Amsterdam lovely

OK, we know what you're thinking ........... this is supposed to be a blog about chairs, not interiors.  Well, in our defence, it was the chairs what done it gov, honest!

The photos are from a renovation project in a heritage protected inner-city Amsterdam apartment.  The objective was to increase the feeling of space through the 'white washing' of all surfaces.  The sourcing and selection of mid-century furniture from dutch designers was crucial in creating a suitable atmosphere.  Vintage pieces from Wim Rietveld (ummmmh), Martin Visser (aaahhhhhh), Rob Parry (ooooooh) and Friso Kramer (woaaaaaaah) contrast with the all white interior.

Credits/Images:  gabriëls webb

Can anyone help ID the moulded chair with the cat's cradle base - it looks like an Eames LAR, but its the wrong shape;  the back is too low???

Update:  Its an Eames La Fonda.

Mid-century dream

We stumbled upon these fabulous photos yesterday whilst on one of our inadvertently-longer-than-expected-but-now-becoming-quite-a-regular-occurrence interweb adventures.  The purpose of our search was to find a space we'd want to spend time in;  the perfect space to sit, eat, relax, etc. 

Our rigorous searching eventually lead us to The Brick House ..............

There's no denying its quite something;  the wonderful decor, the fab light fittings, the cosy animal skins, minimal objets d'art ......... not to mention the superb chair choices (très important!).  And after a bit more digging, it turns out these photos document a real, on-going, renovation of a mid-century cement brick house built in the middle of 'retirement hell'.  The owner's objectives:  to make it awesome (check) and stick to the $100 rule.  The $100 rule we hear you ask??  Well, it sounds simple:  Do not spend over $100 on any ONE item.  But, yikes, that's only £62ish.  What?!

To see how its done, take a sneeky-peek at The Brick House;  its a wonderful read, full of fascinating design tips and step-by-step renovation insights.  We're addicted!

Images:  The Brick House

Dynamic duo

Next up, design duo Trevor Vaugh and Nic Shannon.  A shared vision of collaboration between the two former students of Industrial Design resulted in the establishment of vaughshannon in 2007.  Clarity, functionality and wit are the core guiding principles behind every vaughshannon product.  The two designers believe in creating functional products that offer more than just pleasing aesthetics;  their products must integrate into their new owner's lifestyle and environment seamlessly, whilst at the same time adding a subtle level of personality, wit and intrigue.

Private jet allows you to escape into your own personal space where everything you need is by your side. The chair's wings act as a surface for your books, cup of coffee or even a laptop.  The base mimics that used for model planes and the base plate is styled to represent the tiny fields miles below.

Credits/Images:  vaughshannon

Check out the Irish talent

We are simply loving this .......... if we could copy the entire Superfolk website and put it here we would, so!

Based in Dublin, Superfolk is an independent design studio established in 2008.  The studio's heart is in the craft of production, be that hand-made or industrial.  Superfolk products are a tribute to Ireland's heritage of vernacular object making, playfully referencing a way of life rooted in the land, its animals and its weather whilst also striving to emulate the sensitivity and sustainability of the vernacular approach. The studio is focused on working with locally sourced Irish materials and strives for innovation in its approach to natural resources such as wool, wood and leather.

Stools are loosely based on the adhoc tradition of Irish vernacular furniture.  The stools can be connected together in various arrangements to create benches, tables, foot stools, etc.

Based on a mixture of Irish furniture, the Superbench echos both tiny fire stools and wallside seating.

Made on a tight budget and over a period of two weeks '49 Stools' aim to push the perception of handmade craft out of the realm of the precious 'display object' and back into everyday use.  Cheap off-cuts of native Irish hardwoods were used in combination with shovel handles sourced from farmers cooperative shops.  The concept was originally designed as temporary seating for audiences attending events at the Kilkenny Arts Festival 2009.

Credits/Images:  Superfolk

pure lusk

Carrying on our Irish theme, chairsmith loves the simplicity of Orla Kiely's pieces exclusively designed for Heals.  The Lusk Sofa and Armchair is inspired by vintage mid 20th century furniture design and has been updated with a strong colour palette giving a modern interpretation on a classic style.

  

Image: Heals