Repeat. No Repeat.

FilzFelt joins the Knoll family

Knoll had not one but two big announcements this week, including the exciting news that they acquired FilzFelt. The modern furniture giant purchased FilzFelt - a small woman-owned company based in Boston that has been selling felted wood textiles - in order to increase their portfolio of desirable goods and materials for both the commercial and residential markets. FilzFelt joins leather companies Spinneybeck and Edelman as Knoll-owned companies producing luxury goods for the A&D community, and it seems to be a smart pairing.

The wool felt produced by FilzFelt is milled in Germany at a wide width (up to 71") and is available in many different formats. Not just intended for upholstery, felt has structural and dimensional stability and can be used in appropriate thicknesses as an architectural material for screens, wall and ceiling panels, and flooring. It can be die-cut, water-jet cut, laser-cut, laminated, stitched, or receive an adhesive so there is inherent flexibility in the installation of felt as a material. Since the felt is 100% wool, it is natural and biodegradable, renewable as a resource, and is warm and resilient. It has wonderful acoustic properties, and provides insulation. It is also non-directional, which makes it most flexible as a material with little waste factor. It is also water resilient, another feature from the wool fiber which contains lanolin - a natural protectant for sheep's coat. And if that's not enough, wool is also inherently flame retardant. FilzFelt has tested their products tro ASTM E84 standards, and rates as Class A for dyed products (Class B for undyed). It comes in five thicknesses (1/16" up to 3/8") for the various architecural applications, and 58 colors. Speaking of color, since wool is porous as a fiber, it takes dyes beautifully, leaving true clean saturated color behind in gorgeous hues. The color palette used bu FilzFelt was established with a select grouping from the Pantone PMS system, but for a mimimum you can get any custom color. Another bonus working with felted wool is that since it's non-woven, it can be cut without compromising the structure of the fabric, and therefore you can have exposed edges if desired.

FilzFelt screens used in a corporate pantry

FilzFelt wool rug with decorative stitching detail

It Takes Two: Kiki and Joost for Bernhardt

Bernhardt has not one but two new product launches from Dutch duo Kiki Van Eijk and Joost Van Bleiswijk. Kiki and Joost are not only married but share a studio, although they typically work on separate projects. Their launch for Bernhardt includes a large textile collection of forty fabrics comprised of five patterns and one chaise, aptly named "Workshop" after their love of craft and hands-on approach in their studio. The addition of the chaise was a fluke - Kiki and Joost created one just to display the fabrics at home, and Bernhardt loved it so much they added it into the line. As for the collaboration, Joost was a bit out of his element designing textiles, being primarily an industrial designer of objects in metal and wood. He usually focuses on creating objects that have historical references and speak to hand craftsmanship and purity of design (he is currently working on a line of furniture with no screws or glues). So it was a challenge to collaborate with Kiki, who is more well versed in patterning, textiles, and carpet. He looked around their studio and took three dimensional objects that could create a 2D pattern once translated into a different medium. For example, Block (shown below) was designed by combining wooden bars and squares, which were then coated with spray paint and layered with paper tape. Kiki then worked on the layers of pattern and texture until satisfied with the end result.

Block by Bernhardt Textiles

So back to the chaise: the intent is that the designer can mix-and-match fabrics to create a more whimsical object. The chaise comes with a series of fixed and loose pillows, making it easy to do so. This is Kiki's influence here, as she is known for layering patterns and colors to create a pleasing palette.

"Workshop" Chaise by Bernhardt

Kiki and Joost came out of the Design Academy at Eindhoven in The Netherlands, which has a nice reputation as being one of the best design schools in the world due to the acclaim brought by faculty and alumni such as Kiki and Joost, as well as designers from Droog, Moooi, and Ikea. Toord Boontje, Maarten Baas, Marcel Wanders, Bertjan Pot, and Hella Jongerius are also alumni. In the US, products designed by Kiki and Joost are available at MOSS in New York, and "Workshop" is available through Bernhardt.

Kiki and Joost

Quick spotlight: 18KARAT

18KARAT is a cool company that makes contemporary planters along with furniture, kitchen and garden accessories, and decorative art objects. Usually it is pretty challenging to find such interesting yet modern looking accessories manufacturered in such a large size, so we took special note of these stunning floor standing vases. Perfect for hospitality, corporate, and residential projects.

Interview with Todd Bracher

It is not uncommon to be a young, talented designer of international acclaim these days. But it is uncommon to be such a person and remain grounded, sincere, and connected to your beliefs all while maintaining a hectic career with highly visible clients. Such is the case with top industrial designer Todd Bracher. Todd is a hands-on designer, someone who carries a project through from start to finish with passion for both the process as well as the finished work, all with a big albeit humble smile. His work follows one basic tenant: that truth and honesty of an object comes from its essence, and that can be revealed through its most elemental form. His resume is most impressive - designing products for Zanotta, Fritz Hansen, Tom Dixon, Georg Jensen, Swarovski, Cappellini, Humanscale, HBF, Horm, Shaw Contract, among others - and the list is growing. Having spent years working in Copenhagen, Milan, Paris, and London, Todd is back in his native New York heading up his own studio and making waves on both continents. We recently asked Todd some questions about his work and he stopped for a tiny bit to fill us in...

RNR: You are back in New York now after a decade working in Europe. What brought you to Europe, and what brought you back?

Todd: For me I learn by doing.  Design is secondary for me.  I felt a curiosity and interest in culture and language.  I am a sort of anthropologist at heart and for me to learn all I can, being there in person was the most important thing.  Mind you design is a sort of byproduct of how I experience the world around me... my goal is to educate myself, take in as much as this will only benefit my work as I look to create relevant meaningful work around the world.

Dome lamp - Mater

How do you get your commissions? Do you seek out specific manufacturers or do they find you?
 

There are a thousand ways.  The most common way for me is time.  I have over the years taken the time to get to know the manufactures, been to their factories, have personal friendships with them.... with certain ones, over time, when things align we come together and create work.  For clients who've approached me, the same things occurs, we spend time to get to know each other... this is certainly business, but also we find a common personal ground which makes the relationships more productive but also interesting and fun.

What was the very first product you designed?

To market?  It was the Freud Sofa for Zanotta in 2002.  When I first moved to Milan, I spent the early days doing my homework and learning what factories had what capabilities.  Over this period I got into contact with Zanotta... and pitched them several designs... the Freud being one of them, which they took straight away.

Freud sofa - Zanotta
 

Do you have materials that you prefer to work with?

No, the material is the choice of the product. This is not determined by me most of the time. Each material has a physical personality which is remarkable... It woud be like saying if I had a favorite food or music... impossible to say. 

Alodia stool - Cappellini

What is your typical work day like?

Not as glamourous as I would prefer!  There is a lot of paperwork, a lot of legal things, a lot of following up, a lot of phone calls (lots), a lot of trying to get everything done so I can work with my team on design.

How do you approach a new project?

I approach new design with a very thorough research on two key aspects:  market and human experience. We prepare ourselves with all the knowledge that steers the design process... in fact 75% of the work is in this first stage.

Canard table - Horm

Is there a perfect object that you wish you had designed?

No, for me I am always most interested in avenues i've never explored, new challenges = new education.  I encourage possible collaborators to present their unique challenges... we tailor design solutions so anything is possible. 

What is your new year's resolution for 2012?

Bringing it all together. 

Nest chairs - HBF

EAMES: The Architect and the Painter

Eames mania is everywhere you look today, no doubt in part to the release of a new documentary on design's most famous couple. Eames: The Architect and the Painter was released in late 2011 in a small theater run, and then aired on PBS as part of their American Masters series. It is a fascinating in depth look at Charles and Ray as individuals and as a working couple, with questions about their contributions to both the design projects and the marriage. They were both on their own visionary artists, but together they were a force to be reckoned with, and this film does a great job at going into their studio and exposing the ideas behind the legends. And since Charles and Ray were also very articulate, we thought we would post some of their more thought provoking quotes. There is even a book called "100 Quotes by Charles Eames", published by Eames Office. Check out both the book and the film, while cozy in your Eames designed lounge chair and ottoman. And if you are in LA, don't get cozy yet, there is an ongoing exhibit at the A+D Museum called Eames Words, on view until February 20th.

Ray:

- "What works good is better than what looks good, because what works good lasts".

Charles:

- "The details are not the details. They make the design".

- "Recognizing the need is the primary condition for design".

- "Whoever said pleasure wasn't functional?"

- "Art resides in the quality of doing, process is not magic".

- “It is not easy to do something good, but it is extremely difficult to do something bad".

A Look Back: The Best Stuff of 2011

What a year! With all the product releases and introductions, you would never know the economy is still slow. Manufacturers are meeting the demand for good design by consumers and end users, whether it be intended for personal use or on commercial projects. Good design is everywhere (Amen!), as evidenced by the slew of products that made their way across our desks and into our consciosuness. So what was the best stuff of 2011? Let's take a look back....

Row 1 (L to R): HBF - Nest, B&N - Infused Veneer, Allermuir - Octo, Bernhardt - Apel, B&B Italia - Tufty-Too. Row 2: 3Form - HighRes Imagery, Zero - Fisherman, Sancal - Tab, Lama - LED carpet, Vitra - Jill. Row 3: Brentano - Sputnik, KI- Itoki DP, Vibia - Wind, Axor - Axor Bouroullec, Milliken - Fixate. Row 4: Davis - Gingko, Mutina - Phenomenon, Andreu World - Nub, Tom Dixon - Base, Fritz Hansen - Favn. Row 5: B&B Italia - Husk, B.Lux - Around, 3Form - Timber Latitude, Bernhardt - Forest, Davis - Sola.

Row 1 (L to R): Kartell - Comback, Plumen - Plumen 01, Haworth - Reside, Beside, Belong, Davis - Kontour, Steelcase - Soto II. Row 2: Skyline - 5+ Collection, Carnegie - Pixie Applique, Knoll - Krusin Guest, Unika Vaev - Ilias Collection, Keilhauer - Moss. Row 3: Lori Weitzner - Cinema Posters, Corque Design - Puf String, Leland - Ebb, Infiniti - Loop 3D Vinterio, Martin Brattrud - Kurve. Row 4: Murano Due - IXI Lights, Dune - Asteroid, Bend - Farmhouse, Buzzispace - Buzzihub, Duravit - Darling. Row 5: Geiger - Loophole, Humanscale - Trea, Coalesse - Sebastopol, Lobmyer - One Crystal Chandelier, Coalesse - EMU Pattern.

2012 Color of the Year

Right on schedule, Pantone, the design industry's authority on color, has announced the 2012 Color of the Year. Last year it was Honeysuckle, in 2010 it was Turquoise, and in 2009 it was Mimosa. So what is the color of the year for 2012? (drum roll please.....)

Tangerine Tango 17-1463

Tangerine Tango is a warm and vibrant red-orange, instantly energzing and optimistic. Intended to inspire us to look happily towards the future while keeping us going today, the orange tones of this color can be found everywhere - whether it be in nature, interiors, fashion, consumer products, and graphics. Designers have been using orange hues for years now in interiors, and it has become more commonplace to see such vibrant colors in the workplace and in residences. We also see it prevalent in product design. So it's no surprise that Tangerine Tango would surface to take it's position as the top color of the year. And keep your eye on the runway, for Tangerine Tango will be seen in clothing this year from the best fashion designers. We can also expect a partnership with Sephora, to bring the color of the year to make-up products for consumers in early 2012. So besides having Tangerine Tango on your walls or pillows on your sofa, you can have nail polish to match, all while drinking out of your Pantone mug while wearing your tangerine Tommy Hilfiger leggings. Thanks to Pantone, color has hit the big time and is stealing the show.

Pantone chip mug by W2, featuring the color of the year (limited edition!)

Visit to the Emeco Factory

One of the best parts of being a Design Resource Specialist is having access to the people and companies that produce all the wonderful furniture, materials, and objects that we admire and like to specify on our projects. One such company is Emeco, who is in Hanover, PA (land of all the pretzel and potato chip companies). Emeco was gracious to invite me for a visit to their factory, which is a 2-1/2 hour drive from Philadelphia. I brought some colleagues with me, and together we had an amazing day learning about the world of Emeco. Our day ended with a stop at the Utz factory store, where I now have enough potato chips in all kinds of crazy flavors to last the winter. But chips were not the reason we drove out to the country - we wanted to learn about how Emeco makes their aluminum seating products, which have become design classics and can be seen in chic boutique hotels and fast food restaurants alike.

Emeco is extremely proud of their heritage (they started by making chairs for the Navy), and also being one of the only US based manufacturers of aluminum seating, as they excel in the craftsmanship and hand manufacturing that is no longer commonplace in this country. They rely on approximately 60 workers who have highly specialized skills (things like hand polishing aluminum) to handcraft all of their seating. Their sense of pride and quality is pervasive all around the factory, and we were priveledged to see this first hand. Their chairs require 77 steps of fabrication, and we were able to see this in each of the departments, including: forming, welding, grinding, polishing, heat treating, hand finishing, and anodizing. All of this attention to detail is evident in the final product, and doesn't leave the factory until the last watchful eye has inspected the item. 

Getting ready in the Lobby for our factory tour, safety glasses on!

Our host for the day, Dan Fogelson, VP of Sales and Marketing - teaching us about welding

Welding by hand

Templates for chair backs

Emeco stamped logos on Phillipe Starck chair backs - done for authenticity purposes to combat knockoffs

20-06 Barstool designed by Norman Foster + Partners, welded and awaiting grinding

Workers grinding chair parts

The best part of the tour: watching the heat treatment which gives rigidity and makes the alumium three times stronger than steel

Seat pans on the floor

Aluminum tubes in a pile, awaiting further production

Anodizing the chairs to give them an aluminum oxide finish

Workman's gloves in the Anodizing Department

Chairs drying after anodization process

Swivel chair bases

Drill

Love that logo!

Weights for BIFMA testing

Lancaster chair being tested for BIFMA

Navy Test Chair at the Emeco factory museum

School of Visual Arts' version of an Emeco chair at the museum

Starck notes at the museum

Our favorite sighting: Pink Navy Chair at the museum

Thank you Emeco for a great visit. You can learn more about the factory here, where there are great video clips including one about inspiration provided by Betty Grable. Long live aluminium!

Suzanne Tick and Tandus: Designing with Sero

Textile designer and artist Suzanne Tick, who has spent much of her career crafting designs for Knoll Textiles and Tandus carpet, visited our office in Philadelphia last week to present her latest work with Tandus. We at Kling Stubbins love first hand accounts of the design process from industry luminaries, so it was treat to welcome Suzanne to the office and have her tell us in her own words about the new technology Tandus has called Sero. Sero technology is tied to Tandus' Powerbond product, which is basically 6' wide hybrid product of resilient flooring with carpet face to give you an impermeable, seamless product. Powerbond has been around for over four decades, but no one had ever designed to the medium before nor thought about the entire floor plane, trying to resolve issues of larger scale and repeat. Suzanne and the folks at Tandus tackled that by pushing the boundaries of the tufting machines, thinking beyond the limitations of width and length. Once the idea of creating modular tiles from the Powerbond Sero machines was out of the box, it became apparent that the patterns once installed would be "unidirectional" - a new terms for us designers who are used to more regulated ways of installing carpet tile. The unidirectional approach makes for a faster, easier installation (which always equates to dollars) and less waste, but more importantly, it allows for a more sprawling pattern that is ideal for the open plan office (which we all know is more popular than ever with offices going away). The patterns in the latest collections are fantastic - specifically "Change", which has an undulating fringe type line pattern not unlike an EKG. Depending in which format you use, you can get a very active pattern on the floor, or a more subdued one, with specific areas of pattern placement. We also like "Nonconform", which is a grid pattern of two scales. Suzanne explained the inspiration for this was by watching two different patterns being tufted together on the loom, and how seeing the collision of two scales was very interesting. Images from our time together are below. Thanks Suzanne and Tandus for the visit!

Suzanne Tick presenting new products from Tandus to designers at Kling Stubbins

Overhead view of Change and Nonconform by Tandus

Here is a video explaining Powerbond, which gives you a good sense of what the product is and how it's made, along with the attributes that make it so resilient:

 

 

Brush Up On Your Finishes

We brush our hair, we brush our teeth, and even brush the dog - but do we ever stop to think that the bristles that make up most of the market's brushes would make a suitable material for interior design? The folks at Braun Brush have done exactly that. While not new (Braun has been in business since 1875 in the state of New York), the company decided to share the source for a few years now so that designers and architects can discover the textural and tactile nature of working with bristles. They have come up with a standard format that works well - 12" x 12" tiles that are virtually seamless when installed together. Designers are using them for featured elements in a space, such as an accent wall or sculptural focal point. The bristles can be custom carved to create varying heights and effects. The bristles are available in several types: Natural (vegetable fiber or horse hair) or Synthetic (polyester). The synthetic ones are available in red, white, and black but for 100 square foot minimum, any pantone color can be achieved. The best part is that the white bristle color is translucent, so that with an acrylic substate you can create backlit elements. For the colored bristles, you can have a painted plywood substrate to match (or contrast). Braun provides installation information, as well as information on getting the brush tiles treated with fire retardant for areas that require Class A rating. Another great feature?! The brush tiles can just be vacummed or brushed to refresh them and keep them looking good. Since the bristles are durable, there's no need to worry about wear and tear - the brush tiles will withstand anything that a brush would! And while the tiles come with a five-year warranty from manufacturing defects, Braun does recommend that the bristles not be installed in areas where extreme temperature or humidity changes occur. Other than that, it seems open to your imagination and creativity, one that can allow for users in the space to reach out and touch.

Wall installation with signage (from Brush Tile trade show booth)

Brush Tiles shown in synthetic and natural fibers

Wall installation with carved relief and lighting effects