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In the wake of US OF A making history with nomination of its first Black candidate for a supreme job, I would like to dedicate some blogs to Women and Minority designers in the field of architecture and furniture design.

LILY REISCH – Co- designer of Barcelona chair

Accredited for co-designing some of Mies most famous works - his Barcelona chair, also known as the pavilion chair and the Brno chair, Reich started her career as a modernist designer with textile and fashion design. She met Mies Van Der Rohe at the Werkbund, a German association for artists, architects, designers, and industrialists. For thirteen years between 1925 and 1938, when Mies immigrated to the USA, the couple shared personal and professional domains. Interestingly, Albert Pheiffer, Vice President of Design and Management at Knoll, who has been researching on Reich for some time points out:

"It became more than a coincidence that Miess involvement and success in exhibition design began at the same time as his personal relationship with Reich". And "It is interesting to note that Mies did not fully develop any contemporary furniture successfully before or after his collaboration with Reich."

Eileen Gray (again one of my faves) was born in an aristocratic Irish family. One of the pioneers of modern design during the 1920s and 30s, her tubular steel furniture design were ground breaking. The Bibendum chair designed by Eileen Gray in the early 1900s was largely forgotten until an original surfaced in a 1972 auction prompting a new production of this design classic. In the second stage of her career, Eileen Gray switched to architecture and continued producing masterpieces. And her legendary Adjustable Table E 1027 has been added to the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York. I saw a replica of the Adjustable table at Spacify with a 10 year warranty—check it out.

There are other designs by Reich and Rohe like the popular Barcelona day bed and the Bench. Priceless modern classics..

Home Furnishings, Family room Furniture , Contemporary Furniture  

My annual summer trip this year to the Wine country took me to Dominics winery located off the highway 29. I was reminiscing the movie ‘Sideways and had packed my picnic basket to indulge. As I looked around, I saw a simple modern structure rooted in the outdoor landscape. The structure seemed like an extension of the "the buildings skin made of modular gabions of wire mesh containing masses of locally quarried stone of different shapes and sizes. It is the technology commonly used in river engineering - made rigid by a metal structure, also modular, on the interior." The name behind the structure—Herzog & De Meuron—a Swiss architectural firm founded by Jacques Herzog and Pierre De Meuron and headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. In 2001, Herzog & de Meuron were awarded the Pritzker Prize, the highest of honors in architecture.

Yes, the name is familiar with the 2008 Olympics stadium in Beijing. The spectacular centrepiece for the 2008 Beijing Olympics designed by engineers Arup, Herzog & De Meuron architects and China Architecture Design & Research Group has been marvelled at. The buildings vast scale and dramatic form created another icon for China and Beijing alongside the ‘Water Cube, the aquatic centre for the Games, designed by Arup. From architecture to outdoor furniture, I seem to be drinking from d cup.. heymust mention some great Mayan designs I saw last weekend(.not from the civilization but real cool ones). All three tables possess something in common—inventive designing. The Mayan square dining table in wicker and aluminium has a wacky quality about itself. Perhaps the Mayan range looks all intimate and innovative. The glass top saves weathering, and I like the fact that it can be used both indoors/outdoors. The lavish square spread is considerate too.

The Mayan Round looks like d thing for outdoors. I like the round shape that seats about 6 people at a go. But more than it I love the multi-utility, can be easily shifted indoors. And I like the Mayan side table for its versatility. Btw, all the tables use UV and weather-resistant VIRO fiber hand woven over an extruded powder coated aluminum frame. And claim not to fade easily(good news). This patio table can easily pass of as end table indoors?contemporary furniture this isno doubts!

Lounge Chairs, Outdoor Patio Furniture, Modern Furniture  

How we feel the mounting pressures of a hectic lifestyle! I eagerly look forward to returning back home after a long day, unwind and feel cozy. Living room, in fact every room of the home needs to be fashioned around relaxation, a retreat and an offbeat up-time space with a harmonious environment. At the same time the contemporary sofa needs to match up the changing lifestyle statement. It calls for factors on sensuality, independence and a BIG element of comfort.

It may not be as challenging to get your living room personalized to individual needs. Focus on real fun things you enjoyed as a child, a teenager, it may sound silly, but try basking in the same comfort levels before to think of a revamp or décor scheme. On some really nice contemporary sofa designs, I have 3 on list. The company is Dauphin(calls itself a humandesign company), and the styles are Pod- single, Pod-2 seater and the Pod-bench(lounge).

The Pod single has a fat-fat seat, and looks quite inviting. If it wasnt for the clean symmetry, we would be lost. Inspired by George Jetson, the polished steel legs stand out. I like the spoilt looks, and the aniline leather that has been treated for flame resistance. The inclined back is cool. You get to choose the leather upholstery.

An extension of the single is the 2-seater POD. I am in love with the chrome plated centre arm. All the choices and stuff is same, human designhmmmgot it now. The Lounge bench follows the same pattern and lines, but at the end is a headrest and side arm. Looks like a one-person seat, but you can opt for two arms and seat two. A work of art, the leather sofa furniture.wat say!

Modern Leather Sofas, Seating, Contemporary Furniture    

Ok. For all you interested in convertible cribs, I have good news. Why..I could not have imagined such high response on kids room furniture. To begin with, expecting parents do not be overwhelmed with what is going to be right for your new born. Well, you could ask new parents, or may be parents of slightly older kids, and they will offer sound advice(call it fresh bout of experience). And for kids bedroom furniture, keep watching this space for dynamic designs and décor concepts..and relax, things always fall into place with insightful thinking.

I am suggesting three great models —Morgan & Austin by Ducduc and the Studio by Nurseryworks. The Morgan has all the essential elements to call it the complete thing. The best features—converts to a full-length toddler bed without a conversion kit(yeah) and the cool storage draws(with leather pulls and signature orange interiors..:). All the safety regulars are in place—the finish is hand-rubbed and non-toxic, has a platform style mattress support, four mattress heights, fixed rails and a mortise-n-tenon construction.

To match up to a regular crib, I like the Austin crib that comes with an optional bed conversion kit. A neat design with the perpendicular side rails(with lock-mitre joints), looks like symmetrical and all. Claims to not use MDF/particle board, must mention all Ducduc products claim to use sustainable harvested grain-matched hardwood(Im with the green cause)

The Studio crib is all brains n beauty(trying it the other way). Makes use of flexible and interchangeable componentry, I like the overall concept n aesthetics. Best features—under crib draw, the changing table hideaway cabinets for tid-bits, the changing table mechanism that is smooth and easy, and the best coming upconverts to toddler bedroom furniture (read daybed) and built-in desk. All in all, its a chic thing with umpteen loads of attitude. Check out the finish and colors.etc etc..

Kids Furniture, Kids Bunk Beds, Modern Furniture  

Teenage is a bumpy time. The energy, peer pressure, pimples(!!!weve all bin there), need for association, add studies barging hormones and the desire to be accepted as it is. Well, I feel the need to cover up more on teen stuff, kids storage and kids furniture and décor.lets start with some cool designs(just for gen X ). Very few baby furniture stores display specific segment for teens. Here goes my list of faves.just for you all out there.hang in.there will be more

The Cameron storage bench is hip. I love the metal frame and handles and the camouflaged patterns and the cool green seat. It has a rugged upbeat feel and attitude. The drawer faces are reversible, and it displays reversible PVC on the other side. Yes, the casters are in place.

The Teen rolling bench is quite fashionable and functional. The white PVC cushion turns into a writing surface with a flip. It has a storage area below, and casters for mobility. The orange and white panels look spirited.Tthe casters can be assembled easily.

Then there is the Bauble Girls storage that appears like a shade card. I think it is chirpy. With six drawers, I am sure girls will find all the space to stack up things. The upholstered seat in pink uses microfiber, and the casters need assembly. Check up the exact colors

Kids Furnishing, Kids Bunk Beds, Modern Furniture    

I see all you feedback on kids bunk beds and it appears like some of you are looking for more designsso keep posting your comments with suggested topics, emails are fine and comments are great. Some different concepts that struck me as novel are a couple of designs by Powell. Metal bunk beds are in for kids bedroom furniture.been hearing all about it

The Max Twin I like for its mastery of color details, and prudent use of space. The top twin size bed, and full size below is the thing for siblings, sleepovers, and story time. The gauge metal tubing looks robust, the guardrails thoughtful and the slat system(for mattress) in pl ace. A fine design.

I think the Tiziana to be an inventive design. The futon bed plus twin bed is def. ‘out of the box stuff. Bunk bed has heavy gauge metal tubing, full length guardrails, and welded metal slat system for mattress support. You could attach the ladder on either side of the bed. I like the combo of country pine and black.though some colors would have been better.

The Ontario 3-in-1 is impressive. I like the burnished brown finish(looks classy to me) and the possibility of a trundle bed beneath the full bed, the composition has a quality of unity, and I like the way the twin bed appears to be standing separately on the full. Claims to meet Consumer Product Safety Commission mandatory safety standards. To me, it is a great design and storage solution.

Kids Room, Kids Bedroom, Contemporaray Furniture   

Kids bedding is an area that allows you to plunge into change and lively colors. We are known to change Js bedding sets once in a while, it brings in a whiff of freshness and kids love to see different hues and shades in their rooms. There are times that we rack our brains on different patterns to team it along with new things like kids bedroom furniture set, murals, playroom furniture n child bedroom furniture, but later all the work seems so rewarding, and I often end up going through a list of ‘to dos and comparing it with whats been done.

Recently saw these bedding sets for kids room , and thought of posting them. Around the world sounds like a movie except that it isnt! The Oko-tex set (OKo set is an European certification process that ensures against any harmful use of chemicals to human health) has a jolly feel about it. Love the parachute, cloud on the sham and n the concoction of shapes on the duvet. The set has a twin duvet cover and sham cover, unless you buy the happy dot set at extra price. The dots go well with the theme, but I can see it go well against many other prints in fitted sheets. Uses 200-count cotton thread. Its a girls set—thoroughly.

The Lantern festival set has the chicest of colors and patterns for little girls. And lots of floating patterns to keep it lively. Lantern festivalsmiles. Again, it has a matching sham case, and you can buy rest of the happy set, which has twin flat sheets, fitted sheet and pillow case. The edged elastic around the fitted sheet is a good idea.

Something for boys. I like the Carnival for its lively patterns and prudent use of color contrasts. The set has a twin duvet cover and sham case. I love the way it feels.the blue and all. Oh yes, you can opt for the Orange Mosaic, and happy dot set too..

Kids Furniture, Kids Bedroom Furniture, Contemporary Furniture   

Few of us understand and relate to the quandary of active space. When it comes to kids, detangle the web of rules. I feel kids room furniture to be a challenge of its kind, for it calls for a host of practical details like clever use of space, allowing a trace of liveliness and source of high function and action.

Contemporary Storage in context to toddler furniture calls for a range of modular choices and designs. And we are getting there, artfully, at least thats what I feel after taking a look at the design scenario. I like the Tommy-5 draw chest by Powell. The drawers are roomy and the design peppy. Done in green dowell frame, the yellow panels stand out in harmony. I like the spindles and storage volume.

Call it a spindle series, but I love the Tommy entertainment unit in navy blue and red. With two spacious draws and open shelves, it appears more than complete for little kids. The Plasma/LCD/TV comes on top, and the video unit belowthe spindles are in natural wood color..sprightly unit, this one

Tommy series dresser is an extension of the concept . Love the mirror in blue and red border with the top spindles(though you could opt without one). The 6-auto stopping draws look roomy. The space below the mirror is average. What I love is the ‘built in factor, no need for assembly. And its great for little soldiers and princess both.adaptable systems for childrens bedroom furniture.

Kids Room, Kids Bunk Beds, Modern Furniture   

Modern baby furniture must include changing tables for babies, cribs(future toddler bed) and student desks for growing up toddlers. I agree. They say habits be inculcated at an early age, and play an important role in future map of little ones. I have been meaning to start reading books to N since she has turned 8 months, and started

On changing tables as kids room furniture, I suggest three models. The Loom changing table is decent. Well, the design details-- a top tray fit for diapers and toiletries, canvas bag included, sliding storage tray, and the side rails and top compartments can be easily removed. The 2-door cabinet looks roomy. I like the details and subdued charms.

I like the Delphi for its unique storage and cantilevered changing table. The best feature: you can change the baby from either side or centre as per your convenience. Can be used as a stand alone unit. I like the three storage draws, and the storage compartments. Its nice.

Its called the Two wide changing table. I like the modular impact it makes. Customizable as a cabinet and three or six drawers, or all drawers. Best features: removable tray, connected draws and a shelf inside the cabinet. I like the snow color, there are others, check up

Kids Room, Kids Bedroom Furniture, Contemporary Furniture     

Baby furniture, kids storage, childrens bedroom furniturewhat next? I should have seen all your mails to get the hint. Well, storage did strike me as an important element, and I do understand that clutter can get unnerving at times, and you just keep wondering whether you should let kids be kids or just try to set up the rules first. I suggest you relax, and let them be kids. For the clutter, you can always have something like a toy bin/box and ask them to put back the toys once the playtime is over.

Take a look at the Fuji toy box handcrafted(yes) using birchwood. I like the storage idea that doubles up as the fun bench on the floor. The slow closing lid on top is designed for the safety of little hands, and the unit can be moved around. I can but feel the excitement of evening play times in the patio with the mobile play bin! The choice of colors is fine

For older kids, I suggest the Eiffel contemporary on wheels..wheeeeeew. its a rather cute design with a central open space for display. More of a display unit with rectangular book shelves around. Its a fun design.also check out the cool loom storage system designed after you know what?

I think its nice and all for older kids, the aesthetics are superb. The idea is to store, play and sit. And be on move. The Trolley toy storage fits under the base unit with ease, the multifunctional trolley acting as a seating unit and the base with subdivided tray functions alone as a desk for study/play (play looks more on the mind with kids anyway). Best features: one base unit with two top units for storage, individual pieces can be stacked or used separately, has a kit for securing system to wall for safety(did it look like it will slide on to you at first glance). Well.non-toxic lacquer and veneers, water-resistant fabric are in place. I really think its a unique design..give it your eye

Kids Bunk Beds, Kids Playroom Furniture, Modern Furniture