Reclaim Check

We at K2 love to see reclaimed wood covering the floors and walls of the chicest homes and restaurants–adding instant history to ultra-modern spaces and artisan cred to eclectic design schemes. But it is in furniture that these hard-won scraps can be transformed into works of art. Ariele Alasko is a Brooklyn-based builder who has blown us away with her passion for making and her intricately patterned tables, headboards and accessories. We first came across Alasko’s work at the Maker’s Project, an inspirational showcase of independent artists and makers from a broad range of disciplines created by photographer Jennifer Causey.  Ariele records her creative process on her own blog with stunning photos of her materials, workspace and finished pieces along with stories of “prospecting” in abandoned buildings and derelict barns. We wish this up-and-coming artist the very best and highly recommend a tetanus booster to all who bravely seek free wood in questionable places.

All photos by Ariele Alasko from http://brooklyntowest.blogspot.com

Stockholm Syndrome

Having recently returned from NYC for it’s annual Gift Show we are feeling revived with many new ideas for our clients, ourselves and our readers. One of the great themes we saw at the gift show was beautiful pops of color in tabletop and one of our favorites doing it is Design House Stockholm. Their new collection of cobalt and white stripped ceramic tabletop is very handsome in person. The cobalt is a very rich, lush blue with simple accents of milk white in a heavy ceramic gives the collection an heirloom like quality. Check back next week for more of our favorites from the show and share with us what your favorite blue and white pieces are in your home!

Itching for Etching

Heath Ceramics newest collaboration with Alabama Chanin textiles is one that is sure to fly off the shelves. The new collection of ceramics, organic tablecloths, napkins and placemats are so understated and beautiful—each piece fits in perfectly within the company’s aesthetic. What is perhaps more interesting is the unique “etching” technique that is used to create the pattern onto the ceramics themselves. Closely related to the  “sgraffito technique used to decorate walls since the Classical era” says the New York Times, a white glaze is sprayed over a colored base coat, an artist then scratches through the top layer with a metal point, exposing the color below. The result, a made in America artisanal product we can’t wait to get our hands on.

(Image courtesy of Spencer Higgins/NYT)

Living In A Modern Way

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is gaining much acclaim for their newest exhibition— “California Design, 1930-1965: Living In A Modern Way.” The show focuses on more than 350 objects, including furniture, fashion, film, graphic and industrial design, ceramics, jewelry, architectural drawings and photography of the period. The must-see exhibit highlights California’s rich design history and hits a high note with a full-scale re-creation of the Eames’ Case Study House #8, which was the couple’s own home in Pacific Palisades. The Eames Foundation lent hundreds of objects for the exhibition which offersn an extremely rare glimpse into the life of such profound tastemakers. The show runs through March 25th, 2012 and is said to be “the first major museum survey of California design” by the New York Times. All that being said, run don’t walk to see this truly inspirational exhibit.

Image courtesy of New York Times

Loop the loop

From the creative mind of Victor Aleman and kerozenedesign comes a chaise lounge with a fundamental design that we can really get behind. Made from a single piece of  Birch, Beech, Maple or Red Oak, the “Loopita”  takes its design cues from a tunnel or skate ramp. The loops allow for two or more people to lounge comfortably while facing each other. A high density foam covers the inner level for a comfortable resting pose and more interestingly multiple Loopitas can be arranged together for a really striking organic outdoor look. Here at K2 we feel design should come from an intuitive place and what could be more intuitive that a design based on the double helix—now how to fit one through our office doors!

Talking Turkey

Recently we have come across an amazing Turkish brand, Gaia & Gino that specializes in unique designer collaborations and luxurious objects and gifts. While no one wants to admit that summer is coming to an end, the holidays will be shortly creeping upon us so here at K2 we like to keep you on the up and up. Glass undulating candlesticks, funky dog objects, beautiful vases and more are being produced by this whimsical company located in Istanbul, yet here in the states their goods can be found at Barneys, MOMA, Conran Shop and many more. Visit their site to see more work by Gaia & Gino www.gaiagino.com and some of our favorite designers such as Jaime Hayon and Harry Allen.

(Image courtesy of Gaia & Gino)

Design From the inside out

Seattle Design Center Presents

Daily Practice…

design from the inside out

Thursday, August 19th, 2010 · 10:30 am to noon
Seattle Design Center
5701 Sixth Avenue South · Third floor
Free admission
Designer registration: www.seattledesigncenter.com
Public registration: please call 206.762.1200

The principles of good design parallel the principles of natural well-being. A daily wellness  practice, such as visualization, drawing, travel, walking, yoga, dance, swimming, meditation or observing nature encourages a connection to creativity at the core of successful design.  Please join us
for an inside view with four of today’s top designers and teachers who have discovered how a personal daily practice releases imagination, intuition and the senses. The panelists will discuss how their “inner” work increases an awareness of important principles such as balance, spaciousness, transparency and light. From designing hotels that are pure fantasy to landscaping that elevates the soul, this spirited group reveals how the principles of inner health are similar to the qualities of great, timeless design.

We will explore why some people thrive and keep their passion alive, especially in uncertain times. Join with Roger Thomas, hospitality guru and Executive V.P. of Design for Wynn Design and Development; Sondra Alexander, designer and principal of Yangki  wallcoverings; Davis Dalbok, world class landscape designer and owner of San Francisco’s Living Green; and Alexander Technique master teacher Michael Frederick as they take us on a journey into how their design process achieves a creative state of focus and well-being.  Moderated and produced by Kathryn Kimball, principal of K2 Design Communication.

Roger Thomas

Sondra Alexander

Davis Dalbok

Michael Frederick

Kathryn Kimball

Roger Thomas Rocks HD Expo 2010

We had a fabulous time celebrating design icon Roger Thomas and all that he’s contributed to the world of fantasy resorts during last month’s Hospitality Design Expo in Las Vegas. A glamorous party was held in his honor at the Encore Villa Suites–one of Steve Wynn’s luxurious resorts. (Roger has worked with Wynn for over thirty years creating one fantasy retreat after another.) The packed house partied to a custom jazz mix by Joshua Smith and noshed on mini-grilled cheese sandwiches while enjoying Roger’s signature fuchsia-colored cocktail. What a perfect way to celebrate Roger’s own witty yet comfortable approach to out-of-this-world design.

Roger launched three new exquisite design collections at HD Expo 2010 for the party’s hosts: Rocky Mountain Hardware, Townsend Leather, and Fromental. Each a wonderful design pairing. For Rocky Mountain Hardware’s new Paris Collection, Roger drew on his love of 17th century French decorative arts as well as his extensive collection of antique knobs and pulls picked up on his many visits to the Paris flea markets. “I loved working with the artisans at RMH,” said Roger.  “They paired my hand-drawn sketches with their sophisticated design operation to create objects that capture the heart and soul of the artisans who make them.”

California Cool

Southern California design duo Michael and Alexandra Misczynski, under the moniker of Atelier AM, have been heating up in the industry for quite a while. With a bio in Vogue, a cover story in Town & Country and a brand new cover story in Veranda, their clean, classic and unfettered design style is surely something to admire. Seen here are a few images from the beautiful shoot from Veranda. The Southern California Mediterranean style home has a neutral palette that mixes modern geometric elements with rustic antiques from famed Belgian antique dealer Axel Vervoordt. View the rest of the project at www.veranda.com.

The Imaginarium of Jens Risom

Upon walking into Ralph Pucci’s New York showroom this morning, we were pleasantly surprised with a tour of Jens Risom’s new work by the master himself ! One of the most influential furniture designers today (and personal favorite) was a gentle and sprightly man of 94 years, that provided great inspiration and passion for his work.  While walking us through the light filled showroom Mr. Risom spoke intimately about each of his new pieces, gliding his hand across the smooth dark wood and opening up each drawer to show its craftsmanship. When we asked if he had a favorite piece, he said that chairs were perhaps the most interesting design because a chair in its inception is really just two things – a seat and a back. However the scale, pitch, material, and usage can vary so much in such a simple piece. Jens not only has a clean and pure aesthetic, noted by tapered legs and a weightless quality to his work; he also deeply thinks about how is chairs will be used, who will be sitting in them…what conversations they will have. While his new collection at Pucci is displayed as art,  Mr. Risom never fails to realizes these are pieces for a home, to be used and incorporated in the lives of others – making the quality and design that much more alluring.  (Images courtesy of Ralph Pucci)

Rebel Rauser

While the intricacies of handmade floor coverings have been around for centuries, the Texas based design firm Rauser is changing the game with their “Redeploy Rug”.

Designed by Rebekah Rauser, the 100% wool creation takes its inspiration from Russian army blankets: the pattern is hand stitched and the tubular design is then stuffed with wool-blend army surplus blankets. A commentary on the times? Perhaps. A beautiful design with a unique concept and organic materials – we think so!

Rauser’s rug was also just featured in the final round of Apartment Therapy’s 2009 Design Showcase.

Swing My Way

Like a breath of fresh air, Brooklynite and Pratt graduate Christina Fesmire reminds us that design can be creative and carefree at the same time – even reminding us that adults need some time to play, too.

That’s why she’s created this Fugle Swing, which is crafted from simple and natural materials with delicate and sensual clean lines; it’s just plain fun. We’re thinking about installing a few around K2 to help get the creative juices flowing!

Images courtesy of Design Milk.

Tastes Like Fine Design

Amsterdam-based design firm Uxus Design just upped the ante in California’s wine country.

While many of the wineries in the area embrace the California rustic aesthetic, Uxus gave Merus winery something edgy, modern and ultimately cool. Don’t get us wrong: there is a nod to the geographic aesthetic in the wine cave and exposed wooden beams; however, they traded in the long farm table for a sleek, lacquered black table and hanging pendants from the likes of Tom Dixon. We love seeing what’s traditionally a romantic, artisanal craft shaken up with some great contemporary design!

Images courtesy of The Cool Hunter.

Out of This Stralasphere

Swiss designer TM Schmid, the creative force behind Strala, seems to be popping up everywhere recently with his tour de force collection of simplistic modern furniture.

Organic, natural forms – like the nautilus shaped sconce below – are the basis for much of his design. However, pushing the envelope and really exploring the process of modifying materials, shapes and consumers’ expectations is what sets Strala’s designs apart from the rest. We expect to see much more from this emerging talent.

Atlas Shrugged

Ayn Rand suggested many years ago the notion that society would collapse without its most productive, creative minds propelling it forward. Well, burgeoning designer Scott Jarvie may be leading the pack of young designers thinking about design, its relationship to art and ultimately functionality.

On display now at the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow are his geometric “Atlas” chairs, which allow the efficiency and beauty of their construction to shine through. The lines of the chair remind us of the human spine, perhaps one of nature’s most beautiful and important creations.

Jarvie will be showing these prototypes at this year’s 100% Design London, and then hopefully it’s onward to the US.

Images courtesy of designboom.