Our Perch stools get a buddy....

Product development here works several different ways.

Bob sometimes will have an idea while he's in Indonesia, often either on the plane, or while visiting with one of the groups we work with on products.

Then he'll surprise us with it on a future container, and the team here will use it as a base point for development.

Such is the case with the bar height bases that Bob brought back, intended to be paired with the per and hiboy bar stools. He's also developed a lower version that can be added to our collection of coffee table height bases.








We've already got ideas on how to tweak the bar height bases (lowered by about 4", widen the neck, etc.) and the coffee table base (having the legs angle out a bit), but as always happens, Bob's simple act of making something new has spread to other products as well.

Be on the lookout for a revamped Perch & Hiboy base coming soon...

NPR piece on Batik cloth...

Hopefully this won't reveal any political or cultural leanings, but listening to NPR this morning, I heard an interesting piece on Indonesian Batik cloths...how President Obama's mother loved to collect the cloths, and a basic rundown on how they're made.

We found it generally interesting, but even more because we've been bringing those back for several years now.

We find them great for printmaking applications, making stamps, embossing fabric & ribbons, sconces, or simply as an accent piece. Here's the link...

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111892135

Here's some of the batik stamps we carry...

Road Trip!

Earlier this week I noticed this on Flavorpill: “Grain Edit looks backward for future design”. At From the Source we’ve been “looking backward” too, working on new designs that link vintage and reclaimed elements with modern forms. I mused about this. Whether art, music or design, in any medium it’s easier to recreate than to create; to look to the past rather than invent the future. Was I taking the easy road, or worse, being intellectually lazy?

Either way, spending a Saturday in front of the computer wasn’t offering sparks of inspiration. I needed something richer, more tactile. Plus, it was a beautiful day, so why not leave the desk, and explore. I grabbed the camera and a water bottle and headed to Recycling the Past, an architectural salvage yard I’d been meaning to visit. Mapquest made it look easy, so I set off down the coast…along with several thousand determined beach goers…

Finally made it to the salvage yard!
Hmm, could this old cart inspire a new chaise lounge?
For the chair, I'd soften the angles and give it reclaimed teak slats.

It felt invigorating to actually handle the forms and observe the intricate details, the nuances of the curves… more fun than Sketch-up on a hot summer day!








Intriguing shelving, looks like an old erector set!

Scraps and debris gave way to treasures beyond my budget…
but I left with a wealth of pictures and ideas to share with the design team.













We'll be working these inspirations into a new collection, so be on the lookout!

new container...great new items

New containers have been coming in faster than our regular pace, which is usually once or twice a month...

There's lot's of new items, as we prep for product development for a couple of shows and fall items, but here's a sneak peek.

Glass door cabinets...

Teak tree slices with a clear finish...



We finally got in some custom ingas dining chairs -for a restaurant- based on the base for our perch stools, some high boy stools, and spirit chairs.



...and we're apparently expecting a run on our solid mahogany rafless benches....



New containers are always exciting for us...Later we'll post some new ideas Bob brought back...

Reclaimed Teak Panels

Fresh off our latest container, we've received an exciting new material with endless potential; reclaimed teak paneling. We're really in the early stages of design development with these beautiful, rustic and sustainable pieces, but each of our locations has sample merchandise available that is already in production.

Our design team is eager to jump in and start developing a whole new line with the painted teak. At the moment, we do have coffee tables and mirrors for sale if you just can't wait for what's to come...

Please offer up some ideas if there is anything in particular that you'd like to see produced with this material.

Hamptons Cottages and Gardens

Our new "Perch" stool, designed this May for ICFF has been in the spotlight as of late. Please stop by one of our locations for a closer look...






Chelsea
104 West 17th Street
NYC 10011

Dumbo
65 Jay Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Greenpoint
69 West Street
Brooklyn, NY 11222

Hachi Asian Bistro Project

We collaborated with another local establishment, Hachi Asian Bistro and provided this great new eatery in Williamsburg with beautiful solid wood table tops and light fixtures. Please take a look below, and also head over there to enjoy some delicious food...


63 Grand Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211

http://newyork.grubstreet.com/2009/07/what_to_eat_at_hachi_now_servi.html

Chelsea Renovation Photos

Our newly renovated Chelsea Showroom is open and in full swing...

Come by and check it out:

104 West 17th Street @ 6th Ave.

New York, NY 10011

25% OFF SALE!!

Stop by any of our locations to check out the discounted merchandise...

Chelsea
104 West 17th Street
New York, NY 10011

Dumbo
65 Jay Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Greenpoint
69 West Street
Brooklyn, NY 11222