A prime example of great minimalist design, the Conceal Bookshelf makes a statement with its “lack” of design. The design is smart though, which is why I like it, and of course it looks fun too. Your favorite books appear to float right off the wall and best of all these shelves are available for a reasonable $14!
It is nice to see that designers creating large building projects like the Qatar National Convention Center QNCC by Yamasaki Architects of Japan are focusing their collective talents on ecologically conscious buildings. The QNCC to open in 2011 will be the first to have the label of a Gold Certification of U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED). Among the state of the art visuals will be all the amenities of a world class convention center within its 177,000 sq meters space. The projects total energy consumption will be supplied in part by 3,600 sq meters of solar panels to help reduce its dependence on fossil based fuels. See the entire collection of works by Yamasaki Architects here.
Post from QNCC Qatar National Convention Center to Open 2011
The Mint dining furniture collection was designed by Monica Graffeo for Arflex Furniture. In the chair and barstool she has captured the shape of a circle and built it into an attractive design. The collection of circles entices the onlooker to evaluate this simple, but effective design and invite them in to take a seat. When I first saw this I thought about George Nelson's famous Marshmallow sofa chair and how he made the circle famous in his midcentury modern classic. More information: here.
Post from Mint Dining Room Furniture by Monica Graffeo
Method deserves kudos for its new super-concentrated laundry detergent: 50 loads packed into a trim squirt bottle and 95% plant-based. Sounds great! A major achievement that should put Tide and Wisk on notice and turn heads at Wal-Mart. But let’s not let Dropps get lost in the hoopla.
Dropps, the product of a Philadelphia-based start-up, represents what may be an even greater achievement in source reduction. Eschewing the concept of dispensing with detergent from a bulky plastic jug, 20 dissolvable detergent capsules (“dropps”) come packed in a collapsible plastic pouch. The stand-up packs are so thin, it would take 292 of them to equal the plastic waste produced from one empty jug of Tide. In addition, the detergent formula is six times concentrated to save water. The lighter packaging and detergent means on the one hand, fewer delivery boxes and trucks, and for consumers, the convenience in transport home, storage and use.
To boot, the Dropps formula is free of chlorine, NPE (a stain-fighting additive to be an endocrine disruptor), and phosphate. And it’s capable of handling all colors, fabrics, washers and temperatures. (I can attest personally for how the product works. -Makes you want to be able to “dropp” a Tide in your washer. ) No wonder its found its way to the shelves of Wal-Mart, Whole Foods and Target.
Chime in on the latest in the detergent wars…let me know what you think.
Angela Wong contributed to this post.
This post was excerpted from my soon to be released book on doing green marketing right. Link here to be notified when the book comes out.
The iPod has made a huge impression on the music world as well as the design world with quite a few home furnishings emulating the classic music device. Italian artist Mirko Ginepro created the iTables for the Milan Design Week which I think will be a big hit. This cool coffee table offers a storage area below the surface and a see through window on top. The iTable is made custom order for now and you can contact Mirko Ginepro for one of your own.
Post from iTable Coffee Table from Mirko Ginepro
Carsten Gollnick designed this wall shelving with storage called "Hesperide". The idea is simple to provide shelving, but at the same time offer some space to put things away. The storage compartments are not large in this product and thus don't make more of a "wall cabinet" type of statement in a room. More information: here.
Post from Wall Shelving with Storage by Carsten Gollnick
Just about everyone can use a little more bathroom storage but most homes with small floor plans are unable to fit the large rack storage systems that we commonly see available. Design Within Reach has a versatile and stylish solution on wheels for easy mobility. The Aluminum Storage Trolley features durable and corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum, two frosted doors for concealed storage, and adjustable interior glass shelf. H 18.4" W 32" D 14.8" $1500. Or for a warmer look choose the Container Trolley with 2 Drawers featuring solid American Walnut two drawers, one tray-like area on top and an open cubby on the bottom accessible from the reverse side. Smooth rolling locking casters make your grooming essentials portable from sink to tub to dressing area. H 26" W 19.7" D 15" $1790 Made in Spain and available from DWR.com
Post from Additional Bathroom Storage on Wheels from Design Within Reach
Want to learn how the pros do green marketing right (and some of them a little wrong?) oin me February 12 for a 90-minute installment of the Sustainable Brands Boot Camp. It’s a 13-week series of 90 minute sessions, one per week, conducted by experts in sustainable branding and green marketing.
Join me Friday, February 12 and get a sneak preview from my new book, due out later this year about how to court mainstream consumers credibly, impactfully—and without a hint of greenwash.
I’ll specifically be sharing: some of the latest data on LOHAS consumers from the Natural Marketing Institute, my Five Consumer Rules, and Seven Strategies of Green Marketing. Listen in. Ask some questions. Let me know what you thought—and how you applied the learning to your own green marketing plans.
Find out more at Sustainable Life Media/ Events.
Jacquie Ottman is a consultant, author and speaker on green marketing and eco-innovation. Email her at info@greenmarketing.com
Want to learn how the pros do green marketing right (and some of them a little wrong?) oin me February 12 for a 90-minute installment of the Sustainable Brands Boot Camp. It’s a 13-week series of 90 minute sessions, one per week, conducted by experts in sustainable branding and green marketing.
Join me Friday, February 12 and get a sneak preview from my new book, due out later this year about how to court mainstream consumers credibly, impactfully—and without a hint of greenwash.
I’ll specifically be sharing: some of the latest data on LOHAS consumers from the Natural Marketing Institute, my Five Consumer Rules, and Seven Strategies of Green Marketing. Listen in. Ask some questions. Let me know what you thought—and how you applied the learning to your own green marketing plans.
Find out more at Sustainable Life Media/ Events.
Jacquie Ottman is a consultant, author and speaker on green marketing and eco-innovation. Email her at info@greenmarketing.com
Designer Inga Sempé and French furniture maker Ligne Roset team up to create the slender and refined Ruché offered in a 2 and 3-seat versions, footstool and classic 1-arm settee. According to Sempé, "I wanted to take a completely different approach: a settee lifted from the ground by a simple, fine structure which supports a comfortable seat. I was, at the outset, inspired by swing seats, the kind of rocking seats which one brings out in the garden in summertime, made from tubing and fabric, which possess a lightness I like very much". Ruché's rangy uprights and the undulations of its duvet combine to produce a harmonious union of rigorous straight lines and soft, welcoming curves. See the Ruché settee and the other impressive designer furniture from Ligne Roset here.
Post from Ruché Settee from Ligne Roset and Inga Sempé
