Design Corner » Modern Urban Living

Modern Urban Living

jump to page: 1 2 3 4

Dining with Dexter.

Posted: November 18th, 2008, 9:28pm PST by trace13

Tags: [edit]

If your a big Showtime fan like we are, you will get a kick out of the Showtime House. Showtime Networks and Metropolitan Home have transformed a $20 million, 19th century Gramercy Park townhouse into a modern odyssey inspired by six Showtime original series. The L word, Californicaton and Weeds are just a few of the series featured but we personally got a huge kick out of the Dexter inspired rooms by Amy Lau and Johnny Grey, who knew a little blood splatter could really set the mood? Interested in checking out more of the magnificent rooms on display? Go to the Showtime site for a virtual tour.

Psycho killers like to entertain in style.

Complete with test tubes and gory dinnerware, wait a minute…what’s the deal with the silverware?

The artwork above the mantle looks fresh.

Thanks to the fabulous Miss Cellania at Neatorama.

a2a_linkname="Dining with Dexter."; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/11/dining-with-dexter/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
Extreme Prefab Housing.

Posted: November 12th, 2008, 10:18pm PST by trace13

Tags: [edit]

Talk about prefab! Made from sustainable Baltic-birch and pre-finished with phenolic resin on both sides, the DH1 or Disaster House assembles without fasteners. All you need are the pre cut pieces, directions and a mechanical engineer to help you interpret the directions probably wouldn’t hurt. What about rain, you may ask? An insulated/waterproof plastic canvas is available to keep the chill out.

a2a_linkname="Extreme Prefab Housing."; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/11/extreme-prefab-housing/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
The Turbine Chair, Now Boarding!

Posted: November 12th, 2008, 9:16pm PST by trace13

Tags: [edit]

Taking inspiration from the friendly skies, Los Angeles designer Giancarlo De Astis is taking recycling to the extreme with his aeronautic furniture. Using recycled aircraft parts, De Astis makes each piece of furniture from a different part of the airplane. How wonderfully unique! Our favorite is the turbine chair shown here. We can just see ourselves riding first class in style baby! Now if we could just get lift off.

a2a_linkname="The Turbine Chair, Now Boarding!"; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/11/the-turbine-chair-now-boarding/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
Design Inspiration: Fight Club!

Posted: November 7th, 2008, 8:24pm PST by trace13

Tags: [edit]

We’ve seen those annoying mass pillow fights that always seem to pop up in random cities but we have never participated in one. Mostly due to the fact we’re afraid our unchecked aggression may overstep pillow fight boundaries. However since we have discovered the Pillow Fight pillow by designer Chenhhui Su, we may just sign up for the next one. You are thus forewarned.

Tea, it’s not just for old ladies and Englishmen anymore. Available from Generate the Terrorist Teapot.

Take our advice and never bring a gun to a knife fight! We’re totally going to be kicking this tee all around town.

The above collection, dubbed Domestic Violence –The Golden Edition, is the brainchild of Koncern Design. Taking their inspiration from domestic violence the designers hope to bring to the forefront issues many woman and children face daily. The collection consists of red wine glass and carafe, martini glass, cocktail glass, vase and lustre all made of gilded 24% lead crystal and a golden meat-chopper.

a2a_linkname="Design Inspiration: Fight Club!"; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/11/design-inspiration-fight-club/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
Deeply Madly Design.

Posted: November 7th, 2008, 6:45pm PST by trace13

Tags: [edit]

We’ve always been a huge fan of Deeply Madly Living. Their multifarious designs and pioneering pieces have always impressed our readers (see the Celebrity Lamp). So we were absolutely delighted to hear that Elena Jensen, one half of DML, has branched off to do what she does best- interior design! Elena’s diverse and eclectic style is urban chic. Looking to give your own pad a touch of high style elegance meets edgy downtown? You can check out more of Elena’s work on Deeply Madly Design.

a2a_linkname="Deeply Madly Design."; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/11/deeply_madly_design/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
Eat (off) Me!

Posted: November 5th, 2008, 10:26pm PST by trace13

Tags: [edit]

Bodylicious body-plates are the latest creation of Japanese designer Hiroshi Tsunoda. Nyotaimori, the controversial Japanese tradition of serving sushi on a naked woman was the inspiration for Tsunoda’s ceramic plates. Gives new meaning to, “dinner is on me!”, wouldn’t you say?

Via WooHome

a2a_linkname="Eat (off) Me!"; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/11/eat-off-me/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
The Volkwagen CC, the Perfect Seat for an Autumn Drive.

Posted: November 4th, 2008, 8:08pm PST by trace13

Tags: [edit]

A couple of weeks ago we were invited to Chicago for a test drive event hosted by the fine folks at Volkswagen. We have to admit we come from a long line of Volkswagen owners so we are a bit biased already bit we were excited to be asked to preview the new CC. While already available in Europe, the CC is a luxury vehicle priced right and it will soon make its premiere here in America.

A gorgeous Chicago day was the backdrop for our test drive. Along with fellow blogger, The Bachelor Guy (who thank goodness was more into cars than his co-pilot), we took turns driving the CC in and around the city. First the car is solid, it feels expensive, the kind of feeling one gets when riding in a well designed vehicle. Frame-less doors with automatic windows were a nice touch but we were more impressed with all the Volkswagen CC has to offer inside. We were greeted with sophisticated two tone leather bucket seating with contrast stitching (ours was tan and black), super comfy and completely adjustable. We loved, loved, loved the nifty starter. Just insert the fob (it’s like a key, it’s OK we didn’t know either) and the engine starts right up! And although the nice people at VW had printed us instructions to our destination, we had the easy to use navigation system there to make sure we stayed on track.

A bonus was the huge sunroof, which provided us with a grand view of Chicago’s magnificent architecture towering above us.

Being more of a car junkie, The Bachelor Guy really put the car through its paces. Around turns and down stretches, the car really held its own and we both concurred the CC ran smooth. As we enjoyed our drive through Chicago’s wealthy suburbs, we couldn’t help but notice how quiet the car was. Even though we caught a little traffic heading back into the city, we couldn’t have been more relaxed and comfortable in our CC.

Towards the end of our 3 hour drive event, we drove along the shores of Lake Michigan and we couldn’t help but feel a little sad the ride was over. Overall the CC provided us with a smooth, luxurious ride. Solid engineering, 30mpg and a luxurious interior are just some of the perks that make the Volkswagen CC the perfect ride for urban dwellers!

a2a_linkname="The Volkwagen CC, the Perfect Seat for an Autumn Drive."; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/11/the-volkwagen-cc-the-perfect-seat-for-an-autumn-drive/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
The Bush Urinal. Don’t Throw Your Vote Down the Toilet!

Posted: November 3rd, 2008, 7:05pm PST by trace13

Tags: [edit]

You may remember Clark Sorensen’s fancy floral urinals from one of our previous posts, Design Inspiration: Offensiveness. Well he’s moved on from flowers and is now making Bushes! Taking inspiration from the state of the nation, Sorensen recently unveiled his newest creation, the Presidential Toilet. What better way to give citizens an opportunity to let President George W Bush know what they really thought of his policies over the last 8 years!

We hope everyone will get out and vote tomorrow.

Thanks Cool Buzz.

a2a_linkname="The Bush Urinal. Don’t Throw Your Vote Down the Toilet!"; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/11/the-bush-urinal-dont-throw-your-vote-down-the-toilet/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
Design Inspiration: Halloween!

Posted: October 31st, 2008, 9:48pm PDT by trace13

Tags: [edit]

Well yesterday we featured the Utensil Table and now just in time for Halloween we have ta-da~ The Utensil Skull! Indian artist named Subodh Gupta,made the gigantic skull out of kitchen utensils for the Frieze art fair in London. Happy Halloween!!

Thanks to CoolBuzz.

a2a_linkname="Design Inspiration: Halloween!"; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/10/design-inspiration-halloween/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
Coat Hanger Art.

Posted: October 30th, 2008, 9:15pm PDT by trace13

Tags: [edit]

We’re pretty sure David Mach’s wire coat hanger sculptures must have Joan Crawford turning over in her grave (we can’t resist a pre-Halloween pun). David explains the process of creating his eclectic pieces,

“The work is made up from hundreds of standard metal coat hangers, welded to each other around a plastic positive later removed, and then silver nickel plated. What does it cost to send a man into space, to make him walk on the moon? I am fascinated by the effort of that, the science, the brainpower, the sheer physical power of the rockets. Billions of dollars spent over decades, invested in the best minds, and here I am, using the cheapest, throwaway nothing object, a coathanger, to portray that.”

To view more of David Mach’s magnificent pieces check out his website.

A wire bust of the artist’s brother.

The Happy Hanger Hooker.

Thanks to Inventor Spot.

a2a_linkname="Coat Hanger Art."; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/10/coat-hanger-art/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
Precious Famine: The Utensil Table.

Posted: October 30th, 2008, 8:54pm PDT by trace13

Tags: [edit]

This hodge podge of cutlery is the work of the Objection Design group and is entitled “Precious Famine” Aptly named because if you lay your fork down during dinner at this table you may indeed go hungry.

via Architecture MNP

a2a_linkname="Precious Famine: The Utensil Table."; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/10/precious-famine-the-utensil-table/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
Modern Miniatures.

Posted: October 29th, 2008, 6:35pm PDT by trace13

Tags: [edit]

Vanessa Tiegs is the creator of Miniarcs. She creates original miniature sculptures of modern designs using mixed media. From minute Eames furnishings to Golden Bathrooms in Miniature, it’s hard to tell the difference from Tieg’s creations and the real thing. It’s truly amazing the amount of detail she puts into her pieces. Check out Vanessa’s blog here for more fantastic original minis.

The pieces here are showcased in Mark Turpin’s Crystal Palace. Mark is a extremely talented designer of miniature architectural projects.

Thanks to Vanessa Tiegs and Mark Turpin for use of photos.

a2a_linkname="Modern Miniatures."; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/10/modern-miniatures/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
Modern Wall Murals from NumerArt.

Posted: October 25th, 2008, 7:06pm PDT by trace13

Tags: [edit]

Our friends over at ChicTip.com featured these larger than life wall murals from NumerArt and we had to share it with you. Fine photography becomes a dramatic backdrop and gives boring rooms a shot of adrenaline.

a2a_linkname="Modern Wall Murals from NumerArt."; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/10/modern-wall-murals-from-numerart/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
Design Inspiration: Sharpie Magic Makeover.

Posted: October 24th, 2008, 8:58pm PDT by trace13

Tags: [edit]

Charlie Kratzer’s basement needed a makeover so instead of spending thousands of dollars on contractors and materials redoing the room he decided to take matters into his own hands-literally. He bought ten dollars worth of Magic Marker and Sharpie and went to work drawing on every inch of his basement walls. Check out the full story on Kentucky.com.

Not stopping at walls, Kratzer adds a little Sharpie magic to the furnishings.

a2a_linkname="Design Inspiration: Sharpie Magic Makeover."; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/10/design-inspiration-sharpie-magic-makeover/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
Skull Watch by Marc Jacobs.

Posted: October 23rd, 2008, 1:07am PDT by trace13

Tags: [edit]

Only one week to go till Halloween and we’re still struggling to find a good costume. We’re wondering if anyone else is finding it difficult to come up with a theme? There really hasn’t been any stand out movies or events this year, unless you count the election and we know every Tina Fey look alike will be doing themselves up as Palin. We’ve been doing a lot of cruising looking for spooky designs and we were delighted to see Marc Jacobs get into the Halloween mix with his new Skull Watch. The nasal cavity (ewww…) sports the minute while the left eyeball socket displays the minutes. Just this side of Nightmare Before Christmas but we love that the designer is really getting into the “spirit”.

Thanks to Trendhunter

a2a_linkname="Skull Watch by Marc Jacobs."; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/10/skull-watch-by-marc-jacobs/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
The Cassette Tape Closet.

Posted: October 22nd, 2008, 8:16pm PDT by trace13

Tags: [edit]

Oh hell yea! You know we’re really kicking ourselves for tossing out all those cassette tapes last year. We thought the cassette tape lamp was over the top but check out this rock star closet by Dutch designer Patrick Schuur. It took 918 cassette tapes to cover the wooden frame of this oversized sideboard. For more info on Patrick and his creation go to his website.

Via design boom

a2a_linkname="The Cassette Tape Closet."; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/10/the-cassette-tape-closet/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
The Hungery Birdfeeder, CipCip.

Posted: October 17th, 2008, 4:15pm PDT by trace13

Tags: [edit]

This delightful little bird feeder by Alberto Caramello’s design group Dot would make the perfect winter home for your fine feathered friends. The colorful enamel feeder is made without lead paint so it is safe for both the environment and the birds.

a2a_linkname="The Hungry Birdfeeder, CipCip."; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/10/the-hungry-birdfeeder-cipcip/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
Jaguar Motorcycle by Lee J. Rowland.

Posted: October 13th, 2008, 10:05pm PDT by trace13

Tags: [edit]

We’ve written about designer Lee J. Rowland and his unique furnishings before (most recently his 24K Gold Watch Table) but we were surprised to see his latest venture into the world of automotives. Rowland along with super bike pioneer Barend Hemmes have designed what we’re sure is the world’s first ever Jaguar Motorbike.

And we’re not talking about the brand here folks, no it’s literally a motorbike with a jaguar shaped head. We have to admit it’s pretty bad ass but you better be rich and tough, the bike sports a £290,000 price tag.

via BornRich

a2a_linkname="Jaguar Motorcycle by Lee J. Rowland."; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/10/jaguar-motorcycle-by-lee-j-rowland/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
Mood Stool.

Posted: October 13th, 2008, 9:45pm PDT by trace13

Tags: [edit]

This stool by Visual Reference Studio may set a new trend- mood ring of furniture. The Swamp Stool features thermo-sensitive upholstery that changes colors in response to body heat, or even rising atmospheric temperature. Black changes to greenish blue and red changes to violet—the warmer the stool, the bluer it becomes (insert crude joke here).

a2a_linkname="Mood Stool."; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/10/mood-stool/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete
The Fork Spoon Chair.

Posted: October 13th, 2008, 9:25pm PDT by trace13

Tags: [edit]

Now we know what became of the fork when he ran ran away with the spoon-they morphed into fun furniture. Available from Spellbound Statues.

a2a_linkname="The Fork Spoon Chair."; a2a_linkurl="http://modernurbanliving.com/2008/10/the-fork-spoon-chair/";
» Post Purchase: Text Link

Delete