Organic Whimsy

Free Form...Free from boredom!

Sometimes you just stop and enjoy a piece of furniture because of fun or beauty.

Or to giggle and begin the process of justifying a purchase.

Even better when it's named something that makes you giggle, and is sustainably made so you don't feel guilt pangs for liking it.

I give to you the "Stink Tree" by Dylan Gold.

42w x 32d x 14h
The Stink Tree is shrouded in mystery. Is the name derived from its resemblance to the poisonous Chinese sumac tree? Or is it a subtle mockery of the often-too-serious modern furniture subculture and the designer's contemporaries...? And how did he manage to paint those interior crevices? We may never know

Material
Solid recycled MDF, FSC certified wood veneer, black stain, polyurethane finish.

Available with custom veneer top.

 

If I was using this in a client's home I would probably pair it with a simple modern sofa but use chairs that continue to play with line and shape, perhaps Candice Olson's Beckett chair.

Another giggle was provided by Viva Terra in the form of stools. I love stools and petite accent ottomans for seating in a pinch.

Renowned South African textile designer Ronel Jordaan takes her inspiration from nature, and uses felt to give free rein to her imagination. Socially conscious as well as gifted, Jordaan has set up a women's workshop in Gauteng- Johannesburg-where her personally trained artisans transform interlocking fibers, made from 100% merino wool, into these freeform oversized "stone" floor cushions. Though they may fool the eye, they provide immediately recognizable comfort to weary torsos in search of a relaxing seat. Soft yet buoyant, the veined, smooth textured cushions can be arranged to support seat and back. Children love them. Parents love them. Guests love them, too. Hand washable in cold water.



 

The stools remindme of a new product that beloved Anthropologie recently introduced, Fiat Luxe Felted Soap, described "as moisturizing, handmade soaps are wrapped in softly spun, naturally anti-fungal wool to create an exfoliating, fragrantly lathering, long-lasting bathtime gizmo". I just thought they looked fun and the felt covers can be reused.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Viva Terra also has a small mat of similar stoned proproportions. (c'mon it's too easy) .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Surya debuted a brand new style at Las Vegas Market last week:

 

 

Does organic whimsy have the potential to be a mini trend?

Last but not least is the Cinderella table. Sadly it shall remain an art piece as only 20 were made and most reside in museums. A few are available for purchase should I accidently win the lottery (though I am told you have to actually play to win). Sigh.

via Book of Joe

Interesting Juxtaposition of Organic Art made possible by technology (CAD-CAM). Details found here.

Time for Turquoise

via Sparkle Power

Pantone announced yesterday that it had selected Turquoise (15-5519) as the color of the year for 2010

"Pantone is pleased to announce PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, as the Color of the Year for 2010. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.In many cultures, Turquoise is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that to many people, Turquoise represents an escape, taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting – even if it is only a fantasy.
Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens."

Images via the one and only Sparkles Forever

I applaud Pantone for their choice of Turquoise for reasons that have little to do with aesthetics or interior design. ALL OF US have had am interesting year, mostly due to the economy. Businesses have worked harder than ever before. We need a chill pill! Hence, Turquoise.

Before you can say "Trend", allow me to introduce the Hermitage. I toured President Andrew Jackson's Historic estate in Nashville, TN during the winter of 2006. Notice colors used in....1820.

The silver sage aqua goodness of Restoration Hardware fame may have been a precursor. Interior Design color trends tend to begin in fashion shows. The catwalks of New York, Milan, and Paris affect what you see on the shelves in Home stores 1-2 years later.

If you find Pantone's recommendation too much to paint on the walls (and always use low VOC paint), then enjoy these other methods of introducing a little turquoise into your home.

Rugs from Chandra

and Delos

Chesterfield inspired from High Fashion Home, Houston's "IT" store for stylish homes.

Horchow's offerings

Color is a deeply personal, often spiritual, process. You either LIKE a color or you don't. You can lighten up to aqua, deepen into teal, whatever reflects YOU.

Shine Home

The same philosophy applies to amount of color used. I am of the nuetral wall color persuasion, preferring color in textiles. Some people prefer accessories-possible color  commitment phobia:)

Zgallerie

Of course, Anthropologie

Thomas Paul (and more Chandra)

Last but never least, trying something new can be very safe and affordable at Target.