Trendspotting: Modern Needlecraft

I'm seeing more and more knitting, crochet, and macramé utilized in home-decor products lately. But these aren't your grandmother's tissue cosies -- while still undoubtedly feminine and ornamental, the traditional needlecraft techniques are more likely to be applied in graphic ways to utilitarian materials and furnishings, giving the finished product a sense of freshness and humor that their matronly predecessors lacked.

In addition to the macraméd chairs, knitted pillows, and crocheted light fixtures, hanging pendants, and pottery (top) that I've recently blogged here, several more industrial-meets-handicraft furnishings have caught my attention in recent weeks:

The Macramé Lamp from Sweden's Pernilla Jansson is an art piece rather than a retail product. Still, I want one.

This Macramé Hanging Shade, $168 from Anthropologie, is more "Granny Chic" than industrial, but has a somewhat modern sensibility thanks to the simple drum shape and all-white palette.

These petite Crochet Tables, $50 each from CB2, are rendered in iron and wire, making them both delicate and tough.

Marcel Wanders' Crochet Table for Moooi, $1,448 from UnicaHome, is made from cotton and hardened with epoxy.

Check out the gigantic needles Dutch designer Christien Meindertsma uses to knit her Flocks Poufs, $800 and $1,600 each at Design Within Reach.

I think it's nice to see handicrafts coming back into vogue, even among die-hard modernists. What examples have you spotted lately, and what do you think is behind this melding of traditional needlecraft and modern design?

Objects of Lust: David Trubridge Pendants

More lighting love: British naval architect and marine researcher David Trubridge's gorgeous pendant lights from Design Within Reach.

The forms were inspired by the Antarctic ice crystals, underwater coral, eel traps, and exotic sea creatures that Trubridge saw on a four-year, round-the-world sailing trip.

Coral Pendant, $500

Kina Pendant, $2,000

Koura Pendant, $2,220

I ogled these in person at my local DWR yesterday, and I have to say that while the design is ingenious and the effect is awe-inspiring, the actual materials and construction aren't all that complex: Each is simply thin pieces of sustainably grown, pliable pine plywood tacked together and suspended from a basic hanging bulb apparatus.

A DIY project, perhaps, for some of you handy types?

Double Take: Abaca and Random Lights

I've been harboring a thing for Dutch designer Bertjan Pot's Random Light forever. I want one for our dining room so bad it hurts, but the price -- more than $1,500 for the large size -- has stopped me.

So last night while I was leafing through the latest West Elm catalog (I know I said no more chain stores, but I was only looking ... ), my heart skipped a beat when I saw the company's new Abaca Pendant. It's a little bit similar, no? (And West Elm is certainly no stranger to design knockoffs.)

Let's compare:

West Elm Abaca Pendant, $79 to $129

Moooi Random Light: small, $660, and medium, $860, at Design Within Reach; large, $1,505, at YLighting

To my eye, the ethereal, delicate, and almost-translucent epoxy and fiberglass Random Light has much more drama and presence. West Elm's banana-fiber version is earthier, chunkier, and not nearly as graceful. The smaller size (the West Elm pendants range from about 9 to 16 inches in diameter, compared to the Random Light's 20 to 43 inches) also creates far less impact.

But when you consider the savings -- almost $600 to more than $1,350 -- the trade-offs might not be so hard to swallow.

What do you think?

Good Reads: Trends That Are "So Over"

All photos by Raeanne Giovanni-Inoue for The New York Times

There's an interesting piece in today's New York Times on the big decorating trends of 2007 that are due for demise -- at least according to prominent designers like David Netto and Celerie Kemble, tastemaking editors like Domino's Deborah Needleman and Metropolitan Home's Donna Warner, and the doyenne of design bloggers herself, design*sponge's Grace Bonney.

One of the most intriguing reasons given for certain trends playing themselves out is the so-called "democratization of design." With the proliferation of companies such as CB2, West Elm, and even Design Within Reach interpreting high-end modern design for the masses -- and so many design bloggers out there writing about them -- these designs are destined to lose their exclusive cache.

Though the statement comes off sounding pretty snooty (I mean, if just anyone can be savvy to -- and possibly even afford -- things like baroque mirrors and geometric rugs, then of course those things are no longer desirable), the author does have a point. When we all see the same thing over and over again, of course we're bound to grow weary of it -- no matter how fresh the concept may have seemed at first. Even good ideas, like eco-friendly products, eventually inspire design fatigue when everyone jumps on the bandwagon, writer Penelope Green asserts.

Among the decorating fads on their way out?

Antlers

David Hicks-influenced design (that means you, Jonathan Adler)

Suzanis

Cowhide rugs

Flatscreens over the fireplace

Ironic takes on "Hunting Lodge Chic"

Over-the-top Baroque Modern and Hollywood Regency style

"Green" products like bamboo sheets

Check out Ms. Green's article right here -- then tell me what you think: Do all of these trends deserve to be relegated to the design dustbin? Are design blogs and the burgeoning interest in design among the hoi polloi (that would be me and you, people) causing trends to cycle in and out ever faster?

Post a comment and let me know.

Mark Your Calendar: Get Crafty on Thursday Night

This Thursday, December 6, the Berkeley Design Within Reach hosts Craft Within Reach, a trunk show featuring wares from local artisans such as Rae Dunn, Sara Paloma, Sharon Spain, and more than two dozen others. Craft Magazine will lead an ornament-making workshop, and there will be snacks, drinks, and a DJ spinning tunes. The event runs from from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the DWR showroom at 1770 Fourth St. in Berkeley.

Over in San Francisco the same night, ReadyMade magazine is holding its Winter Ball and DIY Gift Fair. The annual event features the handiwork of local designers plus music and dancing. Party and shop from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the Verdi Club, 2424 Mariposa St.

House in Progress: The Office Chair Conundrum

So here's the deal: I work from home as a freelance writer pretty much full-time. (Yeah, I know -- I'm lucky; but if you saw last year's tax return, you would not be jealous.)

At left is the Jules Chair from IKEA, in which I spend upwards of ten hours a day. I bought it because I thought it was cute, and it only cost $40. But I simply can't take it anymore. It's just not a proper work chair, and my back and tailbone are screaming in protest. I desperately need a functional, comfortable, and ergonomic desk chair.

But here's the thing: I think most desk chairs are kind of ugly -- even the coveted $949 Aeron Chair. Since my office is in my home, I can't bring myself to buy, and than have to look at, some ugly black-and-hard-plastic thing on wheels. So I'm on the hunt for a good desk chair that's also -- and this is key -- attractive.

I'd really like something in white or a poppy color or fun pattern. It absolutely has to have lower-back support and a padded (or at least pliable) seat. I'm tall, so it has to be height-adjustable, or at least be on the higher side. It doesn't need to be on wheels or to swivel, but those would be nice options. I'm hoping to keep it under $250.

Here are a few I've been looking at:

Perforated Airgo Chairs, $179, from Pottery Barn Teen.
Pros: These chairs come in white, light green, orange, light blue, and pink, and I love the polished armrests and base.
Cons: Those armrests don't actually look so comfortable. And my ass, sadly, is no longer teen-sized.

Lilly Office Chair, $169, from CB2.
Pros: Fresh and clean in white and chrome, and a great price.
Cons: I'm not sure what "pliable white Hirek® techno-polymer composite" is, but it doesn't look as cushy as I want.

Holden Chair, $249, from Crate + Barrel.
Pros: Comfortable, adjustable, and tasteful.
Cons: It's not black, but the color is still a bit too dull and masculine for me.

Swivel Leather Desk Chair, $299, from West Elm.
Pros: It looks cool and comfortable, and the seat is adjustable.
Cons: The color. I could've sworn West Elm had this in white the last time I looked, but now it's not there. $299 is also a little more than I'd hoped to spend.

Allak Chair, $80, from IKEA.
Pros: I sat in this at our local IKEA yesterday, and it's actually very comfortable. Plus, it's white, and the price can't be beat.
Cons: I don't really love the gathering on the leather seat, and the black plastic arms and base look cheap and cheesy.

Nominell Chair, $129, from IKEA.
Pros: I like this in green.
Cons: This is lacking armrests, and it's a bit on the slight side for all-day sitting.

Skruvsta Chair, $139, from IKEA.
Pros: I love the retro shape and the fun print (this comes in white, too).
Cons: It doesn't offer as much back support as a higher-backed chair would.

Patrik Chair, $179, from IKEA.
Pros: So cute.
Cons: I tried this on for size, and the seat is a tad narrow for my child-bearing hips.

Vitra Hula Hoop Chair, $915, from Design Public.
Pros: Super-stylin'.
Cons: The price -- no way am I paying this much for a chair, as cool as it may be. (Plus, the IKEA Skruvsta has a similar look for a lot less.)

Egoa Task Chairs, $648, from Design Within Reach.
Pros: Fun colors, elegantly slim profile.
Cons: The price.

Hudson Swivel Chair, $1,415, from DWR.
Pros: How cool is this in polished aluminum?
Cons: No padding. And the price.

Eames Aluminum Management Chair, $1,998, from DWR.
Pros: I love the fresh spring green leather (it also comes in white, orange, red, power blue, camel, and chocolate) and the polished base.
Cons: The price.

Have thoughts on these, or any other suggestions? Please post a comment and clue me in (and don't forget to include any relevant links). I'll let you all know what I ultimately decide.

Thanks!