MoD Must Have: Woodform Concrete an Alternative to Stone Countertops

MoD Must Haves

stylish, tactile, novel 

for concrete lovers

Can concrete look like wood?

JM Lifestyles company has pushed the limits of concrete with their versatile Woodform Concrete. Their concrete is indistinguishable from wood. This family of artisans and designers have a unique approach to design and concrete and have shown that concrete can be utilized in many applications - kitchen, bathroom, furniture, hospitality applications; indoors or outdoors; a great alternative to stone. 

Concrete is a natural material so you have to love the organic characteristics inherent of the material. It is comprised of sand, stone, cement, water and fibers. Much like stone, concrete is durable and porous and needs to be sealed. Over time, concrete can also get some hairline cracks but these are not structural failures. It can stain if not properly sealed, and chip if it is hit with something hard. All of these features are similar to stone so if you want a different look, concrete is the way to go.

I'm really loving these fire feature Woodform concrete tables. It appears as it fire is emerging from a wood tabletop but in reality it is concrete that looks like wood. Brilliant!

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MoD Must Haves: Architectural Wood Clutches by Tesler & Mendelovitch

MoD Must Haves

stylish, modern, novel 

for fashion lovers

I'm in love with these architectural wood skin purses constructed from 100% wood by textile designers Tesler + Mendelovitch. The duo who researches and experiments with a wide range of materials have created an innovative textile that has the properties, texture and appearance of wood; yet it is flexible. They call it "wearable wood." The material informs its geometrical, clean-lined shape.... the detailing is beautiful and sculptural. They have approached fashion in a fashion forward and thoughtful way using technology and scientific methods. 

Great White  -  Americano -  Rose

It's a clutch that makes a statement! Every clutch is hand-made by the designers and is extremely versatile, light and designed with intricate calculated patterns....and so easy to open, grasp and hold under your arm. 

Because they are one-of-a-kind wooden clutches, there is a limited supply. The designers assure that they are made to last! You can purchase them on the Tesler + Mendelovitch website. 

You can also connect with Tesler + Mendelovitch on social media: 

FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, TWITTER.

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WOOD IMPROVISATION: ERIC MANIGIAN at DUMBO'S BKLYN DESIGNS 2013

BKLYN DESIGNS in Dumbo is back! Some incredible talent exhibited.... 

This week I will be showcasing some of my faves like Eric Manigian Studio, a wood furniture innovator. His attention to detail is incredible and his work is a collaboration with the wood- letting the grain pattern and other natural features of the wood drive the creative process. An improvisational process, every piece is unique. 

His newest sculptural creation below was inspired by the language of draping in fashion design. Manigian explained that he was inspired by fashion designer Alexander McQueen and how he plays between covering the body and discreetly exposing it. Here the wood organically drapes across its mid-line like a garment peels away from necklines and shoulders. The best surprise was on the inside... where the juxtaposition of frosted glass meets the opacity of curving wood. It created a a peek-a-boo effect like a backless dress. Love it!

His other creation utilized wood that was originally unusable. He stacked the re-purposed wood one by one and created pockets of open geometries. Besides the unique design, the quality of the craftsmanship proves that he is designing furniture that is made to last.

See the Vine:

You can connect with Eric Manigian on his WEBSITE

THE BUZZ: PID FLOOR inLOVE hardwood flooring

Here's THE BUZZ on exceptional hardwood flooring! I found an elite supplier of hardwood flooring right in the heart of Brooklyn, N.Y. The studio's name is Perfect Interior Design, or PID Floors for short. 


They have expert craftsman in their studio manufacturing hand-crafted medallions and parquet flooring but one really unique collection caught my eye! Its PID’s inLove hardwood floor collection. It is fully customizable! PID Floors says,” every aspect from the wood species to the finish to the color can be changed to suit the client’s needs.” I am in love with inLOVE!!  PID will design whatever your heart desires and you can feel like you are in complete control of the color! 

You can contact PID Floors on their WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, and TWITTER!! 

Here are some examples showing different wood species stained with a variety of unique colors:

COCOA                                                  CARBON FIBER                                            KITANA

                              CARRIBEAN                                                       ARCTIC                                    BLUE RASPBERRY                  

                                

    

CANVAS                                                      BLONDIE                                                   BROWNIE

  CALICO                                                           CAFE                                                             CORAL

Free Advice Friday: gapping in Engineered wood

Hey MDG,
Why are the joints in my engineered wood floor expanding? Is it a mositure issue and what do I do?
Thanks,
Susan

Susan,
No no no, this is surprising! From my experience, Engineered hardwood flooring is a moisture-resistant wood hybrid unlike our solid wood friend who has the tendency to distort in the presence of moisture. Love, love Solid wood hardwood, dont get me wrong but Engineered wood is the best choice for flooring that can be put just about anywhere because its more resistant to changes from the elements. For example, you would only want to use Engineered wood ontop of radiant flooring otherwise your planks will cupp. My guess is that your contractor improperly installed your subfloor and probably did not give the wood enough time to acclimate to the humidity in your house. I would have your contractor take some boards out and check the subflooring. He is ultimaltely responisble to correct this issue.
Hope this helps,
M