February 2015 - Aesthetic Post

The Chair and Footstool by Hansen

February 26, 2015 DESIGN

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Hansen Furniture

Not in production since the late 1970s, Danish brand Hansen has relaunched their designs for today’s market. Determined to pursue the family’s work and dedication to quality materials and craftsmanship, Michael Hansen and his father John are reintroducing the footstool and chair models from 1959, originally designed by Eiler Hansen, available in five new colors.

The pieces were introduced to Danish homes around the time of the television, when a seat was a hot commodity. Hansen insisted that the design be well proportioned, functional and comfortable, with clean lines; the footstool works as not only a leg rest, but an extra seat.

Hansen Furniture

These icons are characterized by outstanding craftsmanship, minimalist but unique design, and an inherent sense of quality. The carefully chosen materials include fabrics from some of the world’s leading weaving mills, as well as a frame of solid beech, grown in the forest of Lolland-Falster in the South of Denmark.

The pieces can be ordered directly from Hansen’s site; the footstool at 180€ and the chair 340€.

More at: Hansen

Malfatti Glass

February 23, 2015 ART / DESIGN

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Malfatti Glass

Malfatti Glass is a collection of drinking and serving glassware, handblown and delicately formed from durable borosilicate glass (the same you’d find in a laboratory). Each piece is one-of-a-kind and organically-shaped, which leads to the name Malfatti, translated from Italian as “misshapen.”

The line features a full range of sizes and form, from stemless celebration glasses ($66/pair) to gelato bowls ($60/pair); considering their quality and uniqueness, these sets would make for a smart, understated gift.

Malfatti is just one facet of Beacon, New York-based Ten Willow Studio, comprised of Daniel Spitzer, master glassblower and former Dale Chihuly crew member, and Jill Reynolds, an award-winning visual artist know for her innovative use of flameworked glass.

More at: Malfatti Glass
Photography: Meredith Heuer

“Skylights” by CoeLux

February 13, 2015 ARCHITECTURE / DESIGN

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CoeLux Skylight

CoeLux is a new kind of lighting technology that expertly (it was conceived by a group of Italian scientists) recreates the effect of a skylight. The exacts of the design are proprietary, but apparently it involves LED light filtered through a complex optical layer that mimics Earth’s atmosphere and the effect known as Rayleigh scattering. The color and intensities very directly simulate sunlight, and none of the photos you see here have been digitally altered for effect.

CoeLux can be configured to replicate sunlight in different geographic scenarios, including tropical, Mediterranean, and Nordic, where, for example, light flows at a lower angle relative to the horizon.

There is no denying the aesthetic and psychological effects of bringing sunlight into interior environments, but in many cases, the real thing just isn’t an option; this revolutionary technology could shift interiors drastically, from geographic positions where daylight is scarce, to places like hospitals and even subway stations.

More at: CoeLux

Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

February 9, 2015 CALENDAR / DESIGN / FOOD / GROOMING / READING

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Sure, Valentine’s Day is a consumerism-based spectacle that we should all forfeit, but in lieu of disposable, heart-shaped drugstore purchases, a thoughtful gift: be it a lavish candle or a simple home-cooked dinner, should be met with welcome by any lover (or your loveless self).

Here are some ideas that will not disappoint; and if you enjoy spending time in the kitchen, head over to Saveur for a great guide to Valentine’s Day cooking, from breakfast in bed to romantic cocktails.

As for flowers, we’ll talk about that tomorrow . . .

1. Eating with the Chefs, $60; 2. Nikka Whisky, $40; 3. Fred’s Peppered Peanuts, $38;
4. Japanese Folding Knife, $28; 5. Balmain Silk Hair Perfume, $40; 6. Rodin Lip Balm, $34;
7. Byredo Loveless Candle, $80