.

Those looking for a more streamlined design will likely prefer the Lucia Bath Vanity. Its flat, dual row design appeals to more refined sensibilities, but simultaneously doubles shelf space in the process. This is a wide vanity, spanning over 6 feet. Tasteful chrome accents on the drawer pulls and plumbing deliver just enough highlights without overwhelming.

If you’re faced with close quarters, the Lucilla model features a small footprint while still providing storage space. The 37″ vanity includes a two-level medicine cabinet with mirror and light, as well as a svelte wall unit with a frosted glass door.

The Atlantic vanity appears to be relatively unassuming at first glance – its rectangular frame is covered with sandblasted glass panels, while an extra-wide, sloping sink spans its entire top. The entire unit literally comes to life when you purchase an interior lighting kit, which infuses the sink with a diffuse glow. This vanity is definitely a conversation piece which makes guided tours to the bathroom for guests a must.

For pure simplicity, the Simple Series is the obvious choice. The cabinets are minimalist and blocky, punctuated only by a trough around its perimeter. Available in Wenge or Light Oak and topped with glass, this is my favorite for its contemporary and utilitarian design.

Perhaps most homely of the bunch is the Letizia Vanity with its rather mundane, rectangular design. Barring the requisite drawer pulls, the surface of this cabinet is entirely smooth; even the thin glass vanity top keeps a low profile. The functional cabinet is inoffensive yet still stylish, and when outfitted in Black or White will likely stand the test of time.

One of my original inspirations for creating PadStyle was a chance visit to ManhattanLoft.com (which is actually not located in New York, but Salt Lake City). A contemporary furniture retailer with some truly swank beds, I somehow simultaneously lost the both the link and forgot the name – until yesterday night. First up: the Noho bed is something you’d see in Austin Power’s pad, with a sexy round form factor and chrome frame. Though lacking a proper headboard, it does feature an adjustable panel which folds up, converting the bed into a rather large and luxurious lounge chair.

The next set of beds are variations of each other, but all feature the same modular capability. A thick leather perimeter surrounds the bed, which in turn frames a channel where seat backs and trays can be inserted to make your own unique piece of furniture. Think of it as having the flexibility to create an all-in-one nightstand, daybed, “lounging area” and regular bed.

My favorite bed is perhaps the most tame – the no-nonsense Bronx is classic contemporary platform bed with a low profile. Double stitched leather seams (they call them baseball seams) give this a bed a subtle flair, but its primary draw is the monolithic shape: it’s impressive by virtue of its wide, imposing frame. A reclining slatted frame is offered as an accessory, and is offered with several other Manhattan Loft Beds.

Beyond beds, other types of furniture including sofas and dining sets are available. Ranging from mildly quirky to downright bizarre, there’s likely something for everyone here. Be sure to check out ManhattanLoft, if not to buy, at least to savor.
manhattanloft.com

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.

Moura Starr is a recent partnership between American distributor Shelley Badauy and Brazilian designers Graca Kazan and Luis Mario Moura. Previous to meeting Badauy, Moura and Kazan were only known within their home country (Brazil), making them somewhat of a hidden gem. Their upscale furnishings are now thankfully available in the US, with a focus on minimal grain patterns and utilization of native South American woods such as Acai and Cabrueva. They also proudly tout their efficient production practices–Moura Starr claims it is able to create 300 pieces of furniture from a single tree.

Above: the flagship Atmos cabinet (Moura Starr was originally known as Atmosphere) is a functionalist’s dream, with multiple drawers and shelves hidden behind a sleek folding door. Their Veg line of dressers and end tables share a similar blocky design, except with indented drawers that remind me of Heywood Wakefield furniture.

Moura Starr’s chairs are similarly restrained; overwhelmingly rectangular, they incorporate slight curves to deliver a sleek profile without being organic. Upholstery is essentially flush with the lines of the chair frame in the Greca dining chair (above), while the Malaca chair is slightly bolder with an arched back and arachnid arms that smoothly transition into legs.

Not all of Moura and Kazan’s designs are conventional – in particular, their accent tables are a welcome (but tasteful) exercise in experimentation. Carved, criss-crossing lines give the U coffee table an amazing texture, while the Vitoria console appears to float a slab of glass above its downward curving frame.

Their Olimpo and Plasma coffee tables are both centered around a circular design; the Olimpo has a dramatically slanted top while the Plasma adds visual interest by embedding a circle within a square outer frame.

Moura Starr’s dining and work tables stay within the confines of perpendicular lines–for the most part. The Tao table has an interesting zig-zag frame (I’m still not sure how that glass top manages to stay balanced), while the straightforward Ramses features a central slab of glass that is flanked by wood on either side.

My favorite is the Century desk, which is not only padded with stitched leather but keeps its fairly thin wooden frame aloft with a steel tube that runs the length of the table. Perhaps most representative of Moura Starr, the Century desk emphasizes functionality with style playing a secondary, but effective role.
mourastarr.com

Hubbardton Forge is a relatively young company (est. 1974) relying on old, time-honored traditions to create stylish lamps and other lighting. Each of their pieces is hand-forged and designed with durability and structural integrity in mind. They also focus on sustainable manufacturing techniques, and are a three-time recipient of the Vermont Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. Above: these chandeliers are both traditional and modern, with flowery (but solid) arms radiating from a central axis to form a bulb-like shape.

Stepping into the realm of pure contemporary, their table lamps strike a balance between clean lines and hand-crafted curves and flourishes. The first lamp actually was actually the winner of the 2005 Pinnacle Design Achievement Award, using a simple two-footed design with an Asian flair (the base resembles the Chinese character for “person”). I’m particular to the Coral Fan lamp, which sports four probing tentacles while a fifth one serves as a support column.

I like how Hubbardton focuses its attention on the wall plate for its sconces. Above: one wall sconce is accented with a small bunch of stems (one with a leaf) against an off-center base, while the last sconce contrasts a wide-brimmed shade against a sleek, vertically-oriented bronze plate with hints of Art Deco. Hubbardton does not sell direct, but many of their products are available at Bellacor.