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.