Design^Sprout | Your Guide to Green Design

Feathers - Not Just For Showgirls and Gabor Sisters

     Life is full of perplexing juxtapositions and random ironies. Nutrition facts at McDonald’s, braille at drive-through ATMs.

     But despite the name, KittinHawk accessories are not moronic — oxy or otherwise.

     The one-of-a-kind jewelry is handmade from vintage and recycled materials. Designer Allysun Dutra derives inspiration from everything from flappers and animals to film noir and Marie Antoinette, resulting in a Victorian-meets-punk feel.

     Shoulder-sweeping earrings combine spotted feathers and dangling crystals. Charm necklaces are adorned with vintage cameos. A collar combines fur and draped chains. Demure headbands — especially the number with a pale yellow bow atop a veil of netting — are part little girl, part siren.

     I haven't been this excited about feathers since Dumbo.

Sit on That! New Uses for Old Suitcases

   With this economy a lux getaway may not be in the cards but that's no reason for your suitcases to gather dust.  Turkish design collective MayBeProduct creates retro-inspired seating by classing up some old suitcases to create funky seating that puts your luggage to good use.

Advertising Rules My Life

   I hate when advertisers get it so right that I want to run right out and buy their product.  This London-based Adidas ad is fantastic. I'm not sure what it means but I know I love it. Yes, at time I'm a sheep but I'm not proud of it.

Pop Goes the Color!

 

    I ask you, is there a better (aka cheaper) way to perk up a room and your mood than a shocking hue here or there? Twenty bucks, a brush, a rainy Saturday and viola!–you've got a whole new look. Well, if color is your thing too, look no further than designer Ghislaine Vinas.  Winner of the Pantone "Color Outside the Lines" competition (and eons of other things) for color use in residential interiors, she certainly knows how to use this spectra power to it's fullest impact. Maybe with a little inspiration you can too?

And You Thought Letters Were Soooo Yesterday.

    Oh, how I l.o.v.e. this table! Love the recycled element, love the mixed typography, love the vintage feel! Made by artisans at The Inspired Maker, each table is one-of-a-kind and as you'd expect super pricey. But don't worry your pretty little head - Crate and Barrel has knocked one off (made from sustainable wood, of course). Not quite as nice but only half the price!!!

Here Comes the Sun...

   These amazing solar powered bags by Noon Solar not only look great but can charge your cell phone in under 2 hours. There goes your excuse for not calling back.

   Plus, they're made of all the do-gooder staples; organic hemp, cotton, sustainable leather.  Great idea, no?