Milk Bottle Lamps

Teacup lamp

Typewriter lamp

I’ve just posted a couple of things from the lighting section, but a visit [...]]]> Loving these witty and mad re-thinks of household objects by Katie Thompson of Recreate. You’ll never look at the contents of your attic in the same way again.

Milk Bottle Lamps

Teacup lamp

Typewriter lamp

I’ve just posted a couple of things from the lighting section, but a visit to the Recreate website is definitely in order, if you want to see more of Katie’s creations. Amazing what the right mind can do with an old hoover/watering can/suitcase, eh?

Visit the Lobmeyr website to see more of what they do and how they do it, and some of the amazing designers they’ve [...]]]> Austrian glassware manufacturer Lobmeyr has been around for almost 200 years, producing exquisite mouth blown glass and crystal ware. I’m just entranced by these highly graphic photographs of some of their simpler pieces.

Visit the Lobmeyr website to see more of what they do and how they do it, and some of the amazing designers they’ve worked with over the years.

Click here to see more wooden bowls by Christoph Finkel, and also view his wood carvings here.

The work was on exhibition at the [...]]]> In this work, entitled Everything I Have, artist Simon Evans reflects on consumerism and his own personal consumption, and it certainly makes me reflect on my own. If I had to photograph everything I have, would it also fit on a piece of paper measuring 40 x 60 inches?

The work was on exhibition at the James Cohan Gallery in NYC in 2009, and more of Evans’ work can be seen at the gallery website.

Via SwissMiss

First up,  [...]]]> For lots of us, today’s the first day back at work, and if you’re anything like me, a java jolt is needed to start the day, and even more so to start the year! So I’ve rounded up some coffee-related inspiration to get us all fired up and ready to tackle a new decade.

First up,  and sure to add a smile to a caffeine-deprived early-morning brain, there’s the orange ceramic Pura from La Cafetière. It’s designed by Alison Appleton, and also available in chic matte black, for those not of a morning disposition.

For on-the-go caffeine addicts, the Handpresso could be nothing short of a lifesaver. From what I can gather (there’s a video to help you work it out), this little pump pressured machine will delivera handy shot of espresso wherever you may be. All you need is hot water, et voila!

Of course (I say “of course”, but actually, I didn’t know this before), the size, weight and density of your espresso cup is essential to enjoyment. Learn more by reading the CoffeeGeek’s extensive opinion piece on the subject. He also alerted me to the the fact that Illy releases an Art Collection each year, that includes espresso sets designed by luminaries like Louise Bourgouis, Francis Ford Coppola and Jeff Koons. Amongst them is our very own William Kentridge, whose rather lovely mirrored design (below) was released in 2008. Visit the Illy Art Collection to see the rest.

While beans must be fresh, coffee machines can be as ancient as they come, and still manage deliver the goods. For fans of all things vintage and richly brewed, Sorrentina Coffee is the ticket. Visit the website to learn about the famous Atomic Coffee Machine, and then browse through the Sorrentina Coffee online shop for all manner of vintage coffee hardware.

Happy 2010, readers. We hope you enjoy your morning coffee while reading the ELLE DECORATION blog every day this year.

The radios were designed by [...]]]> I spotted a pic of a little wooden Magno AM/FM radio in the ELLE Decoration UK, and thought I’d blog it because it’s so very cute. But when I started reading more about Magno, I discovered that there’s a whole lot more going on here than just a bit of cute.

The radios were designed by Indonesian product designer, Singgih S. Kartono, in response to a whole range of needs in his home village of Kandangan in Central Java. Home farming, the backbone of the village, was in decline due to agribusiness, and village life was suffering. Kartono decided to bring his experience of rural village life, his knowledge of product design, and his interest in Craft together, and Magno was born.

Now his village is sustained by the production of the radios, craft skills have been developed, and Kartono has also begun giving back to the land, replanting trees to make up for the wood used in production.

Design can be inspiring in so many ways, and this one is a brilliant example. Do read the Magno website, where Kartono explains everything behind his thinking, materials and production methods. You’ll see why Magno (which means “magnify”) is just the right name for this brand. And get yourself a Magno at SCP.

I saw the bottles online yesterday, and then realised I’d just seen more of this designer’s work at Melissa’s just up the road from me, where they have a selection of glass jugs for Iittala, including one designed by Tapio Wirkkala. I think I [...]]]> Love these Bolle bottles by prolific Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala, for Venini.

I saw the bottles online yesterday, and then realised I’d just seen more of this designer’s work at Melissa’s just up the road from me, where they have a selection of glass jugs for Iittala, including one designed by Tapio Wirkkala. I think I might go back for another look, and maybe I’ll pack my wallet this time…

Via: Carrie Can