Strut means cones in Swedish and it’s the name if this collection of lamps designed for suspended ceilings as well as regular one. Its available in three different lengths; 300, 450 and 600 mm. and can be customized with dyed fabric and coloured filters. The Strut lamps are designed by Annika Grottell and produced by Annell.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, lighting, Modern living

The Hurricane torch spreads a beautiful and cheerful light anywhere outdoors. Withstands all sorts of weather, even below freezing. May be used with small and large tea-lights, and may also be used indoors. Made of frosted glass, brushed metal and black rubber. Design Pernille Vea for Danish Menu.

Technorati Tags: accessories, Charles & Marie, Modern living, lighting

Sometimes it is the simplest, most crisp details in a home that can make it a cozy abode. And the Ohhh (and Ahhh) Basket by Uncommon Goods is unique yet simple enough to catch more than a glance, and hold more than one apple. It’s made from spun bamboo and formulated into a round, chic design. It’s natural looking, but exotic enough to keep your home looking well-traveled, even if you don’t have time to span the globe.

Technorati Tags: accessories, Charles & Marie, hip home, Modern living

If you thought collectibles were for your granny, think again. These Tracy Porter Collectible Trays by Wrapables are not only stylish and chic, but come in four different designs, each exclusive enough to be sought after. These ceramic trays are hand-painted in a wide array of bold colors and come in European and Asian-inspired designs. Offer your guests something tasty on these delightful trays, or simply display them so others will want to start a collection of their own.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, Modern living, tableware

The Saloni in Milan wasn’t just a good place to find new talents or to be completely overwhelmed by thousands and thousands of products, it was also a good place to catch up with a few people and to see what they were thinking about the fair and the industry and where it is heading in general. We caught up with Demetrios Eames at the Vitra booth - where else - the purveyor of the Eames’ furniture…

C&M: Demetrios, we’ve had many discussions about ‘good design’ over the past days here in Milan, and it’s an age-long discussion, how would characterize good design?

DE: Oh, I have a high standard, I know how hard Charles and Ray have worked to get products right, and mass production only had a marginal impact. So I am very impressed by people who figure out mass production and don’t become a victim to it - it’s a very important aspect of todays developments. It allows us to make products available on a much broader scale and reach more people.

C&M: Did you get the feeling that there was too little focus on getting things right here at the fair?

DE: Well, I felt that I saw a lot of designers who were looking for manufacturers and a lot of manufacturers who were looking for new ways to use their equipment. But I saw no real innovation. Designers must constantly improve products, not just decorate.

C&M: Is that what you would tell young designers out there? Constantly innovate? What else would you tell them?

DE: Young designers need to stick with their ideas. Research a product, improve it and then stick with it. Push for ways to make them work, learning about the concept in the process. It is important that you constantly learn about your product and continuously improve on it. Then you need a little good fortune, but unfortunately I have no advice on how to make that happen…

C&M: Young designers always ask us about trends, are trends important and should you be following trends?

DE: There is stuff that’s cool and then there is stuff that just works. And people buy the stuff that works, like it for that reason and don’t even know about the designer - and that’s good. That tells me that trends have a marginal effect. Otherwise we’d worry about the retro fad and the this fad and that fad. We focus on being aware of changes in the manufacturing process or environmentally sound practices that affect our designs, we are more interested in using renewable resources and don’t focus on fads.

C&M: Demetrios, we could go on for hours, but that would break our format, so thank you for the time and have a great fair!

One last word for those who haven’t seen it yet, check out Demetrios’ Kymaerica site and see how every picture tells a story…

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, Eames, furniture, iSaloni, Milano, Modern living, Vitra

The art of cutting and gluing paper images to surfaces is considered an art. In fact, it goes by the name of decoupage. John Derian makes eccentric collages that he pieces together under glass. Plates. Platters. Paperweights. Coasters. Urns. Whatever strikes your fancy. His New York studio designs are renowned and his signature retail shop, The John Derian Company, carries antiques, imports, quilts, table linens, and stationery for those with impeccable tastes.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, glassware, Modern living, tableware

As the human race gets progressively shorter (come on, you must have taken noticed), tall folks are hard pressed to find accessories that suit them. Suits, shoes, even sweat pants need to be ordered upon special request. Just ask Shaq: it’s a dilemma of enormous proportions. With that in mind, we fell head over Prada heels for the high back Tall Chair by Tom Dixon. Consider its rare physique (128cm x 38cm) an ode to the statuesque. A set of eight looks lovely in the dining room.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, furniture, Modern living

We suppose you might consider this table the ultimate testament to one’s success, sex appeal and smarts (feel free to insert your own s-word). The “S” (which is illuminated at the edges, hence the categorization under lighting) makes a striking presentation true to German form. Now here comes a brief lesson in languages: In German, some adjectives end with “-tisch,” which is the equivalent to “-tic” in English. The inspiration for this table is said to have come from German adjectives. You see, when used by itself, the term “tisch” is actually a German noun for “table”. According to the Draenert website, the play on words can be explained, but it can’t be translated. (For example, “op-tisch” could be read as “optic table”.) But if you’re thoroughly confused, don’t despair. One mustn’t understand to appreciate its form.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, furniture, Modern living

Cult design founded by two talented Swedish entrepreneurs and designers, Marita Lord and Magnus Tyrén, works with modern textile, ceramics and pots. They have produced a stylish range of spring and summer products for 2006 including relief patterns, lamps and glassware. They have just recently translated their webpage into English which makes it easier to browse through their wonderful works, enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, Modern living, glassware, tableware

Kateha takes the Swedish rug design to a higher level. Their products will definitely make your vacuum cleaner drool. Birds Nest is a modern piece of art for your floor.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, Modern living, textiles, rugs