TOP PICKS H&M AUTUMN 2014 HOME LINE

See full autumn collection here

LIMITED PERCEPTION CLOCK

 I seemed to do quite the clock series during my second year of industrial design, starting with this one.

The 'Limited Perception Clock' is a play on the analog time teller. I tried to manipulate the two different arms on a clock face so that they would be two very different entities working together to tell the time, while relying on the user to fill in the gap. I ran into a lot of functionality issues with weight and balance on the clock motor - but in the end, my final prototype worked like a charm.

This is definitely a project I want to develop further and fine tune in the future.

Here is a peak into the process along with the end result. 

Funny, how things work.
How to read the time:
1 - Note that the notch at the top of the wood is noon or midnight (12:00am/pm)
2 - The small aluminium square marks the minutes. The notch in this one is called the 'indicator' - in order to read the minutes you will look where this notch is pointed in relation to the wood back board. In the following picture it is about 12:05
3 - The glass laser etched/cut plate indicate the hour. Follow the notch straight down until your eye meets a number marked (or assumed) on the glass plate.
4 - The seconds hand spins as per on a normal clock.

As the metal indicator turns on the minute, the glass plate moves relatively on the hour.
Titled the 'Limited Perception' clock as time is not easily read- but perceived. This is where it gets into the conceptual side of the design so I'll leave it at that.

2:05

CHAIR AND CHEETOH

  

A little throwback to last summer when I was refinishing pieces like a mad woman.  I took this simple black wooden chair and painted and distressed it et voila. My cat insisted on being part of this photoshoot - a handsome fella he is that one. Looking at these photos sure makes me miss being back home in the Okanagan with the endless orchards and unlimited project space. My creative impulses sure have taken a hit since living in the city where square footage has equal value to gold. Let me tell you - furniture design and 500sq. apartment don't mix. Fortunately, I have just moved into a new place that's a little more forgiving -- although nothing will compare to my parent's backyard and spare bedroom (aka my studio) back home. 

IN PASSING BY

 Appreciating design on my walk up Larch street. Heres a few snippits of what caught my eye and triggered my interest. Bold lines seemed to be the theme of the day. I have a whole album of these types of photos that I can always look back onto for inspiration.

 

Take time, take care.

-mjmroy

BETWEEN GAPS

Inspired by traditional and simple craft techniques, Finnish -born designer Sami Kallio's collection 'Between Gaps' interplays balance within distances and dimensions. This collection has rightfully been recognized with a 2014 Muuz International award - an annual collaboration between the French online magazine Muuz and a consortium of French architects and designers whom recognize and honor innovation in the French Market. The negative space compliments and creates the entirety of the form, where the contrast in materials meet to communicate the character and function of the chair. The traditional craft of the solid wood combined with the cutting-edge technology of form-pressed veneer were used to achieve its light, sculptural form. 

"Sami Kallio's design is distinctive for the large cut-out patter on the chairs back rest, an interplay of shapes defined as much for what's missing as what remains."

-2modernblog

Image Sources: &tradition, Sami Kallio

AINT THAT THE TRUTH

ANOTHER MANS TREASURE

A quick project I did in my first year at Emily Carr. My purpose was to create a solution for small space living - combining storage and seating together, and using recycled materials.

The wood is from a cedar palette that I managed to scavenge, the hardware is from old furniture, and the cushion is upcycled from an old couch. 

    

 Cardboard model vs. Final product

HANDMADE FROM CHILE

Minka Inhouse.

I was touched when I stumble upon the Minka Inhouse project on Kickstarter developed by Fran from Santiego, Chile. Fran finished her design degree and continued onto working in home decor for years, knowing she had more to offer. Finally coming to terms with her unhappiness, she decided to promote local production. With the support of the community, Minka Inhouse is able to buy raw materials, pay fair wages to the craftsmen, and most importantly - bring hope back into the local industry by creating jobs for amazing and talented people. Fran is positive that promoting local production will preserve identity + culture along with creating awareness of the importance of tradition - a concept often lost in our busy lives we lead. 

Watch this video, and see for yourself how how Minka Inhouse and the people behind it deliver a strong message.

My favourites - ceramic 'gold fever' mug +  cozy 'stay warm' home blanket

"There is something ritual about the work of Pedro, Hilda, Doris and Bernarda; always expectant, observant, never bored or dull. With expert skill, they integrate mind and heart in their process. All together, we form and give life to Minka Inhouse."

I find Fran to be a true inspirational leader in the design world. Taking her two favourite mediums, clay and wool, she has now a beautiful collection to go along with her beautiful story, reminding us all to support local craftsmanship. 

Get more here and here

Follow @minkainhouse on instagram to keep posted + inspired.

OH TIMOTHY

Just to throw a little product design your way -perhaps a little afternoon inspiration.

I happened to discover a designer by the name of Timothy John- a New Zealand based designer with a love for hand woven industrial felt, powder coated steel, and solid ash hardwood.

The 'Sidekick Stool'  was initially what intrigued me towards his designs.

These stools are "light and visually unimposing", making them the perfect match for any space [hello small space decor]. Available in a number of colours, with a natural or black stain wood top, the Sidekick comes in a stool size as well as a side table.

Looking deeper at TJ's portfolio I was smug to discover his wit show through in his other projects.

'Optimist + Pessimist'

'The Mastermind'

'The Boss'

See more of his work here:

http://www.timothyjohn.net/

Have a lovely day,
-M.