We spotted the prototype several years ago as part of the textile collection at the Victoria and Albert museum. It’s resurfacing again- maybe just in time

Digital Dawn is an interesting reactive window blind that is responsive to external stimuli. Designed by Rachel Wingfield. Rachel belongs to an emerging generation of designers redefining conventions of how, why and with what things are made.  Digital Dawn digitally emulates photosynthesis using printed electroluminescent technology; as seen in the image below, a light-based botanical environment seems to grow on the window lamp as a room gets darker.

Wingfield intended Digital Dawn to emulate the process of photosynthesis using electroluminescent printing technology. Light-dependent sensors monitor the changing light levels within a space, triggering the growth of the organic foliage on the blind. A natural environment will appear to grow on the window surface, exploring how changing light levels within a space can have profound and physiological impact on our sense of well-being. It’s essentially a solar powered textile storing sun’s energy during the day and using it at night to illuminate the blind.

Wonder if the energy could be used to operate the blind?

Mecho Shade Iceland Collection

MechoSystems has launched a new series of fully recyclable shadecloths, created in collaboration with William McDonough, one of the world’s most well-known advocates for sustainable design.Based on MechoSystems’ EcoVeil® shadecloths, this collection has a unique and highly personal inspiration. The patterns in this series are inspired by McDonough’s own photographs, collected during his visits to Iceland. The collection includes 5 jacquard weave patterns , each in several colorways interpreting the stunning natural landscape of Iceland.

The shadecloth material is a technical nutrient—the Cradle to Cradle term for non-natural materials that are safe, highly stable, and used in closed-loop manufacturing cycles that take materials from producer to consumer and back again indefinitely. (Typically, shadecloths are woven with a PVC jacket and a core of fiberglass or polyester core, which cannot be separated for reuse.)  The Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) yarn used in the shadecloth fabric is more than merely PVC-free; it can be reclaimed and recycled indefinitely.

UPDATE: Shadecloth Sample Box. 

The shadecloth package is MechoSystems’ completely redesigned collection of window-covering samples.The ensemble—including both the legacy and brand-new shadecloth groups—provides architects and designers with all the shadecloth information they require, assembled in a handsome eco-friendly polyethylene box.

Features of the Shadecloth Solutions collection:
• More than 190 shadecloths
• Visually transparent blackout and acoustical materials
• Many GreenGuard® and Cradle to Cradle Certified^CM
  examples
• A handsome translucent container
• Graphically clear shadecloth selection guide
• Provision of all technical data
• Ease of use
• Ergonomic package design
• A range of color-coded booklets
• Recyclable PVC-free polyethylene box

Sebastopol Occasional Table for Coalesse

Speaking of Iceland…

The Sebastopol collection features two perfectly-matched shapes that are available in two heights enabling the creation of limitless table configurations. A uniquely flexible line, Sebastopol transforms to accommodate a variety of settings; from a lounge setting to an impromptu meeting space.

Wanting a large work surface, but not having the room for one in her small space, designer Emilia Borgthorsdottir  broke up the whole surface and started playing with  geometric shapes; refining them until the proportions felt right. “I am a problem solving person and bringing up new perspectives is one of my strengths,” said Borgthorsdottir.  “I like to create aesthetically pleasing products that ease the activities of daily living, focusing on the function and ergonomic value of the design.”

Originally from Iceland, but now working and living in the U.S., Emilie said that after seeing the finished product it reminds her of the glaciers in her native Iceland and how they can break away or butt together. She submitted the drawings to Coalesse 2 years ago at NeoCon, one week after graduating from design school. After hearing that Coalesse was not adding them to their collection she moved on in the design world until last summer when they contacted her telling her that they wanted to produce the tables. One year later she’s back in Chicago launching the collection.  Sebastopol is offered in an impressive mix of surface materials to match almost any décor.  It has glossy interiors that come in five different laminate colors balanced with wood exteriors in oak or walnut veneer with optional sheen finishes.

 Mannington Equinox Collection

Mannington’s new collection is a great example of the new work- where it’s all about collaboration. Reaching out to Korean design firm,Ryan Harc through the Behance  to create Equinox; it’s obvious that this was a winning move.   is inspired by the play of light and shadow.  Equinox offers visual fields of light & shadow rendered as pure texture. Further testament that collaboration leads to innovation, the collection Uses a proprietary ultra-large denier fiber with patented variable twist technology.

Mannington Commercial @ NeoCon 2011 (Natalie Jones) from neoconwtf on Vimeo.

NeoCon will furnish your mind with the power of design – three days of pure energy, new thinking, new resources, and bursting with new products. I am off to discover thousands of innovative products and resources for corporate, hospitality, healthcare,and residential interiors from more than 700 showrooms and exhibitors. NeoCon is North America’s largest design exposition and conference for commercial interiorsbut I ALWAYS find something that works in my business from wallcoverings to the new paint forecasts to seating and textiles. Here’s a preview.

Dream Home at the Merchandise Mart

A must-see for all attendees. I never miss to see what new inspiration I can gain.

Julia Edelman for Buckingham ID

Julia believes in mixing aged objects with modern elements and it shows through in this welcoming space.

Michael Abrams for Michael Abrams Limited

Wanting simplicity and elegance enveloped in  luxury was Michae’ls goal in this bedroom.

Wallcovering by LG

LG Hausys debuts its new line of vinyl wallcoverings designed by Anya Larkin. Seventy four new patterns from animal prints to damasks and crinkle looks will be shown. Booth 8- 4116.

NUB by Patricia Uriquola for Andreu World.

Love everything this prolific designer does. Love the fact that a childhood memory inspired the chair… ”I used to play with my grandmother’s bobbins for making lace,” she recalls. “These small wooden bars were playmates that I have now reimagined.” Traditional woodworking techniques, gently updated, produce the wing chair and side chair’s notable beech backrest: Its bars widen at the height of the lumbar region, alternating to add dimensionality. The frame comes in red, white, or black lacquer and 21 wood finishes. Multiple solids and patterns are available for the seat upholstery. Merchandise Mart 10-132

Hear Patricia Uriquola  Tuesday at MCA for a lecture sponsored by Luminaire and featuring her groundbreaking work for B&B Italia.  See you there.

Haworth Collection

Employers shrinking the size of their offices and staff have translated to tough times for office furniture manufacturers. One example of a company looking for revenue beyond cubicle and desk chair sales is Haworth. The Haworth Collection is the company’s foray into offering crossover products for the home based on their experience as a commercial furniture manufacturer. The aim is to offer high quality products which are designed to compliment a residential environment but contain functionality and durability derived from their commercial office furniture heritage. Merchandise Mart 312.

So after posting the preview of the Haworth Collection this bit of news came across my desk. =Looks like they are really serious about moving into new markets….

Retailer Crate & Barrel announced today that it will carry three products from contract furniture giant Haworth.

“With two great brands coming together, our customers can get beautiful, high quality products previously only available on the commercial market,” says Raymond Arenson, executive vice president for merchandising and design for Crate & Barrel. “Haworth’s products make a great addition to our portfolio of products.”

The three products sold will be the new Eddy table, available in July, followed by the Very Task and Very Conference chairs, available in August.

“With this Crate and Barrel relationship, Haworth can take another measured step into the retail world,” says Tom DeBoer, Haworth product manager. “We find ourselves pulled in the retail direction due to beauty and quality of our products and with the trend of office and residential coming together. We are excited to work with a great retail brand like Crate & Barrel.”

The products will be in Crate and Barrel catalogs, on crateandbarrel.com, and at more than 100 of Crate & Barrel’s retail stores across the country.

The Very chair to be carried by Crate and Barrel

Next up in our Preview:  Textiles.

As seen last month at KBIS in Vegas- several trends emerging from Kitchen and Bath arena that should be on your radar screen whether you do K+B or not. The trends are expressed here  in NKBA’s Design Competition’s award winning kitchen and baths.

NATURAL ELEMENTS

Design by: Lori W. Carroll
Lori Carroll & Associates
Tucson, AZ
Photo: Jon Mancuso

This refined rustic southwestern powder room is the perfect example of the use of natural elements in design. An agate slab became the foundation for this bathroom space that’s as unique and distinct as the elusively elegant stone itself. Translucent crystal formations within the rock are highlighted by backlighting that sets off the smoky grays, brown, and icy white. Polished stone combined with leather-wrapped cabinetry is at the core of this opulent space. When the beauty of nature can be brought inside a home, the impact is unmatched.

TACTILE APPEAL

Design by: Aimee Nemeckay
Susan Fredman Design Group
Chicago, IL
Photo: Nick Novelli, Novelli Photodesign

The use of actual and implied texture offers a tactile and visual feast. Lines, colors, and patterns can act as either a point of interest in a given space or a mellow background to a more prominent component. The textured touch is apparent through an oversized glass mosaic tiled rug inset into the limestone floor, creating the effect of an actual textured and patterned area rug. A quilted effect, also seen in fashion trends, was created using custom-made glass keystone tiles, adding a shimmering surface to the wall of the shower. 

COMMITING TO COLOR

Design by: Jennifer Gilmer, CKD
Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath, Ltd.
Chevy Chase, MD
Photo: Bob Narod Photographer, LLC

Clients and designers alike are making strong commitments to color. The relationship with vibrant color is introduced into the room through a backsplash of back-painted glass in a strong carrot orange, representing a color that’s smooth and fresh, and also refined enough to pair with the contemporary exotic wood cabinetry. This is a sleek kitchen deserving of a color that makes a statement. The tangerine, mango, and carrot family of colors is being incorporated into the palette of stylishly appropriated residential spaces across the country.

Spotted: The carrot color family popping up in glass tiles. Tapestry by Nathan Allan Glass Studios to be introduced at NeoCon.

Speaking of consumers and designers alike making a strong commitment to color:

Pantone's New Colors

For the first time in eight years, color specialist and source Pantone LLC has amped up its Pantone Fashion + Home color system by adding 175 new colors, bringing the total to 2,100 shades.

Not since 2003 has Pantone added new hues to its color system.
“People have been clamoring for new color,” says Laurie Pressman, Pantone’s vp of fashion, home and interiors.

Its latest additions “reflect today’s global color influences across fashion, home furnishings and interior design and enrich the current palette and focus on areas of significant market importance and color trend movement.

The 175 new colors are permanent additions to the Pantone Fashion + Home Color System, and all color families were expanded to include: a broader range of nuanced neutrals and mid-tones; an increased number of vibrant brights; many complex hues with greater depth and intensity; more subdued and smoky variations of popular colors.

So if you haven’t heard, Targethas announced, via Twitter, it’s next big design /fashion collaboration will be with Italian luxury brand  Missoni.The 400+ piece (supposedly the largest to date) collection, Missoni for Target, features apparel and accessories for women, men, girls and baby, as well as home goods including bedding, dinnerware, stationery and décor items. Ranging in price from $2.99 to $599.99, with most items less than $40.Missoni for Target will be available Sept. 13 through Oct. 22, 2011 at all Target stores and Target.com.

Angela Missoni working on Fall 2011 collection.

“Our collection for Target embodies Missoni’s values of family, color and quality,” said creative director Angela Missoni. “It has been a fantastic experience translating our aesthetic into an affordable line, one we are eager to share with families across the United States.”

Who knows if the colorful and pattern happy knits and fabrics that Missoni is known for will translate into lower quality materials, but this is no doubt this is another WIN  another  for Target and accessible design.

I see some fabulous Flamestitch in my future! ( I passed on this summer’s launch of Calypso Home.) Mark your calendars.