Issue 2: Dalù's Encore
Space age lighting, spa like bathrooms, transparent TVs and more...
Hello, Aesthetes! In this edition, we're serving up a visual feast that's more tantalizing than a double scoop of orange sorbet — and yes, that's a nod to our cover star lamp. We've also unearthed a lamp that channels Queen Cleo herself, all gold and grace, ready to rule your reading nook. Meander with us through a garden so lush, the ivy's practically begging for its own Instagram account, and then unwind in a bathroom where the fish on the wall might just ask you how your day was. Plus, we're unveiling a TV so transparent, you'll start believing in magic again. Let's dive in!
Imagine a piece of 1960s flair meeting the future in a cozy Italian cafe. Result? You get the Dalù lamp. Designed by Vico Magistretti in 1969, it boasts a uniquely sculptural form that's both playful and sophisticated. Its clever use of thermoplastic material gives it a sleek, glossy look, turning it into an instant conversation starter. It's compact, charming, and has a way of winking at you from across the room, asking, "Need a little light here?" Perfect for those who love a touch of vintage in their modern world. In fact, its popularity has made Artemide issue a re-edition in 2005 which you can still get here.
As he signs his creation, you can almost hear Vico Magistretti whispering to the lamp, "Go forth and light up the world, my beautifully molded offspring."
Spatially Pleasing
Behold a room where geometry threw a party and everyone's invited. The walls, clad in tiles so methodically square, they make a math textbook look like a doodle pad. The floor, a mathematician's daydream, splattered with terrazzo confetti as if Pythagoras himself celebrated a theorem well proven. Now, our eyes dance over to that floor lamp, a svelte figure in the corner, leaning into the conversation with the poise of an inquisitive flamingo. Is it eavesdropping on the furniture or perhaps sharing secrets with the curvy mirror on the wall?
This kitchen whispers (in a posh accent, no doubt) contemporary luxury with a side of "I'm too cool for old-school." The high gloss lacquer island is like a magic trick turned into a centerpiece, where you half expect it to levitate your breakfast to you. The style? We are calling it futuristic chic with a hint of "my designer was an alchemist." More angles of this beauty here.
Straight out of a modern minimalist magazine spread, this room elegantly straddles the line between understated and "look-at-me." The bed, with its disciplined color palette, suggests that it wouldn't dare to wrinkle, even in sleep. The pillows, however, tell a different story, flaunting their pattern like a rebellious splash of creativity. Over to the side, the bedside lamp angles itself like a curious onlooker, peering over the bed's shoulder. And the portrait on the wall? It's the silent guardian of the room, exuding a 'too cool for school' vibe, yet undeniably invested in the room's narrative. The overall harmony here is like a well-rehearsed quartet – every piece knows its place, yet the melody of comfort and style sings through effortlessly.
Welcome to the spa that Zen built! This isn't just a bathroom; it's a retreat where the floors are so stylish, you’d half expect to find a VIP section. The tub is so rounded and welcoming, you’d think it was giving out hugs. And can we talk about the wall art? It looks like the fish have just leapt out of the tub, having had the soak of their lives. That rustic stool by the tub is not just furniture, it’s a statement piece that says, "I'm here for the aesthetics, but also, you can totally put your towel on me." Even the toilet is so sleek and modern; it probably has a higher IQ than all of us combined. It's the kind of bathroom that makes you want to take up permanent residence, meditate on the meaning of life, or at least seriously consider getting a houseplant
Feast your eyes on the woodland symposium, where the ceiling beams bring a touch of the forest's majesty indoors, giving the impression they were lovingly coaxed into place by woodland nymphs with a flair for carpentry. The dining table is the room's pièce de résistance, an ovular stage set for philosophical debates over a hearty brunch or an evening of tall tales with wine. Above, the chandelier, a golden constellation of modernity, rains down a celestial light show, playing with the sun's rays that slip through the generous windows. The curtains, meanwhile, seem to have been spun from the very threads of sunlight, casting a soft golden hue that promises every meal here is touched by Midas.
Landscape Love
Welcome to the garden hideaway of Tim and Sarah Lincoln, where the plants have taken over, staging a leafy coup that's nothing short of fabulous. The pool, a lagoon of tranquility, is clearly the watering hole for the local flora elite, with hedges so prim and proper, they must moonlight as librarians. The building? It's playing a charming game of hide and seek, peeking through its leafy veil with the coy delight of a bashful woodland creature. And that pergola with the dining setup is the socialite of the garden, throwing al fresco soirees that the trees surely rustle about in envy. It's the kind of backyard that has squirrels lining up for a guest pass and bees buzzing with five-star reviews. This isn't just outdoor living; it's a green-thumbed utopia with a poolside view..
Objects Of Desire
The Lotus Table Lamp in Brass by Serena Confalonieri is a sight to behold. Inspired by its namesake, this stunning lamp embodies elegance, perfection and grace. With its cone stem of brushed brass or painted aluminum, it's as if the lamp's saying, "I've done yoga with the lilies, and now I'm here to zen out your abode." Its glass petals layer like haute couture, diffusing light and sophistication with each tier. Whether it's perching with poise in the foyer or bringing a soft romance to the bedroom, this piece doesn't just light up a room, it whispers sweet nothings to the shadows.
Step aside, wall art, and make room for this gem unveiled at CES 2024 — the LG Signature OLED T. With its transparent OLED screen, it's the television that invites you to gaze right through the plot twists. While traditional TVs dominate wall space, this one plays a delightful game of now-you-see-it, now-you-don't, making it the ultimate party trick for your living room. LG's design philosophy seems to be 'less screen, more scene,' turning the age-old 'big black box' into a transparent tableau that only comes to life when you desire.
Meet the aristocrats of the glass aviary: Oiva Toikka's iconic birds, hatched from a harmonious marriage of nature's elegance and the alchemy of mouth-blown glass. Since 1972, these Finnish fliers have perched proudly in the realm of design, each a unique specimen from Toikka’s boundless imagination. With over 500 species, this collection isn't a mere flock; it's a mosaic of masterpieces, handcrafted at the Iittala Glass Factory. Each bird is more than an art piece; it's a one-of-a-kind treasure, a whimsical nod to nature that promises to ruffle the feathers of any art collection with its charm and craftsmanship.
Art Radar
One For The Classics
On Our Coffee Table
Light Space Life: Houses by SAOTA takes readers on a visual journey through a selection of the internationally acclaimed design studio, SAOTA’s most distinguished residential projects. Renowned for their innovative use of space, light, and meticulous attention to detail, SAOTA's designs are celebrated for seamlessly integrating the environment with interior and exterior living spaces. Through vivid photography and detailed architectural plans, the book explores the contemporary, forward-thinking design ethos of SAOTA, making it an essential addition for enthusiasts and professionals interested in modern architecture and design.
Wallpaper Drop
Palette Power
This palette is the color equivalent of a beachside gelato shop. The vibrant teal is that first refreshing scoop of mint, while the powdery blue is a gentle vanilla breeze. The softest baby blue is the sky meeting the sea at dawn, and the white, with its hint of blue? That's the froth on the waves. Finally, the muted lavender is the twilight scoop – a hint of mystery as the day winds down. It’s a collection that says, "Why yes, I do coordinate my wardrobe with my dessert," with a wink and a smile. It’s for those who want to bring a splash of coastal charm and a whisper of sweet whimsy into their space.
Wordly Pleasures
Just because you're trash doesn't mean you can't do great things. It's called garbage can, not garbage cannot. — Anonymous