DallasModernDesign

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2009-12-23T19:19:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Engadget for noticing this tech! Panasonic and Sanyo are developing a lithium-ion cell designed to power a home for a week.The home use storage battery, scheduled for a 2011 release, is a way to store electricity generated from solary batteries that now do not allow long-term storage. The system may also be coupled to a system that tracks electricity usage on the home's TVs. More info

A Quiz on Taste

2009-10-19T22:11:00.002-05:00

Thanks to BoingBoing for the tip on this modern furniture quiz: Donald Judd or Cheap Furniture? (by Graydon Parrish and Mikhail Simkin), which challenges one's ability to tell priceless designs created by minimalist sculptor Donald Judd as furnishing apartments that also contain famous abstract paintings from cheap flat-pack furniture from big-box establishments. I didn't get a perfect score, but

Save the Date

2009-07-05T21:27:00.002-05:00

Cliff Fest, Oak Cliff, November 14th, 2009From "Oak Cliff People", 6/26/09: ‘Cliff Fest’ Planning BeginsNew festival will take cues from Taste of Addison By Silver HogueStaff Writerhttp://www.peoplenewspapers.com/ME2...E75FD51480D8A7DThe wheels are turning on one of the biggest festivals to hit Oak Cliff’s Bishop Arts District....Cliff Fest.The event, which is slated for Nov. 14, will be a

Another awesome fixture

2009-05-04T10:05:00.003-05:00

Love Le Soleil, a suspension lamp from Vincente Garcia Jimenez debuted by Foscarini (the makers of Ferrucio Laviani's SuperNova, another of my loves) at Euroluce last week. For more of the story, go here.

Flipside shower

2009-05-04T09:32:00.006-05:00

A new way for gadgets to make it to the shower....Kohler's Flipside hand-hel shower has a rotating nozzle that provides a selection of four different streams. For under $130 you can play with something nice and shiny which is only slightly evocative of a select-a-stream garden hose nozzle.Gizmodo seems just as impressed as we are.

Recycled Lamps

2009-03-26T06:32:00.006-05:00

I'm always a fan of new lighting thoughts, and this recycled wine bottle lamp puts a new eco-spin on illumination.Jerry Kott handcuts and polishes recycled bottles to create light sculptures. Colorblock table light fixtures have a weighted, distressed aluminum base with a switch on the cord. 3-color blocks are $150, 4-color blocks $280 at re:modern. My only eco-wish: LED bulbs!

Grange House, England

2009-03-26T04:18:00.007-05:00

Harrison Varma is an ten-year-old architecture firm in London "specialising in the creation of individually crafted, contemporary, luxury homes built to the highest standards". The luxurious, modern designs have a unique interaction with their environment, whether it's an in-town block or a cottage lane.

XRay Film Lamp

2009-02-05T16:36:00.003-06:00

Thanks to Haute Nature for finding this creative, reused item! I'm seeing an IKEA hack in the future....

Sawaya Maxima

2008-12-11T20:17:00.003-06:00

This chair has a topologically folded single-piece seat made of polyurethane. Available as a chair, a barstool, and a lounge chair among other forms from Sawaya & Moroni, it has true visual appeal, though I can't vouch for the comfort test.I'm not the only design fan captivated by Sawaya's design tastes. Both Metropolitan Home and Maison Francaise featured his Milan apartment recently (see this

10,000 Visits

2008-11-29T13:05:00.003-06:00

What started in 2006 as a way to catalog design finds that caught my eye has gotten a few eyeballs! Thanks for stopping by and sharing my little list of nifty things!

sustainable modern architecture

2008-11-08T10:35:00.002-06:00

The Chestnut Residence in Newport Beach, California (architect Dan Heinfeld's personal residence) incorporates low VOC paints and no-paint plasters, recycled terazzo floors, and a cool roof/solar array system to provide power with the aim of being a sophisticated modern sustainable home.Inhabit has a full write-up on the property and its integration of green building strategies.

Cedars Open Studio Tour, 11/22

2008-10-25T16:58:00.003-05:00

Save the date for this artsy weekend event: the Sixth Annual Cedars Open Studios tour. The weekend event in the Cedars neighborhood south of Downtown features open house opportunities to see artists and their works.The day is planned to conclude with a sunset performance art piece titled “Decorating the Tree” by glass blower Jim Bowman.A review of the 2005 tour is posted at the DallasArtsRevue

Wolfson's "Origami" Chair

2008-10-19T20:22:00.003-05:00

"The Origami series looks at an abstraction of penetrating, folding, layering and juxtaposition of surfaces - static versus dynamic forces; a static moment of suspended action, frozen from a manual of folds."Phillip Michael Wolfson, a Cornell-trained architect, is known for both his design and sculpture works, with his unique use of shape and lines. More commentary and more pictures are

2008-09-21T17:37:00.002-05:00

The Biombo Chairs by Daniel Milchtein convert from screen to seating in a few easy slides. According to original Design Milk posting, the wood veneer chair, built over a hinged wood structure, when is not in use is a folding screen (Biombo). The surface of the seat can be engraved with a graphic image that transforms it into a decorative object when folded flat.

Windpower Outdoor Lighting

2008-08-25T19:39:00.000-05:00

This really caught my eye (and it's only £99.95!):"The Firewinder® Wind-Powered Outdoor Light is a sculpturally designed outdoor light, which harnesses the wind to create a beautiful upward spiralling light every time the wind blows. In the daylight and when the wind isn't blowing, the product looks unobtrusive. But at night and when the wind blows, it creates a silent wind-powered firework show,

Disassembled Household Appliance

2008-08-21T21:52:00.003-05:00

This set on Flickr (user brittnybadger) is from a senior thesis project at the Hartford Art School."this past year...i took apart used cooking/cleaning appliances, and arranged their interior parts very systematically on a white sheet of bristol board. my intention was to explore the hidden "brains" of these appliances; allowing us to view these everyday objects from a new perspective."

Unique gift findings

2008-07-09T19:29:00.002-05:00

The Bubble Calendar ($29.99)Flat flowers for small spaces

Art Conspiracy, 6/21

2008-06-11T17:57:00.003-05:00

The art conspiracy group does it again. At 8pm, Saturday 6/21 at Sons of Hermann Hall they will feature another iteration of SEED with several bands and artists participating. For $5 you can listen to the sounds of Matthew and The Arrogant Sea, Beauxregard, Spector 45 and Pet Hospital. There will be an artwork auction including some one-0f-a-kind moleskine journals. Since the end of May, 15

Oak Cliff's Future Boom?

2008-05-27T22:18:00.003-05:00

According to this release today, over $2 billion in development plans are in the works for Oak Cliff, just north and east of the Bishops Arts district, in striking distance of the Trinity River project. Incap Unveils Full Scope of $2B Plan for DallasBy Connie GoreIncap's VisionDALLAS-With 300 acres of entitled land now ready for development, Incap Fund is pulling the cloak of secrecy off its

Dallas Farmers Markets

2008-05-15T19:39:00.002-05:00

Not all markets are as "dealer"-loaded as the downtown sheds of the Dallas Farmers Market. The Dallas Morning News has a good summary of the options in the Metroplex, but here's the list:CITY OF DALLAS FARMERS MARKET: Daily, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., year-round. More farmers, including organic, sell on Saturday mornings than any other day. Also pasta, beef, Alaskan seafood, pastured meats, cheese,

Bye-Bye 2505

2008-04-20T17:35:00.006-05:00

Before.... After....At 8am sharp on a Sunday, specifically on the same day that the Dallas News featured the preservation of MCM architecture in Dallas (see prior post), the Harwood Smith-designed office building at 2505 Turtle Creek Blvd. was razed by the developers. The full story is on Unfair Park. Apparently the permit for demolition was issued in the first week of April -- the day after the

MCM Preservation

2008-04-20T09:27:00.003-05:00

Dallas's finest daily paper features the increased attention being paid to preserving mid-century modern homes in the area. The focus on architecture of this era has become more important as tear-downs of noted properties like the Horace Meyer-designed Morris Zale home (1949) have become more prevalent. Recently Preservation Dallas led efforts to add MCM office building to the National Register

Sweet Modern Clock

2008-04-10T20:46:00.004-05:00

Young German designer Daniel Jarr's alarm clock takes design to a sleek new level. This prototype is designed to set the alarm by pressing down on the right hand side of the clock (the main body of the clock pivots slightly on its base). Pressing down on the left side of the clock tips the clock in order to get a 10 minute snooze. Pressing down on the analogue clock’s frame illuminates the

Natural Easter

2008-03-23T17:12:00.003-05:00

Craftastica had a great description of using natural materials (cabbage, onion peels, and flowers) to dye eggs. This is similar to what I did with my grandmother as a child, although I like the idea of using the flowers and clover as resist.Almond Corner uses brown eggs to get a tone-on-tone look, but using white eggs and a variety of onion peels can get some very interesting marbled

Architectural Skylights

2008-03-11T22:01:00.003-05:00

While it's not a new idea (see this Islamic architectural example from a bath), these examples of ceiling panels are much more stunning than plain-'ol clear skylights...giving you and your visitors an unexpected artistic "pop". More info here and more examples here and here.

Calatrava Progress

2008-02-21T20:35:00.004-06:00

The webcam cannot hide how the construction of the first of the three (or is it two? Depends on funding calculations) signature Calatrava bridges over the Trinity River greenway to the west of Downtown. The Margaret Hunt Hill bridge that extends Woodall Rogers west into Singleton Boulevard is in the footings stage. Additional construction on segments is going on at a fabricator's in Italy.

Dallas in Postcards

2008-01-31T19:47:00.000-06:00

With an eye to the future and one foot in the past...it's amazing to appreciate how our city's landscape is changing. The above images of Elm Street and the Houston Street viaduct are courtesy of Dallas Sights, which has numerous views preserved online. Thanks to Unfair Park for mentioning a new book, Greetings from Dallas ($13.57 at Amazon), which includes over 140 vintage cards featuring the

Sale Time at Scott + Cooner (again)

2008-01-16T17:41:00.000-06:00

That's one of my favorite headlines to type in (here and here before)! Scott + Cooner and McGannon Showrooms are having a “cleaning out of the warehouses” sale this weekend. Pieces from Cassina, Moroso, Poltrona Frau, etc will be marked down drastically. At the Decorative Center showrooms, open to the trade this Thursday and Friday (9am-5pm) and the public Friday (9am-5pm) and Saturday (10am-4pm).

I'm a real sucker for lighting....

2008-01-07T19:11:00.000-06:00

Balloon lamp ($30 shipped each, but better in groups!)the Dandylight ($115 shipped): even the name is cute!

Hip in Minnesota

2007-12-25T18:46:00.000-06:00

Gotta salute SplatGirl on the Modern loft in the cold, cold north. She's got some great IKEA hacks and a nice eye for mixing minimal modern with personalized color.Makes me wonder how many geographical modern sites there are now....gotta search one day, or post one you know of in my comments!

A few tasty design visions

2007-12-23T16:49:00.001-06:00

Dallas Design(*Sponge) Guide

2007-12-12T19:55:00.000-06:00

Featured yesterday on Design*Sponge, the design guide is a pretty comprehensive categorized directory of hot spots for fashionable living in the Big D. A few of my favorite haunts made the list, a few not. Look here for some of the places I've featured over the past year.

Photo display designs

2007-12-02T17:30:00.001-06:00

Looking for more than just magnets on the fridge or paper slips around the computer monitor? What about another way to display Christmas cards?Magnetic Photo Rope ($12) holds eight photos or notes.Umbra FotoFalls ($20)Trapeze 6 photo array ($58)Posey desktop frame ($10.50)

Hand-made local holidays

2007-11-09T20:37:00.000-06:00

If you like finding original, well-wrought crafts, you might have already enjoyed one of the Make Urban Bazaars at the Dallas Farmers' Market (the next one is coming up Dec 1st). Now there's another group ijn the niche: Etsy Dallas. And while you might be accustomed to ordering crafts online through Etsy, you'll have a chance to check things out in person at their TRUNK SHOW!ETSY DALLAS TRUNK

Oak Cliff Artisans

2007-11-09T20:10:00.000-06:00

The Oak Cliff Artisans' fall arts fair is next weekend, November 17th & 18th at Kidd Springs park. Exhibiting artists selling works will include:Larry Pile - Stained Glass Carl Spoto - Pottery Abby Wood - Mixed Media Carla-Marie Weir - Jewelry Tefi Designs - Jewelry George Cole - Clay & Metal Maja McFaul - Jewelry

Modern Homes on Tour

2007-11-09T16:45:00.000-06:00

This weekend is the first annual AIA modern home tour. Eight single and multi-family residences throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area designed by Texas architects are featured. Two homes in Urban Reserve along with several infill homes in established Dallas neighborhoods make the list, and all of them have their own modern take on inhabiting an urban environment. Architecture firms represented

Nest

2007-11-04T13:54:00.001-06:00

Congratulations to Heather Wiese-Alexander on getting a little NY Times attention. The proprietor of Nest, the home accent store in Snider Plaza, was interviewed on the hottest bets and worst bombs in recent modern design:“People here do not have the trend-set mentality they might have in New York or Miami,” said Ms. Wiese-Alexander, a former art director for Neiman Marcus. “They latch onto

Candlelight on Henderson

2007-11-03T12:44:00.000-05:00

To cap off the election day ruckus, there's a chance to mingle and enjoy the civility of the cultural arts with a stroll through several art establishments off Henderson Ave, featuring beverages, snacks and some special deals. The 16th annual "Candlelight Walk on Henderson" is Tuesday, November 6, 2007, from 5 to 9 p.m. It's an enchanting evening in which to delight in food, drink and holiday

Design District Discounts

2007-10-29T21:40:00.000-05:00

My favorite subject: superior mark-downs! Thanks to ShoppingBuzz for the tip! Saturday, Nov. 3, renowned designer showrooms Allan Knight, Adele Kerr, Bausman, Carlin & Co., Heaven-n-Earth, Nova Collection, RMA and Tufenkian will be open from 10:00am-4:00pm with drastically reduced merchandise including furniture, unique accessories, fixtures, rugs, and Holiday items such as stockings, tree

Lighting to Love

2007-10-09T21:56:00.000-05:00

This LED Bench (2002) by Ingo Maurer is installed in the first room of the Cooper Hewitt's exhibition, "Provoking Magic", featuring the esteemed lighting designer and artist. According to one site's (punctuationally-challenged) description, "this limited production table is a grand masterpiece by maurer. each bench is personally signed by ingo maurer. an extravagant table made of glass, 288

Oak Cliff Artists

2007-10-08T15:50:00.000-05:00

There's a whole lot of art going in independent art: the fledgling La Reunion artists' collective, the reopening of the Texas Theater, and the renkindled Arts Conspiracy. Cliff Dweller magazine features artists working in Oak Cliff in this week's edition. There's always someone or something new to discover with the Dallas Arts Revue calendar. I can't say how many times I've been pleasantly

Architecturally Nosy

2007-10-06T12:43:00.000-05:00

Sure, admit it. You like snooping around homes to see those little design details, whether it's at someone's party, an organized tour, an online real estate query, or an open house. You're nosy because you care about execution of design. Preservation Dallas's fall home tour is just a few weekends away, and this weekend it's mid-century modern and beyond on the Oak Cliff home tour. If the weather,

Upcoming: Slocum Street

2007-09-25T14:30:00.000-05:00

The SLOCUM STREET ANTIQUES AND DESIGN ASSOCIATION and D Home kick-off the 9th annual October Slocum Street Night Walk on Thursday October 4th, beginning at 6pm.Free to the public, more than 30 showrooms open their doors to share beautiful treasures and indulge guests with food, spirits and live music. Silent auctions at various showrooms and a vacation giveaway all benefit the Dallas County

Green gets easier

2007-09-24T19:20:00.000-05:00

At the UN's world conference on climate change today, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon proclaimed, "“Inaction now will prove the costliest action of all in the long term.” (More details)In honor of the international gathering to raise awareness of the global responsibility for our changing world, here's a review of some energy-conscious home innovations:Integrate solar panel roofing tiles (Sharp

Urban Arts Festival

2007-09-07T16:50:00.000-05:00

This weekend (tonight and tomorrow) South Side on Lamar hosts the second annual Urban Arts Festival, featuring artists, musicians, and fun for all. It's a great opportunity to explore this developing sector of town and grassroots creative artists in Dallas.Tonight is Art Love Magic, a Live Art Experience from 8:00 pm – Midnight in the Janette Kennedy Gallery/Artist Quarter. For $7 admission, you

Modern at the Mosaic

2007-09-01T12:37:00.000-05:00

Modern Evening at the Mosaic, Thursday, Sept 13 6-8pm Join the Preservation Dallas Modern Committee for Modern Evening at the Mosaic.Mix and mingle on the private, eighth floor pool deck of this incredible 1952 tower for an ultra urban posh party featuring cocktails and global inspired hors d' ouevres by Chef Blaine

Beat the Storage Tub

2007-08-27T13:54:00.000-05:00

This TakeOut MDF chest has plastic valise-like drawers, each of which slides out for easy transport. I can see filling each portable briefcase with toys or tools and materials for sewing projects, crafting, or handyman trips around the home. Or else, keep the pre-packed valises seasonally-themed, and grab the appropriate one before jumping on a plane for that last minute getaway.

Kettle Art, Saturday

2007-08-24T18:40:00.000-05:00

Kettle Art is featuring the art of Richard Ross (a local self-taught artist with very vibrant two-dimensional works) tomorrow in a special one-night extravaganza.Kettle ArtSaturday August 25th, 7-10pm2714 Elm StreetDeep Ellum

Sharp-art

2007-08-06T21:58:00.001-05:00

What is it about knives that lend themselves to such beautiful displays? We've blogged about the Saladini knife set before, admired some modern knife blocks (1, 2, 3,4)... and laughed at the voo-doo knife man and his migraine-tortured kin.I'm not the only one to be artistically captivated by sharp bladed tools. Anyone see Dead Again?

Urban Reserve Sneak Peeks

2007-07-23T18:38:00.001-05:00

Urban Reserve, Diane Cheatham's development of fifty sustainable design, modern single-family residences is located on a 13-acre plot off Forest Lane and Central Expressway (map). The project has been in the works for over two years, and the first residence, at 51 Vanguard Way designed by Lionel Morrison, was recently completed. Other designs are in varying stages of the process; all are dramatic

Mod Offerings

2007-07-22T19:57:00.001-05:00

Century Modern in Deep Ellum is featuring a 15% off sale. Lula B's has a few good mod pieces in stock, and several other posters are offering tasty modern treats:Recent reproduction Eames lounger and ottoman, $7501970s vintage velvet sofa, $700Vintage vinyl swivel chair, $60

Interactive Occasional Furniture

2007-07-16T22:22:00.000-05:00

Part art installation, part children's science museum exhibit (remember the Van de Graaff static electricity inducing spheres?), the interactive Ripple LED table senses movements over its surface and the light patterns change accordingly. The table cames in a selection of sizes and lighting colors. The sleek curves of the table make it a nice piece even when it's not illuminated.

Top Modern Skylines

2007-07-08T20:11:00.000-05:00

Dallas comes in at #18 on this list, which is led off with Hong Kong, Chicago, Shanghai, New York, and Tokyo. Given credit for having seven buildings towering over 200 meters, along with the 186-meter Reunion Tower and its distinctive green-tinged night appearance, Dallas is picked as a shining beacon of the western prairies. I've always been partial to a good skyline, and the other city views

Another Discount Style Opportunity

2007-06-18T20:42:00.000-05:00

This Thursday (if you're Trade) and Friday and Saturday (if you're not), the Design Center merchants are featuring a sale of fabulous proportions. Personal favorites Scott + Cooner and Ligne Roset will be represented, and the promise of some prices below cost is too much to resist. Just don't beat me to it!Another thanks to D Home's Blog for the tip. Just hoping those Traders don't get all the

Smink Floor Samples

2007-06-18T20:33:00.001-05:00

The fabulous modern furnishings store in Inwood Village is featuring the lowest prices of the year in order to move out stale sofas and make room for all the new Market finds. While prices still run close to a month's salary (for those who have to work), the quality and durability make up for it. While the sale began June 8th, some pieces are still out for the selling. Manufacturers include

"Can't Resist" Power Gizmos

2007-05-15T19:57:00.000-05:00

Good modern design isn't just about furnishings and art. Sometimes you come across some small gadget that's so perfect that it makes you smile. The Socket Pocket ($15 at Get Organized) fits the bill. Combining a holster for your favorite portable electronic device with an outlet faceplate to help control clutter, this is one sleek plastic solution to tangled charger wires. Belkin has a low

White Rock Modern

2007-05-07T17:39:00.000-05:00

A trio of Forest Hills neighbors on Eustis Avenue, off Garland Road near White Rock Lake, have a unique proposal for a new home:"The structure at 8520 Eustis is beyond repair and will be dismantled this spring, leaving an exceptional building opportunity. We have designed a home that will take full advantage of this lot without damage to the landscape and is of a size and style in harmony with

Spring Shopping

2007-05-05T16:57:00.000-05:00

Is it sale time again? Ligne Roset had a great sale this past November, and this weekend there's another three days of amazingly discounted fabulous furniture. Lots of things were snatched up on Friday, but a nice selection of chairs, sofas, and rugs, lamps, and accessories remains. Sectionals originally $7500 or more are now less than $5000. Sure, it's still a steep price for a couch, but you

Lights Fantastic Clearance!

2007-04-28T08:07:00.000-05:00

Lights Fantastic on Greenville Avenue has long been selling fabulous modern light fixtures and fans.Their adjacent clearance center, Lights Out, is closing down, and all remaining items must go this weekend, with an extra 20% off to help it all move. While hit or miss on the selection on clearance, the store's full inventory is without compare.

Weekend Doings

2007-04-28T07:41:00.000-05:00

The Denton Jazz Festival kicked off last night and continues through Sunday.The DFW Dragon Boat Festival is tomorrow at Lake Carolyn in Irving. Team dragon boat races, kite flying, and performances by Asian dance groups will be complimented with music and food.An art opening on Sunday for: THREE - new works by Dallas photographers Emily Loving, Kristin Bazan, and Holly Gray - 6:30 - 8:30 pm -

BoConcept in Dallas?

2007-04-23T20:13:00.000-05:00

BoConcept is known for "urban design", but unless you're traveling often to DC or NYC, you're out of the scene here in the Metroplex. There is a "studio" collection at By Design in Arlington, but the nearest Brand Store is down in Houston. Some design bloggers have been very pleased with the selection and the pricing (see Gradon, Michelle, Kevin, and Joel), but others see BoConcept as a somewhat

DWR Pick-a-nick

2007-04-20T20:25:00.000-05:00

At the McKinney Avenue Design within Reach studio, there's a patio burger party this Sunday, April 22nd. Take this opportunity to become familiar with the DWR outdoor furnishing line, meet some of the planners of the new Arts District downtown, all while sampling juicy burgers and beers."Spend an evening at DWR with burgers and beer and the best in modern outdoor furniture. Mary Ellen Cowan and

Modern Dallas Gardening

2007-04-19T21:50:00.000-05:00

As spring marches on, and with Tax Day behind us, we can turn towards modern-influenced gardening, and this weekend is a great time to get started. The Dallas Arboretum's annual plant sale is April 21 & 22nd, and features Dallas-friendly plants, including several that won't show up on the shelves of the big box centers. The Dallas County Master Gardener Association is sponsoring its own plant

Spring: Arts are in the Air

2007-04-08T10:38:00.000-05:00

You wouldn't guess it from the flurries yesterday, but the season of spring outdoor arts festivals has begun.Today is the last day of the Deep Ellum Arts Festival. The weekend event features a street-festival environment including three stages of free music, exhibiting artists and plenty of snacks. Saturday's events included a Pooch Parade, a 5K run, and an art-glass blowing demonstration at

Trinity River Project Awards

2007-04-02T21:24:00.000-05:00

It's not even all the way off the drawing board yet (although the timelines suggest that building on the Woodall Rogers and I-30 bridges will begin in the next eight weeks), and the funding of the tollway is one of the year's top contentious issues around town, but the Trinity River Corridor project has won an AIA award. One of ten 2007 Honor Awards for Regional and Urban Design was given for

Farewell Hard Rock....

2007-04-02T20:56:00.000-05:00

...Hello CVS?The 97-year-old structure that was originally the McKinney Avenue Baptist Church underwent so many structural changes in its evolution into that famous temple of Rock-n-Roll, the 4th Hard Rock Cafe in the USA, that it no longer represented the historic edifice, and therefore would not be considered for a landmark designation. Unfair Park has the full details on the 7-4 vote at the

Lucy Billingsley on Developing Dallas

2007-03-28T20:22:00.000-05:00

KERA Channel 13's CEO series will feature One Arts Plaza developer Lucy Billingsley this Friday night at 7:30pm (details). The Billingsley Company, founded in 1978, has led Dallas area development from the outskirts back towards downtown. The One Arts Plaza modern luxury midrise project has attracted numerous eyes as a foothold

Modern Deck Lounging

2007-03-18T20:31:00.000-05:00

As the days are growing longer and the spring leaves begin to show, thoughts turn to time spent soaking up sun with an icy beverage and somewhere chic to curl up and relax.The Alveo chaise, in synthetic wicker and stainless steel legs, is big enough to accomodate two people ($4500).Gloster's Eclipse "relaxer" unit features a family-size platform with a sail-like covering ($4000+)The classic Knoll

Isaac Arms Benches

2007-03-10T19:30:00.000-06:00

These benches in patinated steel and maple by Isaac Arms convey serenity and a zen-like sense of peace through their solidity.His other work includes monolithic steel chairs, cabinetry with crank handles--like the Push-me, Pull-you dresser--and vases and other accessories.Arms is a furniture artist who has taught at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. A fuller profile is available, along with

Nadeau Imports Wholesale Open House

2007-03-08T08:07:00.000-06:00

Nadeau Imports is opening its doors to the public this Saturday March 10th, offering the lowly consumer an opportunity to purchase imported items at wholesale price. An importer of furniture from Indonesia, India, and China, their offerings include all sorts of indoor and outdoor wood and reed furniture including chairs, tables, case goods and accessories. When: Saturday March 10th 10am-4pmWhere

D Home Issue Launch Party

2007-03-06T16:44:00.000-06:00

From the D Home Blog:"D Home is hosting a cocktail reception this Thursday, March 8, 6-8 p.m., at Bentwood Design Studio (4508 Lovers Ln.) to celebrate the latest issue–Custom Made. Enjoy fine wine, hors d’oeuvre, and a surprise party favor from Bentwood Design Studio. You will also get a copy of the issue, which is chock-full of local artisans, shopping, wit, and everything related to Dallas

Mid-century style: Herman Miller Auction 3/8

2007-03-04T17:34:00.000-06:00

According to their Craigslist ad, Highland Park Estate Sales will be conducting a silent ("blind") auction of vintage Herman Miller furniture next Thursday (March 8) as the prequel to a full blown sale the following week. The Eames chair and ottoman have a starting bid af $1500 and several other case goods ("Thin Edge” dresser and sideboard, Drop front desk, 40” chest, Miniature 9 drawer chest

Quick sale picks

2007-03-03T07:12:00.001-06:00

Creme microfiber adjustable chaise with attached glass swivel table (Overstock, $209). Espresso finished beech side table with single drawer (Overstock, $63). Shower gel, bath crystals and body lotion (West Elm, $7). Ash veneer cocktail tables (Chiasso, $48 set of 2).

Modern Art(?) Clocks

2007-02-24T17:58:00.000-06:00

Karen Krieger's patinated aluminum garden clocks (Guild.com, $175 each)Giardini's BAC steel and copper clock (Guild.com, $180) and Skoj tempered glass clock (IKEA, $4.99, 6", or $6.99, 11" version)Thomas Mann's Rabbit clock depicting the Tortise and the Hare (Guild.com, $425)Pendulum clocks that uses space as much as shape (Wrapables, $39.95, Guild.com, $278) and Yee-Ling Wan's ghost carriage

So Jealous

2007-02-24T14:24:00.000-06:00

Dallas has some film and TV scene of its own (Prison Break most notably, and Walker, Texas Ranger among others), but nothing to rival New York and Los Angeles. With filming comes sets, and with sets comes set dressing. And when the filming is done, the stuff's got to go somewhere! In New York, Props for Today is the outlet and sadly we're over 1,500 miles away from what's probably a superb

Industrial Strength Home

2007-02-13T13:43:00.000-06:00

Joel Hester is a metal craftsman in Deep Ellum who makes some fabulous custom steel beds, perfect for an open-plan, downtown loft vibe, ready for even the most fitful toss-n-turning. He's also made end tables, side tables, rolling loft doors, and several custom pieces based on client requests.Check out his Craigslist posting for some more examples of his work, or catch his work on Display at the

Titanic table lamp

2007-02-09T20:50:00.000-06:00

The hidenpeek bed designed for Viable London by Gala Wright has a steel frame and a cascading curtain of aluminum ball chain. Other pieces by Wright include a captivating set of occasional tables called Mekong. The Mekong cube table/lamp is opaque mirror when off, then reveals a glowing sphere when turned on. A companion coffee table has the same effect.The Titanic lamp, from Charles Trevelyan,

Can pool tables be modern?

2007-02-08T20:50:00.000-06:00

Just the idea of a pool table brings to my mind a smoky bar with low-hanging, green-shaded lamps and a solid wood-and-slate possibly coil-operated behemoth. Not very modern, is it? Even large, recently-built billiards establishments can't get far away from the stereotype, and most homes that have a bonus room packed with billiard and air-hockey equipment likely don't have much more that the

Modern Doormats

2007-01-29T20:02:00.000-06:00

A few ideas with personality that help set a modern tone from the moment you hit the threshold:Stainless steel and rubber, TopDeq, $125-$210, or Chiasso, $48, or UnicaHome, $134-245footprint doormat, Chiasso, $18"welcome in" binary doormat, Thinkgeek, $40barcode doormat, Chiasso, $28river rock pebble mat, Acacia, $45or DIY with the help of the local big box home center, $4+recycled flip-flop

BodyMod Mod

2007-01-21T19:43:00.000-06:00

Christopher Puzio, a furniture designer and architect in San Diego, has the ultimate statement of taste: the Eames chair tattoo replaces the usual mom-heart expression of fondness. His own designs are lean and crisp, integrating metal and organic materials.

Rick Lee's portfolio

2007-01-17T21:01:00.000-06:00

The designer behind American Leather's Menlo Park sectional and the Odyssey recliner has a nearly comprehensive summary portfolio of his works on his personal site. In addition to his work for AL, Rick Lee has designed furnishings for Elite, EQ3, and Urbana. The pieces are seductive in the appparent simplicity of their shapes.

another funky modern art light

2007-01-17T20:55:00.000-06:00

A great find from Pan Dan, this Ali Brown light installation called Light Works is a modular configuration of copper piping. As someone who has taken creative liberties with the copper plumbing supplies at Lowe's before in pursuit of modern towel bars, I can both appreciate and contemplate pirating the idea. Cool and attractive for a small art niche, perhaps.

Special Organic Touches

2007-01-04T19:03:00.000-06:00

VivaTerra offers an online selection of recycled and organic goods for home, kitchen, and bath. There's also some tasty foodstuffs and comfy women's clothing pieces as well. The company professes a dedication to living in harmony with nature and sells objects that "combine ecology and elegance" with pure, sustainable ingredients. And they have some cool things, too. These recycled aluminum bark

Shibui (simple elegance) in crafted chairs

2006-12-31T14:37:00.000-06:00

Michael Puryear is a studio furniture maker whose works are featured on Guild.com (where incidentally there's an ornament clearance sale). His designs incorporate influences from Shaker and Scandinavian designs along with Janapese and African styles. He sums up his design goals: "I wish to imbue my work with shibui, the Japanese term for simple elegance. This simplicity belies the complexity of

Artisan Furniture with a Modern Take

2006-12-30T16:18:00.000-06:00

From the Yessy collection of artisanal furniture comes a unique variety of furnishings. Here's a few from Turkis Reha Erdogan that caught my eye:Barcode, made of 26 pieces of joined plexiglas, $2000Clone, bentwood chair in human shape, $600Line, in wood with glass seat, $500Contact, a statement on the intimate opposition of male and female, $700This three-legged wedge table by Wisconsin artist

After XMas Web Sales

2006-12-28T09:22:00.000-06:00

While modernist designs often lack spare storage, there's some sales afoot, giving you a chance to stock up on decorative pieces for Christmas 2007 if your space allows. The 4-foot mirrored tree and 3-foot red lit trees are now 50% off. Wire trees and wreaths and tons of other options are also available at CB2, Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, and Pier1.The pick of ornaments up for grabs includes

Modern Miniature Chair Contest

2006-12-24T15:56:00.000-06:00

If you've cruised for modern chairs on the web, you've probably come across some of the Vitra miniatures of classic modern designs. But modern miniature chairs don't need to cost a fortune. Miniature Miller Marshmallow sofas and globe chairs are offered on eBay for under $50. Or you could craft them yourself. Design within Reach is sponsoring another edition of the champagne cork chair crafting

Coffee Table Modern

2006-12-19T21:53:00.000-06:00

Since when did Stacks and Stacks go beyond all the organizing paraphernalia and begin to sell furniture? I found this modern glass, chrome, and capuccino laminated particleboard coffee table for $210 at the online site (there's also an espresso version and a matching end table offered). I like the low profile (it's only 17 inches tall) and the storage drawers help keep visual clutter under

Frank Gehry meets Tiffany

2006-12-16T16:15:00.000-06:00

Tiffany and Co launched a collection of pieces by Frank Gehry that it bills as "exquisite jewelry, years in the making, born of a revolution and steeped in a new and daring sensuality. Chic. Glamourous. Fashionable. Defiantly so."The Orchid drop pendant (left) is one of a series of pieces designed by the architect including earring and brooches. The most extravagant ($6,800) of the pieces

Color for a Cause

2006-12-15T21:11:00.000-06:00

While shopping online for those last few holiday accessories and gifts, I found that web shopping search site TheFind is making a donation to Doctors Without Borders of $1 per day for each person who searches for something red. There's over 36,000 items in the search results for "red chair" available and each item's pricing information from many online sellers is included in the results. As a

DWR's Eames Film Festival

2006-12-05T21:38:00.000-06:00

This Thursday evening December 7th, DWR at Travis/McKinney will feature several short films (including Powers of Ten and The Lounge Chair) by the Eameses along with refreshments and an opportunity to browse the store. Other stores have already hosted the event with good response.The legacy of Ray and Charles Eames extends far beyond their classic furniture pieces. Taking a multidisciplinary

Off-the-beaten-path gift sources

2006-12-03T14:26:00.000-06:00

Art is Art (which I've blogged about before) has art, funky furniture, and handmade jewelry offerings that make unique and affordable gifts. The assortment of sculptures, canvases and hand-crafted furniture pieces fills the two-room store.The Dallas Museum of Art's Store features its annual Holiday Spree from December 2 through the 9th. Members enjoy 20% off throughout the store on all its books,

What I've been waiting for

2006-12-01T17:28:00.000-06:00

This item from the Shopping blog is music to my ears: an annoucement of Scott + Cooner's semi-annual warehouse clearance sale! The last time I visited their sale, a fabulous Foscarini pendant fixture and two Flos sconces were mine for a fraction of their cost.Need a lunch break?Then hurry and head over to the Scott + Cooner warehouse at 1400 Turtle Creek (not the showroom location). Through

Individualized unique gifts up the ante

2006-11-30T21:34:00.000-06:00

I'm planning on adding this crocodile to the list of gifts for those who have everything. The New York Times has several other suggestions this week as their "Holiday Shopper" feature joins numerous other sites in the holiday gift-guide fervor. The collection introduces several unique and eye-catching novelties that trump any World's Best Dad mug-and-tie combo several times over. As the Times

Dallas gives good

2006-11-28T21:31:00.000-06:00

Metroblogging Dallas (and the other Metroblogging sites) are doing a count-down this week of seven of each featured city's greatest gifts to the rest of the world. As the site explains it, "In the spirit of the abundant holiday gift giving that will be taking place over the next couple of months, all the Metroblogging cities are giving 7 gifts to the world throughout the week of NOV 26th - DEC 2.

Mark and Larry's Retirement Sale

2006-11-26T19:27:00.000-06:00

Deep Ellum perennial Mark & Larry's Stuff has announced its closing. As Mark-Brian's theater and acting commitments have kicked up, the time available to run the store has dwindled down, and the store will close its last sale on December 23rd. Voted Best Gift Store in 2001 and Best Place to Buy Stuff You Don't Need in 2002 by the Dallas Observer, the store has offered a mixture of design pieces,

Furniture Quality Reprised

2006-11-26T08:56:00.000-06:00

Good Morning America has jumped on the consumer-protection bandwagon with their own expose on furniture quality, just a few months after Smart Money hammered on mid-price furniture outlets like Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware (see my prior post). The GMA gumshoes examined several products: Martha Stewart's "dark cherry" K-Mart line accent table, Ashley Furniture's "horizon maple" nightstand

Shopping Suggestion WebTools

2006-11-25T23:57:00.000-06:00

A short questionnaire--where you pick your favorite of sixteen images in several dimensions, including colors, activities, furnishings, and food--can lead to tailored suggestions for gift ideas at Imagini. Rather than tracing similar purchases or other ways of developing suggestions, this site uses the collection of pictures to summarize "how you feel and what you like across each area of your

Modern Downtown Apartments

2006-11-24T11:55:00.000-06:00

Two new apartment high-rise conversions are entering the downtown rental market featuring luxurious extras and conceirege services rather than the bare-bones urban loft aesthetic. With units from 700 square feet and monthly rents between $1250 and $9000, the buildings are laden with amenities that appeal to a discriminating crowd.The 452-foot, 36-story Republic Bank Building at 300 North Ervay

Ashes and Snow

2006-11-22T10:34:00.000-06:00

How can you be anything but awed by images of humans interacting with wild animals. Gregory Colbert undertook a project that included capturing images of him swimming with elephants and manatees. The serene sepia tones of his photos and the film inspire wonder. There's nothing like having seen the exhibit in person (I saw it in New York last spring), but the atmosphere is captured in the images