Green at Heart: Dutch Designer Christien Meindertsma

Irwin Weiner ASID - I love the take on design presented in today's featured video. Dutch designer Christien Meindertsma espouses "documentary design," meaning she covers the entire lifecycle of the products she designs and produces, straight to the source. Examples of her work include the popular Urchin Pouf (top photo), Oak Inside console (bottom photo), individual wool sweaters made from a single sheep that you get to know a lot about or a range of flax products from a nearby Dutch flax field.

As the LEED certification requirements for green building and design change in the coming year, everyone will become (hopefully) more aware of where their home goods and building materials came from, how they were manufactured, and what processes were used to the original elements every step of the way, from origin to your doorstep. The goal is to see consumers and homeowners making more informed, conscious decisions that are environmentally conscious and respectful. <thunderous applause>

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Active Lifestyles: Skateboard-Inspired Furniture and Architecture

The God Father Lounge Chair

Irwin Weiner ASID - Why shouldn't extreme sports like skateboarding influence the style of furniture and the way architecture informs how a home should be designed? Skate Study House is a unique collection of mid-century modern furniture, bowing to a love of California and everything to do with skateboarding.

The Comet Coffee Table

Designer Gil Le Bon Delapointe and architect Francois Perrin collaborated with others on a prototype home and community for skateboarders where everything from furniture to appliances stay out of the way of one's free access to skate up and down the walls and perform tricks on countertops and other surfaces.

Astro Clock, made from skateboard wheels and bearings

Today's featured video showcases the PAS House prototype in Malibu, CA, and Delapointe discusses the lifestyle features that are integrated into the furniture and architecture. As you know, Design2Share loves to showcase design that pushes the envelope; we think designing a home and furnishings around residents' personal needs, hobbies, and sports is a wonderful new direction.

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Design Video: Derek Wilson Brings Us Inside His Studio (and His Head)

Irwin Weiner ASID - Belfast, North Ireland has seen more than its share of violence and urban flight. It was devastating for the city's economy and also for its artist residents. The last five years has seen a change, however, and noted ceramicist Derek Wilson has been part of that resurgence.

There has been a boom of sorts - it was so behind other cities - with graduates staying and designers and artists setting up. There's lots of support, and it's nice to be involved in the creative resurgence.

Designs from Mr. Wilson are inspired by the colors, light quality, and industrial heritage of his beloved Belfast. Like all talented ceramics artists, his work is both highly functional and sculptural, making them absolutely ideal additions to home decor.

Watch his video interview below, and click on any of his images for more information.

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Michael Graves Warehouse Home in New Jersey

Irwin Weiner ASID - There are a handful of superstar architects and designers. Of course, Michael Graves is one of the few, and I was just directed to his Dwell video interview where he talks personally about the discovery and renovation of a Tuscan style warehouse in Princeton, NJ that he looks forward to returning to whenever he's able to get off the world-travel merry-go-round.

Photo: Ben Hoffman for Elle DecorIt's instructive to see where creative people live, knowing that the design elements of their own homes will help them recharge and get on the creative path once again. Mr. Graves' home features privacy, clean lines, beautiful landscaping and gardens, and soothing water features. I'd be happy to trade homes with him at any time! Visit the Michael Graves website for more information on this legendary designer and his work.

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