blog:proleno

Italian designers Francesco Esposito and Marianna Contaldo bring us the Swan Stool with its curvy and ‘new fangled’ shape that emphasizes the technical features of the corian material from which it is manufactured.

Italian speakers will find more details at their website.

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Cycle culture is gaining in popularity, and for new cyclists it can be hard to feel confident sharing space with cars on the road. With this in mind Dundee University based product designer Fraser Mort has produced Bike Light to make cyclists feel more confident.

Bike Light is an LED dot matrix, where the cyclist can design and download their own personalised graphics, animations or phrases to use for their rear light. Cool!

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I am not sure how practical this is but I just spotted this ring from Netherlands based Studio Mango.

Made from 3D printed laser sintered polyamide, the ring signifies a sculpture that visualises the love and connection of the two lovers for eternity.

According to the designer the inspiration was love. All say “aahhh”.

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Studio Aisslinger has presented the NETwork project, a transformation of 2-dimensional embroidery into a pop-up furniture.

The project is a combination of the application of new technologies to traditional stitching techniques. The pieces of the NETwork, armchairs, stools and lamps, are carefully designed for later flattening. The objects created are extremely light and transparent and they seem to flow in space.

3D textile pop-up technology is an empirical research/result developed with a traditional German manufacturer in Plauen, a region with a long tradition in stitching and embroidery. The combination of experimental design with a hidden traditional production is always a challenge for designers albeit an exciting field for new concepts. Nowadays the know-how of specialised technologies is more often found in the supplying industries than in the design brands themselves.

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…requires serious consideration. Karen Broderick, Interior Designer and Trend Watch Expert at Harveys advises when converting a loft space in to a bedroom, people can get caught out by not allowing enough budget for custom built furniture to fit the space.

Five get out of jail free cards:

1. Look for furniture such as wardrobes that come in different heights and widths.

2. If wardrobes just won’t fit, place drawers the full line of the eves – the repetition creates a neat style feature.

3. Low level beds are a great way to stop you banging your head in the mornings.

4. Under-bed storage can avoid the need for so much furniture keeping the rest of the space in the room clear and uncluttered.

5. Modular furniture is really flexible, meaning you will be free to move your room around in the future. Avoid beds with built-in bedside cabinets.

Harveys ranges suitable for loft space include the Lima bedroom range which is fully flexible. The wardrobes come in a variety of heights, widths and also door styles with a mirrored finish option.

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The Nespresso story began 23 years ago with a simple but revolutionary idea – to create the perfect cup of Espresso coffee with exquisite crema, tantalising aroma and full-bodied taste – just like skilled baristas.

As the worldwide pioneer, Nespresso redefined the way coffee lovers around the world enjoy their Espresso coffee through a unique combination of premium quality Grand Cru coffees, smart coffee machines and exceptional customer services.

And now, to complement this truly huge international phenomenon in coffee, Zack has designed and released its Tondo Rotating Capsule Holder.

Nespresso machine owners clearly demand the best and Zack is no slouch in providing just that in all of its designs and products with the Tondo being no exception.

Outstandingly stylish as well as brilliantly practical. True Zack design expressed in this rotating Nespresso capsule holder. It will look fabulous in any kitchen standing proud next to the Nespresso machine.

Available from Proleno, on the web at www.proleno.com, on the phone on 0844 357 9855

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Ann Ha and Behrang Behin are the winners of the first annual pavilion competition with their Living Pavilion.

Living Pavilion is the result of an international design competition to design and build a pavilion as a central, temporary gathering place on Upper New York Bay’s Governors Island. The competition is unique in that it asked designers to consider the full lifecycle of their proposals. With as little environmental impact as possible, considerations included the sourcing, materials, placement, de-installation, and the future of the pavilion once the summer has ended.

Living Pavilion is a low-tech, zero-impact structure that employs reclaimed milk crates as the framework for growing a planted green wall surface. The pavilion’s construction is simple and modular, relying on common materials such as heavy-duty packaging straps and weather-treated wood for its assembly. Erected in the courtyard of Liggett Hall for Governors Island’s summer season, the pavilion will provide refuge from the heat in a shaded environment kept cool by the evaporation from its planted surfaces. As the pavilion’s vaulted form meets the ground, it unfolds into a mat of crates planted with crops that can be harvested and distributed to the community. At the end of the season, its modular design will allow easy disassembly and distribution to the New York area for use in homes, public places, and community gardens.

The competition was organised by FIGMENT, the Emerging New York Architect Committee (ENYA) of the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter (AIANY), and the Structural Engineers Association of New York (SEAoNY).

The project will be assembled on Governors Island this spring, and will be open to the public from June 6^th until October 3^rd 2010.

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Recently launched in Frankfurt to much industry acclaim is Linea, Zack’s latest bathroom accessory range.

Solid and chunky with masterful lines, Linea espouses contemporary style. Manufactured from Zack’s signature high quality stainless steel with a brushed or satin finish this range will clearly be a winner for Zack and perfect for a 21^st century bathroom.

Tried and tested at Proleno, we give it ten out of ten!

Available from Proleno, on the web at www.proleno.com, on the phone on 0844 357 9855

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Grand Central is an expandable table that transforms from space-saving occasional table to the centre piece of a room. The tabletop is divided into 22 pieces that fold out in a spectacular way through its advanced construction. Dramatic and poetic at the same time! The inspiration comes from a pop-up map of New York.

Sanna Lindström and Sigrid Strömgren are two independent designers based in Stockholm and Gothenburg, Sweden. Grand Central is their first piece together and it is currently dispalyed at Salon Satellite Milano which is running until 19^th April.

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We’re approaching that time of year again when you spoil your Dad and buy him all those presents that he would never treat himself to. Father’s Day, Sunday 20 June 2010. Depending on what your Dad likes, whether he is into cooking, wine tasting, design or a busy dad on the go, why not pick something a bit different this Father’s day with Proleno’s wide range of gifts and stylish accessories.

Perfect for any wine connoisseur, the Scipio Corkscrew from Zack is solid, chunky and stylish. Three words that perfectly describe this outstanding lever corkscrew from Zack. As with all products from the Zack bar range, this lever corkscrew not only looks great, it does what it is paid for as well and is just as at home in a kitchen or home bar. This little guy has it all and is the perfect treat for your Dad this Father’s Day!

If your dad is a stylish man about town what about a stylish stainless steel mobile phone holder from Zack? It will make his colleagues at work green with envy! Solid, functional and robust the Nexus Mobile Phone Holder is the perfect home for his latest gadget.

Every dad needs a butler! No more clothes in a heap on the floor with this stylish and robust clothes caddy from the Atacio range will make Mum happy too!

All available now from Proleno, on the web at www.proleno.com, on the phone on 0844 357 9855

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