CO-Design: Housefish

I'm forgoing today's Sparks feature to continue with CO-Design coverage, although it's just as inspirational to see what people in your own community are creating. Housefish is a furniture design company located in Denver. For CO-Design, Scott exhibited several of his modular 'Key' storage systems.

Key comes in three different sizes, ships flat and is made with sustainably harvested FSC certified plywood. It also requires no hardware other than the wedge-shaped aluminum tenon keys which hold everything together. There seems to be a trend forming with 'no hardware' furniture - there were several examples at this year's ICFF. I can see why - it offers simple, clean designs that can be easily assembled and re-assembled over the years.

CO-Design: Kagen Schaefer

Kagen Schaefer is the world's best secret puzzle box maker. A bold statement, but a true one. Kagen designs and builds limited edition wooden puzzle boxes (and now books) that are truly a sight to behold. Not only are his pieces amazing due to the high level of craftsmanship involved, but also for the complex system of mechanics hidden within each puzzle. In fact, some of Kagen's pieces require hundreds of moves before being opened.

At CO-Design Kagen exhibited his new Puzzle Book, along with one of my favorite pieces, the Pattern Box. Stay tuned for an upcoming podcast with Kagen where we'll tour his secret workshop!

CO-Design: INV/ALT

One of my favorite Denver designers is Angela Schwab of INV/ALT. Angela's 'Snap Cups' were a big hit at the designboom mart during ICFF - these clever little cups have built-in snaps so they can be attached to handles, wine stems or each other. At CO-Design Angela introduced the new magnetic version, which can stick right to your espresso machine. She also exhibited her wonderful cupcake plates, a fun re-use of vintage china. (Available through the P Design Gallery)

CO-Design: DoubleButter

Over the weekend we had the opening for CO-Design: an exhibition for professional and emerging Colorado designers. This whole week I will be posting highlights from the show, which runs at the P Design Gallery through August 25th.

The show includes new indoor/outdoor furniture from the design duo DoubleButter. In a departure from their traditional woodwork the pair presented a number of new pieces made from steel. The fabric on the chairs can be easily removed for cleaning and to interchange patterns. (available through the P Design Gallery)

Sparks: Because We Can

This week's Sparks focuses on the wondrous work of the Oakland based design company Because We Can. They recently completed a project for Three Rings, a video game development company in San Fransisco. Working collaboratively with their clients, Because We Can designed and transformed a 3,000 sq. ft. office space into neo-Victorian, steam punk wonderland based on the Nautilus from the novel "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea".

The project included:

• Custom built desks designed by Three Rings employees
• A Tentacle Attack lounge with 10-19 ft. tentacle cushions
• The Salon, a conference/dining area with custom lighting and idea boards
  
• And one amazing bike storage room, aka the Engine Room (via lfstyl)

Small Factories: Nick Fraser

I love the work being produced by the British design collective, Small Factories. One of the members, Nick Fraser, has created a clever hall stand made from industrial piping. Sure it takes up a lot of space, but this is way more exciting than your everyday coat rack.

Book Mobile

Chairs with built-in bookshelves. It seems like a concept that someone would have thought of a long time ago, but lately everyone is designing these multi-functional pieces. While examples like Nobody&Co's Bibliochaise leave much to be desired (I think it looks rather unkempt with the books resting at different levels), models like Nils Holger Moorman's Bookinist shine.

What's great about this chair is that in addition to being a functional piece, it has a fully developed concept with an interesting narrative. The Bookinist is the ultimate all-in-one reading rest spot. Designed like a pushcart, you can wheel your mobile library anywhere. It also comes complete with a side lamp and hidden compartments for reading glasses, pen and paper...and the all important cup holder.

Hanging Gardens

Plant care knows no limits with Patrick Morris's 'Antipode Planter'. This upside down holder has an innovative watering system which promises not to leak all over your floor. Can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Camouflage by Front

'Camouflage' and 'Shadow' lights by the Swedish design team Front. Both collections debuted at this year's Milan Furniture Fair, the first under the lighting company Zero and the latter as part of Front's own 'Found' series.

The common thread between these pieces is how they play with light and shadow. Camouflage is made from laser-cut aluminum, resulting in a beautiful pattern on the fixture itself as well as on surrounding walls and objects as light is cast out. The Shadow series has a more subtle approach - objects are placed in the globe, creating a soft impression of the pieces hidden within.

Sparks: TransPlastic

The concept behind Humberto and Fernando Campana's latest project 'TransPlastic' is pure genius. The collection tells the fictional story of how nature reacts to the mass quantities of synthetic materials we've produced by running rampant and overgrowing it. The series is on display right now at the Albion Gallery in London and includes seating, lighting and tables.

However, when you look at the top image it is clear which pieces are the most successful. The 'Illuminated Meteors' (aka blobs of light) seem unfinished as if the bulbs themselves were an afterthought, while the single chairs are too similar in form to the original shapes. The best of the collection by far are the larger, amorphous multi-seat creations. They are the ones that hold true to the story - nature growing wild over everything plastic in its path. They leave much more to the imagination than just a single plastic chair that happens to be surrounded by wicker.

Blu Dot Podcast

I recently got the chance to interview John Christakos and Maurice Blanks, co-founders of the furniture company Blu Dot. They were in Denver for the opening of Dot Spot, Mod Livin's new store within a store which carries a full collection of Blu Dot items.

When we recorded the interview there was a party going on down stairs so sometimes you'll hear a little background music, but hey that's what makes a podcast festive. FYI- as you are listening to the interview Maurice Blanks is the first one to speak. The podcast is 13 minutes in length and you can listen to it here. (It will be published to iTunes soon).

The top two photos show items from the Blu Dot collection, including their new 'Real Good' chairs which were launched at this year's ICFF. The third and fourth images are John Christakos and Maurice Blanks talking with a crowd at Mod Livin' (sorry Maurice is a little blurry). Thanks again to John and Maurice and to Jill for hosting!

Blu Dot

I don't usually write about beds, but then again I don't see very many worth mentioning. I did a double take though when I walked past Blu Dot's new collection at ICFF. Their soon to be released Nook bed has an upholstered base and headboard - a nice change from standard platform beds out there. This piece just feels cozier...especially with a Denyse Schmidt quilt laying on top.

In related news, last Friday I got a chance to interview Blu Dot co-founders Maurice Blanks and John Christakos. I'm putting the finishing touches on the podcast, but it will definitely go up this week. Stay tuned...

Sparks: Tunnel Vision

In 2005 sculptors Dan Havel and Dean Ruck transformed two Houston area homes into a spiraling vortex of awesome. Utilizing the structures' existing siding, the artists created a funnel-shaped hole that led users in walking upright...only to leave them crawling out the other side. The installation was made possible because the buildings were slated for demolition, which also sadly means this project has come and gone. (via designboom)

Mustache Thursday

It may be simple, but I think putting a mustache on just about anything makes it look better. Above are Jonathan Adler's 'Salvador' vase and Katrin Greiling's 'Je m'appelle moustache' lights.

Play by BCXSY

The 'Play Collection' from the BCXSY is the perfect example of fun meets function. The series includes furniture and accessories which aim to increase playfulness in the home. Whether you're balancing books on the 'See-Saw' bookshelf or sliding puzzle pieces on the Play! Coffee Table, this collection of clever designs will do just that.

The Golden Touch

Tea time meets happy hour with Bryony Gawthorpe's gilded mar-tea-ni glass. Why choose between high tea and the high life when you can have both? Bryony's work makes either a special occasion. Contact: Bryony Gawthorpe.

Announcements

Just a quick note to share that I will now be writing in two other locations in addition to designklub. First, the mecca of design blogs, MoCo Loco, asked me to join their ranks of contributing editors, which I very, very happily accepted. Check out my posts there for the latest and greatest in cutting edge design.

Second, in my quest to get the Denver design world spinning, I'll be helping out at Mod Livin's new blog, Furnish. This site will focus more on styling tips/ideas for the home, a whole area I don't get to explore with designklub, so I'm really excited to be working with them!

Hope you get the chance to visit both sites - a full spectrum of design and decor...let's just hope my croquet game doesn't suffer from all these new ventures!

Quality Time

During the Milan Furniture Fair Dutch designers Kiki van Eijk & Joost van Bleiswijk took a new approach in presenting their 'Quality Time' collection. The pair actually lived in their exhibition space for 10 days, inviting passersby to join them in experiencing 'the good things in life', which included furniture in the categories of Food, Play, Living and Sleeping. The collection included several quilted pieces, giving the furniture a much more personal touch. Above are their 'Quilted Stool' and 'Cubic Lathe Stools'.

Sparks: Keetra Dean Dixon

Keetra Dean Dixon is moving right up the ranks on my list of designers to watch. I wrote about her 'Everything will be OK' bedspread earlier this week, but wanted to share more of her fascinating work.

Now I'm a big fan of public art in general, but I love it when installations are hidden and meant to be discovered. Much of Keetra's work aims to, "encourage patience and optimism in unexpected circumstances."

This can be seen in her series 'Little Public Plaques', in which tiny messages are left throughout the city and in her 'Photobooth' project. The booth was left in semi-public spaces with no explanation as to it's extra qualities. Users posed for photos as normal, but then received pictures which were, "analyzed and customized with forecasts consisting of patterns, symbols and messages."

Caba by Kwangho Lee

'Caba' is a Korean word meaning to cover or decorate a particular surface. Designer Kwangho Lee used that word as inspiration in creating his modular laser-cut felt system. The individual pieces are small snowflake motifs, which can be linked together to create new decorative textile surfaces.

Together with Camper

Jaime Hayon recently completed the design of two new Camper stores in Barcelona and London. In signature Hayon style, the project - entitled 'Together with Camper', includes tables from his 'Showtime' collection, the creation of several new terra cotta lamps and a poppin' red resin floor.

Everything will be OK

Sleep in comfort under the safety of Keetra Dixon's reassuring reminder. (More to come on Keetra in this Friday's 'Sparks').

Last Call: CO-Design

Just a reminder that this Friday, June 22nd is the deadline for entries for the upcoming CO-Design show: an exhibition of Colorado-based designers. The show will feature products in the realm of current, contemporary design including: furniture, tableware, wallcovering, lighting and home accessories. Both emerging and professional designers are welcomed to enter. For detailed entry info click here.

I'd also like to see a few conceptual pieces included, so send in your entries whether they are prototypes or in production!

Marcel Wanders Skygarden

The contrast between textures and materials in Marcel Wanders latest design, 'Skygarden', is close to perfect. The light is smooth and dome-shaped on the outside, while the inside reveals a richly decorated relief. Too bad the dark metallic exterior makes it feel like a lamp you would see in a hotel lobby - a simple color switch would do a world of good.

Rocking Bench

It's Sunday afternoon and I sure could use this 'Rocking Bench' by James Design. Made from American black walnut.

Sparks: River Glow

'River Glow' is an intriguing concept put forth by designers Soo-in Yang and David Benjamin. A runner-up in Metropolis's Next Generation Design Competition, this project aims to monitor water quality while providing some pretty visuals.

The mechanics work like this: an LED is connected to strands of fiber optics, which turn color in reaction to the water's pH level. The optics are also joined by thins strips of photovoltaics, which assist in keeping the LED recharged.

When the water's pH is OK, a green glow occurs...but when the pollution levels are high, the floating mass turns red - creating a gentle reminder of the normally invisible pollution that is all around us. While I think this project is wonderful, my first thought in seeing the image above was what if a boat ran through all these floating apparatuses? I can just see trails of red dragging from boat propellers everywhere. Could be just as interesting though... (Via Inhabit)

Two for One: Keiko Okamoto

Ugh...these photos look like they were taken from a 1980's German fine dining magazine. Sadly, they are the only pictures I could find of Japanese designer Keiko Okamoto's very cool glassware. Conceived as two cups in one, the inner piece can be used along with the stem or taken out as hand held tumbler - creating a cup for you and a cup for a friend.

Duna Light

Here's another interesting outdoor light, this one by the Spanish company Marset. The 'Duna' lamp has a built-in ball and socket joint, which allows it to swing in any direction. The sand-filled flower pot style base is a nice touch.