
i hate this phrase, but i am going to use it anyway: this isn’t your granny’s decoupage. which is not to say that granny’s decoupage is bad; decoupage is in fact awesome in all its various forms. but i wanted to do something a little unconventional and put pattern where it is unexpected. this is an old ikea lamp we’ve had forever, but it has a nice simple shape and the bending arms proved to be pretty easy to decoupage using separate pieces. this takes a little patience, but the result is a fully functional patterned lamp base that adds a punch to any room. have fun! - kate
CLICK HERE for the full project after the jump!
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May 20th, 2009 - 02:00pm

a fun diy project from kate is coming up next, but i wanted to get in a few more icff designers before i sign off for the day. here are 10 more great designers that debuted new products at this year’s show… [image above, the amuneal booth]

an incredible credenza by antoine + manuel.


chairs from the student design competition hosted by wilsonart laminate. top, armadillo chair, by aodh o donnell. second, diner chair by geoff qinter.

i loved this angular aluminum chair by baltasar portillo.


wood and aluminum furniture by reeves design.

designs from the belgium booth: right- pile of suitcases by maarten de ceulaer.

florence broadhurst rug designs.


i’m crazy about these furniture designs from gauthier poulain.

stool designs by phase.
May 20th, 2009 - 01:00pm

the designboom mart at icff is always one of the most interesting portions of the show. independent designers, student designers, and newcomers get to show a small selection of their wares and it’s often one of the best spots to find great new designers. above and below are my favorites from this exciting section of the show. [image above: plastic egg carton vases by oiti]


i LOVED these ceramic bowls and cups from studio make. the subtle drips on the edges were so, so lovely.

such a fun design- ‘inner message’ rings that leave subtle imprints on your finger saying “will you marry me” or “i love you”. by yoon jung yun.

another clever idea- a framed shelf that turns any book or objet into instant artwork. by think of the.

incredible bracelets from the talented team at nervous system.

such a lovely combination of natural materials and man-made ones. a wonderful twig bowl by stanley ruiz.



doily themed ceramics from cul de sac- i loved the little detail on the bottom of the votives that shows up when lit. try placing them on a glass shelf to get the full benefit of the bottom design.


a plastic flat-pak design by j.c. karich that folds into serving utensils
CLICK HERE for MANY MORE great designboom mart products after the jump!
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May 20th, 2009 - 11:00am

at this year’s icff japanese design got its own special pavillion off to the side of the show, dedicated to products that represented “kansei” kansei was explained as a design’s appeal to human sensibilities and its ability to evoke emotional sensations. each display area at the show represented an aspect of design like light, texture, etc and showcased products that best displayed those qualities. most of the products weren’t brand-new, but were still beautiful and exciting to see- so this morning i’m sharing some of my favorites above and below. i hope you’ll enjoy them… [image above: japanese tea whisk by chikumeido sabun]

this beautiful piece was actually a humidifier, by miyuki yoshida

miura folding model

curved chopsticks that do not touch the table, designed by mikiya kobayashi

wooden keyboard from hacoa

faceted beverage can (my favorite!) by toyo seikan kaisha ltd.



soft fabric carrying vessels were one of my favorite parts of the japanese pavillion. the top carrying bag, part of the RIN booth, was a lovely way to transport materials without using plastic bags. the bottom bags (kurakin), also part of the RIN booth, were made of felt and dyed using “leftover food” ie: coffee grinds, vegetables, etc.

mixing spoon from FLASK
CLICK HERE to see more japanese designs after the jump!
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May 20th, 2009 - 09:00am
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