Nice try, Details magazine. Really, you did an OK job identifying “innovative furnishings and products” that make Chicago “America’s New Design Capital.” (We’re not sure what the old design capital was, or if you meant “new-design” capital. Punctuation is so important, don’t you think?) You listed Luminaire, Morlen Sinoway Atelier (pictured above), Pavilion, Post 27, and The Haymaker Shop. Good start!
I love a good plaid. Be it the refined British Burberry patterns or rugged Scotland breeds that make up those delicious kilts, I am smitten with plaid.That’s why Raw Edges studio’s plaid benches have leapt to the top of my wish list! Part mod, part preppy, the collection of benches are made up of interlocking colorful bands crossing horizontally and vertically to make up a gorgeous pattern. Che
A company called Solyndra pioneered the solar tube but this new invention by UK-based Naked Energy may just take cylindrical solar to a whole new level. Called Virtu, the product includes an integrated photovoltaic cell in a vacuum tube to generate both electricity and warm water at the same time. The setup keeps the PV cool to optimize energy production and maximizes space with a combined PVT solution.
Specifically, heat is transferred away from the photovoltaic cells with a patented thermosyphon technology that harvests the unwanted heat from the photovoltaic cell to heat up water, according to The Engineer. The process is expected to generate about 45% more energy over conventional solar PV.
Virtu can be installed anywhere pitched, curved, or flat roofs or walls and system owners can prioritize electricity or heat generation, depending on their energy demands.
Naked Energy is on a trade mission in the U.S. ri
The owner of Morlen Sinoway Atelier, the founder of the Guerrilla Truck show, an interior designer, and one of the most devoted promotors of local design in town, Sinoway is also a bon vivant who loves art, music, film and books. This week, he finishes our sentences.
1. If I could live in any movie or TV setting it would be any Bond movie (except with Roger Moore).
In a blink of an eye, spring is suddenly in full bloom! Blossoms are on the trees, the bulbs have all sprouted even the mosquitoes have come out. Hopefully its not too late to get my act together and prepare for the growing season ahead. Last weekend I gave the grasses in our front yard a haircut, and this Saturday its time to prune the crepe myrtles. I also want to get some herbs and veggies growing inside the house. I love this idea from Cottage Hill blog: recycled newspaper seed pots.
My colleague Emily sent me a link to this extremely helpful blogpost at Apartment Therapy, which lists some good resources for people looking to begin, augment or browse a vintage- and retro-appliance collection. (There are also energy-efficient “retro” appliances that have the vintage aesthetic you want,as well as the updated technology, which, let’s face it, you also want.)
What exactly is the appeal of “retro”? I tend to
