What could be better than a company that is inspired by flowers? I first visited the Dallas showroom of
18Karat many years ago when buying at market with a very talented employer. Originally a bulk vase importer, 18Karat has evolved into a high-end purveyor of home wares which introduces 2 collections a year, each with more than 500 new pieces. You'll find everything from upholstered furniture to design books and home fragrances at their online shop
here.
I continue to be blown away by the beauty and design direction of their vases and containers. Pieces in the collections are literally inspired by flower forms, this mustard vase from the Spring/Summer 2008 Gemma collection ('bud' in Latin) inspired by Dianthus/Carnation.
These shots of interiors styled with 18Karat products completely evoke the company's philosophy of marrying sustainable production methods with beautiful, authentic materials.
I'm partial to twigs, and modern interiors, so this really hits all my buttons. And I love the oversized prints of tulips leaning against the wall!
Photos shot at the home of Jean Claude Leblanc, Peter Cardew Architects. All images from 18Karat
website.
When I was a design student, I always wished designers of environmentally friendly products would look to companies like Porsche for inspiration... you know, make it sexy and the masses will want it. Well, it seems like the last few years I've been getting my wish, and here's a great example - these gorgeous vases and glasses by Emma Woffengen and Tord Boontje for TranSglass. They are manufactured through Artecnica's Design With A Conscience program, and start at $38 on the re:modern website.
"With the help of Aid to Artisans, a non-profit organization providing assistance to artisans worldwide, Artecnica collaborated with Guatemalan craftsmen to bring Emma Woffenden and Tord Boontje’s designs to the market. Combining old-world craftsmanship and sophisticated design, each tranSglass vessel is a unique, one-of-a-kind piece." - quote and images from Artecnica
