Somewhat Different - Challenge Your Perception

A promising challenge of your perception of how furniture and its function should be – this is my impression on Somewhat Different exhibition. 

Somewhat Different - Contemporary Design and the Power of Convention, is an exhibition of European Product Design, organized by the Institut fur Auslandsbeziehungen e.V. (ifa), in-corporates with Goethe-Institut Kuala Lumpur, and shows cases at Galeri Petronas, KLCC from 18th of January, 2011 to 13th of March, 2011.

Product Design, is a unique design field that combines both arts and technology. Designers create and improve the aesthetic look of a product or a piece of furniture, without losing its function effectiveness. But Somewhat Different is not only maintaining the artistic look and the efficiency, but is also challenging on how we form the images in our minds. The great thing about this product design exhibition is, the furniture and product displayed here are highly functional and easily be commercialized.

Conventionally, we think a storage space around the table, i.e. beside the table, behind the table or under the table. The different that P. Frey & M. Boge / Kant created is storage space in the table. You will still be able to use the space you desired on the table. But now you can reach the things that you store at your arm's reach, without bending, stretching or standing. 

Another favourite creation of mine, bookshelf by Tom Pawlofsky / Zinfandel. We expect the bookshelf to be rectangular, stable, and perfect horizontal or vertical space. This bookshelf is in loosely-form, with the frame made by polyurethane foam and fixed boxes. The frame, which is also the foam, can be arranged in any desired positions that you like. It is no longer need to be upright, if you want it to be otherwise.  ^_^  The fixed boxes can also be arranged horizontally or vertically to suit your needs. 

Another example, when I tell you about carpet, you will think of a piece of rug on the floor. Designer Silvia Knuppel creates a wall-carpet – the carpet that extend from the wall to the floor. 

Enjoy!

Trend of the Millennials - in Interior Design

What an interesting finding I came across on this article: No McMansions for Millennials 

If you are an interior designer and your client is born after 80s, you might want to have some ideas from this article. There is always exceptional case, of course. It might, or might not be applicable to this part of the world. But I always think there is connection somehow. And, no harm to pick a line or two.

What would be the Millennials ideal living space? The hall or living room must be big enough to host parties. Dining table is to put food during parties, not sit around the table (I can't have 20 over friends for a sit-down dinner!!). If I can't afford a landed property, living in an apartment is just fine (whether rent it or own it). But the amenities need to be inclusive - swimming pool, barbecue area, gym, convenient store, daycare, etc. All within the compound or at least in walking distance. 


Ya?

Comforter vs. ??

Down With Comforters 

Have you ever dreamt of having one in your bedroom? The cozy, comfy look, so you think. Think again... maybe read the article cited above. 

I had comforter when I was living in US. Just a normal comforter that you could get at Walmart or any other departmental stores. I studied in a place where winter could be 4 to 6 months long (I love the cold, by the way), and spring and fall (autumn) could be just a blink. Summer? Depends, could be hot like the oven; or cool like fall. Comforter was needed for winter and most days of spring - when you had snow storm here and there. My roommate then had her comforter sent from Japan, even cozier with the feathers. We needed the comforter because some nights the temperature could drop below 0^oF and the central heater in the room was not warm enough. Comforter would let you stay asleep through the nights. 

But when I'm back to Asia, living in a hot and humid country like Malaysia, unless I have a air-conditional room that blasts the cold air 24 hours, I don't see the need of having the comforter. It's hot!  >_<  And I might need a bigger washing machine to wash it, or send for laundry service. A simple towel-like blanket (oh, my favourite!!) or a coverlet or a Suzani (as suggested in the article) might give your room the cozy and, more importantly, the aesthetic look. 

Picture taken from this site: http://www.thisnext.com/item/BEC0ABFF/5E21D8BD/madera-in-moss-coverlet