Inspiration

Just a few videos to wrap up your work week...

Simple and inspiring ideas that just go to show, your marketing strategies don't have to be expensive to be effective!



Have a great weekend!

Space Saving Furniture

I live in a small house--and when I say small, I mean it. We've got a downstairs with very little space division, a lofted upstairs, and two very, very small closets where I have to shove what seems like every possession we have into on a regular basis. To be perfectly clear, we need more space--or we need less stuff, whichever. Regardless, when I received an email from my boss recently about a new line of multipurpose, space saving furniture, it got me thinking about all the possibilities small spaces hold if a little forethought is put into their design and furnishings. Whether you are dealing with a small residence, office, or retail space, there are countless space saving ideas and fixtures that will meet a number of needs--all in one compact package.

Let's take a look at a few of my favorites...and I don't know about you, but many of these made me think, "well duh, why didn't I think of that??"

1. Boxetti

Designed by Rolands Landsbergs, each modules "is designed to achieve maximum efficiency of particular demands for functionality and suitability," and boy, does it look good doing it. I love the modern look and clean lines of this collection--from the office, to the bedroom, to the kitchen, this line can make even the smallest spaces functional. Check out the full collection here.

2. Club

Created by Daniel Debiasi and Federico Sandri for the German manufacturer Schönbuch, this space saving mirror/wardrobe combo would be perfect in a small home or clothing store.

 

3. As if from nowhere...

Designed by Orla Reynolds, I can think of countless places that this piece would be useful, i.e. my own home! A fully functional bookcase discreetly houses two tables and four chairs, making the need to worry about unexpected guests a thing of the past.

4. Minuetto Space-Saving Table

Produced by Italian manufacturer Milano Smart Living, this piece is great for anyone living in tight quarters. "It starts out as a console table but quickly transforms into a large dining table big enough to seat 10 people"--um, what?! That, my friends, is good engineering.

5. Folditure Leaf Chair

Created by architect Alexander Gendell, this chair folds to less than 3/4" thick and can be hung in a closet when not in use. With an aluminum composite frame and sturdy mesh seat, this durable chair is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

6. Twin Chair

This chair, designed by Philippe Nigro, is a clever two-in-one deal that allows a person to use the chairs stacked, or two people to use them separated--great for times when you need extra seating but can't afford to have chairs taking up space on a full-time basis.

Are you a small space dweller? Do you have a piece of space-saving furniture that has made your life a little easier? Leave a comment and let us know!

sources: one . two . three . four . five . six . seven . eight . nine . ten . eleven

Shipping Container Stores

As I was going through my undergrad schooling for interior design, the use of shipping containers as building structures was quickly gaining steam. Fast forward a few years (many of which I paid little attention to this trend) and I am admittedly behind the curve. However, over the past few months of work related research, several retail stores made entirely of shipping containers have flashed across my screen, and given the overabundance of really cool designs that they typically employ, I couldn't resist any longer in compiling a small list of a few of my favorites.

Reusing shipping containers is not only good for the environment, but is also a good option for retailers looking to save a few bucks, as they can typically be purchased for around $2000. They are also make great pop-up shops, offering a portable structure that is durable and easy to ship from one location to the next.

Last year, DKNY offered a small sampling of its wares throughout Manhattan, housing them in a shipping container pop-up store. The need for a easy to set up (it took less than an hour!), portable design was critical to this project, as the store changed locations each day over the course of the three day event.

In 2010, fashion designer Richard Chai opened a pop-up store in Manhattan. Costing a mere $5,000, this location paired high fashion with flawless interior design.

Starbucks Reclamation Drive Thru located in Tukwila, Washington has garnered a lot of attention since the 450 sq ft portable structure was constructed. Comprised of four salvaged shipping containers, it was designed specifically to explore new options in sustainability--showcasing the company's ongoing dedication to providing sustainable structures and business practices.

This shipping container houses the Ilan Dei Studio pop-up store and project lab, which opened in Venice, California earlier this month. The primary goal of this clean, modern design is to showcase the indoor-outdoor living of the California lifestyle. Three separate sections house a traditional lifestyle store, art gallery, and a community area for events such as yoga classes and ping pong games.

One of my all time favorite use of salvaged shipping containers is Container City located in Cholula, Mexico. Restaurants, galleries, bars, stores and living spaces occupy the nearly 50 colorful containers carefully arranged to form courtyards, alleys, and streets.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to employing recycled shipping containers in design. From temporary pop-up stores to permanent cities, these structures provide a durable, eco-friendly alternative to conventional construction methods. This is one craze that has definitely caught my attention, and I anticipate it hanging around for many more years to come!

sources: one . two . three . four . five . six . seven