A classic assortment of simple yet elegant trays. Available for $95 – $395 here.

Chances are that if you are a magazine or newspaper reader, you have reading materials it stacks throughout your house. A step in the right direction might be these racks by Blomus. You can pick them up here and here for $195 and $53 – you may want to compare sellers. There’s also a magazine sized rack in the style of the newspaper one for under fifty bucks. Happy reading.

We’ve been on the lookout for a ceramic phrenology reference for some time. Originally developed by L.N. Fowler, its scientific value may not be up to snuff but if nothing else, it makes for an interesting sculptural object for desk displays. You can buy it here on sale for $20.

If you’ve ever been stuck in an airport for a few hours the idea of having a nice quiet private place to catch a cat nap sounds like a little slice of heaven. We found this Sleep Box concept interesting, as it tackles the idea of private space in public places being a designed and sellable commodity.
The sleep box would allow you plug in a laptop and charge your phone as well as catching a little shut eye. This harkens back to the idea of public telephone booths (which unfortunately no longer exist in most places) and being able to shut out the noise of crowded public spaces. This could be a very useful idea, but we imagine the hourly rate would be very high to discourage occupants from moving in for extended stays.

It’s never to early to start learning about good type. You can give your recent addition a leg up with this type mobile. If you know any designers about to have kids this looks like the gift to get. Available at Veer.com.

Ali Sandifer Studio is modern furniture maker based in Chicago, Illinois. Everything the sell is hand-made and produced in-house. Using domestic woods from sustainable forests, the furniture is environmentally friendly. On top of that, a solid, veneer free construction ensures the furniture will last generations. Their Shelia Storage Unit demonstrates their sensibilities. Perfect for a television setup, the design has three drawers and an adjustable shelf. Available in Walnut, Ash and Rift White Oak. Self-closing undermount slides.

Alessi La Stanza Dello Scirocco was inspired by the Sicilian storm called Scirocco, this bread or fruit basket conjures images of objects caught in a swirl of storm winds. Painted metal. Available in black or white. 2.5 inches tall x 9.5 inches across. You can buy it here for $50.

Wallpaper stencils. Such a simple idea and so great. You could even extend this idea by hand cutting or laser-cutting your own designs. Could be great with linework or better yet, gold stencils over a black wall. Drips optional. You can pick up some stencils here for $25.

This lamp in orange strikes a nice balance between a lamp which slips into a setting and one which is more of a focal point. Livable modern. Comes in orange or lime colors but in our opinion, the orange is the only way to go. Oval ceramic base with high gloss finish. Rectangular, soft ivory dupioni silk shade. Brass finial with a bronze finish. Three-way switch. 150W max. Measures 18″Wx9.5″Dx28″H. You can pick it up here for $179.

The inaugural Art Los Angeles Contemporary is being held this weekend at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. The fair presents 55 top international blue chip and emerging galleries from around the world, with a strong focus on Los Angeles galleries.

In addition, the fair hosts a comprehensive programming series, including world class artist talks, panel discussions and an artist film screening series all on site at the Pacific Design Center.

OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION:
Thurs, Jan. 28th 8:30–10:30pm ($30 admission)
Pacific Design Center
8687 Melrose Ave in West Hollywood

The fair runs through Sun, Jan. 31st – check site for hours/details:
http://artlosangelesfair.com/

Purchase tickets for the opening night reception here:
http://artlosangelesfair.com/opening-night-tickets

Read the rest of this entry »