Everybody wants to save the earth, nobody wants to help mom do the dishes.  --P.J. O'Rourke

Showing posts with label Design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Design. Show all posts

Monday, July 13, 2009

The Porch Cabin - By Dale Mulfinger SALA Architects

I really like the design of this Cottage/Cabin and I think Mr. Mulfinger absolutely nailed the look and feel of a turn of the century Craftsman/Victorian summer vacation cabin without adding to many modern gewgaws which would spoil it. You can purchase study and construction plans and look at the interior photos, elevations and floor plans at the link below.

Link: Architectural House Plans

The Mackintosh Ingram Chair - Timeless Design



This is one of those designs that is truly timeless, designed in 1900 by Charles Rennie Mackintosh for the Ingram St. Tea Room in Glasgow, but still very contemporary. The Ingram chair is somewhat similar to some of the dining chairs designed by F.L. Wright and G. Stickley around the same time, but not as "edgy" as Wright's and less conservative than the typical Stickley. The result I think is a chair that is able to mix it up with furniture from other styles and periods without looking out of place. A Stickley, though beautiful, looks like an "old" chair, and Wright's just look "different" from everything else. With the Ingram, I think Mackintosh got it just right.

The Ingram is available from these folks online, they have alot of interesting stuff that is worth a look.-

Link: Bauhaus 2 Your House

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Panasonic Toot-A-Loop Transistor Radio

I didn't get the point of this radio when it came out in the 1970's and quite honestly, I still don't.
It closes so you can wear it as a kindof ugly, heavy bracelet that you could ponce around with.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

1963 Lincoln Continental

To me the early 60's (61-65) Lincoln Continentals are the absolute epitome of cool.  Though the convertible is the most sought after incarnation of the Continental, I actually prefer the hard top.  The aspect of this design that seperates this car from it's contemporaries is something that is surprisingly rare in automative design, and that is restraint. The Continentals that followed this generation were larded with ever increasing styling "improvements" (read: Gewgaws), like vynal roofs, opera windows, fake spare tire trunk bumps and hidden headlights.  By 1970, the magic was long gone.  I don't know why most manufacturers can never understand when they have captured lightning in a bottle with a car design  It took BMW 40 years to piss away their design legacy, Ford did it in 8 or 9.  The only American car that I can think of that has remained relatively consistent to it's design heritage is the Jeep (and even that had an awkward affair with square headlights.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Dead Brand of the Day - Studebaker Avanti Bonus TRIVIA Edition:

The Studebaker Avanti debut to great enthusiasm in 1962 during the last throes of Studebaker as a kind of hail mary pass.  Lengthy production delays resulted in the evaporation of much of the initial enthusiasm and in any case the writing was on the wall for Studebaker.  In the end, only a bit more than 4,000 of the futuristically styled Avantis were sold when the company ceased production of the model in 1964, two years before Studebaker closed for good.  One would think that would be the end for the Avanti, however the tooling, molds and part of the factory was bought by two South Bend car Dealers and subsequently many other entreprenuers who tried to make a go of the Avanti.  Possibly the last chapter in the star crossed Avanti occurred in 2006 when the most recent owner was arrested by the FBI, but I wouldn't count on it.  So, why the Coast Guard logo? Well, the Avanti got it's futuristic design through the work of designer Raymond Loewy, a legendary designer who's work includes; The Coast Guard logo, Hoover Logo, Air Force One's livery, the Exxon logo, the Shell logo, and the interiors of the Air France Concords.












Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Nixon

Nixon is a design house  whose "about" page starts off  "We make the little shit better" I can't
vouch for their quality, but they do make some unusual and interesting watches and other accessories.

Monday, March 9, 2009

CH Marine Shelter Harbor 38' Motor Yacht

These boats really are truly gorgeous, the prototype was designed with and for
Billy Joel, who took an active part in the design process. The goal was to create a boat with traditional style & craftsmanship, a fast (40 knots 46 mph)cruising speed and thoroughly modern accommodations. As anyone what has spent any time around powerboats can attest, a 40 knot cruising speed is extremely fast. Cruising speed (not to be confused with top speed) is typically a pace the boat can maintain comfortably for long periods of time without undo stress on the powerplant, hull or passengers. I have seen at least one of these on tooling along Martha's Vinyard and they are extremely fast and quiet, with none of the roaring and pounding typically
associated with go fast boats. Anyway, it's a beautiful boat, follow the link to the MFGs site for more info.

CH Marine

Sunday, March 8, 2009

DWR Airstream

Design Within Reach has paired with Airstream to outfit one of their iconic
travel trailers.