In the creative department at DWR, we love books as much as we love modern design. Looking back at the page turners that kept us up until 2AM, we've compiled a list of our favorite reads in 2012. Feel free to share your own best books in our comments field.
We are excited to see the Poet Sofa by Finn Juhl included in the New York Times' Best of Design for 2012. Designed in 1941, Juhl created this sofa for his own home, located in a rural area north of Copenhagen.
The Best of Design list also includes Poul Henningsen's PH 3/2 Academy Chandelier, designed in 1928. Henningsen, who grew up in a small Danish town without electricity, wanted to recreate the soft gas lighting of his youth in his electric fixtures. Composed of concentric tiers of reflective painted metal bands, the PH design was carefully based on scientific analysis of a lamp shade's function.
Previous contest winner by Gavri Slasky. Chair name: Spring 2009
Be the toast of the town. Create an original miniature chair using only the foil, label, cage and cork from no more than two champagne bottles. A panel of DWR champagne and chair experts will judge the chairs, and three winners will receive a DWR Gift Card. The deadline for submissions is January 14. Cheers!
Learn more at dwr.com/champagnechair. After you've designed your chair, feel free to share it on Instagram and Twitter with #dwrchampagnechair
This Wednesday through Saturday, save an extra 30% on already reduced prices on DWR Outlet merchandise, including new Herman Miller arrivals from Art Basel Miami. As the show's furniture sponsor, Herman Miller furnished lounges and VIP areas for people looking to take a break from the show.
Now that Art Basel is over, the furniture has been shipped to the DWR Outlet where you can pick it up at DWR Outlet prices – plus an extra 30% off, Dec. 26–29. You can also shop our Online Outlet at dwr.com/ebay.
Chairs from previous years' Champagne Chair Contests. If some of these look like they've, well, had too much champagne, that's because we moved them from San Francisco to Stamford when we relocated to Connecticut. Feeling inspired to create your own chair? The DWR Champagne Chair Contest call for entries starts December 27. After you've created your chair, feel free to share it on Twitter and Instagram with the tag #dwrchampagnechair.
Previous contest winner by Jesse Menayan. Chair name: Kub Armchair
You're invited to create an original miniature chair using only the foil, label, cage and cork from no more than two champagne bottles.* A panel of DWR champagne and chair experts will judge the chairs, and three winners will receive a DWR Gift Card.
The call for entries begins December 27, so start assembling your materials now. Submissions are due January 14. Cheers!
Learn more at dwr.com/champagnechair. After you've designed your chair, feel free to share it on Instagram and Twitter with#dwrchampagnechair
*If champagne is not your thing, we also accept chairs made from the foil, label, cage and cork of Prosecco or any other sparkling wine.
Our partners at Herman Miller have agreed to let us sell the 200+ products they just showed at Art Basel Miami Beach. As the show's exclusive furniture sponsor, Herman Miller furnished lounges, restaurants and VIP areas for people looking to take a break from the show. Now that Art Basel is over, the furniture has been shipped to the DWR Outlet where you can pick it up at DWR Outlet prices. The selection includes new products as well as new finishes on classics. You can also shop our Online Outlet at dwr.com/ebay.
If DWR had a mascot, it would most certainly be Miles, who has appeared in our catalogs as well as on our blog and facebook page. He is also a regular at our photoshoots. Here are a few of our favorite photos of DWR’s favorite dog.
On location in Armonk, New York. House in background was designed by Arthur Witthoefft in 1957. Read more about the house here. Keep reading to see MORE PHOTOS.
"I have traveled to Scandinavia where modern design saturates just about every space. I've developed a deep appreciation for it and try to bring aspects of it into my own home through DIY projects. I just moved to a new place so I have been completely consumed with decorating," she says.
1. Allen Log Carrier – This is a perfect gift for my dad who is constantly lifting firewood for the wood burning stove. And it also looks great when it isn't being used!
2. Etch Candleholder - Candles are a wonderful touch to any space. Pairing them with an item like the Etch Candleholder adds so much pizzazz to something so simple! Perfect gift for my friends.
3. Foldable Star Sculptures – These are fun and festive gifts, ideal for anyone planning to throw a holiday party. They make for a great table topper next to the punch bowl or cookie tray.
4. Lambswool Throw – This would be perfect for my mom who lives in the mountains. What better way to curl up in front of the fire than with a colorful, warm throw?
5. Metallic Leather Throw Pillow – I love how something so simple can make such a bold statement. These pillows add an edgy flare to any room.
In early 2011,
the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey issued a request for proposals to
transform the Eero Saarinen-designed TWA Terminal at JFK Airport into the
centerpiece of a hotel. A few big players – including Trump and Starwood – sent
representatives to tour the vacant terminal, and now the Wall Street Journal (wsj subscription required) is reporting that
hotel developer Andre Balazs is in talks to develop the site. Balazs developed
the Mercer Hotel in SoHo and The Standard in the Meatpacking District,
and according to the Journal’s
sources, the Port Authority aims to finalize a deal with him in the next few
months. If the project moves forward, Saarinen's iconic building could become the lobby (with restaurants and shopping) for a 150-room hotel to be built in the
space between the old TWA terminal and the new (built in 2008) JetBlue
building. Completed in 1962, the TWA Terminal has been vacant since American acquired
TWA in 2001. It was added to America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places list
in 2003.
Apart from studying at the New York School of Interior Design, Dan was an Event Planner for many years, planning weddings and other special events. "Design is not just about the space and the elements inside, it's an extension of who we are as individuals. I love a neutral background with splashes of warm color," he says.
1. Nelson Sunburst Clock – Classic 50's modern and one of my favorite pieces in our collection – functional and beautiful.
2. Les Perles Candlestick – These candlesticks are fantastic. Simple, beautiful and an amazing gift for any occasion.
3. Spectrum Throw – I love the bold colors of these throws – so fun and modern.
4. Allen Log Carrier – Even your firewood should look good. A great holiday gift for dad.
5. Pinwheel Pillow – These pillows are so much fun. I love the subtle pinwheel design. They're great for any size space.
In addition to working at Design Within Reach, AJ runs his own house and home blog. From making homemade pickles to modern design, his expertise runs the gamut. "Design is all about creating a story, and I love creating each sentence. I'm all about keeping a space clean and modern while staying cozy and comfortable," he says.
1. Kaleido Trays - I love these for the holidays. They brighten any side table and are great for keeping odds and ends organized.
2. Eames Wire Base Low Table - Perfect for the Eames lover! These limited edition colorful tables will bring a smile to your loved one's face.
4. Spectrum Throw - Great for cozying up on a chilly winter night. One of my absolute favorites.
5. Eames Hang-It-All - Literally hangs it all. Adds a great pop of color to an otherwise blank and boring entryway. A classic your design savvy friends will adore.
Prior to joining DWR, Robert, head of DWR Client Services, owned his own interior design business in New York City.
"My inspiration comes from a famous quote by Albert Hadley: 'Design is the preparation and cooking; decorating is the final seasoning, the savoring.' This statement continues to fuel my passion for design."
1. Kaleido Trays – I would give these to my nephew because it's like a puzzle.
2. Les Perles Candlestick – I would give it to one of my colleagues or clients because they're stunningly beautiful and functional.
3. Spectrum Throw – I would give this to my sister because I know she always runs cold!
4. Libratone Live Speaker – This would be perfect for my mother, as it would make an excellent speaker by the pool.
5. Alexander Girard Wooden Dolls – I would give these to any kid or Girard collector because I simply adore anything by Alexander Girard!
Jill, one of our design experts, has a background in graphic design, retail merchandising and customer service."I have always been inspired by color and shape," she says. "My favorite color is pink. I love things that have a playful and quirky vibe."
1. Kaleido Trays - They're perfect for my mom, and make a fun, festive pop for a holiday party.
2. Eames Elephant (in pink, of course) – This is such a memorable gift for my best friend to give her new baby girl. How gorgeous would this be in the new nursery?
3. Girard Wooden Dolls – I would give this to myself so I could display the whole collection on my mantle.
4. Merino Wool Throw – My sister would fall in love with this blanket. I love the neon trend; the perfect blanket with amazing color and contrast.
5. Eames Wire Base Low Table – My dad would really like this as a side table next to his favorite lounge chair.
Our friends at Stua -- Solo Tengo Un Amor (I have only one love) -- have once again treated us to a stunningly simple holiday greeting. The Globus Chair does indeed deserve a gold star. Happy holidays.
Oscar Niemeyer's Museum of Contemporary Art in Niterói, near Rio. Credit: Ricardo Moraes/Associated Press
“Here, then, is what I wanted to tell you of my architecture," said Oscar Niemeyer. "I created it with courage and idealism, but also with an awareness of the fact that what is important is life, friends and attempting to make this unjust world a better place in which to live.” Known for his sweeping curvaceous forms, the Brazilian architect truly did make this world a better place to live, for which we will be forever grateful. Mr. Niemeyer passed away on December 5, ten days before his 105th birthday.
Today is your last chance to save 15% on the Eames® Lounge Chair, which will be handcrafted to pithy piano music by a man wearing all white, alongside a magically appearing ottoman, as this 1956 video shows. Okay, maybe not. But you will receive it within two weeks, like all DWR in-stock items. Shop the entire Herman Miller Sale until midnight tonight.
Been noodling the purchase of a new task chair? The design that ushered in a new era of ergonomics, Don Chadwick and Bill Stumpf’s 1994 Aeron® Chair, is on sale now. Work perches like the Setu, Sayl® and Eames® Management are also included in the sale, ensuring you’ll find a home or office desk chair or conference chair to suit your unique needs. Through Monday, during the Herman Miller Sale, save 15%, enjoy free shipping – and get to work.
The above chair – recently introduced in a lightly padded, upholstered version – would likely not exist if it wasn’t for Charles and Ray Eames’ flagrant disregard for landlords. The famous LCW was an eventual evolution of experiments the couple did in their first apartment as newlyweds. Their first place (which happened to be designed to Richard Neutra) was on Strathmore Avenue in Westwood, a suburb of Los Angeles. They took the liberty of turning it into a workshop.
