Studio Ulanowski Designs a Penthouse Apartment for a Jewelry Designer in Hong Kong

Located in London’s Covent Garden is a playful penthouse apartment designed by Studio Ulanowski, who gutted the interior for a fresh start. The homeowner, a jewelry designer based in Hong Kong, wanted a more open space and for the design to work for her family’s evolving needs.

The layout was redesigned while new windows and doorways brought about new views and a light-filled interior.

The custom kitchen cabinets continue down the long wall in the living room to form a storage cabinet with the same bright blue color, which helps ground the room. Additional cabinets in white create a sophisticated juxtaposition.

A perforated staircase was made by Joseph Waller Fabrications and it leads to the upstairs master bedroom.

Underneath the stairs is a piece of neon art designed as a collaboration between Jochen Holz and Malgorzata Bany.

The master bathroom is outfitted with cedar wood walls and slatted screens used for privacy. Handmade Moroccan tiles behind the sink vanity pop against the surrounding wood.

The bathroom vanity can disappear behind sliding panels when not in use.

Photography by Michelle Young.

from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/studio-ulanowski-designs-a-penthouse-apartment-for-a-jewelry-designer-in-hong-kong/

Stitched in the desert: Iota’s Products Are Made by Bedouin Women in the Negev

A home interiors and accessories company is providing jobs for Bedouin women who aren’t allowed to hold employment outside of their home. Tal Zur, CEO of Iota Hand Stitched, speaks to Design Milk about why they think “soft furniture” is the next home design frontier, how they found themselves in the Negev, and where their designs are going this summer!

Tal Zur, CEO of Iota Studio. Photo by Or Kaplan.

Design Milk’s Keshia Badalge at Iota Hand Stitched in Tel Aviv, Israel.

“If you want a product that is straight, where all the sides are equal, the color is all the same, then that’s not us. Our products are alive,” Zur tells us as we sit in her studio in Tel Aviv. And sure enough, her studio emulates that same liveliness, with hanging swings, chunky-knit rugs and pillows and shelves full of colorful yarn, specifically put together by a colorist on their team.

Inside Iota Hand Stitched in Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo by Or Kaplan.

These home accessories are not only delight to look at and plop down onto, they also tell a small but proud story of Bedouin women empowerment. Bedouin women are traditionally not allowed to hold jobs outside of their home. They spend most of their time on domestic chores and taking care of their children.

Zur first learned about a group of Bedouin women working with a designer in Jaffa in Tel Aviv. Through him, she was able to slowly get introduced to the women and gain their trust.

Now, Zur and her team go to Hura, a Bedouin township in the Negev desert, to teach Bedouin women how to crochet and make Iota’s home products. Not only have they created a home-based industry in the Negev where women can work, for most of these women, it is their first opportunity to earn an income.

Bedouin women making products for Iota Hand Stitched.

Zur says, “When they finally have some money that is their own, it makes them confident, it makes them feel important. They can make certain decisions at home, like picking clothes for their children. It sounds so simple to us but to them, it is a big change.”

TouristIsrael and TouristJordan bring people to visit some of the more accessible Bedouin communities in Israel and Jordan. “I don’t think it is good or bad to live as a Bedouin woman,” Zur says, “but it is important for these things to happen, for people to see, for communities to understand each other’s culture better.”

In 2017, Iota was tapped by the car company Peugeot to make a special line of car mats for their concept car. Peugeot had asked for grey mats, but Zur remarked, “What we do is colors!” So, in trademark Iota style, the team tagged their samples of grey with their signature, colorful yarns. Peugeot did not miss the gesture, and responded by asking Iota to mix pops of color into their yarn.

“You know how people started talking about everything slow…slow food, slow fashion,” Zur said, “We think that the next generation will be soft. Soft furniture. Soft living.”

Grey Pouf. Photo by Or Kaplan.

Design Milk’s Keshia Badalge at Iota Studio. Photo by Or Kaplan.

Zur also told us that they just got an update this week that the Black Forest swing is hanging in Tom Dixon’s new office.

Iota Hand Stitched’s Black Swing. Photo by Noam Preisman.

Photo by Or Kaplan.

This summer, Iota will be hosting knitting parties in London and New York to launch their DIY bag kits. The philosophy behind this, Zur says, is “to make your own things, to do something slowly. It is social as well, in that we believe making things that you own and use is good for you.”

DIY Bag Kits. Photo by Noam Preisman.

DIY Bucket Bag. Photo by Noam Preisman.

Crochet tote bags. Photo by Noam Preisman.

To make one of your own, sign up on this list to be informed when an Iota knitting party comes to your city!

This studio visit was made possible by Vibe Israel, a non-profit organization that organized this year’s Vibe Design Tour.

from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/stitched-desert-iotas-products-made-bedouin-women-negev/

The Lofree Digit Number Pad Adds Up to a Touching Experience

Lofree embraces the nostalgic with a catalog of delightfully colorful and rounded technological accessories reflective of space age era optimism. One of their upcoming designs continues this propensity for the playful – a sidekick to their popular clickety-clack keyboard, the numerical Digit Number Pad designed as both a partner and stand-alone calculation device.

Depending upon color (available in white, red-orange, and light aquamarine) the Digit Number Pad represents an aesthetic convergence of Dieter Rams’ iconic 1987-era designed Braun ET66 calculator with a Speak and Spell. The Digit Number Pad is designed to operate as a stand-alone calculator like its Braun predecessor, but unlike any 80s-era calculation device, this one also features Bluetooth connectivity allowing it to work in conjunction with any modern computer, tablet, or smartphone.

The retro design isn’t just aesthetic. The Digit Number Pad is designed to deliver an auditory and tactile mechanical experience, with old school membrane switches underneath each numeral in lieu of the paltry short-travel of butterfly keys ruining touch typing in the modern age. In use, this means the press of each sizable key delivers a satisfying sound and feel, aiding in faster and more accurate typing.

Lofree currently list the wireless Digit Number Pad as a “coming soon” offering, with a sign-up for notification about availability listed at the bottom of this page, with the promise of an early bird discount upon launch. If the Lofree Instagram feed is any indicator, expect to see the accessory becoming available sooner than later.

from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/lofree-digit-pad-colorful-design-adds-up/

Business Photography and Lighting with Kate Zimmerman Turpin

The following post is brought to you by Squarespace. Our partners are hand picked by the Design Milk team because they represent the best in design.

Ask any professional photographer and they’ll tell you, using the right kind of lighting is key to capturing the underlying mood, tone, and setting of every photo they’ve ever shot. If you’re curious, just have a look at some of the images you’ve taken on your own smartphone and they’ll tell the same story. Building your own business is a lot of work, much of which revolves around how it will be perceived by your customers – creating a strong launch, mastering your online brand, and having a powerful logo design are just a few of the pieces. But then there’s the photography element, a true visual imprint of just what it is you’re putting out there into the world, and it needs to be on point and done right the first time around. Get some help looking like a pro from the get-go with Squarespace and their award-winning site templates. Their easy to use platform allows you to create an impactful, stylish, and easy-to-manage online presence so you can share your brand with the world.

Kate Zimmerman Turpinis an Austin-based photographer with a focus on product, food, interior, and fine art photography known for her strong use of natural light and shadow. She knew from a young age, even through seasons of insecurities and doubt, that being a photographer was what she was most comfortable with and wanted to spend her life doing. I fell in love with photography when I was around 12, following my baby brother around the house and convincing him to pose like the subjects in Sally Mann’s or Keith Carter’s images. I became obsessed with the darkroom in high school and then decided to study Fine Art at the University of Texas,” Zimmerman Turpin said. With the help of Squarespace, she’s been able to create a stunning portfolio site that showcases her best photos and helps to acquire new clients.

Zimmerman Turpin honed in on the niches of food, still life, and travel photography simply because she enjoyed working quietly and on her own, something I think many small business owners will be shaking their heads yes to. She says, “I liked playing with compositions, making them balanced or unbalanced, experimenting with textures, and doing it at my own pace.” While her favorite category tends to change with the seasons, Zimmerman Turpin currently favors still lifes in her personal work and interiors in her business.

As with any creative medium, Zimmerman Turpin uses different approaches to achieve the lighting look required for the various types of photography she specializes in. “For food and product, I always like to set up next to a window, usually in the morning or evening. For a more moody look I like having only one window as a light source, and blocking off the rest of the window light to create deep shadows. If I’m looking for a soft look, I’ll set up a white sheet over the window to soften the shadows. For spaces, I like to photograph when the natural light is at its best in each room. As for travel, I like to wander around in the morning, late afternoon, and evening to avoid harsh light,” she said. There’s also plenty of room for experimentation, usually involving full sunlight or interesting shadows.

While Zimmerman Turpin’s photos are undeniably beautiful, sometimes hiring a professional isn’t in the budget for a small business, so we asked her for a few tips and tricks to use when shooting on your own. “My first bit of advice would be to achieve the achievable, keep it simple. If you’re doing product photography, find a clean backdrop you can keep going back to and put it next to a window for consistent light. Remember, less is more – don’t over style. And don’t over edit with too much of a filter!” She recommends using only natural light and turning off all other light sources in the space, getting as close as possible to your light source (aka window), and using a reflector for the best end results.

However, some projects are going to require a pro, so if you’re looking to spend money wisely what should that go towards? Zimmerman Turpin suggests saving your dollars to use for your site’s photography. An impressive banner or cover image makes a huge first impression and will be well worth the professional photography investment in the long run.

We love Squarespace’s site design customization options and price point, and their users do too. “I chose my design based on the suggested designs for photographers. I wanted a clean gallery format on most pages so I didn’t do any personal customization, but I did play around with creating new pages and then adding a gallery on them. It gave my site design a slightly more organic, less organized look which I prefer,” said Zimmerman Turpin. Squarespace helps her run a stronger, more streamlined business from end to end and offers an aesthetic that aligns with her photography. “I love how I don’t have to spend a lot of time and money on hiring somebody to create a design that works for my business. Squarespace already has the clean and minimal look that best accentuates my photos.”

Ready to get to work on that branding? Take the first step and create a website or buy a domain name with Squarespace. Use coupon code DESIGNMILK at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/business-photography-lighting-kate-zimmerman-turpin/

Friday Five with Maarten Baas

Maarten Baas is a German-born Dutch artist and designer that graduated from the Eindhoven Design Academy in 2002 and has since gone on to be dubbed one of the most influential Dutch designers of modern times. His graduation project, entitled Smoke, references the charred pieces of furniture he produced which caught the attention of Marcel Wanders’ Moooi, who quickly scoped them up and presented them at Salone del Mobile in 2003. Despite his early success, he continued to produce work that stayed true to his ideals and signature aesthetic, including designs for brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Swarovski, Gramercy Park Hotel, and more. His work, which can be found in many permanent collections, like MoMa, Victoria & Albert Museum, Les Arts Decoratifs, San Francisco MoMA, Die Neue Sammlung, Stedelijk Museum and Rijksmuseum, effortlessly flows between art and design, while flirting with a touch of rebellion and even more playfulness. Read below to see his Friday Five picks, where’s he’s chosen a children’s book, a unique flower, and quote that makes you think.

1. “I like it, what is it?” – Quote by Anthony Burrill
I like the fact that it turns around the tendency of defining something first before liking it. The fact you accept that you don’t know what it is, but you like it anyway makes it very open minded.

Photo source unknown

2. Strelitzia
It’s a crazy flower, unlike other harmonious, symmetric sweet flowers. It’s a kind of punk thing, which has everything in it – a hard shell, with a soft beauty in the inside. The beautiful colors are asymmetric, and, if you grow them, there is a hidden flower inside that you have to coax out.

Photo still courtesy of Andrej Lovrić

3. Skate Parks
The decor is a highlight of architecture, with halfpipes, ramps, and other obstacles, which are being used to jump, slide and turn. The actors are boys, girls, men and women of all ages. The story seems like a utopia, yet it happens for real, right in front of you. It’s a story about a society, where everybody is equal, where people experience something beautiful together, where they challenge themselves and go further, step by step. With genuine respect, people can watch somebody who does amazing tricks, and at the same time, patiently, someone is being helped to take a ramp for the first time. People are constantly falling, but they just stand up and continue their practice, driven by an intrinsic motivation to develop. Like this, a never-ending movement is created, in which all individuals together develop as a group. After half an hour watching this park, you’re inspired to move on. Life is a skate park, just choose your way.

4. Museum of Art Brut, Lausanne
I’m very much inspired by Art Brut, as it shows art in the purest form. From a genuine force to create, people make what they need to make. It’s not a choice, it’s necessity.

5. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
This book has been inspiring from my youth. The book, as an object, is very nice, with the holes in the pages and the incredible illustrations. The story itself is all about a little caterpillar following its most basic intuition (eating), which is rewarded at the end by becoming a beautiful butterfly. The title in Dutch is “the caterpillar who had never enough”, which is much more negative in my mind. For me, my creative process is driven by intuition, which I believe makes my work unique. With this in mind, I prefer the English translation, which frames the story in a much more positive light.

from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/friday-five-with-maarten-baas/

Fifty (Well Almost) Shades of Green Paint

In fact there are 31 beautiful green paint shades in the Little Greene recent collaboration with the National Trust. A collaboration that is a result of an extensive paint research project that has been undertaken in National Trust houses and gardens throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In fact a quest to find original colours, and to tell the stories of the people who first enjoyed them. Wouldn’t I have liked to have been involved in that! Next time guys!! Inspiration was drawn from sources as diverse as Beatrix Potter’s Cumbrian farmhouse, George Bernard Shaw’s revolving writing hut and even mythical birds featured on the wallpaper hung by Chippendale at Nostell Priory. And the result is a new colourcard featuring some intriguing stories, and a gamut of glorious greens in a comprehensive array of hues.

 In true Little Greene fashion, the card and its contents are designed to be easy to use and choose from. Divided into five columns, the collection is loosely arranged to represent each of the key green families: grey greens, neutral greens, yellow greens, blue greens and turquoise greens.

My Favourite Green Combinations

Walls: Sage & Onions 288
Dado rail: Tea with Florence 310

Walls: Jewel Beetle 303
Dresser: Chocolate Colour 124 & True Taupe 240
Ceiling: Pique 299

Upper Wall: Aquamarine Mid 284
Lower wall: Three Farm Green 306
Skirting: Lamp Black 228

Walls, door & trim: Puck 298
Ceiling: Slaked Lime – Mid 149

Upper wall: Aquamarine 138
Lower wall: Ambleside 304

Upper wall: Acorn 87
Dado & lower door: Hopper 297

Clare Brown, Head of Brand Licensing for the National Trust, adds: “We are delighted with the association with Little Greene, which will help everyone to bring the nation’s heritage into their own homes. The two organisations have a real synergy, with conservation, restoration and reinvention at their core. The choice of green for the first collaboration is an inspired one: it is the colour of the National Trust and conjures up images of the expanse of gardens and countryside that we look after for the nation to enjoy.”

A contribution from the sale of every can of Little Greene paint will be made in support of the National Trust’s conservation work, to ensure the nation’s historic houses, gardens and open spaces can be enjoyed for generations to come. In addition, Little Greene will be supporting the National Trust’s conservation and restoration programme by donating paints to bring colour and life back to some of the UK’s most loved properties.

Little Greene paint is available nationally and internationally through a network of distributors, as well as via email and phone order.

The Green Colourcard will be launched in September 2018 at Decorex.

 

You Might Also Like

KEY PAINT COLOURS FOR SPRING 2017 FROM FARROW & BALL

ANY COLOUR (PAINT) AS LONG AS IT’S GREEN

HOW (AND WHEN) TO PAINT A KITCHEN

The post Fifty (Well Almost) Shades of Green Paint appeared first on Dear Designer.

from Dear Designer https://deardesigner.co.uk/fifty-well-almost-shades-of-green-paint/

Design Milk Travels to… Copenhagen

After a brief visit this past spring, I’m a convert in the belief that if you only had time to visit one Nordic city in your whole lifetime, choosing Copenhagen would not be a terrible idea. If you’re a design lover, you’ve found the design capital. If you’re looking for experiential cuisine unlike anything you’ve ever tasted back at home, you’ve come to the right spot. If you’re just searching for paradisal utopia where everyone is nice, the weather is just right and the sun sets at 10pm (in the summer) so that you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest, say Hej! to your favorite new city.

---

WHERE TO STAY

Copenhagen is one of those cities where beautiful design is just so abundant, the Danes barely bat an eye. Meanwhile, as an American, I’m ogling at this chair here, that fixture there, the effortless styling of this vignette over here. That said, when it comes to hospitality, the Danes do it so well. The extravagance and glam factor is still there but it’s never ostentatious. It’s subtle, it’s effortless, it’s stylistic yet functional.

Located in the Latin Quarter of Copenhagen, the Hotel SP34, one of four hotels in the Brøchner Hotels collective, is a laid-back yet stylish option for travels on business. With an abundance of public spaces to lounge or to work, two restaurants, and two bars, SP34 feels like a gathering spot for locals rather than a hotel just for sleeps and showers.

The Nobis is my pick if you want a place that’s modern yet still feels authentic. A part of the Design Hotels collective, the Nobis is designed by renowned architect Gert Wingårdh who designed the hotel with a style that’s an “updated take on Le Corbusier.” With its original motifs and crown molding, minimalist furniture and fixtures, this place is a beautiful blend of both contemporary and classic Danish design under one roof.

For a truly experiential stay, the Krane is a unique pick because of is location. It’s located in an old coal crane! All black everything, from furniture and flooring to ceilings and walls, gives this hotel a moody ambience and demure backdrop to contrast Copenhagen’s colorful architecture.

Notable mentions: Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Copenhagen \\\ Hotel Sanders 

---

WHERE TO PLAY

SPACE10 brands itself as a future-living lab located right in the heart of Copenhagen. Powered by IKEA (while remaining a complete separate entity), SPACE10 explores global issues and the possible solutions to those problems, such as urban farming, sustainable plant alternatives for food and energy, and small city living. The space occasionally holds programs to invite locals and jumpstart the conversation on a variety of topics. Events are almost always sold out, so if you’re visiting Copenhagen and have a thirst for new, refreshing and innovative ideas and concepts, pen SPACE10 into your itinerary.

Urban farming inside SPACE10.

Photo by Orf3us.

By now, you’ve probably already heard of the Amager Bakke, the power plant that doubles as a ski slope designed by Bjarke Ingels. Although it’s not completed yet, the architecture alone is worth a bike ride over. With such an innovative concept (it’s intending to be the cleanest incineration plant in the world), you’ll want to cross this off your design bucket list.

Photo by René Redzepi himself.

We don’t usually do a lot of food recommendations but Noma 2.0 is an exception. If you’re a foodie with an affinity for gastronomic experiences, save up a pretty penny or two and splurge on a meal designed by world-renowned René Redzepi. You’ll have to plan well in advance and hope for the stars to align for reservations but you’ll receive an out-of-body experience upon first bite. If you’re a little short out of luck, Barr is the Snøhetta-designed restaurant that overtook the original Noma location. Redzepi and chef Thorsten Schmidt created this Nordic restaurant to bring the flavors of North and Baltic Seas into a more casual dining atmosphere.

Numen/For Use tape installation inside the Nikolaj Kunsthal

For the art gallery hopper, might we suggest the Nikolaj Kunsthal Arts Center? Located in one of the oldest churches in the city, the Church of Saint Nicholas (which no longer functions as a church), this art gallery features contemporary artists, interactive installations, and a collection of innovative art. The architecture of the 13th century church alone is also worth the visit.

Notable mentions: National Museum of Denmark \\\ Design Museum Denmark \\\ Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek \\\ Ordrupgaard (reopening 2019)

---

WHERE TO SHOP

It would be almost sacrilegious to write a travel guide on Copenhagen and not include a visit to the Hay House. Located in central Copenhagen, it features over two huge floors of modern design in an old building on Østergade. While you probably won’t be lugging home a coffee table, a small souvenir from the flagship store in the form of a vase or tray will bring back memories when you see it in your home.

My souvenir of choice when visiting new countries: sunglasses, specifically ones that are unique to that country. Eyewear is one of those things that, if designed right, will always elicit a “I like those! Where did you get them from?” If you’re looking for a new pair, try Han Kjøbenhavn. The brand only has two stores (the other is in Aarhus) so there’s a slight satisfaction in knowing that you probably won’t run into someone with the same glasses when you come back home. You can shop for other fashion apparel while you’re here too.

Situated in Istedgade, DANSK Made for Rooms is filled with furniture and home accessories that will appeal to anyone: kids, design lovers, cooks, ceramicists and more. The shop curates an impeccable list of designers and makers, local and afar, which makes shopping for souvenirs that much easier.

Notable mentions: Ferm Living \\\ Skandinavisk \\\ Domusnord \\\ Edie

---

FINAL WORDS

Looking for a short day trip out of the city? Head north to Humlebæk, approximately 22 miles from Copenhagen, to visit the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (named after a nobleman who had three wives, all named Louise – go figure!). Whether you’re indoors checking out the latest exhibition or outdoors enjoying the museum grounds, you’ll most likely dismiss the rest of your day’s plans because you won’t want to leave.

If you can, visit Copenhagen in the summer because it is a dream. The sun sets at around 10pm, giving you long hours to bike around the city or mosey along the Nyhavn canal (just be sure to close your blinds lest you desire a 4am wake-up call from the beaming sun). Everyone speaks English but it doesn’t hurt to add a few words to your vocabulary: Hej (Hello), Hej Hej (Goodbye), Ja (Yes), Nej (No), and Tak (Thank you) – so simple! While it’s always good to be aware when traveling, there’s a reason why the Danish have a reputation for being so friendly, so don’t be alarmed if you ask for directions from a local and receive a bike in return with the simple instruction to return it to XYZ Street when you’re done (true story).

from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/design-milk-travels-copenhagen/

The Urban Grid Inspires nortstudio’s Bench Series

Beginning in the late sixteenth century, the roots of modern urbanism began taking hold in cities across Northern Europe, with grid-like developments intended to strategically interconnect commerce, infrastructure and housing into new and rational visions of life. The urban grid plays prominent in Antwerp-based nortstudio’s Urban Grid Bench Series, a seating system inspired by the inter-connectivity of modern urbanity.

From overhead, the grid and groove references the metal grates found across cities the world over.

Couple and nortstudio design partners Jef De Brabander and Kathleen Opdenacker reference three primary shapes inspired by the “rough forms and materials scattered around construction sites” as the base foundation of their indoor/outdoor bench system. Each piece is scored at the top with shallow grid-work, allowing each component to connect securely utilizing a fourth piece – a grid plane constructed with anodized aluminum (outdoor) or steel (indoor). The Mondrian-like extrusion of shape and colors turns the graphic into the practical.

Brabander and Opdenacker envision the weatherproof anodized aluminum version as a practical reconfigurable solution suited for public spaces, “such as museums and parks”, while the wood and steel version could find home in residential applications. In either case, the Urban Shapes offers the ability to plan zoning like any real urban grid, an example of “fun” operating within the context of the functional.

from Design MilkDesign Milk https://design-milk.com/nortstudios-urban-shapes-bench/