Wilsonart, a LAMINATE that isn't for just countertops anymore

Laundry concept designed with Wilsonart laminate 

(AT KBIS 2016)

The Wilsonart brand, a leading manufacturer of decorative engineered surfaces shows us a new perspective on laminate. So much so, laminate has become a viable resource for modern designers. Its eco-friendly and proves endless possibilities in color, texture and application.

Kitchen concept on counters and backsplash

 designed with Wilsonart laminate (AT KBIS2016)

At the International Contemporary Furniure fair (ICFF2016) Wilsonart, one of our sponsors showed us how laminate can be used cleverly...... 

Prelude chair by Stephen Marchio

S1 chair by Scott Pancioli

Geode chair by Zachary Boomer

En Throne chair by Adam Whiiaker

Those are details from students chair designs of the College of Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan. They entered the Wilsonart Challenges, an innovative Student Chair Competition celebrating Wilsonart laminate with a story, and an emotion. Their challenge was to "design for delight."  

Grace Jeffers, a design historian and materials expert who helps with the annual Wilsonart Challenges Competition told us 'designhounds' that the program is incorporated into the students curriculum and there was a winner and five runners up. What a great opportunity for rising stars!! We were able to meet this years impressive bunch of designers and talk to them about their inspiration.

Stephen Marcio's Prelude chair was the winning chair. He exposed the corner revealing the basic construction elements. I think he is a deconstructivist at heart although he wouldn't admit it.

Not the winner, but definitely my fave! Runner up Zachary Boomer's Geode chair resembles the geometries of a geode cracked open. The play of light really casts shadows on the laminate angles. The chair construction looks like concrete but Zachary told me it was made up of plaster to look like concrete. Well done!

Scott Pancioli's S1 chair exemplifies Scandinavian furniture with its clean lines. 

Inspired by one of my favorite sculptors Richard Serra, Adam Whitaker's En Throne playfully uses shape and intense color to make a sculptural statement.

Alejandra Bucco's Pie chair wins for fantastical whimsy.

Inspired by nature, Kiho Jeong's Root Bench imitates how children who climb trees can nest in slanted branches. 


Thankyou Wilsonart! 
Congratulations to all, a talented group!


image credits: Dominick Mastrangelo and Wilsonart

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CELEBRATE LIGHT ICFF 2013- #02 SERIES

Enjoy my light series called Celebrating light #02, where you will discover novel innovations in lighting design and technology seen at ICFF, International Contemporary Furniture Fair 2013.

The beauty of light against wire is seen in designer Kalin Asenov's artful wire and wood creation. The light breaks through perfectly drilled holes. 

Artistic blown glass bubbles with metal, cotton and leather cording by Pelle Designs appears to float in the air. 24K gold is brushed in a painterly fashion against the glass. Stunning! 

See the Vine:

The Eos fixture by Vita Lighting is comprised of authentic bird feathers all strategically placed by hand. The bulb is hidden within this fluff and you experience a soft heavenly glow. 

See the vine:

Tom Dixon celebrates the joy of contrasts - the opposites of rough and smooth. Inspired by the sculptural simplicity of brass cooking pots in India, his Beat Light Stout fixture draws you in. Brass is back with a delightful hammered finish! 

Now this was cool...Tom Dixon's GIANT laser cut metal light fixture hung over its Trulab machinery, the equipment that fabricates its light's metal construction.  You can peek in and witness fabrication hands on. 

See the vine:

Nice to see Mooi again since my trip to imm cologne. Designed by Bertjam Pot, Mooi showcased the Heracleum II chandelier inspired by the Heracleum plant. Low voltage LED's illuminate through its conductive leaf-like structure.

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