New and Notable from the Pacific Northwest

We're pleased to welcome both Grain Design and Iacoli and McAllister to Ideal. We came across both while in New York last August and are honored to bring their smart designs into the shop.

We love Grain's matter-of-fact outlook on design and sustainability. Add to that great-looking, clever product design and we were hooked. Based in Bainbridge Island, Washington, Grain was founded in 2007 at Rhode Island School of Design. As founder James Minola states, "We are driven by the belief that social values and good business are not mutually exclusive but are, in fact, partners."


Their Ty DIY Shower Curtain is a perfect example of their clever approach to design. Ty is a simple #2 plastic shower curtain. Unlike other shower curtains made of vinyl, Ty will not off-gas in your home. Also unlike vinyl, Ty breathes – making it less likely to grow mold and mildew. Ty is stronger than vinyl and will last a very long time, then it can be recycled. It's even machine washable! Best of all, you can draw your own customized design with the marker included.

Ty DIY Shower Curtain, $34

Draw your design...



...and voila! Instant art! Bonus - it's machine washable.



 

Also from Grain, these great Electric Love rings, made from hand-knotted, reclaimed electrical wire. Available in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and white so you can have a rainbow at your fingertips.

Electric Love Ring, $19.50

Seattle-based duo Jamie Iacoli and Brian McAllister use industrial processes and materials to make their pieces, yet their work exudes a warmth and humor that we couldn't resist. Their Frame Lights feature a powder-coated steel "shade," which casts lovely shadows. We currently have the small version (8 x 8 x 8") in either yellow or white but can special order in black or aqua, as well.

Small Frame Light, $345

In November we should have some of their amazing Mini-Pedestals in stock. Jamie and Brian take vintage brass candlestick holders, sandblast and powder-coat them, then affix a Corian top. Because every piece uses a different vintage base, each is one-of-a-kind. Jamie is currently sourcing the bases and we'll let you know as soon as we have them in stock.

Mini-Pedestals - coming soon!

Stop by soon to take a look at these and many other new designs, arriving daily!



New in the Shop

Hello from Bellingham on a sunny Friday afternoon. Here are a few highlights of new treasures we've recently gotten in the shop:

Cubebots

Designer: David Weeks for Areaware
Material: Sustainably harvested cherrywood
Dimensions: Small - 6.75" tall with 9.5" armspan (at play); 2.5 x 2.5" cube (at rest).
Price: $27





This robot requires no batteries and is built to enjoy generations of play. David Weeks was inspired by Japanese Shinto Kumi-ki puzzles when designing this non-traditional take on the toy robot. Cubebot's powerful hardwood frame can hold many poses and his elastic band muscles are built to withstand lots of wear and tear. When it's time for him to rest, he folds into a perfect cube. Also available in medium size for $37.

Satsuma Lamp

Designer: Jonas Damon for Areaware
Material: Plywood
Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 12"
Price: $230




This lovely table lamp's wood construcion and radiating blades transform harsh light into a warm glow. Also from Jonas Damon:

Twice Twice Clock

Designer: Jonas Damon for Areaware
Material: Walnut
Dimensions: 13 x 8 x 1"
Price: $155


A 21st-century take on the two-sided railway clock. This versatile clock can be mounted on the wall or used as a mantle clock, with either horizontal or vertical orientation. It is related to Damon's smaller Twice Once clock, which we also have in white with orange hands.

Step Ladder

Designer: Karl Malmvall for Design House Stockholm
Material: High gloss lacquered rubber wood
Dimensions folded: 52 x 18 x 2"
Price: $300



This functional, yet decorative ladder is designed to be kept out on display within easy reach, not hidden away in the garage. Step is foldable and comes with a matching hook for wall mounting.

Void Stool

Designer: Ron Gilad of Designfenzider
Material: Painted and flat lacquered plywood
Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 14"
Price: $340




The Void is an investigation into negative space. Structured in the shape of a stool's shipping crate, it can be used as stool or side table, and has storage space in its hollows.

SIWA Paper Totes

Designer: Naoto Fukasawa
Material: Paper
Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 4"
Price: $42
Available in brown, white, and black



The remarkable paper that these totes are made from will not rip, is highly water resistant and can carry loads up to 22 lbs. Made by Onao, a family-run company with more than 150 years of papermaking history. SIWA means "wrinkle" in Japanese and is also a play on the word for washi, the traditional paper for which Onao is known.  

Stop in soon to see more new design!