For those of us who are process oriented and like to see how things are made, here is a great vintage video detailing the creation of an Eames Shell Chair. Just as a heads up, the video is a bit long and perhaps dry to some, but luckily they included great tunes to keep you enthralled…

Thanks to NotCot.org who spotted this video on ArchDaily.com

Whoa. Imagine going nearly two months living in a loft (aka a box) with only one floor lamp and some lighting from the kitchen. Let me tell ya, these were two months of very long and dark nights, especially now that the sun sets at 5pm. But as of this past weekend we have light! (excuse the mess)

We had to get our electrical setup figured out before we could install the Lights Up! Deco Deluxe Pendant Lamps over our “dining” and “living” spaces. We actually decided to use just the two big sections of the pendants…after playing with the various pieces to the lamp we liked the simplicity of the two pieces. What is great though is if we ever want to change it up we can add the rest of the shades to the pendant and we’ve got a new lamp!

While going through this lighting process/challenge I have learned a bit about what it takes to give a home the right lighting. I’ve collected all of my findings in our lighting guide, but if you see anything missing or have additional insight, please share!

Finally, someone has compiled a list of green resources all in one place. Domino partnered up with the eco-crusaders at Treehugger to bring such a list to the latest issue, and they’ve just informed me that it is available online.   Suffer through the always popping up “Subscribe Now!” annoyance – it’s worth it.
By the way, I could swear that awhile back I noticed Domino asking its readers “do you prefer models on the cover or the homeowner?” I see that this month they made everybody happy by making the cover girl homeowner, supermodel and avid composter Shalom Harlow. Pretty Sneaky Sis!

photos from Treehugger.com and Dominomag.com

Here at Design Public we become extra excited when we find great style that was made with preserving the environment.  Here’s a list of a few of our sustainable products for that giftee who likes to hug the trees.  The top three items shown are made from bamboo trees, to be exact:

Modern Bamboo Becca Stool

Inhabit Wall Flats 

 I’ve never had a wedding reception, so my silverware, dinnerware, and glassware is a hodgepodge of charming vintage ware that really does not go together at all.  I figured this out the other day when I had some friends over for dinner – I could not set a very pretty table for more than  two people with what I had.  Help those you know like me who don’t have that treasure trove of wedding bounty – give them the gift of beautiful tableware!

First, lighting is key.  Like I told you before, no ugly overhead flourescents.  Try CAKE Candle Votive Sets or Vessel Candela Sets .  Read the rest of this entry »

OK, so somewhere in between sitting on patios drinking beer in the freakish 80 degree weather in Atlanta in December and the freakish hairdresser party on top of the mountain that ended with me bouncing from drag show to drag show on a Sunday night/Monday morning, I lost a day of design or two in the mix.  I tried to fudge it, I tried to double up, but let’s face it, it’s just not going to work out quite right.  Today I am just going to ‘fess up and do 8 and 9 together.  I’ve got shopping of my own to do and well, I have no other excuse. Read the rest of this entry »

Now that my 2 year old nephew has a new brother, his favorite word is "mine."  Kids like to have things and areas to call their own. Here are just a few great objects that kids will enjoy:

1) Play Tables!
zid zid kids Table and Cushion Set – Colorful graphics that will inspire creativity

ducduc Parker Play Table – This table comes with a paper roll cover, so the artwork can be ripped off and displayed. Read the rest of this entry »

Are you one of those wack jobs who spends more on your dogs stuff than you do on yourself?  If so, we’ve got plenty for you to get Fifi for the holidays.

1)  Alright, I admit it, I am one of those whack jobs who will probably get this for my cat, Boo Boo. It’s the Fatboy Catbag , it comes in an array of groovy colors, and it’s even got a bad fish skeleton on the side. Yeah, Fatboy has great beds for your dogs too.

2 ) Your dog will feel like he’s pulling up to the counter at the coffee shop with Everyday Studio’s Dog Dish .  This version mounts to the wall for easy access.

3) O.K., back to cats.  If you gave yourself that gorgeous new sofa for Christmas, you’ll want to distract her from sharpening her claws on it with the Elizabeth Paige Smith Birdy Scratcher.

4) If your dog just won’t have anything to do with any finish but cherry, rest assured, Holden Pet Feeders have you covered.  Your modern dog will appreciate the clean and beautiful lines, and the contrast of the steel bowl against the wood finish.  Yeah, whatever, it’s really for you because you are persnickity about every accessory in your kitchen, and the dog bowls would be hidden in an automatic drawer that Fido could push with his nose if it was up to you.  You know what?  That’s O.K.  Pick this up and pretend it’s really all about the dog.  We won’t tell anyone.  Take him for a walk later to assuage your guilt.

For more great pet designs, click here.

Here are a few suggestions if you would like to give the luxurious gift of better sleep surroundings.  There are countless more available, I just picked a few favorites.
Area Alma Throw Blanket – This is beautiful, soft, and goes with everything. Whenever I’m in that 11 months since the wedding and I still have not sent a gift yet pinch, I just order up one of these.  It works the same for the holidays. Read the rest of this entry »

You know you’ve seen it – everything in the space is absolutely perfect, the chi is flowing, the arrangement is feng shui compliant, the furniture is so dazzling it looks picked out by a curator, but your friend clicks on the buzzing overhead fluorescent lamp and ruins the whole shebang.  Help them help themselves with the gift of light.

A few suggestions:

1) Inspire your giftee to rip out that dusty ceiling fan or boring came-with-the-place light bulb covering globe with the Lights Up! Deco Pendant Lamp.  The prints are smashing, the form is a modern interpretation of a crystal chandelier, and it doesn’t collect that dust like fans and chandeliers that makes you recoil in horror a few times a year when you look up.

2) Not positive the big pendant is appropriate for your giftee?  Try a Pablo Elise Table Lamp.  It’s a simple, modern, versatile design that fits in anywhere without overwhelming its surroundings.  Better yet, it has a built in dimmer, so on the bedside table it can go from soft romantic glow to reading ready with the turn of a dial, thus settling any lights on/lights off debates with a good compromise!

3) For your whimsical light-deprived pal, one of my personal very faves has always been Mibo.  The small table lamp in Clacket Lane, to be exact.  I don’t care if birds are in or out, Mibo’s prints are always the charming prints others prints can only strive to be – they rock, and besides, birdy stuff makes people smile.   

4) If you have the means to afford this next one, you have the means to pay someone to monitor the dust.  It’s a real show-stopper – the Erich Ginder Mansion Chandelier.   You’ve been working so hard thinking through all of these gifts and baking all those rum balls,pick up one for yourself after the tinsel clears.