hecklewood, tanner and hank built

Good friends over at hecklewood recently posted some photos of their 1st Thursday show, Ch No 2 by Hank Built. Whatever material or detail that's applied to this chair, it's an instant classic. I would love to collaborate on leather bench with these guys.

nice fynde

As a designer I'm often looking for something special, something a little more than just a piece that works. Did I mention it also has to have character and be something that no one else will have? Those are the trials and tribulations of some of my hours spent at the office. Often you can find me trolling around on ebay, craigslist or even 1st dibs to find that perfect something. Or better yet, trying to design said something, completely custom and within budget. This is where Fyndes steps in. They carefully curate furniture, accessories, art work and antiques. And it's all at your finger tips. And here are a few of my favorites.

Because these pieces are one of a kind, expect to pay more than something you'll find at west elm, ikea or cb2. One of my tried and true tips in design is don't buy it unless you love it. Otherwise, what's the point of owning something you don't love? If you love it and I'm not talking about lust or that premature crush, I mean love. Then buy it. Or save until you can afford it. Because there's a good chance you'll keep it for a very long time. That's my philosophy and I'm sticking to it.

saturday antiquing

When I was young, on weekend mornings my parents would pack up the car and much to my dismay, we would go antiquing. It was pure agony for my brother and me. All we wanted to do was watch the smurfs and Saturday TV fun house.  Instead we found ourselves making up games like boundary line or the lean game in the backseat of the car and asking repeatedly, are we there yet? Of course we had no idea where there happened to be or if we even wanted to be a part of being there. At the time, it could only be better than the current situation, my brother smashing me between the car door and his shoulder.

In the Saturday morning tradition 1st dibs started their own online Saturday sales. Yes you read correct. Every Saturday morning at 8AM EST they host a re-imagined new tradition of antiquing and weekend yard sales. Dealers from around the country post their wares on display at marked down prices. Now you can peruse all from the comfort of your living room. Granted you won't be able to kick, test and review every square inch but you will be able to watch your Saturday morning cartoons in your jammies. 

As with any big online purchase; contact the owner, know the all the stats including dimensions and flaws, make sure it's exactly what you want. Because chances are, you can't return the piece or don't even want to go through the hassle. 

marcel wanders and moooi

I've been trying to start this post for about 5 days but keep stopping. I have a story but it doesn't relate to what I'm about to show you or maybe it does. Relevant or not, here goes...

horse lamp - it's over 6' tall

Last year I made a trip to New York for ICFF, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair. It's North America's only showcase for contemporary design. I'm talking 145,000 square feet of cutting edge goodness. From students to the finest Italian furniture designers, everyone is there. Along with touring booth after booth of furniture, all the contemporary furniture stores, galleries and boutiques in Manhattan open their doors and host these incredible parties. Needless to say, it's exhausting. But the good kind of exhausting because it's also inspiring.

Also in attendance last year was Marcel Wanders. I know what you're thinking. Who is Marcel Wanders and why do I care? You probably don't, but I'll explain the answer to the first question later in this post. To answer your third question, yes I'm psychic, no, I did not meet Marcel Wanders. But. A friend of mine did. She was out at one of the industry parties and was introduced to Marcel. They chit chatted for a bit and he probably asked her if she was having a good time in the city. She probably said, yes but my feet are killing me from all the walking. Then all the sudden Marcel is giving said friend a foot rub as they are discussing the highlights from the fair. This story probably means nothing to you. But to me, it means Marcel Wanders is just as quirky in real life as he is on paper. Or he has some sort of foot fetish and too many glasses of champagne to control himself. Either way, he's eccentric. There's no denying that.

Now to get to your first question. Who is Marcel Wanders? He, along with Casper Vissers co-created moooi, a contemporary furniture line. In the Dutch language mooi (sounds like joy) means beautiful. Marcel and Casper decided to add an extra 'o' because it's extra beautiful. Who doesn't need a little extra beautiful in their lives? Their tag line, design is the unexpected welcome, is evident in their craft.

Some of their pieces are a little out there. Even for me. But the lighting is just right. Here's a quick glimpse into moooi's current line.

non random light

Paper chandelier - wood base, cardboard and paper by Studio Job for moooi

love this detail too much not to post it. military inspired buckle on the boutique collection sofa

The most recent lookbook can be seen here. If you are interested in purchasing lemme know. 

photos: © MOOOI b.v. by photographer maarten van houten.