Karl Zahn and simple things

I was reminded yesterday of my appreciation for Karl's Simple Series. Not too much to say. But I think that's the point. See Karl Zahn's full portfolio here.

Purekitchen in review

I thought I would share some recent projects of ours. Thoughts?

To see more, check out purekitchen.com We're in the process of updating, so check back soon for more current projects and products. (Apologies for the plug)

A nod to the van

Thank you DWELL for posting Joe Stevens' photo collection of vans and the places where they were. As a former owner of a 1970 Dodge Sportsman A108 (you may know it as the van from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre), I have an appreciation for the van that goes beyond the racing striped irony. Stevens doesn't go into depth about his motivations behind the project, but I find vans to represent an efficiency and transience of living. Alternatively, they also represent either a failure or refusal to culturally assimilate. I may be overanalyzing. See the full collection at vans and the places they were.

via DWELL

Jasper Morison's Crate Series

photo from mattermatters.com

While I have been a long time fan of Jasper Morrison's Crate series from Established and Sons, I only today found out they offer a version that doubles as a guest bed. Their Crate No. 5, measuring approximately 79x31", it may suit your smaller guests best, but, as cliche as it sounds, the fundamental simplicity of design and construction imbues the Crate series with both a sense of tradition and innovation. See all Established and Son's products here and, for you new Yorkers, check out Matter in Soho and downtown Brooklyn.

Obscura Day 2010

I would be lying if I claimed to be trembling in anticipation for this years Obscura Day (thank you BLDGBLOG for opening my eyes). Come June 20th, you have the opportunity to partake in a slew of "expeditions, back-room tours and hidden treasures" all around the world. After debating for several hours about the most worthy event, I have to say the tour of the Vanderbilt Museum Hall of Fishes, which i have just now learned has booked up . . . disappointment. Anyway, to find out what's left, check out the Obscura Day 2010 page here.

Tie a knot

Inspired by a recent AP article, I have renewed my intention to refine my knot competence. (Despite having somehow, and worryingly, been taught to tie a bowline behind my back while treading water, I have effectively retained none of it.) They recommend IWillKnot for a very basic overview of knot tying. Super simple, but definitely a solid starting point. For the more advanced knottists, try Animated Knots by Grog, which is broken down into genre of knot. Read up!

Blog of note: OWI

photo by Tim Van de Velde, via OWI

For those of you not already avid fans of OWI (Office for Word and Image), I can testify that it is definitely worth a bookmark. The site offers an impressive compilation of top-notch architecture documented by accordingly top-notch photographers. Take a look for yourself.

Wayne Levin Photography

As welcome break from the New York City cold, Wayne Levin's boasts a haunting selection of underwater black-and-white images. A seasoned traveler and long-time resident of Hawaii, Levin's underwater work seems to use the black-and-white medium to its fullest. See Levin's full portfolio here.

Via Jennifer Tran Design

CUT Brooklyn

cut bk from ariadne ax on Vimeo via Gastronomista

I came across this interview with Joel Bukiewicz, founder of CUT Brooklyn and knife-making machine. Joel has developed a reputation for passion and craft within culinary and design circles, and rightfully so. A self-described "steel nerd," Joel exudes a sincerity of craft and quality that is almost alienating to the outsider. There is, indeed, a unique wonder to be found in a finely tuned knife -- an object born to be held and used. With a furniture design background myself, and a particular fascination with tool making, his name is high on my list of dream internships. So if you've got the dough and can handle the year-long waiting list, act now -- because it's only getting longer.

Read the interview at Gastronomista.

High on our wish list: A Goode Green roof

The company behind Rooftop Farms of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Goode Green designs and installs Green roofs in NYC. Something about the image on their home page make us want it even more --Boardwalks! What! Anyway, if you share our obsession, check out Goode Green and Rooftop Farms. Stay updated on Rooftop Farms' events, they periodically offer tours of their operation. Definitely worth the visit.

Let's review: Non-toxic paints

Yesterday, the New York Times published a review of six different low- or no-VOC paints. Criteria included ease of application, ability to conceal permanent ink, resistance to fingerprints, as well as odor. The review goes through the pros and cons of each brand, but I've been loyal to YOLO Colorhouse and AFM Safecoat for sometime. They have a mild to no smell at all and have excellent coverage. Read the full article at The New York Times.