German Designer Turns Housing Into Portable Cubes

Irwin Weiner ASID - I applaud all efforts by architects and designers to push the envelope on what we call "home" or "our house." In the future, we'll need homes that are more portable, smaller, and nimble to meet a more nomadic, on-the-move population. At least that's the future that German designer Werner Aisslinger envisions, and his beautiful Loftcube home is a perfect combination of portability, small square-footage, and contemporary appeal. All connections for water, electricity, and gas are in the Loftcube's anchor footings. And the interior, complete with clean Corian surfaces, is airy and light.

The designer has also modified the exterior structure of the Loftcube, taking away the yacht-material white cladding and replacing it with wood slats to create what he terms the Fincube (see below).

The following video goes more in-depth into Aisslinger's Loftcube, and shows

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Wish List: Amazing Porcelain from Nymphenburg

Irwin Weiner ASID - Precious heirlooms, fine workmanship, translucent designs, and dazzling beauty - these all describe the fine porcelain vases, gifts, and tabletop service pieces manufactured by Porzellan Manufaktur Nymphenburg, the fine German porcelain manufacturer started and still continued today by the royal family of Bavaria who still live in part of the beautiful Nymphenburg Palace (below).

Each piece of fine porcelain is still made and painted by hand at Nymphenburg, an over 260-year tradition, and the paste is also made onsite making it a unique manufacturer. Click on each photo below to see some of my favorite pieces from this exquisite company.

Bonbonniere (smooth) designed in 2009 by Ted Muehling

Belle Epoque Fish Service designed in 1900 by Hermann Gradl for the Paris World Exhibition

Lightscape Collection bowl designed by Ruth Gurvich

Porcelain Dog Miniatures

Porcelain Christmas Ornament Assortment

Lotos Dinnerware - Flowers of Life update in 2011 by designer Sebastian MenschhornVase with Lid designed in 1908 by Munich art nouveau master Adelbert NiemeyerEnchanted Forest Dinnerware Service

Small Skull (black, biscuit) designed in 1756 by Ignaz Gunther

Majolica Parrot with Mask designed in 1915 by Josef WackerleIvory Glazed Mirror designed in 1770 by Conrad Linck

Lotos Dinnerware designed in the early 1930s by master "new objective" stylist Wolfgang von Wersin

CLICK HERE to see Design2Share's Favorite Holiday Decorating Trends for this year.

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World's Largest Trade Fair + Clocks That Knit

Irwin Weiner ASID - The Salone del Mobile in Milan is the largest trade show in the world and, of course, its focus is on design. I smugly say "of course" because design impacts the most important elements of our life. We take for granted how we sit, how we use tools, what shelters us from the elements, how we see things in a dark space, how we sleep, how we prepare and serve food, and basically the shape and substance and utility and beauty of everything made by humans.

I love TheDesignVlog.com for covering important trade shows like Il Salone and coming back with their curated looks at what they love, what's hot, and totally unique in design. I think you'd have to go pretty far to find a more interesting designer working today than Berlin-based Siren Elise Wilhelmsen, and I was blown away by her 365 Knitting Clock which tells time by the length of a scarf that it keeps on knitting. How fantastic, tactile, and surprising! Watch the video for more Wilhelmsen surprises and a wonderful overview of Il Salone.

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Which New IMM Global Furnishings Do You Love?

Irwin Weiner ASID - It's great for American homeowners and interior designers to see what vendors in the rest of the world are producing in the way of furnishings, home textiles, and accessories. The International Furnishing Show in Cologne, Germany never disappoints when it comes to giving us inspiration and an eye for design trends. The following Lifestyle TV video is excellent; it provides us with many web addresses for vendors - some are old favorites (like Ligne Roset, maker of the Ploum Sofa, above) and many are new discoveries. As the IMM says, "Create. Furnish. Live."

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Update on August 24, 2011 by Design2Share

Super King Size Leather Beds: We just found a great collection of sleek leather bed designs. They add sophistication, whether your bedroom decor is traditional or modern. 

Featured Project: DIY Painted Headboard

Now is the perfect time to think about freshening up your interior space. With a splash of color here and a new piece of furniture there, it's easy to redecorate. Here's a quick, budget-conscious DIY design idea to help get you started.

Paint Your Own Headboard

Chances are if you if you purchased your bed frame as part of a bedroom set, the headboard is already included. If you don't want to put forth the extra cash, especially after paying for a pricey mattress, no problem! Painted headboards are a great way to add a pop of color to your bedroom.

Step 1: Measure the width of the head of your bed and mark it with blue painter's tape from floor to ceiling. Now, choose your color based on your desired color scheme. You obviously don't want it to be the same shade as your walls, but it should complement that color.

Step 2: Once you have your color, paint the wall, staying within the blue painters tape. Once the paint dries, if you choose to do so, you can detail with paint or with some removable wall decals from a company like Blik. For as little as $40, Blik makes easily removable wall decals in fun shapes like bookshelves, chandeliers, birds, etc. If this sounds like too much work, don't worry and leave your wall a solid color.

Step 3: Simply position your bed up against the painted wall, prop up some decorative Euro pillows in coordinating colors and patterns, and you have yourself a headboard. You might want to take this opportunity to invest in a new comforter or duvet in fun, light, spring colors. You'd be surprised at what a little bit of paint and some new bedding can do for your space!

Contemporary vanities and more at Decor Planet for your bathroom needs.