4) BLACK + BLUM
In 1998, Black + Blum started as a design consulting firm, advising companies on any creative aspect. 10 years later, they now develop their own range of products. Their philosophy, “to show that ‘designed’ products can be made affordable without compromising their quality,” is perfect for any person, rich or not. Venti, their huge aluminum and steel fan, is no exception. Inspired by the aesthetics of jet engines, each propeller blade is individually balanced for quieter and smoother running. The three speeds and the oscillation function can spread a fresh breeze or full storm through the entire house! ($610). For more information about “Venti” and other Black + Blum products, visit www.black-blum.com
5) MMCKENNA
Emulation is defined as “ambition to equal or excel.” The five mmckenna Designer Emulation Kits (DEK’s), created by Mark McKenna are meant as the sincerest homage to some of the greatest modern designers and designs of our time. The inspiration comes from five designers: Ingo Maurer’s Lucellino (DEK 1), Arco by Achille Castiglioni (DEK 2), Tizio by Richard Sapper (DEK 3), Castiglioni’s Tolo (DEK 4), and Philippe Starck’s Miss K desk lamp (DEK 5). Each person is invited to become like the designer and assemble their DEK’s themselves—easy and fun! Each DEK is priced at $29. For more information about this unusual product, visit www.mmckenna.com.
6) PETER LOH STUDIO FURNITURE
Written by Walt Whitman in 1855, “Leaves of Grass” is a collection of some of the most famous poems in the world. Created by Peter Loh in 2007, Leaves of Grass is a unique coat rack made from birch, recalling the image of wind blowing tall grasses or swaying fields of wheat. The staves of wood are individually shaped and steam bent to create their triangular profiles and curves, joining together to give an entangled appearance. Each rack is a one-of-a-kind handmade product available in a variety of wood species. The birch Leaves of Grass is $1200. For more information, visit www.peterloh.com.
7) BUILT NY
This 4-year-old company is passionate about making everyday objects work as well as they look, and putting the funk into function. The company started off with a neoprene wine tote, made from the same material undersea divers use. From that first product, they have since expanded to beer totes, cell phone holders, laptop sleeves and more. Our favorite product is the Gourmet Getaway Lunch Tote, which is large enough to carry your lunch, but small enough to still look stylish and classy. And the best part is that it keeps food hot or cold for up to four hours! The Gourmet Getaway Lunch Tote is available in a variety of patterns and colors. The Stripe GG Lunch Tote is $22.99. For more information, visit www.builtny.com.
8) SITE SPECIFIC DESIGN
Established in 2002, Site Specific Design (SSD) has made quite the splash in New York, specializing in creating unique environments – whether corporate or residential. SSD has completed over 25 major projects in Manhattan and Brooklyn, all executed with craftsmanship and dedication. These projects vary from constructing large commercial spaces, designing and creating high-end custom furniture, and building highly creative art and performance spaces. And while this is all well and good, we are in love with “Childhood Memories,” their first full line of innovative furniture and lighting inspired by whimsical memories of our youth. Our favorite is the dynamic Scolopendra, an enormous six-foot-eleven bug-like structure. The Scolopendra is $8600. For more information, visit sitespecificdesigns.com.
