Nebu vintage glass chandelier

My friend loved this chandelier, which was part of the Brooklyn Designs exhibit at ICFF. She thought it would look great over her kitchen island instead of the existing pot rack. The Nebu Chandelier was originally designed as a commission for Bar Breton, in New York. It was such a hit that the company decided to turn it into a product.Nebu is completely customizable – they’ll make you one in any size you like. It’s fashioned from cut acrylic and vintage glassware, which they find at garage sales, on eBay, just about anywhere.

I very much prefer this version made from clear acrylic. It shows off the glassware.

Nebu walks a fine line between Light as Art and a One-Trick Pony (something that’s cute for a little while and then seems silly. Which side do you think it’s on?

Little People pendant lamps by Kenneth Cobonpue

The lighting designs were fabulous at this year’s ICFF. In particular, I loved Kenneth Cobonpue’s Little People Collection.

Little people unite! These 9″ tall characters are made from Salago fiber on hand-bowed metal. I have no idea what Salago is, but I love the result.

The collection is comprised of 3 pendant lamps and a screen. This large circle is 47″ in diameter and retails for $970.

The small circle pendant is 35-1/2″ in diameter. It retails for $500 – a great price. Really great, if you ask me.

There is also a rectangular pendant, shown at the top of the post. Finally, this screen is 6′ tall. All come in various finishes. They didn’t have the prices for these handy when I called. Check the comments for further details later today.

The designer, Kenneth Cobonpue, is a member of Hive, a six -member design group who work together as both designers and manufacturers. They have studios in Washington, D.C., the Philippines and Portugal.

To purchase some Little People, contact Hive directly at 202-667-3440. Or, check out Muleh.

My favorite is the small pendant. I don’t know where I’d put the screen. Any ideas?

ICFF: Design Hole’s Top Eight

There was lots to like at this year’s ICFF. Too much to pack into just one post. I’m starting with my favorites. Here are my top eight.

1. Siemon + Salazar

Glass lighting was everywhere. The California couple, Caleb Siemon and Carmen Salazar, stood out because of their beautiful use of color – combined with organic shapes.

Each of their pendant lamps is hand blown. They also make bowls and vases. Click here to find store locations. Click here to view their lighting collection.

2. Tom Dixon

Tom Dixon is one of my favorite designers, in general. I love his twist on the classic wingback chair. This offers a better view. The fabric is black velvet. But I’d prefer it covered in a wild, bold print.

3. Ochre’s Circular Mirror

This is a surprise. I didn’t expect to be quite so captured by this beautiful mirror from Ochre. I suppose its quiet simplicity makes it the perfect sophisticated thing.

4. Lizzie Allen

From sophisticated to whimsical. Lizzie Allen’s wallpapers and fabrics are fresh and new. Read more about her in my previous post.

5. Eve Design

My friend, Emily and I both loved these elegant, lively chandeliers from Eve Design. They’re handmade in white, silver and black. These offer some bling without being tacky. You can find them in the US here.

6. Ikea’s Stuga Rug

I loved IKEA’s large exhibit – especially this rug designed by Kazuyo Namura. It was inspired by how Northern African nomads make their rugs. Each year they weave a thin strip, where the length is defined by how rich the harvest has been. After several years they put the strips together and make a larger rug. The length and pattern changes depending how good or bad former years were.

7. J Good Design

More lighting. This time, J Good Design. Glass pendants were all over ICFF. A trend? Perhaps. No doubt I was attracted to their organic forms and beautiful colors. So the best of the bunch deserve a place on my best list.Jeffrey Goodman is the artisan who creates lighting in his Greenwich Village, New York studio.

8. Jaime Hayon

Jaime Hayon created a series of candy jars for Baccarat. This is my favorite. I wish I had the $21,500 to buy one. Only 25 were made. Sigh.

Are these all contemporary? I don’t think we’d all agree that they are. What style do you prefer – contemporary or classic? Or do you see yourself as a little of both? I’m a little of both. How about you?

Before and After: from Rejuvenation

I’m fairly impressed at the high aesthetics of the entries in Rejuvenation’s current contest. They’re asking everyone to vote for their favorite. This is mine.

The couple bought this bungalow after it had been a rental for ten years. That was brave. Fortunately, most of the molding was still intact.

I think the 2 things that make this room so beautiful are (a) the lighting detail over the mantel, and (b) the historic green color teamed with the dark brown trim. Well done Julio!

Scoot over to Rejuvenation and vote. Get some styling ideas while you’re at it.

(Contests seem to be everywhere all of a sudden, don’t they?)

This or That

Which one is better?

They’re both made by Framburg. Which one would you choose? Neither? Pretend you’re on a game show and you have to pick one or you’re going home with a Barkalounger.