We use so much paper in everyday life - even in this digital age we still rely on paper for news, packaging, and all manner of print outs, the list is endless. Recycled paper reduced to a grey pulp doesn't ...Read More

Pulp

I know I've certainly been doing quite a bit of sewing lately but I'm not the only one. Sales of sewing machines have risen at a phenomenal rate over past few years; I heard a figure of +600% from John ...Read More

Sew

Mixing old pieces with new technology here are a few examples of the way designers have updated traditional pieces in a non traditional way. Shown at Stockholm Furniture Fair 2010 Paul Smith has taken a series of wood frame chairs and ...Read More

Reinvention

"Colours are generated from the passage of light through an atmosphere that carries different degrees of dullness" -  Aristotle apparently This post has nothing to do with post holiday blues and the dullness of those long dark winter days - no really. This is an ...Read More

Blue

 Knitting along with other traditional crafts has enjoyed a revival in the past few years. We've rediscovered the art of making and experimented with materials old and new to create a whole different product From a childhood spent in part in the ...Read More

Knit, Loop, Knot

There is always something fascinating about the use of geometric construction in design. The extrapolation of a simple pattern into a more complex one tweaks the senses into looking more closely, trying to understand where the pattern begins and ends. ...Read More

Geometry

                    At last years Salone Internazionale del Mobile Tord Boonje introduced his beautiful Fig Leaf Wardrobe. Perhaps more of an art piece than a functional wardrobe it still got me thinking about how designers have used trees as inspiration. So here's a serise ...Read More

Trees

    Artists and designers have been fascinated by invertebrates for a millennium - or two or three or more... If you think of how the ancient Egyptians revered the humble dung beetle, maybe the start of our recognising beauty in something that ...Read More

Beetles & Bugs

      We've seen so many plaid shirts around I guess it was inevitable it crossed over into furniture. I love the way Norwegian firm LK Hjelle have used plaid to cover a number of their designs. Their Boy Ottoman pictured in the background ...Read More

Plaid

Our desire for sustainable production and recycling has led to some interesting developments in the use of paper and cardboard. Here are  four examples of how designers have experimented with this material.                        Jeroen Wand Paper Chair - Starting with paper only 160 grammes thick ...Read More

Paper Chairs