Crafts and natural wood in furniture are gaining popularity

Crafts and natural wood are gaining popularity, especially among young designers and that is great! Many beautifully crafted new designs could be seen both - at the IMM Cologne  and at Maison et Objet:

Itamar Burstein's  Pentagon table and stools entire structure relies on five identical elements - which are up-side-down 'U' shapes - fitting into one another. Each component is made from solid wood and are assembled through dry interlocking. The table has a plateau with a cut-out in its centre that governs the geometry of assemblage in the manner.
source: designboom

'Flex' chair (detail) by Itamar Burstein, 2010 - a two toned wood chair highlights a new more efficient fabrication method where elements are glued vs steamed and bent. More at Itamar Burstein.  

Wood' chair by Richard Perron, 2010

 And something I like very much -  CuldeSac, a Spanish design agency, have created the Welding Wood furniture series. This is how they desceibe the process:

"We have brought back two different production techniques of traditional furniture making (lathe joined wood and steam bentwood) both came in a different period of time, and both are good examples of production technique innovations at that time.

We have combined them in a clear way to generate what we have defined as “Welding Wood.” Where two pieces connect, the section of the wood increases, and once this is done the wood is curved to achieve the structure and functionality.
The lathe work is no longer used just as an aesthetic provider, but it works more as a functionality provider, and that itself generates its own aesthetic.
The result is a sincere and transparent piece that possesses a formal, strong, robust, direct and very recognizable voice."

We have tried to provide new appreciation for antiquated production techniques. We have tried to create a skin in the object that allows us to establish an ancestral and close relationship."

I only wonder how strong the stool is, but no doubt the design is elegant and unique.

 source: designboom

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The natural home decor

Spring is just around the corner, and it's time to get ready to spice up your indoor and outdoor space. Transform your living space into a green living refuge of health and serenity, breathe new life into your home with  eco-friendly products.

This organic cotton Pom Pom Collection in  trendy turquoise color is a great accent for your bedroom or livingroom.

 You can save up to 70% on natural home décor, at VivaTerra now.

I just came accross this beautiful Recycled Glass Terrarium - one can grow a tiny garden in it!

 

From the award-winning Danish design company Eva Solo comes this original, innovative self-watering flowerpot. Never forget to water a plant (at least for about 7-10 days) because this flowerpot will give the plants the moisture they require. As plants draw water they need through their roots, the same principle applies here: nylon threads that hang down from the bottom of the pot are used to extend into the glass container below, which acts as a water reservoir. Water is then drawn up the nylon threads, mimicking the plants own roots.

Eva Solo Self-Watering Flowerpot

Clear French Bottle Lamp with Cork Shade  - mouth blown by artisans, this curvaceous lamp with a cork shade doubles as a sensual recycled glass sculpture.

Riddling Wine Rack
In France, winery workers regularly give aging Champagne bottles a quarter turn after securing their necks in a rack like this. The process is called "riddling"in English and "remuage" in French, and the rack is known as a "pulpit," or "pupitre."Prop this genuine reclaimed pupitre against the wall or use the enclosed brackets for wall hanging.
(from VivaTerra)

 And finally, I am fascinated with the colors and pattern of this Beaded rattan basket, 'Forest Lightning'
hand-woven from rattan and covered with intricate beadwork it represents lightning streaks down from the heavens, zigzagging its way through a cool green forest. An artisan story card will be included with your purchase.

Happy 1st of March!

Chestita Baba Marta! This is one of my favorite Bulgarian holidays - with it we celebrate the coming spring and everyone gives and receives small red-and-white yarn decorating gifts to wear on their wrist, dress or coat as a symbol of good health and happiness. And we hang it in our houses, too. More about this inspiring tradition here. 
A good story about the origine of this symbol is written in Sofia Echo, too.

(this image is from flickr)

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