In a time where society is becoming more and more conscious of the need to become actively eco-friendly, so too are many designers. This includes the Spanish design studio Bel & Bel. “Recycling is no doubt our starting point,” the team says, who are now combining “reused materials… to make objects such as furniture, lighting, appliances… and other utilities to build sustainable housing.” This is evident in the studio’s handmade leather chairs, which are created by combining parts of old Vespas – primarily the bike’s front and leg shields. The beautiful little Italian bike, known for its negative impact on the environment, is now being recycled- converted into furniture and art. Call it what you will, Bel & Bel’s Vespa chairs are contemporary, comfortable, and keeps the environment in mind.
Source: www.ecoshopper.net
Only in London could you find mosaic floors made entirely from leather belts. Ting London has come up with the concept of using their recycled leather belts as a way of tiling floors. Originally the concept was a mat with the same recycled belts but the concept has since evolved to bigger and brighter ambitions. Check out the latest modular floor tiles, fabricated with vintage leather, it provides a sleek, alternative look with no two tiles ever looking the same. It’s a unique way to decorate a floor, with each reincarnated belt telling a different story...
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Picture from: www.tinglondon.com
Relax. Your bed is like a cloud. Private Cloud may resemble a giant rocking chair but the good news is it’s really your own private rocking bed! Designed by German Manuel Kloker, this cloud bed sways when you touch it and with two back plates that maintain the tilted angle, owners of the Private Cloud can well and truly profit from this unique bedding experience. It takes up a bit more space than a normal bed, but surely a bit of space is worth the sacrifice to revolutionise the way you sleep (among other things).
Pictures from: www.freshome.com
French graphic artist and designer Miss Julia is renowned for exploring the many possibilities offered by recycled paper products and cardboard as an art form. Her cardboard Design Cubes are the latest offering of functional cardboard design. This funky design is useful for storing DVDs, CDs and books, or simply as an interesting household object. The Marseille based designer has created some very fun and intriguing products using cardboard, all of which are stunningly designed whilst remaining practical. Who knew cardboard could be so versatile? Miss Julia, that’s who.
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Picture from: www.miss-julia.com
The Baobab Loveseat is the newest creation to come from young Mexican Industrial Designer Christian Vivanco. Modelled on the idea of the giant Baobab trees, which store water inside their swollen trunks to endure drought, this sofa welcomes you with its protective shell, promising to envelop you in comfort. This lounge practically begs you to lie down and take the place of water in the Baobab. It is a result from Vivanco’s experiments with surfaces and rhythm, and is a continuous development of the value of mass and volume. Feel at one with nature and peacefulness with this particular chair.
Pictures from: www.christianvivanco.com
Almost anything can be turned into something new and fabulous these days. Milk crates are proving no exception, with numerous re-imaginings of the plastic boxes existing as various home furniture pieces that maximize storage space and also look great. The Milk Crate Stool is Tasmanian Simon Ancher’s design, with the addition of a simple wooden top creating a comfortable seat. Naty Moskovich’s Box Life line is dedicated to re-using milk crate boxes for furniture and MADE has even created a block style chandelier. Clever, cool and a cheap alternative, there’s no limit to what these boxes can be made into.
Picture from: www.apartmenttherapy.com
Nobody tackles furniture quite like Nobody and Co. By turning the handle of their Scroll Table, seven different motifs roll under the crystal surface, adding a beautiful touch to your dining experience. The Comfort Table has distinctive caved in spaces to serve as armrests. Reading has never been so easy with the Bibliochaise, a chair built into book shelves. There’s even something for the quirky cook, with the Il Buddino, a single dose pudding mould that’s shaped like a sitting Buddha. With Nobody and Co furniture, your house is sure to be the most unique and stylish on the block.
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Picture from: www.nobodyandco.it
Say hello to some adorable patterns from Zaishu, a brand that promises to deliver a combination of style and substance. Zaishu uses hip, hand printed organic fabrics and certified sustainable materials to create funky products that double as a table, seat or just decorative artwork. The modern design has a slight vintage feel to it, with beautiful patterns from international artists and designers, ‘committed to a rich aesthetic of environmental integrity, cultural diversity and conceptual artistry’. Did we mention they look adorable?
Picture from: www.zaishu.com
Ever wondered what to do with all your old discarded clothes and rags? Wonder no more, with the Droog Rag Chair by Tego Remy constructed entirely of rags and metal strips. Each chair is unique, layered with 15 bags of rags. The chairs arrive ready made, with the option for owners to recycle their own dispensable clothes and include in the design. Thus, like other Droog products which emphasize nostalgia, re-use and memories, every time you sit down you’ll be reminded of a memory involving your clothes, as well as being extremely comfortable.
Picture from: www.droog.com
Not only are Insitu products recognised locally and internationally for their commercial design and hospitality, this independent company is also putting Ecological Sustainable Development on the map. Using safe and environmentally sound business practices, Insitu works to nurture a culture founded on excellent, responsible environment performance that doesn’t compromise on safety. The products have unique, eye catching designs like the Hollow series, a functional seating system with an open centre frame and a weather resistant surface which makes it suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. Take your pick of the innovative series; it could be just what your home is looking for.
Picture from: www.insitufurniture.com.au
