MoD must Haves: 2014 Wanted Design Part 2

MoD Must Haves

stylish, modern, novel 

for design lovers

2014 Wanted Design Part 2: Creative. Collective. Dynamic. Design Community. 

During NYCxDesign located in the landmark Terminal stores building on 11th Avenue.

Product and Fashion designer Anastasia Su and Architect Martin Lesjak have partnered as 13 & 9, an interdisciplinary design collective. Their funky and architectural jewelry and bags are so cool! The Jewelery Geometric collection is inspired by nature: stone symbolizing permanence and the honeycomb shape symbolizing modular functionality. You can layer the rings and bracelets together to create endless shapes and your own distinctive fashion. And oh my... I want that black leather geometric bag! The Geometric collection of messenger bags and handbags rely on proportioned hexagons as the basis for the shape. Its the perfect synthesis of its designers Anastasia and Martin - the union of architecture and fashion.

13&9 jewelry , lighting,furniture #wanteddesign https://t.co/DjmSseoBQV

— MoD Design Guru (@ModDesignGuru) May 16, 2014

 Alacantra, a leading Italian material brand for a variety of fields such as fashion, interior design and decor and electronics showcased their conic vines by award winning Japenese studio Nendo. The cones could make an interesting plant-like screen to divide spaces. 

Suede screen #alcantra # wanteddesign#nendo https://t.co/tT753kmPnw
— MoD Design Guru (@ModDesignGuru) May 16, 2014

Austin based designer Michael Yates creates some beautifully detailed furniture with Danish cord and textiles. The weaving is impeccable. His Giacomo rocker was an exciting surprise using a textile rug to support the seat of the rocker.

Michael Yates #furniture with textile#danish cord #wanteddesign https://t.co/S6D3Fd9BvU
— MoD Design Guru (@ModDesignGuru) May 16, 2014

I love these unique Inception 3D silicone dish racks | desk organizer simulating a model of midtown Manhattan.  It is designed by Luca Nichetto for design brand Seletti. 

Stunning glass objects by Chicagoland.  Keeping an American design tradition, their designers focus on truth to material. Their Collection WEST is an evolving collection of objects, sculptures, housewares. 

The Duo Tables collection for Haymann editions by Lucie Koldova and Dan Yeffet are functional sculpture. It speaks simplicity with a hint of surprise in the use of the material.

Haymann #wanteddesign #lighting#marble https://t.co/RNZwV1etHA
— MoD Design Guru (@ModDesignGuru) May 16, 2014

Extremis design equals functional + good design. Their mission is to bring people together in a technical but beautiful way. Every detail has meaning and thoughtfulness- its easy to open and close and they think about how people will use it. For example, a woman in a dress doesn't haven't to climb over the bench. You first sit at the end of the bench and then swing your legs across. Now that's good design!

Extremists outdoor furniture #stainless steel #polyester fabric #cables# wanteddesign https://t.co/NIc1MJujVb
— MoD Design Guru (@ModDesignGuru) May 16, 2014

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MoD Product Buzz: Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat with Voice Control

(MoD Design Guru received the thermostat from Honeywell in exchange for a review. All opinions are mine)

Wouldn't it be extremely cool if your thermostat could talk to back to you? "Hello Thermostat, I'm feeling cold. Can you increase the heat? Guess what, the Honeywell Wi-Fi Smart thermostat with Voice Control would understand this command and many other complex commands to raise or lower the thermostatic temperature in your home. It is built to listen to your voice! Honeywell has sent me my very own to review and I was blown away! The thermostat is very easy to install and use. Its really fantastic......it's able to interpret spoken requests and learn from them by using your homes WiFi connection. I played around with mine and found  all you have to say to activate the device is, "hello thermostat, make it 3 degrees hotter," and it did it! From more then 10 feet away while folding laundry, I said, "hello thermostat, make it 69 degrees," and it did it! If you want, you can also use it manually but its so smart why do that?! 

Besides the smart technology, I found some nice features: first, you have the ability to change its background color. My kids love this feature! One day they turned it to yellow and the next day it was pink and so on. So go ahead and customize what you want to either match your decor or your mood for the day! Second,  you can link your thermostat to your iPhone or Android with an easy mobile app. So don't worry, if your away on a business trip or on vacation, you can control your homes climate from afar. How great, you will be able to come home to a temperature your heart desires. Love it! 

Wanna WIN your own Honeywell Wi-Fi smart thermostat?

Did I say prizes?

Yes!, enter to win below. Honeywell offered me (1) one to GIVEAWAY! (Entrants must live in the United States and Canada. Before entering the contest, please check if your system is compatible for installation. Read here before entering..) 

Good luck! 
To enter the contest, 
like MoD Design Guru FB page and 
like Honeywell FB page. That's it!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can connect with Honeywell on their 
WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, TWITTER,GOOGLE+

Image credits: Honeywell

This is a "sponsored post." The company sponsored me in exchange for a review. Regardless, I only recommend products I believe will be good for my readers. All opinions are mine. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR. Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

To get a daily dose of design, find MoD Design Guru on
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The Buzz: High Tower's Caravaggio light pendant

THE BUZZ......

I came across a light pendant called the Caravaggio by Danish designer Cecile Manz. It is eye catching! The masculine technology is offset by sexy, curvaceous lines. The dumbbell-like shade is made of aluminum and coated with a beautiful smooth high gloss paint, black or opal color. I especially love the connection between its red cord to the curved steel rods! You can see them in person at HighTower in the New York Design Center. 

Puff-Buff design: pneumatic and LED technologies

Bubbles Chandelier
Source

Creative experiments in art and design of the 50s and 60s paired with modern technology inspire interior and industrial designer Anna Siedlecka and architect Radek Achramowicz from Puff Buff design studio. Their unique designs combine pneumatic technology with LED (light emitting diodes) lighting. Today, LED lighting gives fixtures the ability to become innovative shapes that emphasize the beauty of light. 

Puff Buff studio manipulates light to bounce off of flexible PVC shapes that are filled with air!! Kinda like clear miniature beach balls....the effervescent effect is quite remarkable. I stopped in my tracks when I saw the Bubble chandelier in person!

Bubbles Chandelier
Source

Bubbles Chandelier

Orca floor lamp and Bubbles Chadelier

Orca ChandelierSource

Bubbles Star ChandelierSource

Lullaby ChandelierSource



You can contact Puff-Buff on their WEBSITE, and Facebook!

Dreamy lighting with the use of modern technology. Love it!

Top Ten Jonathan Adler Fall Catalog FAVES

Oh!, summertime seems so long ago but one of the highlights was attending Jonathan Adler’s Holiday in July 2012 giftables preview. It was at Adler’s Soho studio/office/showroom, essentially where the magic happens. From the instant I walked through the doors, I felt as though I entered a wondrous and happy place. The riot of bold colors, interesting textures and cool geometric patterns emanates an inspiring energy! I was even fortunate enough to meet Jonathan Adler!  I mentioned to him, "this must be an inspiring place to work!" He cheerfully nodded and said, “Yes, I love to come to work everyday!”  So evident in his fall catalog! There are some really unique needlepoint accessories and giftables for the holiday season approaching us. It is pure - “Style, Craft and Joy!”

Jonathan Adler and me

Top Ten Jonathan Adler Fall Catalog FAVES: 

#10. 

The Brass eye magnifying glass is humorous and a stylish eye catcher! Unique desk accessory gift idea!

BRASS EYE MAGNIFYING GLASS
$98

#9. 

The statured porcelain and glass Menagerie animals add charisma to any room! Primal; yet modern looking. They are an unique combination of naturally grooved porcelain and sparkly, smooth inlaid colored glass. 

GLASS MENAGERIE SMALL OWL
$198

GLASS MENAGERIE BABBOON
$278

#8. 

Remember these phones as a kid? Combining the retro communication method with modern technology, this smart phone docking station is a sweet nod to the past and present. 

SMART PHONE DOCKING STATION
$48

#7. 

Get hooked on these colorful, geometric needlepoint handbags and clutch designs. Absolutely beautiful!

HANDBAGS: BRAZILIA GEO $495, BRAZILIA SCALES $495, PINWHEEL $495

Some closeup pics of the needlepoint:

Strut around town in high-style with one of these magnificent clutches:

BRAZILIA DIAMOND
$198

BRAZILIA GEO
$198

BRAZILIA SNAKE
$198

#6. 

Spread peace and love at your holiday gathering with this stylish Tic Tac Toe set.

TIC TAC TOE SET
$98

#5. 

Does your hair look like this in the morning? Start your day off with a chuckle... and drink from one of these whimsical Utopia Hair mugs.

UTOPIA HAIR AFRO MUGS $28, MULLET MUGS $28, ICE ICE MUGS $28

#4. 

Sip the surreal from the Muse Teapot set.

MUSE BOWL $98, MUSE TEAPOT MRS. $95,
MUSE PITCHER MR. $98, MUSE CREAMERS MR. $28

#3. 

Celebrate Hanukah in style with this sleek and adorable Judaica dachshund menorah. You will not be able to put it away after the holidays!

DACHSHUND MENORAH
$120

#2. 

Impress Mom with an arrangement of flowers inside the Mediterranean inspired Santorini Nyx vase. Love the gold accent. Stunning, right?

SANTORINI NYX VASE
$495

#1. 

We have struck gold with this Giant Brass Horn. A true conversation piece your family will swoon over....

GIANT BRASS HORN
$1,250

I had a great time in your studio!

Thank you to Jonathan Adler and his friendly and helpful team!!

Zamzee - go more, get more!

What does it take to get your kids moving more? 

I will tell you, the Zamzee meter and online experience! 

Zamzee meter

I met the friendly Zamzee team at a conference in New York City. They sent me home with the Zamzee meter to test it out. To my surprise, it became my 8 year old's obsession. As soon as she gets home from school, she wants to plug-in the Zamzee to see if she has earned Pointz!  

Rylie earning Pointz on her Zamzee

It has the feel of a video game with the ability to earn Pointz for the amount of physical activity you do. The more you move, the more Pointz you get! Via challenges, Pointz can turn into Zamz which is like money - used to purchase stuff in the Zamzee Shop like toys, apps, Zamzee gear,etc. What kid doesn't want to shop and get more stuff?  Brilliant thinking, Zamzee!

Zamzee challenge screen

My daughter especially loves doing the challenges to earn more Zamz! The story lines are witty and clever. You can earn major Zamz, sometimes earning double or triple Zamz, which ultimately creates huge incentives to move! 

Zamzee Space Challenge

Rylie did the space challenge where her oxygen supply ran out and her co-pilot disappeared. She had 5 minutes to fix her ship and escape the forces of her space opponent. She hula hooped until her mission was complete earning 45 pointz! She was psyched to accomplish her mission! (See pic above) 

The Zamzee team shared some positive news with me that was released this past Monday. "Hope Lab and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundations conducted a vigorous scientific study on Zamzee amongst middle school children. They found that Zamzee got kids moving almost 60% more than a control group, which is an extra 45 minutes of physical activity each week. That's like doing nonstop push-ups for 45 minutes every week. Really!" 

Zamzee's motto is 'go more, get more!' Their message is right on! Having played around with it myself, I really like the Zamzee meter and highly recommend it! Besides getting children to move in a fun way,  it's child friendly, promotes creative thinking and builds confidence! 

Go Zamzee! You're product is inspiring!

To connect and learn more, 
click on their Website, Facebook and Twitter!

Zamzee is offering a 25% off discount code "LUVZZ2012" 
to get your very own Zamzee meter!! 

Jason Wu's New Arrivals: Jourdan and Stud Accented Satchel Bag

I adore Fashion Designer Jason Wu so I thought I would celebrate his genius this week. Not only do I regard the lines of his clothes; but also the construction of his bags.  You must treat yourself this Fall with Jason Wu's structured, ultra-sleek shoulder strap bag called Jourdan. It is combination of polished red patent with paneled Saffiano leather. The red color reminds me of my favorite Shiraz wine. It features outside open pockets under the magnetic flap closure and has one inside zip pocket.  The gleaming 21" gold-tone chain strap will look dazzling over any fashionista's shoulder!! Its available at Sax Fifth Avenue. 

JOURDAN designed by JASON WU

Feel fearless wearing the Stud Accented Satchel. Another beauty! Its edgy details make it super fierce! It features an adjustable shoulder strap with one outside open pocket and one inside zip pocket. Also available at Sax Fifth Avenue. 

STUD ACCENTED SATCHEL designed by JASON WU

(all images from Sax Fifth Avenue)

THE BUZZ: Jonathan Adlers Mod Okura Planters

THE BUZZ: WHAT'S NEW?

The latest product buzz, and what I am totally obssessing over!

Jonathan Adler’s new contemporary Okura planters are massively awesome! They are the perfect addition to any outdoor living room retreat! Their beautiful mod silhouettes, saturated colors and glossy stoneware finish make these creatures stand out in a crowd! Colors come in eye-popping orange, yellow and blue. Size is 27.5” Dia X 27” H.  Can you imagine greenery draping down its edges? Absolutely stunning!

You will be able to purchase Jonathan Adlers Okura planters on the-Boutique MOD. (no surprise, but currently unavailable) 

JONATHAN ADLER WIDE MOUTH PLANTER

JONATHAN ADLER WIDE TALL PLANTER

JONATHAN ADLER WIDE PLANTER WITH STAND

ADVICE: BLACK COUNTERTOP HELP!

Hey M,

I am putting in a new modern kitchen and have hit a wall. Unfortunately, the cabinets have been ordered and are arriving in a couple of weeks, but I am lost for a countertop. The cabinets and the floor are going to be very white so I was hoping to contrast it with a black countertop. What do you suggest for a shiny black countertop? Thanks so much!
Monique M.

Hi Monique!

I love dark contrast for your ultra chic modern white kitchen! I have some stylish stones in mind to blow your dinner guests away. Since you are a bit under the gun to find a countertop, your best bet might be Caesar stone slabs. Caesar stone is a premium quartz material that is very durable and stands up to spills and scratches. You can build up the edge of your counter to 4-6" without any worries! Some of my faves are:

CAESAR STONE CARBONE

The mix of black and white, kinda cool and hip for a modern-look!

CAESAR STONE BASALT 6185T

The Basalt has some texture to the touch!

CAESAR STONE JET BLACK 3100

Just simple and sleek!

MISTY BLACK GRANITE POLISHED

Misty Black is a natural stone, so it does have some natural veining and remember to seal every 3-5 years!


I hope this helps! Good luck with your installation!