Italian designer Ferruccio Laviani is the mind behind the clever Tobia lamp created for Foscarini, a minimal and geometric light source with a standout statement “handlebar” that invites you to grab hold. Tobia’s eye-catching focal point can be used to easily move the slender, compact floor lamp version around, inviting you to be a nomad in your own space. The wall version emits light from both ends of its loop – upward a powerful beam, downward soft accent lighting – making it possible to accommodate a wide range of lighting needs at home.
“Tobia is an example of how simplicity can have character. The lightness of a sign that becomes object, almost like a child’s drawing that outlines a body and a form to narrate a function. I’ve been intending to do this project for a long time,” said Laviani.
Designer Ferruccio Laviani
Both versions of Tobia are made from liquid-coated metal and aluminum. They’re available in white, black, fluo yellow, fluo orange, and gold (wall lamp only).
Learn more about Foscarini’s Tobia floor and wall lamps, visit foscarini.com.
Resonate is a new collection of modular lounge furniture from Haworth that was originally scheduled to launch at last month’s NeoCon. The series was born from a collaboration between the Haworth Design Studio and Gensler New York, who came together to create the casual design. Resonate is built on a uniform platform structure and formed wire base that evokes a visual lightness, perfect for modern workspaces.
A handful of modules allow for a variety of configurations for working solo or in a group to collaborate, interact, and socialize. Each element measures the same square dimensions and height to help form a cohesive finished look. In addition to the seating pieces, there are freestanding or integrated tables to complete the setup.
Resonate will be available later this year in a choice of upholstery, paint, laminate, and veneer at haworth.com.
It’s the middle of summer for many of us which means we need to protect our eyes from the blazing sunlight. Instead of selecting basic frames, we dove further to look for cool brands that make eco-friendly sunglasses out of materials like recycled plastic bottles, old skateboards, discarded marine plastic, cork, and reclaimed wood. Since these materials have minimal impact on the environment, and in most cases, help clean it up, they’re great options to choose from so you can feel good about wearing them all year long.
Roeper Classic Black + Dark Gray Sunglasses by Genusee
Genusee has taken a negative – an overabundance of plastic water bottles caused by the Flint water crisis – and turned it into a positive – creating eyewear made from the surplus. Instead of using new materials, they upcycle 15 water bottles, all collected in Flint, Michigan, to make each frame thereby closing the loop, reducing the amount of bottles being thrown out, and creating desperately needed jobs in the hard-hit city. The Roeper frame is a classic round shape with a keyhole bridge that will work on just about any face shape and size.
Recycled Wooden Skateboard Sunglasses by SKRP
Based in Ottawa, Canada, SKRP handcrafts a line of sunglasses made from 100% reclaimed skateboard decks. Each unique frame features layers of colored maple wood veneer from old skateboards that you know have seen some things in its previous life being ridden. The boards have been collected by Canadian skate shops, ski resorts, and US and Canadian distribution and manufacturing companies, and then acquired by SKRP who helps keep them from taking up space in a landfill. The sunglasses come in a classic shape, leaving the color and pattern choice up to you.
Surf 06 by Sea2see
Another place with a massive plastic issue are our oceans which are becoming more polluted by the day. Luckily brands like Sea2see are doing something about it. The Spanish company works with fishing communities in 27 ports in Spain and 10 coastal spots in Ghana who collect discarded marine plastic, like fishing nets, ropes, lines, and bottles. The waste is then turned into plastic pellets that becomes their eco-friendly handmade eyewear. The Surf design is a universal style that’s available in a handful of frame colors.
Owl with Cork by Ballo
Ballo is a South African brand that set out to hand make gender neutral sunglasses out of recycled offcuts and other sustainable materials, including cork, hemp, and wood. They work with local crafts people to create the cork frames, which are also flexible and lightweight, and they also float so if you drop them in the ocean or pool, they’re easily found. The Owl cork frames are available in a choice of four types of lenses: UV400 Brown, Grey Polarized, UV400 Grey, and Brown Polarized.
Israel Maplewood Repurposed Wood Sunglasses by SOLO Eyewear
San Diego-based SOLO Eyewear uses repurposed bamboo and recycled plastic to construct their line of handcrafted eyewear. The eco-friendly company saves hundreds of pounds of unnecessary plastic from being produced every year by utilizing these used materials, which also prevents them from ending up in a landfill. SOLO is also committed to restoring eyesight by donating 10% of their profits, which so far, has restored vision for 13,000 people in need of eye exams, eyeglasses, and surgeries. These Israel Maplewood sunglasses are made from reclaimed wood and named after one of the countries the brand has helped provide vision care for people in need.
>>> To shop more sunglasses, visit the Design Milk Shop here! <<<
Through September, we are donating 1% of the Design Milk Shop sales to The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Click here to read the Design Milk Mission for our commitment to donations, diversity, equity, + anti-racism action.
This week’s Milkshake guest is Ivy Ross, VP of Hardware Design at Google. Over the past four years, Ivy has overseen the launch of over 35 products and is largely responsible for Google’s new design aesthetic, which can be described as tactile, colorful, and bold. In addition to her work at Google, Ivy’s innovative metal work in jewelry can be found in the permanent collections of 12 international museums. Previously, she held executive positions at Calvin Klein, Coach, Gap, and Mattel. In this interview, Ivy delves into the relationships between design, art and science, how she unwinds outside of work, and more.
One of the many products Ivy and her team have brought to market recently are the AI-equipped Google Pixel Buds. Stemming from the idea the earbuds should be unobtrusive during daily activities, the Pixel Buds feature a circular design that rests naturally in the ear. The wide range of color offerings, from mint green to white, is indicative of Google’s new design language, which is spearheaded by Ivy.
During her Milkshake interview, Ivy delves into the science of neuroaesthetics in relation to design. Ivy’s first formal neuroaesthetics exploration was Google, Reddymade, and the International Arts + Minds Lab at Johns Hopkins’s exhibition at Milan Design Week 2019 called A Space for Being. The exhibition led visitors through a series of rooms while a digital band measured their emotional and physical responses to each space to determine which room the visitor felt most “at ease.”
View Ivy’s DMTV Milkshake episode above, then check out the rest of the series here.
We’re a bit googly eyed over Fatboy’s Toní collection that’s ripe and ready for summer enjoyment! This boldly designed series of outdoor furniture is bound to become a new classic with its two bistro chairs, two tables, and fun accessories. Designed in collaboration with Erik Stehmann, Fatboy has reimagined the bistro chair by replacing its traditional woven cane with aluminum for the Toní Chair and Toní Armchair, making the design sturdy yet lightweight enough to carry wherever you need. Add an extra level of comfort with a high-quality, water-resistant seat pad that can easily be attached with a loop and toggle fastening. Storage is just as easy, stack up to four chairs for a quick cleanup.
Toní’s Bistreau Table will give you something to gather around, with a sweet two-in-one feature that’s parasol holder by day and candleholder by night! This table works great for a balcony or terrace, with adjustable legs to help make sure it’s level. Toní Tablo is a large rectangular table well-suited for dinners outdoors. Seating eight easily, it features a parasol holder that can convert into a three-armed candelabra come evening.
Feel free to use Toní indoors or outdoors with ease, thanks to every piece being stainless, UV, and weather resistant. Choose from anthracite, desert, industrial red, lemon, and mist green to carry your aesthetic right along with it.
Erik Stehman
The Toní collection is available at fatboy.com.
Paris-based designer-maker Wendy Andreu uses materials as a means of communication, experimenting to find surprising outcomes that can be translated into functional design proposals. She collaborated with performance fabric manufacturer Sunbrella to create a new innovative material from its waste selvedges – the woven or knitted edges of textile rolls that are usually discarded.
Tell me a little bit about your childhood, education, and background in terms of how you first became interested in creativity, design, and sustainability.
I was born in a rural area of the South West of France. Growing up with a father who was a technician in an aeronautic factory and a mother who was an insurance agent, I felt that my perspective there was quite narrow. I wanted to explore art and culture, so at the age of 14, I decided to study applied arts at a boarding school in the Basque country. There, I discovered the potential of the creative industries and knew what I wanted to do with my life. At 17, I moved to Paris to study metal craftsmanship at the Ecole Boulle, gaining a traditional and technical education. In 2012, I was accepted into the Design Academy Eindhoven. There, I was able to be a craftsperson as well as a designer – making and thinking all at the same time. I was really inspired by that approach and pushed out of my comfort zone to try things I would never have thought about trying. I graduated cum laude in 2016 with a collection of rainproof accessories made with a textile I had developed myself – and won the Dorothy Waxman textile prize and the public prize for fashion accessories at the Villa Noailles, Hyères.
How would you describe your Solid Selvedges collaboration with Sunbrella
Sunbrella makes performance fabrics for awning and shade structures, as well as marine canvas and upholstery for both outdoor and indoor applications. I was introduced to them by The New Order of Fashion [formerly Modebelofte – a platform for interdisciplinary collaborations with emerging fashion talents] with the idea of sustainability and tackling waste in mind. Most of Sunbrella’s products are made with solution-dyed acrylic, a high-quality textile fiber that provides long-lasting colors and strong products. During production, the selvedges (the edge of a fabric – usually woven or knit so that it will not fray) of the textile rolls are discarded. Focusing on these selvedges, I created a composite material in which the discarded fiber from Sunbrella could become one of the raw materials.
What inspired this project?
I experiment with materials to understand their potential – I like to understand traditional techniques and then re-think how things are made. I am also very interested in small scale craftsmanship and I am very proud to produce only a few pieces each year, working with European suppliers and manufacturers. Sustainability is linked to how we produce goods – and this is a question that I ask myself every day. Which design choice will lead to the least waste? Which choice will create less pollution? By carefully thinking through all the options, applying knowledge and creativity, the best design outcomes can be reached. This particular research project was inspired by the material itself. The acrylic waste, once coated with a resin to make it waterproof, cannot be recycled, so I had to think about other ways to step in. I went to Lille to visit the Sunbrella factory and to understand the processes. I researched acrylic and acrylic properties. I spoke with people from the factory and try to understand the context and how this waste product be related to the same context? I was also inspired by carbon and glass fiber techniques, in which fibers are used to reinforce a resin – and I decided to give the Sunbrella fibers the same function. I didn’t want to use harmful transformation processes such as burning or melting, or use hazardous resins such as polyester or epoxy.
What waste materials are the products made from, how did you select that particular material, and how do you source it?
I limited myself to the selvedge. By focusing on a single type of waste, I was able to be efficient and precise in my research. Each waste stream has its own potential that can lead to its very own beauty. The key is to understand where the beauty stands, dig it out and translate it into a tangible proposal. Then waste becomes valuable. The Lille production site generates 70 tons of selvedges waste every year, so there is huge potential.
When did you first become interested in using waste as raw material and what motivated this decision?
I designed my first piece with waste as a raw material in 2018 in response to a brief from Laura Houseley and James Shaw to make a textile piece using plastic for the Plasticscene Exhibition they curated for LDF the same year. I contacted my rope suppliers, the Société Choletaise de Fabrication, and asked them if they could send me discarded polyester rope. I received a random selection of hiking boot laces in a diversity of colors and patterns. I bonded these laces together with a black polyurethane paste in order to create a rug. The use of waste always involves the randomness of the leftover and it was interesting to make a piece without being totally in control of the colors – I like to take advantage of this randomness as it always generates unique objects.
What processes does the waste material have to undergo to become the finished fabric?
The Sunbrella selvedges are cut into tiny squares and then reduced to fine fibers. These fibers are mixed with water-based, solvent-free acrylic resin to create a hard material. The acrylic fiber makes the material stronger by bonding with the acrylic paste – and gives the plaster-like resin a color. The resin can be poured into molds or coated onto existing forms. This process transforms soft and colorful textiles into a stone-like building material, extending the spectrum into which the Sunbrella textile can be applied. At this stage, the project is only a promising research project, but I would like to be able to push it further.
How did you feel the first time you saw the transformation from waste material to product/prototype?
I work step by step, so the first tests were small, flat, samples. They were promising as I liked their materiality and tactility. I was very keen to create molds as they allow production without waste. I designed molds in aluminum and kept the objects interesting, light and yet very abstract so people could envision many more possibilities with them. Everything worked out pretty well and I was very happy with the result. You can see and guess the fibers stuck in the resin – and some details of the colored fibers are quite beautiful as they layer in a very lively composition. It is very important to me that the designs I make are appealing and desirable.
What happens to the products at the end of their lives? Can they go back into the circular economy again?
Neither of the materials (the original waste selvedge fibers nor the resin) is biodegradable and neither can be recycled, unfortunately. However, I have turned a waste material which couldn’t be recycled into something that is made to last and won’t be destroyed easily, extending its lifespan.
How have people reacted to this project?
People were intrigued first and curious about the material – lots of people expected it to be much lighter than it is. It is interesting to notice the new aesthetics that can be created with waste – people could envision them for retail environments, interior design, objects, furniture… They also were craving to touch the material as it is quite tactile. I think these type of alternative materials are increasingly sought after as people become more and more interested in working with them. Companies big and small – be they manufacturers, retailers, or the fashion industry as a whole – will soon have no other choice but to think about their environmental footprint. Customers, then politics and laws, will push industries in this direction. In my opinion, the companies who don’t respond will decline fast.
How do you feel opinions towards waste as a raw material are changing?
The idea is still disgusting for many people, including designers – waste and garbage are not the most appealing things in the world. However, with a little bit more education on materials and how things are made, perhaps people can better envision products made from waste. It is the role of designers to create positive interpretations of waste or discarded products in order to create beauty. I wish that more industries and manufacturers would be open-minded enough to hire designers not only for their main objects, but also to think about their waste. It could be profitable for them on an ecological and economical basis. It is important to create appealing products and not make too much of the “trash aesthetic” that is often associated with waste.
What do you think the future holds for waste as a raw material?
Waste is the result of the Anthropocene. The amount of garbage is growing while available natural resources are becoming more and more scarce. Waste barely exists in the natural environment as nature works in cycles. Each element has a role and the outputs of one process simply become the inputs for another. It is easy to foresee a future in which waste becomes a raw material and an available resource. Waste is one of the materials of the future. In France a new law against overproduction comes into force next year: manufacturers and companies won’t be able to throw away or destroy their unsold products anymore. These products will need to be either donated or recycled. These very clean waste streams might be the beginning of a new perspective for materiality and production.
Bernhardt Design is welcoming two fresh collections this summer – Terry Crews’ Becca Modular Lounge Collection and Océane Delain’s Gallery Collection. The Becca Modular Lounge Collection is an extension of last season’s Becca Collection of sofas and club chairs, comprising nine pieces in all to accommodate a variety of seating and aesthetic needs. The Gallery Collection is full of poufs, ottomans, and benches with three differing color-blocked sections that invite designers to create.
The Becca Modular Lounge Collection is the latest collaboration between Bernhardt Design and Terry Crews, or rather an expansion of the tailored sofas and club chairs they previously created together. The addition of modular pieces adds an unparalleled versatility to the collection through nine interchangeable pieces. Every possible combination remains cohesive, with graceful lines and a continuous saddle stitched welt around the form. Creating the perfect space has never been so easy.
Crews states, “I loved the idea of comfortable lounging on pieces that are irresistibly cozy but still deliver a sleek, modern appearance. I began by drawing modular sections that could coexist with Becca, aspiring to provide enhanced comfort without sacrificing clean design. In our changing world, Becca works just as well at home as it does in a commercial space.”
Three welt choices are available: standard, the option of using decorative trim, and a bespoke welt in a material selected by the customer. The collection is available in any Bernhardt Textile fabric and leather or the customer’s own material.
Terry Crews
Bernhardt Design and French designer Océane Delain worked together to bring the Gallery Collection to life, with Delain making bold moves like turning the usually innocuous pouf into a more expressive piece capable of creating signature looks. She kept the lines clean and striking through the use of high contrast colors and interesting patterns on each of the three sections.
“I was inspired to change the mood of the piece by taking advantage of various color palettes. Playing with bold colors and materials gives Gallery a carefree vibe and distinctive personality. In more restrained fabrics and tonal contrasts, the design can look very elegant,” Delain said.
The Gallery Collection is available in three sizes of round ottomans, and also comes as a single unit or in two- and three-seat capsule-shaped benches. Choose mobile casters for effortless moving or nylon non-marring glides for stationary use. Vertical seams are saddle-stitched, and the top seat panel is top-stitched. Upholstery options are available in any fabric or leather from Bernhardt Textiles or the customer’s own material.
Océane Delain
The Gallery Collection and the Becca Modular Lounge Collection are both available at bernhardtdesign.com.
Towers Road House in Australia represents a belief that contemporary art enriches quality of life. The abstract home, designed by Wood Marsh, features both a sculptural exterior and gallery-like interior ideal for showcasing art.
A frontal concrete wall with dramatic curves acts like a curtain, concealing the dynamic, window-clad rear. A three-dimensional hemisphere atop the horizontal structure gives a contemporary take on the domes found in traditional architecture.
Since the front facade is mostly hidden from the street, all living and bedroom spaces open up to a lush garden.
The home is entered after walking along a winding path that leads past the most dynamic views of the architecture. The entryway is a narrow space that highlights the home’s curving concrete framework from an interior perspective.
In contrast to the exterior wall that makes the space seem dark inside, the home is actually filled with light thanks to large windows at the back that overlook the garden.
The interior layout mixes living spaces with art galleries on the main level. A circular sunken lounge acts as a cozy focal point in the living area and creates an ideal space to reflect upon the home’s grand architecture.
A curved staircase leads to the private spaces, which are all located upstairs.
Photos by John Gollings and Peter Bennett.
Just because we’re all still stuck at home this summer, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the fresh air and warm weather. Whether your idea of a fun time is relaxing with a well-crafted drink in hand or playing games with family, we’ve come up with some of our favorite ways to enjoy a stay-home summer!
>>> Games >>> Heat Wave 3′ Mega Jumbling Tower
We’re all familiar with jumbling tower games, but we love this one for its colorful twist! Not only is it bright and rainbow, but it’s also made with mega-sized blocks for an even better tumble at the end!
>>> Music >>> TYKHO Bluetooth Speaker + FM Radio
What’s a great summer without some music? That’s where the TYKHO Bluetooth Speaker comes in. It’s easy to use, making it great to grab and take outside. Plus, its minimalist aesthetic looks great sitting between your patio chairs.
> Sun Protection >>> SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
You’ve gotta stay protected when you’re out in the sun — that means everything from sunglasses to sunscreen. SALT & STONE’s lotion is our go-to this summer. It blocks UVA + UVB rays, it’s water resistant, and it’s not greasy, which is a huge bonus!
>>> Outdoor Furniture >>> Drum Table
Bend Goods has a creative, eye-catching collection of outdoor furniture. This table is just one of our favorites from it. An intricate wire pattern makes it into a simple shape that’s perfect for holding drinks, books, and a speaker.
>>> Lighting >>> Carrie Portable LED Lamp
One of our favorite parts of summer are late nights spent outside having good conversation. A portable lamp, like this LED one, is designed to go anywhere with you. That way you don’t have to go inside when the sun goes down.
>>> Drinks >>> Porter 15oz Glass
One essential for a stay-at-home summer is delicious drinks. W&P is always one of our go-tos for this because their products are portable, functional, and well designed. This 15oz Glass is perfect for a cocktail on a hot day — especially when you throw some ice from one of their molds in it.
>>> Barbecue Essentials >>> Essential BBQ Tool
When we think of a perfect summer day, one of the first things that comes to mind is barbecue. Izola’s Essential BBQ Tool is designed to be multi-functional, which is why it works as a spatula, fork, brush, corkscrew, and wine opener. You want this on hand whenever you’re standing at the grill.
>>> For more Stay at Home Summer ideas, visit the Design Milk Shop here! <<<
Through September, we are donating 1% of the Design Milk Shop sales to The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Click here to read the Design Milk Mission for our commitment to donations, diversity, equity, + anti-racism action.
Wow! 14 years! That’s like 29348503678976549246254 Internet years.
Per tradition, please enjoy this blurry random photo of llamas in party hats.
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