Get the Look: 30 Modern Rocking Chairs

A few weeks  ago I did a small roundup of modern rocking chairs to accompany a decor story in the Boston Globe. (Every Monday my lovely colleague Jaci Conroy writes an interior design article for the Globe and I pull together a corresponding group of furnishings & accessories.) I found so many great modern rocking chairs + contemporary rocking chairs that I figured a blog post was in order.

These all have great styling and are a far departure from traditional rockers or overstuffed gliders for the nursery. We have an Eames molded plastic rocker in sky blue on the Cape that we bought for my son, though I think it’s in our room now. Sometimes I use it on our little deck. I didn’t include that iconic example here, but there are other examples (mid-century modern furniture replicas), like the #16, the Swerve which has jaunty cut-outs and a full wooden base.

I love the look of  #5, a very spare rocker from NYC shop Matter, and of love the tall mint-upholstered one by Normann Copenhagen. And if only I could place that blush colored Artifort rocker in the model apartment I’m decorating. Probably thought, the one that makes the most sense for my lifestyle is Gus Modern’s GT rocker (#13). It is definitely a contemporary rocking chair in style, but with enough cushion to be comfy.

Shop 30 modern rocking chairs from StyleCarrot partners and other favorite shops.

Contemporary & Modern Rocking Chairs

1 Comback Rocking Chair by Patricia Urquiola for Kartell, $890 at YLiving.

2 Taxed Rocking Chair by Segis, $1,309.99 at AllModern.

3 First Rocking Chair, $3,170 at Matter

4 Buttercup Rocker by Blu Dot, $899 at Lumens.

5 Era Rocking Chair by Normann Copenhagen & Simon Legald, $1,860 at A+R.  

6 Terra Rocking Chair by Antonio Forteleoni for ATIPIC, $1,172 at AllModern. 

Contemporary & Modern Rocking Chairs

7 Outback II Rocking Chair, $329 at CB2.  

8 Hand-Woven Rocker, $299 at Urban Outfitters.

9 Geneva Wood Patio Rocking Chair by Safavieh, $216 at Target

10 500 Series Rocking Chair by Artifort, $4,006 at YLiving. 

11 Stingray Rocker by Thomas Pedersen, $4,537 at Danish Design Store.

12 Luxembourg Rocking Chair by Fermob, $1,024 at Horne. 

Contemporary & Modern Rocking Chairs

13 GT Rocker by Gus Modern, $1,150 at 2modern

14 Rapson Rocker by Ralph Rapson for Loll Designs, $1,159 at YLiving.

15 Aquios Bentwood Rocking Chair by CorLiving, $102.05 at Overstock

16 Swerve Rocking Chair by Modway, $299 at IFN Modern

17 Regatta Rocking Chair, $499 at Crate & Barrel.

18 POÄNG Rocking Chair, $169 at Ikea.  

Contemporary & Modern Rocking Chairs

19 Risom Rocker, $2,470 at DWR.  

20 Version 5 Rocker by A. Jacob Marks for Skram, $5,302 at Lumens.

21 Voido Rocking Chair by Ron Arad for Magis, $985 at YLiving

22 Mod RockerBy Iglooplay, $326 at 2modern

23 Mid-Century Rocking Chair, $599 at Land of Nod. 

24 Mod Lounger by Lisa Albin for OFFI, $599 at YLiving

Contemporary & Modern Rocking Chairs

25 Rocker Chair by Guidecraft, $109.95 at AllModern.

26 Sleepytime Rocker by Nursery Works, $499 at YLiving

27 Rapson Greenbelt Rocker with Arms by Ralph Rapson, $1,695 at YLiving.

28 Wicker & Chrome Mid-Century Rocking Chair, $850 at Chairish

29 Springwood Rocking Chair, $799 at Land of Nod

30 Mademoiselle Rocking Chair by Artek, $1,538 at 2modern

Contemporary & Modern Rocking Chairs

31 Windsorrondack Single Rocker by Board by Design, $4,100 at Aha Life

32 Rocking Chair in Scrapwood by Piet Hein Eek, $921 at The Future Perfect. 

33 Rocking Chair by Adrian Pearsall,$3,000 at Azalea Modern, 1stdibs.

34 Upholstered Mid Century Rocking Chair, $281.71 at shopladder, eBay. 

35 Rocking Bent Wood Chairs, $1,875 at S.Julian, 1stdibs.

36 Do Do Rocking Chair by Jean-Marie Massaud for Poltrona Frau at Switch Modern.

Fine Print: DesignPOP by Lisa S. Roberts

Architect and collector Lisa S. Roberts new book DesignPOP (Rizzoli 2014) surveys the best furniture and accessories (so far) of the 21st century. In between the bold photographs of these iconic contemporary pieces, Roberts discusses new materials and processes, as well as how sustainability and social responsibility, influence designers’ paths. She points out that even the definition of designer is changing as disciplines merge. For example, products from companies like Apple and Dyson often exemplify considered cutting edge design.

As I flipped through the colorful pages of DesignPOP, I was struck by how many of the items I’ve come across in my life, and even own. While I covet high end design, I don’t have the funds for splurging on it. However, Roberts mixes the practically unattainable with practical everyday products

For example, she puts forth the Soft Urn designed by Hella Jongerius, which appears to be a traditional pottery vase, but is instead made of silicone. I discovered silicone urns a number of years ago (I think mine are by Menu though), and love them because if the kids knock them over, they won’t break.

I’ve bet you seen the Bobble, even if you don’t realize it. Bobble is an ergonomically-shaped, thin plastic water bottle with built in filter, designed by Karim Rashid. I have one for each of my kids to keep by their bedsides; I purchased them at Target. I’ve never changed the filters… should probably get on that.

Other designers highlighted include Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Marc Newson, Marcel Wanders, Yves Behar, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Philippe Starck, Ross Lovegrove, and Jasper Morrison.

I sent Roberts a few questions to answer about her findings and favorites from DesignPop, answered below, complete with products featured in the book.

Were most of these products familiar to you before starting the research? Any new finds?
I knew many since I follow the industry very closely. But during my research I discovered the Flip Flop Vase by Diederick Schneemann, the Chubby Chair by Dirk Vander Kooij, the Lytro Light Field Camera by New Deal Design, and the Nest Thermostat by Tony Fadell.

flip-flop-vase

Flip Flop Vase by Diederick Schneemann
Made from recycled flip flops washed up on Kenyan beaches .

green-chubby-chair-2

Chubby Chair by Dirk Vander Kooij
Made from 3D printed recycled refrigerator plastic, with their waste made into clothes hangers.

black-nest-thermostat

Nest Thermostat by Tony Fadell
$249 at Amazon
We purchased one of these, drawn in by both the design and “smart” functionality. Unfortunately we couldn’t get it to work with our HVAC system, but not for lack of trying. This 2.0 version may be easier to implement. They have a great help line.

Your picks all come out of the 21st century. What are some products designed before 2000 that may have been included if  you expanded the time frame?
There were a lot of game-changing designs before 2000. There’s the Vermelha Chair by Humberto and Fernando Campana, the Wiggle Chair by Frank Gehry, and the Bookworm by Ron Arad.

vermelha-chair-in-red

Vermelha Chair by Humberto and Fernando Campana
$12,821 at Switch Modern
The upholstery is completely made of intertwined cotton ropes.

wiggle-chair-frank-gehry-2

Wiggle Chair by Frank Gehry
$1,140 at AllModern
Designed back in 1972 and made from cardboard.

worm-book-shelf

Bookworm by Ron Arad
$408 at Lumens
I’ve always been intrigued this piece in the MoMA catalog. It’s flexible and can be made into any shape.

Which brand new products would make the list if you did a follow up?
The Carbon Balloon Chair by Marcel Wanders. It’s made of carbon fiber and resin, weighs about one and a half pounds, and can hold up to 198 pounds. Also the Polygon Chair by Joris Laarman, which combines advanced technology with hand assembly. It’s comprised of mathematically designed CNC milled pieces that are assembled like a puzzle, by hand.

carbon-balloon-chair

Carbon Balloon Chair by Marcel Wanders
An ultra light carbon fiber chair inspired by balloons.

Do you own any of the products featured in the book?
I own many of the products in the book. Some are on display in my personal gallery and some I live with. I love the Collapsible Strainer by Boje Estermann because it takes up so little space in my drawer. The Peacock Chair by Dror Benshetrit sits in my foyer and is as attractive as it is comfortable. The Fred Humidifier by Matti Walker comes out whenever someone in the family has a cold. I also have two Midsummer Lights by Tord Boontje that hang over the conference table in my home office.

collapsible-strainer

Collapsible Strainer by Boje Estermann
$60 at Lumens
Last year I bought a collapsible silicone salad spinner at T.J.Maxx for our little condo in Florida. It is one of the best gadgets you can buy, because really, who has room for a salad spinner. Ditto for a full-size colander.

dror-b-peacock-chair

Peacock Chair by Dror Benshetrit
Two-and-a-half years ago I interviewed Dror Benshetrit at his studio in NYC for Design Milk. He had one of these chairs there and I was instantly smitten. It’s felt and very visually satisfying. The full interview is here, and you can see some extra tidbits and photographs here.

midsummers-light-green

Midsummer Light by Tord Boontje
$98 at A+R

I bought two Midsummer Light shades, one in citron and one in violet, many years ago, thinking I might use them in the guest rooms on the Cape. I didn’t, but I still have them. I know one day I’ll find the right spot. They’re magical.

Which are your favorites?
The iPhone because I can’t live without it and the Bank in the Form of A Pig by Harry Allen because it always makes me smile. I love my Rainbow Chair by Patrick Norguet because it captures light in the most amazing way, casting a rainbow shadow on the floor. Also, of all the designs I own, it has increased the most in value since I purchased it!

pig-bank-in-silver

Bank in the Form of A Pig by Harry Allen
$200 at Nordstrom
This design, which is now done in shiny turquoise, pink, gold and other colors, was modeled on an actual suckling pig that had died of natural causes, cast it in resin. $10 of every pig bank sale goes to the Humane Society.

rainbow-chair

Rainbow Chair by Patrick Norguet
$8,500 on eBay

Which design do you most covet?
Tide Chandelier by Stuart Haygarth, but it’s so big, I would have no place to put it.

tide-chandelier

Tide Chandelier by Stuart Haygarth
£20,000 – 30,000  at Phillips
A valuable example of trash to treasure.

Design Pop Book By Lisa S Roberts 2014

Design Pop by Lisa S. Roberts (Rizzoli, 2014)
$26.27 at Amazon

•          •          •

Discover good design >

Get the Look: Modern Geometric Jewelry

With all the attention paid to crystal encrusted statement necklaces and sparkly earrings in the last few years, it’s refreshing to see jewelry with a minimalist aesthetic make an appearance. Triangles in particular have been popular.

In early November I put together “All the Angles,” a roundup of geometric jewelry for the Boston Globe. Here’s a followup on that, with many more modern geometric jewelry picks, from triangle necklaces in marble or copper to rose gold pyramid studs to diamond encrusted geometric rings, from StyleCarrot partners and other sites I love.

 

geometric-jewelry-1b

geometric-jewelry-2

S H O P P I N G

1 Tri-Color Triangles Necklace, $78 at Samantha Faye.

2 Brass Necklace #3 by Iacoli & McAllister, $70 at Room68.

3 Black Marble & Brass Necklace #1, $120 at RillRill.

4  Temple Ray Studs by Bing Bang, $150 at Club Monaco.

5 Zen Square Ring with Crystals by Campbell, $98.50 at Club Monaco.

6 Tyler Triangle Diamond Studs by Jennifer Zeuner, $165 at Dress Boston.

7 Isosceles Cuff Bracelet, $24 at Madewell

8 Gold Pavé Crystal Pyramid Studs by Eddie Borgo, $95 at Charm & Chain.

9 Gilded Frame Necklace, $32 at Madewell.

10 Arrowstack Necklace, $55 at Madewell.

11 Rose Gold Coin Earring by Campbell, $110 at Club Monaco.

12 Black Diamond Geometric Triangle Studs by Kacey K, $800 at Charm & Chain.

13 Mini Vertical Diamond Stick Pendant Necklace by Jennifer Meyer, $750 at Barneys.

14 Lapis & Gold Triangular Studs by Jennifer Meyer $395 at Barneys.

15 Two-Tone 14K Gold Triangle Earrings, $323.99 at Kay Jewelers.

16 Rose Gold Pyramid Triangles Earrings by Ylang, $280 at Ylang 23.

17 Opal Inlay Triangle Ring with Diamonds by Jennifer Meyer, $725 at Ylang 23.

18 Personalized Rectangle Bangle by Jemma Wynne, $3,360 at Ylang 23.

19 Arrowhead Drop Earring+Stud by Loren Stewart, $425 at Barneys.

20 Triangles Necklace by Arme De L’Amour, $255 at Net-a-Porter.

21 Small Drop Earrings by Malin Henningsson, $210 at Aha Life.

22 Axis No 1 Ring by Yield, $395 at Aha Life.

23 Gold Blondie Ring by Adornia, $425 at Aha Life.

24 Rose Gold V Necklace by Gabriela Artigas, $210 at A+R.

•           •           •

Monogram pendants make perfect presents >

Get the Look: 31 Bird Home Accessories

I probably mentioned that I recently started curating product Ideabooks for Houzz. Yesterday I posted my newest Houzz Ideabook “Bye Bye Birdie, Hiya Birdie,” featuring a flock of feathered friend home furnishings. Playing off that, I added to the collection, with 31 bird-themed home furnishings and accessories, because really, spring will come soon. Meanwhile, add a bird pillow, bird figurine, bird bowl, bird rug, bird wallpaper, bird artwork, or even a bird toilet brush holder, to your decor.

bird-home-furnishings-1

bird-home-furnishings-2

bird-home-furnishings-3

bird-home-furnishings-4

S H O P P I N G 

1. “Pulcino” by Antonio Da Ros for Cenedese

2. Yellow Birds Mobile by Petit Collage

3. Gold Glazed Ceramic Bird Bowl by Jonathan Adler

4. Bird Pillow by Petit Pehr

5. Conure Rug

6. Peeking Bird Toilet Brush

7. Bird in Wonderland Candle Holder by Artecnica

8. Lily Bird Soy Sauce Container by Alessi

9. Neon Bird Pillow by Nest

10. Lovi & Anne Paso’s Birch Bird Card

11. Birdie Paper Knife by +d & Yohei Oki

12. Golden Birds Decals

13. Ostrich Vase by The King’s Subject

14. Hope Bird by Jaime Hayon & Bosa

15. Bird on Pitcher

16. Hummingbird Dresser by Iannone Design

17. Black Hawk Feet by Swallow

18. Cheese Board by Creature Comfort Foods

19. Bird Alarm Clock

20. Flights of Fancy Wallpaper by House of Hackney

21. Winter Cardinal Latte Mug Set

22. Bird Animal Bowl by Nymphenburg

23. Iron Bird Tea Light Holders

24. “Stacking Birds” By Becky Hui Chan

25. Crow Glass Bird by Toikka for Iittala

26. Bird Leaves Tea Towel by Ferm Living

27. Songbird Sunshine by Kat Bojesen for Rosendahl

28. Dr. Bird Juicer by IMM Living

29. Eames House Bird by Charles and Ray Eames for Vitra

30. L’Oiseau by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra

31. British Birds Wallpaper by Timorous Beasties

*             *            *

Shop contemporary home furnishings at Yoox.com >

ad-yoox-home-500-x-90

Gift Guide: 15 Gifts For Guys Under $100

I started out thinking it would be hard to pull together a great gift guide for guys, but it turns out there is quite a bit of choice if you spend some time looking. Lucky for you, I did the work for you. These presents men are all under $100, and run the gamut from rugged accessories to useful gadgets. I hope something here appeals to you so you can check your boyfriend, husband, brother, or gay best friend off your list. And being Black Friday, there’s a ton of stuff on sale out there.

gift-guide-for-him-under-$100Great Gifts For Guys Under $100

S H O P P I N G

1 Nixon The Time Teller

2 Aruliden Underwater Landscape Bowl

3 Black Chambray Utility Shirt

4 Bern Brentwood Winter Helmet

5 Jonas Damon Beech Wood Tool Set

6 Kakkoii WOW Speaker

7 Silicone Bluetooth Keyboard

8 Dunes Throw

9 Freud French Press

10 Kiehl’s Skin Essentials Kit

11 Barbour Tartan Scarf

12 Plaid Silk Bow Tie

13 Normann Copenhagen Whiskey Glasses

14 Abingdon Messenger Bag

15 Wool Seafarer Hat