The new life of old wood

 can be very inspiring - don't you think? This bathroom is designed by  Dionne Arquitectos

europeanchicdesign.blogspot.com

reciclaedecora.com

www.inspirationgreen.com

Better Second Time Around

Reclaimed wood is very popular these days, but not always it is used in the best possible way. Look at some beautiful implementations:

Reclaimed barn board stairs in a Lake Tahoe home

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Reclaimed wood can be used in many other inspirational ways. Look at them and get inspired!

Designer approach to recycling

Photo by Sean Fennessy.

As my regular readers already know, I am Fascinated with glass, its beauty and enormous range of colours, forms and applications, but what I even more like about it is the possibility to be recycled. And one great example of clever designer approach to recycling glass is what Melbourne based glass artist  Ruth Allen is doing and her  Sustainable Stubbies! Functional vessels created from repurposed bottles, beautiful lighting. Enjoy:

Look at her Champagne pendant from the new Sustainable Stubbies LIGHT range:
Aren't they beautiful?

Photo by Sean Fennessy

"The bottles are taken through a hot process that strengthens the product by nature of ‘annealing’, resulting in a vessel that can withstand hot liquid, a dishwasher and the test of time." source
I think that this is one of the best ways to  recycle glass and a great example of sustainability in action.

Clever Use of Materials - NEW PIECES FROM OFFCUTS

I expect this to become a trend in design - to create products and by-products that are made from the scraps. This is the main idea behind the creations of German designer Samuel Treindl. Have a look -

This is Brass Shelves and, as you can see from the picture, there several other products that wil be created from the offcuts like a clock and hangers, etc.

Out of object - lamp out of cabinet

A great example of using wood scraps!

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You like it? This mosaic is made exactly of wood scraps remaining from the work of designers and woodworkers Jason and Lars Dressler. The huge pixelated image out of scraps adorns the facade of the Yorkdale Mall in Toronto. The tsak was to create something that would evoke Ontario’s north. Inspired by their photograph of a fallen leaf, the Brothers Dressler crafted the mosaic from 35,788 wooden blocks made from a variety of woods salvaged from the collected history of their workshop.  As they explain, 'They include off-cuts from pieces, leftovers from jobs and extra pieces collected over the years and are shown all in their natural colours.'


Interested in other examples of clever recycling? Go here.

ICFF 2013 - sustainability and creativity

Miss Dondola

Poltrona Frau has unveiled two major projects in the flagship store of Wooster Street, Soho:
“Barrique: The third life of wood”, a project that has given shape to a collection of furniture and accessories designed by famous Italian and international designers -  Michele de Lucchi, Marc Sadler, Mario Botta and Alessandro Mendini, and created by the boys from San Patrignano community of life, that welcomes those who are afflicted by addiction and marginalization. The furnishings have been embellished with details and finishes in Frau Leather, as the Doc chaise longue, whose slats, designed by Marc Sadler, create the effect of a spine; Miss Dondola, the rocking chair by Angela Missoni customized with a multicolor pillow; Inverso, stool designed by Karim Rashid. All objects were made with the wood of the barriques, the barrels used for aging wine, which otherwise would have ended up in landfills.

Doga table

chaiselongue DOC

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A treasure house of design ingenuity

This is a house which surprises you at every step - one after another you discover a design piece that is a real ingenious transformation. And all of them - a great example of clever recycling and re-use, but not only that - they are great design, too!

Close to Amsterdam, a young group of nonconformist Dutch architects imagined a 100% green house, nestled in nature. Recycling, humor and imagination. Photos: Robert Holden  via

 
Take a look at every object and notice what it is made of! My favorite is the armchair - it is legant and obviously comfortable! I am only wondering how they keep the chandelier clean, but still, it is a great design piece. The bookcase is definitely a unique design!

This is an example of perfect eclectic coordination of objects and materials, in addition to to its recycling value :)

And this one is an example of perfect architectural and designer work with a just the perfect degree of humor.

Bathroom is my favorite - it is warm, romantic, modern, elegant

and eclectic with tasteful coordination of unthinkable combination of objects :)

Congratulations, Denieuwegeneratie!

The Green Trend - which way do you like it more?

I like the idea of 'green' living, but not to the extent to take away joy and esthetics from our lives - like, for example, the Newsworthy wallpaper by Weitzner Limited. It evokes the feeling of poverty in the same way the rag-carpets do. Life can be simple and 'green' and beautiful, too - like this kitchen below:

image from 'Beautiful House and Garden'

Beautifully crafted cabinets are painted with vivacious bright color which finds a good balance in the dark wood backdrop obviously made from recycled wood - THAT is green design and simple useful recycling!

What do you think?

Clever recycling for better living

Recycling is one of the major trends in design and characteristic of our lives today. But it is important how do we recycle - is it worth the efforts, are the results good enough?  One great example of efficient and really useful way of recycling is what RubberRecyle are doing with their rubber mulch product - in an effort to preserve the environment, Rubberecycle manufactures a unique rubber granule product recycled from 100% scrap tires.
We can't just throw a tire away and we don't want them in land fills.And we all do our best to secure safe conditions for living and play for our children. But did you know that 90% of playground structures are considered unsafe? And it's largely due to inadequate and poor surfaces.This where Playsafer™ Rubber Mulch is most useful - available in a variety of vibrant colors, it cushions falls and minimizes dangerous playground impacts. It is safe, economical, long-lasting, loved by children and their parents and most importantly, environment-friendly - Playground Mulch tire chips conform to all CPSC safety guidelines and has earned ADA approval, making playgrounds safe for our children while preserving the environment. It is claimed to be the safest playground surfacing and is guaranteed to last a lifetime!
This is definitely a clever way of recycling that is worth the efforts and makes our life better. And it is obviously considered a good choice for the White House playground, too - have a look:

Rubber Mulch Playground at the White House

Beautiful Gifts for Beautiful Homes

 The biggest holiday is right around the corner – Christmas. I think that a beautiful gift for the festive table is welcome from anyone with attitude to design. Here are some suggestions:
A great gift for the cheese lover in your life! White Porcelain Cheese Buttons - Set of 3 Goat, Cow, Sheep by RSVP International

Rosanna™ Olive Oil Dipping Dishes - Set of 4

A connoisseur collection of olive oil accessories printed with interesting olive oil facts from 4 different regions.

















Iron and recycled glass coat rack, 'Bloom in Blue'

Recycled - Etch Blue - 20 oz. Water Glass(Pack of 36)

Another Rough Luxe Design Idea

Elegant Re-use

What do you do with those drafts and plans that are no longer necessary? A brilliant idea how to make something useful and beautiful with them by architects Seth and Jonathan of Graypants (left) - Sketchlight pendants.

Another lighting solution with re-used materials: - Ball Jar Pendant by Conant Metal & Light

"How else can you take an artifact of a by-gone era and make it functional again? Repurpose it! Even if you are just using a jar as, well, a jar again, that still counts. What we’re doing at Conant Metal & Light is taking that flashlight, jar, insulator, or even toaster and making it into an integral part of your home and lifestyle."

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