Saturday, April 30, 2011

Just a Thought

Minimalism at its Best

Japanese phenomenon MUJI is THE place to pick up some fabulous finds.

The whole concept of the store and all it's products is very simple; clean. I've had the pleasure of shopping in the SOHO store and it was truly a treat. The whole place was lit beautifully, and the minimalism concept was evident throughout the store. Everything had a clean, relaxing feeling.

The overall look was very effective. I was relaxed and in the mood to find some fabulosity. 

If you are ever in Manhattan, this is a must.

SOHO Store 455 Broadway, New York (Amongst many other locations throughout the city)
Don't have access to the Big Apple? Click here to go to the online store. 




Some great stuff
The MUJI book
The book offers a unique insight into the company's inspiration and process, and it illustrates the extraordinary lengths MUJI will go to preserve their principles.
Paris City-In-A-Bag



 I just love these. A friend of mine bought the New York City version for a mutual friend's birthday and it was a big hit! They are great looking on a bookshelf displayed with some great travel books


Side table 
This steal pipe side table is great, especially at 88 dollars! 


The beauty that is Mexico

Today is one of those days that San Diego is truly perfect. The weather is perfect and the sun is setting with a gentle breeze coming in through the open windows. Also coming through the open windows are the wonderful sounds of a mariachi band playing through someone's speakers. Something about the music just makes me smile. I'm no stranger to this traditional Mexican music, my mom LOVES to blast this music as she cleans the house.

So with that said this post is in honor of my mom and the beautiful architecture and design that is plentiful throughout Mexico. 



Modern Architecture 
Borbon (Apartments) Designed by Mexican architects 7XA       


A university building inspired by a tree in Sinaloa, Mexico. Designed by Tatiana Bilbao




Homes is Los Cabos 







Mexican tiles

Heaven







Trend Alert - houndstooth, not just for your grandfather.





I first saw houndstooth make a full comeback at the Balenciaga 2011 spring show, to surprisingly awesome reviews (I must admit, I love it... Jaman... not so much) 



Then I saw it pop up it the Elle Decor,  as a trend to watch this season, and if the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief, Michael Boodro says it's a go, then it's a go. 

 
These upholstered chairs are perfectly magnificent, I must say. 




Click on the image below to purchase black and white houndstooth faric by the yard

44'' Wide Michael Miller Summer Soiree Houndstooth Black Fabric By The Yard



It's everywhere. What do you think? Personally I love it



Pair these these two together for a dramatic. bold Hollywood Regency inspired look







A simple houndstooth throw on an upholstered vintage stool is the perfect way to incorporate this fresh statement in any room


Check out this AWESOME room divider, perfect for a little kids room!


















Case Study Houses

My love for Mid Modern Century has been elevated since moving to San Diego. Southern California seems to be breeding grounds for Eames house birds and I am not complaining. Everywhere I turn I see a lounge chair worthy of belonging in the MOMA!

Another amazing thing about Southern California is the beauty that is the Case Study Houses (there is one in Phoenix, Arizona and a couple in Northern California)

The Case Study Houses was an experiment sponsored by Arts and Architecture Magazine commissioning working architects of the day to design and build beautiful, practical, yet inexpensive model homes for the housing boom due to the returning soldiers from World War II. This program ran from 1945 until 1966, and all though 36 were planned, only 24 were actually built.

Some noted architects who worked on these projects include : 



Here are pictures of some of my favorites - 


Stahl House (#22) Los Angeles, CA.  Designed by Pierre Koenig (American Architect)


Eames House (#8) Los Angeles, CA. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames (American Designers)


Bailey House (#21) Los Angeles, CA. Pierre Koenig (American Architect)


 

Click below to check out and purchase one of the must have books for designers and architects

Case Study Houses (Jumbo)


Click here to book a tour of the never-disappointing Stahl House, CSH #22





Friday, April 29, 2011

The Beginning

Hello fellow Designers and Design aficionados!

My name is Ivan and I am currently enrolled in design school in the beautiful and sometimes sunny San Diego. I have a crazy passion for anything dealing with design. I love architecture, interior design, product design... I also have a love for anything having to do with typography, graphic design, art...

You get the idea.

I spend most of my days doing homework and when I'm not, I'm either obsessing over the next thing I want to purchase for my home or surfing the web for the newest design blog entry. My daily rituals of reading architecture and design publications has finally reached a terrifying number... So embarrassing...

However,  I came up with a solution

I'll just start my own blog. Maybe all those hours of searching for the hottest new skillet or the perfect bedding for my imaginary dream home could finally be put to use.

Here's what you should expect from this blog :

- My journey, joys and frustrations with design school (I will keep the last one to a minimum)

- The hottest trends in Architecture, Interior Design, Fabrics and Textiles,  Product and Furniture Design

- Current and past pictorial essays of the above. 

- Videos relating to the beauty of design (commercials, music videos, television and movie clips, etc)

- Photos of Inspirations

- You'll see a little bit of fashion... I am totally intrigued in the similarities between emerging trends in both fields of design. Plus I love fashion too.

- You will see up and coming designers, artists, and amazing people making differences in our world.

I hope I have somewhat captivated your attention... Think of this as a place to gather ideas and inspiration. I always think designers should know the importance of collaborating with each other and the beauty that sharing ideas can bring.