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

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!

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.

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.

Design Flexibility

There is good design and there is smart design. When a visually pleasing and well-constructed piece of furniture can offer the user a variety of options and flexibility, the conceptual element of the work takes it to a higher level of design. With the flood of new products that continuously inundate the design market, the following three designers are using flexibility and ingenuity to float above the product deluge.

The SwiTCh Table-Chair by Belgian designer Ellen Ectors can be used as both a casual armchair and as compact desk and chair combination. The handsomely stitched leather on the ball/seat is carried into the solid European oak frame to give the SwiTCh Table-Chair a desirable level of consistency. Available in: Apple Green, Marine Blue, Café or Espresso Brown and Polar (Cream).

Versatility is the driving force behind The Las Vegas Collection from IVINI Garden Furniture. Designed for outdoor use in a variety of situations, the collection can take the form of a particular need with few limitations. The multitude of shapes that the collection takes on is possible due to the versatility of the individual pieces. The Las Vegas Collection is as adaptable as it is durable, setting a new standard for outdoor furniture design.

German designer Tim Kerp has developed the Sonntag modular seating collection based on his passion for togetherness and community. The Sonntag seating collection offers a variety of seating positions in order to allow a natural and organic spontaneity to conversation. Precisely shaped through CNC milling, the modules are easily arranged and rearranged without the use of tools.

Images courtesy of Ellen Ectors, IVINI and Tim Kerp.

Commune Dining Table from Ted Boerner

Believing that a dining table is more than just an heirloom, Ted Boerner set about to create a table that would embody what a dining table truly is: a place where people gather together and connect with one another, and where new traditions are made. Inspired by the work of Ellsworth Kelly, the table is available in three “breathing shapes”—Rectangle, Round, or Square—and features a “propeller” veneer on the tabletop that draws the diners together as it radiates out from the table center. Available in Walnut, White Oak, Cherry, Mahogany, and Maple.

Not So Black & White

The effect of restricting a color palette to simply black and white is well… not so ‘black and white’. The outcome of this chromatic odd couple ranges from classic to contemporary, from specific time periods to timeless elegance. The reason that using black and white together evokes such a large range of feelings is due to the fact that it has always been and always will be in style.

William Switzer Collection – Piedmontese Side Table

J Banks Collection – Fulton Chair

Ann Sacks Mosaics – ipanema

Rodolph Fabrics – left to right: In Sync, Sequel, Oracle, and Bolero

Tracy Kendall Wallpaper – Florals

Charles Pollock Reproductions

Charles Pollock’s sculpted Venetian Chest is hand-made from solid maple, and features three drawers appointed with antique brass hardware. Available in any of Charles Pollock’s 24 standard finishes, it is shown here in their distinctive hand-painted Faux Ivory finish with Ebony trim.

The fine, handmade Cameron Dining Chair updates a classic shape with clean, transitional lines and smooth curves. The Cameron is generously proportioned to meet today’s expected level of comfort, and features the same exceptional degree of attention to detail that consumers have come to expect from all Charles Pollock pieces.

The Occasional Twist

J Banks Design Group has just the occasional table you need to give a room that special twist. The collection, a collaboration with Stanford Furniture Corporation, features sofas, chairs, stools, consoles, and more. Each piece in the collection possesses a gracious and stylish aesthetic with its own distinctive personality.

Rikyu Collection by Ted Boerner

The Rikyu Collection, designed by Ted Boerner for Conde House, is distinctive and original. Each piece is designed to delight the eye, engage the imagination, and comfort the body.

Ted Boerner combined many design elements to create the Dining Table, echoing temple architecture and bridge design. From its cast iron base to its solid wood top, the Dining Table speaks of strength.

The Tsukashi Table is Ted Boerner’s interpretation of a column resting upon a stone. With strong juxtaposition of round and square, this striking table makes a serene statement.

Inspired by the Japanese teahouse, the Rikyu Lounge Chair is the embodiment of serenity and restfulness. Its sides are richly textured, resembling wood grain or the raked sand of a Zen garden. Openings on the sides of the arm are reminiscent of the entry to the teahouse, Boerner’s nod to the concept of “Ma,” the transition from public to private.

The Rikyu Arm Chair (offered in Walnut and White Oak) features the same textured surface as the Rikyu Lounge. With its sturdy profile and handsome finish, it perfectly complements the Dining Table.

Sneak Peak of NeoCon

Sondra Alexander Couture for Koroseal | Booth 8-7066
Dressage – Inspired by the harmony, flexibility and balance found in French equestrian pageantry, Sondra Alexander’s Dressage design combines the subtle textures of wood carving and leather to exemplify the elegance and sophistication of this classical artform.

Rocky Mountain Hardware | Urban Archaeology Showroom | Suite 108
The Ellis Collection – Designed by Rocky Mountain Hardware Design Studio, the brand new Ellis Collection is inspired by the finely ornamented fittings of the Victorian era. Its designs are fresh and innovative, while preserving the traditional aesthetic hallmarks and timeless beauty of the period.

Ted Boerner | Holland & Sherry Showroom | Suite 6-118
The Commune Dining Table and Server – Inspired by the concept that a dining table is more than just an heirloom, Ted Boerner’s Commune embodies what a dining table truly is: a place where friends and family gather together and connect with one another; a place where new traditions are made. The coordinating Commune Server completes the room’s aesthetic.

Rodolph | Summer Hill Showroom | Suite 6-157
Traviata – Part of the new Insignia collection, Rodolph’s Traviata is reminiscent of the great Italian opera of the same name. This exquisite velvet marries rich luminous elements with a contemporary floral composition, and adds luster to any setting.

Nomi Fabrics | David Sutherland Showroom | Suite 1800
Taza – Nomi has added yet another stunning fabric to her “high couture for the home.” Taza, a hand-painted 100% linen chintz, offers delightful visual texture inspired by richly patterned Moroccan mosaics.

Aldo Bernardi | William Switzer Showroom | Suite 1850
Civetta Chandelier – Like patinated palmettos, an array of individual fixtures branch out from the slender central trunk of Aldo Bernardi’s copper and brass Civetta Chandelier, ensuring bright light in even the most spacious areas.

Ted Boerner’s Arctic Chair

A reinterpretation of a chair discovered in a Parisian antiques shop, Ted Boerner’s Arctic Chair is named for the newly-renovated Seattle, Washington hotel for which it was commissioned.

The chair features subtle traits that evoke the Arts & Crafts and Mission periods, essential design elements that have been retained while refinements have been made to its back and molding details that enhance the overall aesthetics. Elongating the seat while maintaining the comfortable pitch and shape of the chair’s back, Boerner has created a piece that is more in tune with today’s consumers yet has not lost its roots. The sloping angle of the arms, and their tastefully exaggerated proportions, give the Arctic Chair a sense of quiet motion and a striking, distinctive silhouette.

With two standard finishes and two standard leather options, the Arctic Chair is available now from Ted Boerner.

Bamboo Rising

Becca Stool — Designed by Anthony Marschak for Modern Bamboo, the Becca Stool is a refined multi-functional piece. This lightweight stool can be used with or without a cushion yet also performs superbly as a side table. Stack multiple stools to form an impressive shelving unit. The Becca Stool’s rounded forms give full expression to the natural bamboo texture that is finished to a silken polish.

Available through B. Mori San Francisco showroom.