GRAFFITI AS CONSUMER ART seems an odd combination but it actually works quite well with Donna Brady’s unique Hi-Light pendants, made from photos of her Brooklyn neighborhood. The names are appropriately urban (take a walk down Kent Street) and the textures unforgettably so: rusted metal walls and pitted concrete surfaces over smooth cylindrical shades make for gritty-meets-swank decor. There’s a raw, untamed beauty to graffiti in general–let’s hope these help to draw awareness to urban blight as much as they capitalize on it.
$130, raredevice.net

CLASSIC AND METROPOLITAN, the Rue de Seine collection is ideal for those who crave a contemporary look yet desire a softer alternative to harsh, modern lines. Bultex foam padding with feathers over springs makes for comfortable seating, with a choice of oak or aluminum feet (we prefer the former for a more country chic look). A limited edition of 60 pieces is currently available until August 31st and is wrapped in swank (and hard to find) Optika fabrics.
ligne-roset-usa.com
Via: StyleHive

ELEGANT BUT SUBTLE TOUCHES ABOUND on Pelika Design’s Plano, although a cursory glance only reveal a minimalist but otherwise unremarkable table. The top itself is ultra-thin and seems to float over the base; available in laminate, veneer or glass, we definitely prefer the wood look as it contrasts well with the aluminum legs. Speaking of which–each cylindrical leg can be mounted and removed without tools, making this nearly Ikea-like in its simplicity.
$1,586-$1,792, hivemodern.com

BASED OFF AN AZTEC GOD the Quetza is a unique bookcase whose stair-shaped design also resembles the stepped pyramids of the Aztecs (moreso than a feathered serpent deity in our eyes). Like other leaning shelves the bookcase only needs to be supported by a wall. We can see these placed in a corner to minimize waste of space, but if you happen to live in a large contemporary home (or pyramid) we could see these situated just like the pictures above.
nel.com.mx
Via: Wists

LIKE MINI SKYSCRAPERS (or stacks of dna electrophoresis, depending on whom you ask), the Moso Pendant is an elegant piece whose vertical grain veneer naturally invites the eye to scan along its height. An eco-friendly piece with a bamboo frame, bamboo veneer and finished with low V.O.C. oils, designer Brian Schmitt (he brought us yesterday’s Mobiles) even purchases renewable energy credits (a nice alternative to carbon emissions trading) to offset the electricity used to construct each lamp. Not quite available yet as production is slated to begin sometime this summer.
adriftmobiles.com
Via: Inhabitat

WE’LL BE THE FIRST TO ADMIT that the Kashan Sofa isn’t exactly the most comfortable; minus the pillows you’re more likely to get an indentation in your back than a comfortable sitting experience. If you do manage to adequately outfit seat the Kashan becomes significantly more appealing with its minimalist, low to the ground design and high walled construction. The seatback also can double as an impromptu shelf, though we’d advise against leaving anything there long term.
£1976-£3557, nest.co.uk

IF THE SUPER RICH CAMPED they’d probably bring along Gandia Blasco’s Elevada; all they’d require is a personal entourage to move the 7 foot cube. Its minimalist aluminum frame and adjustable canvas shades are more likely to be seen poolside at a chic celebrity estate; the quick drying foam cushions are removable for easy cleaning. At nearly $7.5k this bed is well within the range of most hyper affluent types who need to get their snooze on both inside and out.
$7,390, unicahome.com

FOR ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES Legno-Legno is essentially an incomplete hardwood floor, but its rug-like implementation is what truly makes it unique. Made from 4 cm of oiled oak interspersed with 0.5 cm strips of flexible black polyurethane, it differs from regular wood flooring in that it can be rolled up like a carpet. Winner of the 2006 Red Dot Award, Legno-Legno is part of RUCKSTUHL’s Stripes collection.
ruckstuhl.com
Via: Materialicious and Apartment Therapy

ALTHOUGH THEY MAY SEEM CHILDISH these mobiles by Adrift are decidedly adult in size, with wingspans approaching 5 feet for some models. Deftly balanced and hung with thin monofilament lines and ball-bearing swivels, each piece of the model rotates at its own speed; the overall effect is a bit hypnotic. Gentle curves and a mixture of bamboo, walnut and maple add to the tranquil atmosphere that these pieces create; in this way they are remarkably like their smaller crib-sized brethren.
$144-$258, adriftmobiles.com

SHAVING OFF A LEG seems an unsettling decision at first, but Ross Dider’s Obelisk chairs actually make quite a bit of sense. Still, the slanted design continues to play tricks with my mind, especially when viewed from the side: I can’t help but feel I’d slide right off. Standard fabrics and leathers sit over a sleek chrome frame, which is available in armchair and sofa sizes.
allermuir.com

ALTHOUGH POLYSTYRENE is best known for its other incarnations, namely Styrofoam, Julianna Holowka has successfully molded its laminated form into an array of wildly creative lamps. Her Josephine Lamp most appeals to feminine sensibilities, with a gentle petal motif rendered in white linen laminated polystyrene, while Chaos resembles twists of cardstock but is too made from plastic. For those with more violent inclinations (I kid), the Mace Lamp has the twin virtues of being both eye-catching and useful in gladiatorial combat.
$200, etsy.com
Via: Design Milk

SIMPLE LINES AND QUALITY JOINERY are all I need in a bed, and Kristian Eriksson’s Karlso satisfies my preferences handily. Made in either birch or oak, Karlso has a classically sparse Scandinavian style; its only flourishes lie in the angled footboard and headboard. The latter comes standard with wood infill panels; tongue & groove slats, fabric or natural fleece are optional.
$1,884, greatnordicdesign.com