Halløj from Copenhagen: Can you name that chair?

For those of you who guessed that John is in Copenhagen, you are correct. For those who correctly identified the street he was walking on (Strøget), you are extremely well traveled. For today's challenge, name the chairs shown in this photo.

Guess the designer.

Can you name this designer? Hint: he was named one of the world’s top 100 interior designers by Architectural Digest.

Find our CEO: Where in the world is John?

Can you guess where John is traveling?

Dear DWR Readers,

Nordic design... stumped? If so, you’re not alone. We know you love Nordic design, but you may not know exactly what it is. Is it Finn Juhl’s masterful organic shapes or Møller’s clean wooden lines? Is it the new approach from the design house Muuto? Over the next few weeks, you’ll discover that it is all of the above. Join us as we celebrate the freedom of thought expressed by the designers who kicked off this movement, as well as the passion for innovation that still exists from Nordic designers today.

 John Edelman shown in an iconic chair by Hans J. Wegner that's been updated in 24-karat gold. Is it in keeping with Nordic sensibilities or the antithesis of Danish design?

100% off the grid, repurposed container home in Joshua Tree.

An alternative to prefab, EcoTechBuild has just completed its prototype hybrid house -- the first of its kind to be permitted and built in California's Mohave Desert. It is constructed from 20'-long recycled cargo containers that were fabricated and finished in Los Angeles and then shipped to the site where they were erected and stacked two high in 15 minutes each. What do you think about it? Would you want to live there?

Grant Kirkpatrick in today's L.A. Times.

From today's L.A. Times: "As manufacturers swallow each other up, design becomes the differentiator," said Grant Kirkpatrick of KAA Design, an architecture interior and landscape design firm that recently launched the Rusa outdoor furniture collection for Design Within Reach. "Corporate America used to think beauty was frivolous," he added, "but the great revolution has been that design sells because people want beauty in their lives."

Milan: Slideshow - DWR at Salone del Mobile 2011.

Milan: Verner Panton, Arne Jacobsen and other surprises at 10 Corso Como.

Founded by Carla Sozzani in 1990, 10 Corso Como was conceived as a virtual narrative of a magazine layout. The gallery and bookshop are the core, but over the years, the space has grown to include a fashion clothing store, cafe and very small hotel (I believe there are only 3 rooms). The clothing store is illuminated with stunning lighting fixtures by Verner Panton and Serge Mouille. There are also classic gems to be found, like the Verner Panton chairs and rug shown above (notice how the dress picks up on the dots in the rug). CONTINUED + MORE PHOTOS...

Milan: Day Six - Name that chair.

We found this chair in a vintage furniture store in Milan. Do you know who designed it and when?

Milan: Day Six - Hermes furniture.

A chair and set of nesting tables by Hermes that we saw at Salone del Mobile. What do you think?

Milan: Day Five - The inspiring studio of Achille Castiglioni.

We had a tour of Studio Museo Achille Castiglioni today -- the actual space where Castiglioni worked -- and it was one of the most inspiring studios I've ever seen. You must, must, must see this space if you are ever in Milan. The tour was led by Castiglioni's daughter Giovanna (front row, center) who shared the process by which her father worked. For example, he filed each project in a kraft box (behind us in photo) and stamped it with a number.

MORE PHOTOS...

Milan: Day Five - Mini controversy.

Having a major brand like MINI participating in Salone del Mobile has been controversial, with some folks saying that it takes away from the show. But when I saw the MINI Scooter E Concept on display at Triennale Design Museum, I'm not sure I agree. This scooter lets you use your smartphone as an ignition key and its electric motor can be charged from any conventional power outlet. Sounds like modern design to me. MORE PHOTOS...

Milan: Great ideas, great people.

Our CEO John Edelman (left) and COO John McPhee (right) with D.B Kim, an award-winning designer, commentator on creativity and – according to Interior Design magazine – “hospitality design guru.” Not only is Salone del Mobile packed with fabulous furniture, there are also great people to meet and friends to see. The creativity is intoxicating.

Milan: Special Feature – Verner Panton, as Described By Marianne Panton.

At Salone del Mobile we had the great honor to spend time with Marianne Panton (pictured with the DWR team, third from left), who shared personal insights and stories about her late husband, the masterful designer Verner Panton. The designer passed away in 1998, leaving behind a portfolio of work that is still unmatched in terms of innovative, beautiful and thought-provoking modern design. CONTINUED + MORE PHOTOS...

Milan: Day Four - John swallowed by Pratone Chair.

Guess when this chair was designed. Was your answer anywhere near 1968? That's when Gruppo Sturm designed their Pratone (lawn) chair. Today it is produced by Gufram, part of the Poltrona Frau Group. Our CEO John Edelman found it a comfortable place to relax during Salone del Mobile. Should we add it to the assortment?

Milan: Day Four – The Test Lab of Tom Dixon.

Tom Dixon didn’t just set up a booth at Salone del Mobile; he built a Multiplex. Defined as “a pop-up viewing theatre, broadcasting centre, restaurant, shop and gallery.” Dixon created an interactive experience, which was a refreshing change after two days of seeing furniture on pedestals. “Furniture displays are always so static,” said Dixon as we relaxed in the “viewing theatre” part of his space. CONTINUED + MORE PHOTOS...

Milan: Day Four - Spazio Rossana Orlandi

At Salone del Mobile, some designers exhibit in spaces outside of the regular fairgrounds. One such space is Spazio Rossana Orlandi. A master of engaging environments, Rossana took over this former tie factory in 2002. What she has created here includes a green courtyard where you could easily spend an entire day soaking in the creativity, plus galleries and a store. Her goal: to forecast and promote young and upcoming designers, from all over the world. MORE PHOTOS...

Milan: Day Four - Muuto.

Leave it to the guys at Muuto (shown above with the DWR team, standing far left, center and far right) to choose a Salone del Mobile exhibition space like the one owned by Rossana Orlandi. This space is spectacular, and the ideal backdrop for the refreshing simplicity of Muuto products. MORE PHOTOS...

Milan: Day Three - Most Creative Booth of the Show.

Part tent, part playground play thing -- the booth installation by Desalto was wonderful. Inside this graffiti-covered shell were vignettes of dining and work areas done completely in white, except for the blue cupcake in the attached photos, which I actually saw a man try to eat (you never know when a blue frosting craving will strike). MORE PHOTOS >

Milan: Day Three - Preview our New Chair.

Drumroll please... Introducing the Lancaster Chair, a special DWR exclusive that we will be launching in May. (Today the design world got to see it at Salone del Mobile.) The Lancaster was designed by Michael Young for Emeco, the Pennsylvania-based company known for its 1006 Navy Chair and 111 Navy Chair. MORE IMAGES >