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Book Review: Greener Products: The Making and Marketing of Sustainable Brands

Book Review — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:35:23 +0000

In his recently released Greener Products: The Making and Marketing of Sustainable Brands 2012, CRC Press, 222 pp. , Al Iannuzzi offers a detailed and persuasive case for incorporating sustainability into your business model. Examining both the making and the marketing of green products, his writing is firmly situated in the language of business — making it a useful resource for both business leaders and students alike.

Iannuzzi’s message is rooted in two core truths that we believe in strongly. First, there is no such thing as a truly green product: every product exerts some kind of impact, and the goal, therefore, is to create greener products. Secondly, a greener product is useless if no one knows about it. Communicating your sustainability strategy, therefore, is a critically important part of bringing your greener products and values to market. Both aspects are covered in this book.

The book is split into three distinct sections: making the business case, case studies of successful green initiatives, and green marketing. It is in the second section, Greener Products, with its detailed assessment of strategies, that represents the richest content in the book and differentiates this work from others in the field.

Fourteen Case Studies
In this section, Iannuzzi closely examines fourteen different case studies of businesses that have incorporated sustainable objectives. The wide range of companies he chooses to assess — including deeper green companies such as Method and Seventh Generation, major corporate conglomerates such as Johnson & Johnson and Unilever, and individual brands such as Samsung and Timberland — underscores just how many different ways there are to incorporate sustainability.

The companies which had sustainability built into the core of their business model might be considered the most authentically green. However, as Iannuzzi asserts, this path is by no means the only route to sustainability. For example, Ecomagination, the sustainability arm of GE, is successful because it frames its initiative in business terms. Rather than being driven by environmental altruism, Ecomagination is more explicitly profit-based, entirely contingent upon consumer demand for more energy-efficient products.

Framing it as a business objective — in terms of streamlining efficiency, enhancing brand image, and meeting consumer demand — underscores how sustainability can be approached from entirely different angles. Whether rooted in an engrained sense of environmental advocacy or more profit-driven motives, both ends of the spectrum ultimately net positive environmental results. Taking this kind of pragmatic, open approach to sustainable business offers an entry point for leaders who are new to sustainability and exploring different pathways to it.

In covering such a wide range of case studies, Iannuzzi explains the defining features of each organization’s sustainability strategy and integrates this with trends and themes in the green business arena. Each individual company he examines had its own nuanced sustainability strategy, utilizing a unique set of tools and methods. What these case studies share, as he explains, is an established framework for new/improved product development; internal goal-setting and commitment from the top levels of an organization; and strong, informative, and compelling communications.

Environmental Strategy
In the latter part of the case studies section, Iannuzzi goes into more specific detail on environmental management strategy. Segmenting strategies into four categories — compliant, market-driven, engaged, and shaping the future — he looks at the systems, programs, and tools that can help support your strategy, including lifecycle assessment LCA , ISO standards, Design for Environment DfE , and Environmental Impact Assessment EIA , among others.

Iannuzzi’s discussion on emerging issues was especially useful. With the advancement of digital and Internet technologies, consumers are more equipped than ever before with information on business practices and the social and environmental costs they exact. Taking an anticipatory approach, therefore, is an important part of shifting towards sustainability.

Staying abreast of what’s going on online — issues consumers are talking about, information NGOs are reporting on, and so forth — can help a company mitigate potential future risk, enabling businesses to better strategize, keeping ahead of the curve on potential regulation to come. Being proactive, as opposed to reactive, is a wise strategy for all businesses, wherever they are on their pathway to sustainability.

Green Marketing
In the final section of the book, Iannuzzi shifts gears to green marketing. A critical part of green marketing strategy is knowing your consumer — their values, interests, beliefs, and so on — such that you can more effectively tailor your message and product. A key part of this is understanding which segment your consumer might fall into. Importantly, Iannuzzi suggests that successful green marketing is all about the “and”; products must be seen as competitively priced and work well and be green. By framing greenness as an additional benefit instead of the primary quality, the product is more likely to appeal to a wider range of consumers.

As sustainability has become a more mainstream concept, the motivations for going green are more diverse. For businesses seeking to capitalize on this demand, Greener Products offers a comprehensive overview of how to make the transition. Whether new to the field or seeking ideas for further improvement, Iannuzzi’s work is both highly informative and accessible — and will no doubt prove to be a useful resource for anyone interested in sustainable business practices.

Jacquelyn Ottman is an expert adviser on green marketing to Fortune 500 firms, entreprenuerial companies, and the U.S. government. She is the author of The New Rules of Green Marketing: Strategies, Tools and Inspiration for Sustainable Branding Berrett-Koehler, 2011

Cassidy Hooker is an associate at J. Ottman Consulting, Inc. and a recent graduate of the Sustainable Business & Communities program at Goddard College.

Fire It Up: 10 Ultramodern Vent Hoods

Fire It Up — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:14 +0000

Generally speaking, there’s nothing sexy about vent hoods. Today’s roundup, though, might change that just a smidge. Led by a brand named Elica, of which four vent hood designs made it into today’s series, there’s an aesthetic movement happening among kitchen appliance designers. The bulky, overwhelming monstrosities of yesteryear are being replaced by sleek discs, curved sculptural plates and even glimmering chandeliers all serving the same purpose: to eliminate excess heat and steam from a kitchen during meal preparation. Style and functionality most definitely go hand-in-hand where these new culinary helpers are concerned.

Elica Platinum Polished Stainless Steel Vent Hood

Elica Star Vent Hood

Elica Om Vent Hood

Elica Skin Vent Hood

3D Model of Ictinia Kitchen Exhaust Fan Hood

Rialto Vent Hood by Falmec

Zephyr 36-Inch Roma Wall Mount Hood

Omaggio Wall-Mounted Range Hood by Britannia

Ravenna Vent Hood by Futuro

DA249 Vent Hood Hanging Island from Miele

Platinum, Star, Om and Skin vent hoods found at Elica.

Amy: 10 Eye-catching Decorative Rugs

Amy — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:31:07 +0000

Even if every item in a room is bland and unexciting, or perhaps completely mismatched and discombobulated, sometimes all it takes is the perfect decorative rug to pull it all together and make it look intentional. Today’s roundup is quietly inventive, from interlocking jigsaw and runner pieces courtesy of Contraforma and Now Carpets to faux stones and leaves by 2form and YLDesign bringing a sense of the outdoors inside. We’ve pulled some playful elements, too, like the John Deere rugs from Permafrost, called such for a reason, and the Hopscotch rug not just for kids anymore! from CB2. Rounding out the bunch are two artful entries: a gorgeous gathering of felt strips from LAMA Concept and a circular cutout rug resembling the moon, from the mind of Martin Mostböck. Actually, they’re all so pretty, you might not want to step on them.

Imperial Puzzle Rug by Contraforma

Modern Blues Textured Rug by Edward Fields

Cell Rug by LAMA Concept

Wool Faux Pebble Rug from 2form

Circular Cutout Rug by Martin Mostböck

Hopscotch Rug by CB2

John Deere Rugs by Permafrost

Interlocking Necklace Runner by Now Carpets

Turn the Season Rug by YLdesign

Modern Textured Rug from Piodao Group

Hopscotch rug found at CB2.

Katie: What Makes a Space Gorgeous?

Katie — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:13:22 +0000

I have a Pinterest board titled “Gorgeous Spaces” that I pin spaces that are gorgeous to me makes sense, huh? . The point is, that sometimes I see a space that I love, but can’t really categorize it as gorgeous. Sometimes I would sit and think about what aspects of the space in image could influence me pin it to my gorgeous board. Instead of forcing it, I started a “Rooms” board of spaces that I like, but that don’t have the added punch.

Not to over-analyze my pinning habits, but more to step back and initiate a personal exercise of noticing what details of a space cause me to consider them gorgeous as opposed to just a space I enjoy.

So, I decided to go through my Gorgeous Spaces board and take notice of similarities, which were easy to spot immediately – fur, bright colors, intricate chandeliers, deep velvets, textures, crystals, mirrored furniture, a monochromatic color scheme. These qualities can be seen in any room, but what is it about them that makes them convert to gorgeousism? Perhaps I’m just putting too much emphasis on the dramatic difference, but there’s something about some rooms that I just can’t put in the same category as others.

So tell me – do you have different standards of spaces that you consider gorgeous in comparison to spaces that you just love? Really though, what makes a space gorgeous to you?

[Pins from my gorgeous spaces board: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 ]

Ooh Baby: 10 High-Fashion High Chair Designs

Ooh Baby — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:00:37 +0000

Who says parenthood means giving up on style? There’s nothing cutesy or aesthetically tragic about today’s roundup of high chair designs — in fact, they’re almost enough to make us want to revert to childhood ourselves and hang out in one of these uber-cool concoctions. Come to think of it, having other people cater to our every whim and calling them to attention simply by crying… that actually doesn’t sound like such a bad deal. Too bad there’s no such thing as time travel.

The Tripp Trapp High Chair by Stokke

Cherry High Chair by Svan

The Fresco Loft High Chair from Bloom Baby

The Scoop High Chair from Seymour Powell

Vintage Egyptian-Inspired High Chair from Maison Jansen

The Droog High Chair from Connox

The Leander High Chair by Bebe

The Circle Arm High Chair by Christopher Kurtz

Distressed Ivory Leopard Print High Chair by Nicole Reid

The Eames Hack High Chair by Tim Peet

Leopard print chair found at Nicole Reid.

Finding Zen: 10 Pieces of Modern Asian Furniture

Finding Zen — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:01:42 +0000

There are fewer places where the juxtaposition of old and new is as stunning as it is across Asian cities like Seoul, Tokyo and Beijing, where pagodas proudly stand their ground amid 20th and 21st century skyscrapers. That oddly-jarring balance is present in today’s roundup of modern Asian furniture, too, where the homage to the designs of centuries past is still evident in sleek contemporary lines and curves. Antonio Lupi brings us a porcelain update on the traditional Japanese ofuru soaking tub, while Houzz and Orchid Furniture bring angular Oriental garden patterns into their patio bench and bedframe; the result is a bold and soothing feeling of ancient Eastern craftsmanship and a sense of continuity from then into now.

Modern Asian-Inspired Pool Furniture from Balance

Modern Zen Roof Terrace Garden Design By Amir Schlezinger

Media Wall Unit by Yomei Oriental Furniture

Elm Mandarin Bed by Orchid Furniture UK

Hartford Bench from Houzz

Wanda Bathtub by Antonio Lupi

The Bamboo Float Sectional Sofa from Viesso

Asian Living Room by Sheri Martin Interiors

Asian-Inspired Bathroom Closet Doors

Edge-Lit Ice Wall from Light Link

Mandarin bed found at Orchid Furniture.

Amy: Curl Up in These 10 Cool Reading Chairs

Amy — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:08:07 +0000

There’s nothing like a good book to help us escape reality for a little while. Getting lost in someone else’s story is free therapy, and we can choose the mood and genre — somber tragedy, hilarious comedy, fantastic adventure — whatever strikes our fancy. Today’s roundup of reading chairs offers something for everyone: an Eames classic for the traditional bookworm, the Petal Chair by Zuo Modern for the literature enthusiast who’s still very aware of how they look even when they’re allegedly tuned out from the real world, and the Mazzer lounger for the escapist who just might slide into a nap before finishing the first chapter. Suspension of disbelief can be a wonderful thing… and so can comfort. Today’s collection blends the two for a very happy ending.

The Bufa Chair by MOWO Studio

Lounge Chair by Mario Mazzer

The Ektorp Chair by IKEA

The Classic Lounger by Charles & Ray Eames

The Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen

The Petal Chair by Zuo Modern

Modern Chair for Lammhults by Andreas Störiko

The Austin Leather Armchair by Pottery Barn

Modern Easy Chair by DRD Custom Furniture

The B25 Chair by Cate Nelson

Egg chair found at Stardust Modern Design.

Squeaky Clean: 10 Stunning Modern Bathroom Tile Designs

Squeaky Clean — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:07:51 +0000

There’s something sublime about a glistening, gleaming powder room that’s nearly clinical in its coolness. Today’s roundup of modern bathroom tile designs presents a range of colors — mostly cool, with an emphasis on turquoise, blue, green and white, with a few updated black-and-white classics thrown in as well. The only exception to the collection of stark sea-inspired cleanliness is a design brought to us by Bed & Breakfast that looks quite a bit like what it must be like to stand inside an enormous treasure chest, with corrugations of gold, amber and other earth tones. Each and every one of the designs in today’s series, though, is sleek, smooth and clean as a whistle, just the way it should be.

Circular Glass Tile Backsplash by Evit

Undulating White Tile by Qatar Nacar

Grey Glass Tiles from Get Green Home

Peridot-Colored Tiles from Foul Designs

Treasure Chest Tile Design from Bed and Breakfast

Black & White Patterned Tile from Smart Design

Black & White Textured Tile from Lighthouse Color

Aquamarine Tile from Ready Designs

Light Blue Glass Tiles from Houzz

Bijou Blue Blend Shower Design from Susan Jablon Mosaics

Weekly Six: 1.27.12

Weekly Six — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:45:09 +0000

Happy Friday!

Have any exciting plans this weekend? Here are six links to keep you busy if you have any down time!

1 Take a look at these adorable stools that can be flipped over to give your favorite furry friend a place to hang out.

2 If you haven’t heard of raw balls the cookie dough look-a-likes – they’re a healthy snack that is quite easy to make. I’ve never made the ones shown here, but the Dark Chocolate Fudge Balls are amazing! recipe for both included on that link

3 These glass wall organizers are a cute and easy way to organize and decorate at the same time!

4 What do you think of a large chandelier above the bed? Quite dramatic and daring, I’d say – and I love it!

5 Add some metallic shine to your ordinary glasses with this quick and easy DIY.

6 Getting ready for Valentine’s Day already? Dazzle your loved ones with this fun recipe for edible paint!

Have a great weekend!

Amy: 10 Creative Display Ideas for Candles

Amy — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:18:41 +0000

Candles have long been known to add a little ambience and relax everyone in the room, but after the candle craze of the 90s, they started to seem a little played out, not to mention… well, a little creepy in cases of overkill. Today’s roundup of creative display ideas for candles keeps things simple and clean, with interesting lines, new perspectives and a general lack of creepiness. From a colorful series of birdcage-inspired wire hangers by Z Gallerie and petite hanging glass bubbles by Deyfurtado to the revived traditionalism of Pottery Barn’s monogrammed julep cups and a custom Medieval chandelier, the ideas presented here are each gorgeous and flattering to any room without being over-the-top. The only exception to that last qualitifier, though, is our favorite — the candle wall at Barrio in Seattle; imagine having a room divider like that in your home. Instant conversation piece, and filled with vanilla pillars? How heavenly.

Alberino Patio Lanterns by Z Gallerie

Black Acrylic Lasercut Candle Holder from UrbanAnalog

Bulb Hurricane Candle Holders from Williams Sonoma

Hanging Candle Bubbles from Deyfurtado

Floating Candle Display from Apartment Therapy

Julep Cup Candle Display from Pottery Barn

Circular Candle Chandelier from Fantasy Sound Event Services

Candle Wall from Barrio

Luminarias from Rocco Studio

Fireplace Candle Display from HomeTruths

Black acrylic lasercut candelabra found at UrbanAnalog.

Extra-Wide Headboards: Love this Look?

Extra-Wide Headboards — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:15:57 +0000

Over-sized headboards make a dramatic statement in the bedroom as they easily catch the eye. Whether they’re neutral or in a bright color, it’s the unexpected large size that creates a glamorous modern look.

The first headboard extends wide enough that it passes the ends of the nightstands, while the other two headboards cut off in the middle of the nightstand. The first image also has two matching lamps, while the last two have two matching pendant hanging over each nightstand. All similar layouts but with very different looks!

Do you love the look of these over-sized headboards? Each of these headboards shown above appear to be custom-made items. So, if you had the option to custom make your own headboard – would you go for the extra-wide version or would you stick to the normal width?

[Images: 1 / 2 / 3]

Katie: Purple, Peacock Blue & Fuchsia

Katie — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:18:54 +0000

Going off of yesterday’s post, I created a post using one of the color schemes: purple, peacock blue and fuchsia.

It’s definitely a bold scheme, and I wouldn’t necessarily decorate a room with these exact items, but I like it as a way to get a feel for how the colors flow together. I’m especially loving that chevron rug – it would look great under that fuchsia chair!

What do you think of this of color scheme?

I created the moodboard over at Olioboard, so you can check it out there with links to each item.

Forever Young: 10 Cool, Colorful Pieces of Kids’ Furniture

Forever Young — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:30:29 +0000

There was once a time when practically everyone had the same bunk bed and plain wood desk growing up, and the same posters on the wall depicting whatever teen heartthrob was hot at the moment. These days, things are a lot different; today’s roundup of colorful, cool kids’ furniture hints at the range of options available to satisfy growing minds’ creative needs. With an ever-growing abundance of choices at every kid’s fingertips via the endless window-shopping provided courtesy of the internet, there’s something to suit every child’s taste and spark their imagination. More sophisticated than primary colors, the pastels and tone-on-tone treatments of the pieces shown here make them feel a smidge more mature, making them absolutely perfect for teens and pre-teens who just can’t wait to grow up.

The Swoop Swivel Chair by PBTeen

Juliette Tufted Headboard from Target

The Louisa Jewelry Armoire by Mele & Co

Lullaboo Rocker by Celery Furniture

Armchair by Adrelina

Barnslig Mirror by IKEA

CP Junior Childrens Double Sided Easel from Hayneedle

The Kool Kolors Kids Desk from BA Stores

The Young System by Clei

The Zzzoolight from Officina Crea

Swoop swivel chair found at PBTeen.

Sleep Tight: 10 Grand & Gorgeous Beds

Sleep Tight — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:40:26 +0000

Sleep is a precious commodity we can never seem to get enough of, so it stands to reason that the sleep we do manage to get should be as sublime as possible. Today’s roundup of beds ranges from the dreamy opulence of the canopy bed by Joseph Walsh to the stark simplicity of The Min, aptly named by Design Within Reach. There’s even a round bed from Guido Rosati for Saba Italia, since really, life’s too short to stay within the lines. And with designs as bold and stunning as these, there’s no embellishment necessary where bed linens are concerned… note that in each of these photos, the set designers opted for plain white blankets, likely because perfection needn’t — and can’t — be improved upon.

Canopy Bed by Joseph Walsh

Modern Bed Design from RUF Betten

The Sophia Modern Lacquer Bed by Farelli

San Remo Leatherette Bed from LA Furniture

Black Moon Bedroom Set by ESF Furniture

Rustic Wood Bed from Artisan Wood 11

The Scoop Bed by Guido Rosati for Saba Italia

The Min Bed from Design Within Reach

The Nina Bed from Z Gallerie

Adrienne Bed from Maison by Ethan Allen

Adrienne bed found at Ethan Allen.

Color Palettes: Bold Agate Rug

Color Palettes — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:36:22 +0000

Something about different color palettes can be so inspiring. Maybe it’s all of the different possibilities, or perhaps it’s the search for finding pieces in those colors once you choose a palette. The Agate rug shown above was featured on Design Milk in 2010, but I came across it recently on Pinterest. Where else?!

With all of the different colors, I thought it’d be a fun place to start with a color palette. So I pulled a few colors from there, and then narrowed them down:

Personally, I’d try to keep all of the colors together if I could! I think they would be striking in a bedroom.

Which is your favorite?

What’s Cookin’: 10 Amazing Sets of Kitchen Cabinets

What’s Cookin’ — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:48:51 +0000

Hey, good lookin’… whatcha got cookin’? It stands to reason that you could actually get away with serving burnt pot roast and undercooked vegetables without your dinner guests noticing a thing, as long as they’ve got something as mesmerizing as today’s roundup of kitchen cabinets to stare at. From simple stainless steel to bombastic, shiny reds and yellows and even good old-fashioned wood and an upcycled series of wine crates, this gathering of cabinetry images is sure to spark an idea or two about making your kitchen look as tantalizing as it hopefully smells.

Yellow Kitchen Cabinets from Arreditaly

Violet Cabinets from Seta by Arredo 3

Red & Blonde Cabinets by Poggenpohl US Inc

Mustard-Colored Cabinetry by Colombini

Modern Cabinets by Studio Snaidero Wisconsin

Cherry-Finish Cabinets by Scavolini

Elektra Plain Steel Cabinets by Ernestomeda

Bright Graphic Cabinets by Scavolini Two

Upcycled Wine Crate Cabinets from Readymade

Modern Rustic Cabinetry by LGD Design

Yellow kitchen cabinets found at Arreditaly.

Product Pick: Object-O

Product Pick — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:20:10 +0000

I’m pretty sure my whole life would be undeniably perfect if I had one of these stellar chairs to go hide in every night before bed. [And every morning before work!!]

While it looks like it could maybe be a little claustrophobic at times, I’m thinking it would be excellent for some reflecting. Or for those times when you just want to stare at something blank and not think or do anything!

So what is it, you ask? It’s the Object-O, a modern seating piece designed by Seung-Yong Song of Seoul, South Korea. On Song’s website, he compares the chair to building tents as a child throughout his home, where he would avoid those non-existent enemies.

I say it’s a great place to avoid the existent enemies of the adult life, ie bills, dirty dishes, etc. No, I’m just kidding. I think the Object-O Chair would be an excellent conversation piece and would be great outdoors – a personal umbrella chair.

What are your thoughts on Object-O?

Sliding Into Home: Four Modern Sliding Doors

Sliding Into Home — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:49:11 +0000

Sliding doors are no less elegant now than they were in the long-ago Asian cultures in which they originated, but new materials have given them a sturdier, more pronounced presence than their predecessors of centuries past. Today’s roundup of modern sliding doors, also called “fusama,” range from glass room dividers to metal sliding wardrobe doors, as well as a heavy slab of wood from Bartels acting as a privacy partition for a master bedroom in an urban loft. They may not provide as much satisfaction as a slammed door during moments of frustration, but then again, it might be a moot point since they lend a sense of Zenlike calm to their surrounding spaces. You could say it’s in their genes.

Sliding Glass Doors by Fusama

Modern Sliding Door from Bartels

Room Dividers from The Sliding Door Company

Sliding Wardrobe Doors from Momento Italia

Modern wood sliding door found at Bartels.

Amy: 8 Gleaming Modern Mirrors

Amy — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:15:46 +0000

“Mirror, mirror on the wall… who’s the fairest one of all?” Reflective surfaces have been around as long as pools of water have existed, but today’s roundup of modern mirrors takes things to the next level. While most of us have a wall mirror behind the bathroom vanity and perhaps a floor-length mirror in the bedroom or closet, we have to admit they’re last on the list when it comes to furnishing or re-furnishing a space. The eight designers whose works are featured below obviously consider mirrors to be much more than an afterthought; behold the puzzle created by independent designer Emiliani Brinci, the eyepopping fractal mirror by Zuo and the mesmerizing wall of mirrors that snagged a coveted spot in Elle Decor. Not to promote narcissism or anything, but in a home filled with mirrors like these, you might never leave the house.

Fractal Mirror by Zuo Modern

Abstract Wall Mirror from Furniture in Fashion

Mirror Puzzle by Emiliano Brinci

L'Oreille Qui Voit Mirror

Carbonation Mirror from Chiasso

Coin Mirror by Bouf

Modern Uma Mirror from Opulent Designs

Mirrored Wall featured in Elle Decor

Fractal mirror found at Zuo Modern.

Amy: 7 Ultramodern White Desks to Brighten Up Your Workday

Amy — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:48:51 +0000

Let’s face it: desk work can get a little drab as the hours drag on and on, practically moving backwards at times. For those of us who work from home or at least have the autonomy to make a decision or two about our personal workspaces at the office, today’s roundup presents a host of sleek white desks with modern lines, slick surfaces and just the hit of cool we could all use in our lives from 9 to 5. From the classic lines of Jonathan Adler’s Channing Desk to the wild circular elements cubbies, perhaps? of The Iceberg Desk, there’s something here to brighten everyone’s day, TPS report or no TPS report.

The Omega Desk by Atomare

The Iceberg Desk from Overstock

The P.-D.G Desk from Maurice Calka

Signalement Desk by Peter Petersen

The Channing Desk by Jonathan Adler

The Chantal File Desk by PBteen

Island Modern Desk by Cattelan Italia-z

Iceberg Desk found at Overstock.

Weekly Six: 1.20.12

Weekly Six — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:04:28 +0000

Happy Friday!! Hope you have something warm and cozy planned for this Winter weekend.

Here’s our Weekly Six for the week ending January 20, 2012:

1 Kelly of Design Crush has put together a delicious list of dips – it’s almost Super Bowl, so these suggestions have good timing!
2 Loving this modern clocks made from concrete.
3 Check out these historical B & W photos that have been rendered into color photos – they’re causing quite the argument in the comments at Designboom.
4 These DIY confetti-filled lanterns would make a fun birthday surprise – no matter what age the person is!
5 One can never have too much neon – which is why I’m needing these awesome neon and metallic notecards.
6 Finally, go take a look at this curated dream home over at La Dolce Vita – always a fun column to read!

As always, feel free to share any good reads you’ve found over the past week!

Katie: Washing Machine Lamps

Katie — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:51:18 +0000

As seen on Trendir this week, the REWASHLAMP project is a series of lamps made from recycled washing machine parts.

Designed by Portuguese designer To Martin, the REWASHLAMPS are set up on a photographer’s tripod so they are height adjustable. The “lampshade” is then adorned in a variety of different materials – ranging from ping pongs to feathers to corks.

Which funky adornment would you choose?

Amy: Three Phenomenal Outdoor Kitchens

Amy — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:03:34 +0000

It’s one thing to have a full-scale chef’s kitchen in your home, but it’s quite another to have a second one out in the backyard. Today’s roundup features three comprehensive outdoor kitchens, from the Medieval simplicity of the custom Outdoor Creations bar to the whole-kit-and-caboodle awesomeness of the culinary extravaganza offered by Viking Range as well as the perfectly respectable, middle-of-the-road Lynx outdoor kitchen from GrillShoppe to keep the balance in between . Whether it’s an impromptu family dinner al fresco or a 50-guest backyard barbecue with all the bells and whistles, you’ll be more than prepared with a patio spread like one of these.

The Viking Outdoor Kitchen Collection

The Lynx Outdoor Kitchen from Grillshoppe

Custom Outdoor Kitchen from Outdoor Transformations Inc

Viking outdoor kitchen components found at Viking Range.

Katie: Six Different Faux Fur Throws

Katie — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:28:33 +0000

It’s freeeeeezing outside.

Which means it’s the perfect time of the year to cozy up with a warm cup of tea or hot cocoa, put on a good movie and snuggle under a warm and cozy faux fur throw.

Sounds like a good plan, don’t you agree?!

Here are six different faux fur throws for you to choose from:
1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6

Color Combo: Grey + Red

Color Combo — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:43:24 +0000

contemporary entry design by boston interior designer Rachel Reider Interiors

I’m not always a huge fan of red in interior design, but it seems to be growing on me. Grey, however, is one of my favorites, so that might have something to do with my fondness for today’s color combo of grey and red.

Grey and red together form a modern color scheme, and have an even greater effect when some crisp white is thrown in there. Especially in the last image – it’s my fave!

What do you think of a grey and red color combination?

[Images: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4]