The Affectual chair by Shawn Weiland explores relationships between materials, the objects and its user and also between people.

Therefore, the design of Affectual was thoughtfully developed after exploring these relationships. First, the materials: Weiland carefully considered the grain of wood and how it bends with and against the grain. The stainless steel base was created as a structural element and therefore was made from a dominating single line that goes in and out of the seat. I am not often a fan of wood chairs with metal legs, but I like the contrast here between warm and cold. Moreover, the designer explains that the simple design of the chair was made to remove any focus from decoration to focus on function. “Using the minimalist philosophy of reduction to the point where there are no external signifiers, the user must project themselves into the design in order to discover with the chair, promulgating the emotive and experiential qualities that the design creates.”

In addition, Affectual’s legs can be changes to adapt to the situation of dining or lounging — the disassembly allows for easy even storage and transportation.

Discover more great design by following Design Milk on Twitter and Facebook!

© 2011 Design Milk | Posted by Jaime in Home Furnishings | Permalink | No comments | Tweet This | Share on Facebook

Many people like outdoor fires simply for that amazing wood burning scent. Who could blame them! Unfortunately, modern ultra modern ethanol or gas designs don’t offer that wood-burning smell. If you are still hesitating between options for your outdoor fireplace and are weighing out the merits of various options, you may want to consider a few novelties in the wood burning market.

First, you may want to explore what else you could burn in the fireplace for that added enjoyment. For example, if you would like a more aromatic experience, you can add pine cones or even apple wood. Essentials oils work too.

If the new ethanol outdoor fireplaces are attracting you because on their convenience, you should be aware a new generation of wood burning designs is emerging to diminish the hassle involved.

Not only are they increasingly as sleek and good looking as those TV-like, wall-mounted ethanol versions now seen in every magazine, many wood burning designs also now include “ash capturing” devices and so are more practical than ever. Let me share a few examples of new wood burning designs:

Conmoto’s NERO is a clever fireplace with an ash drawer.

AK47 offer a huge range of innovative wood burning designs that double up as benches, wood storage or even grills. Pictured above is the Hole fire pit. The top photo is the Zen fire kit.

Discover more great design by following Design Milk on Twitter and Facebook!

© 2011 Design Milk | Posted by Anne in Interior Design | Permalink | No comments | Tweet This | Share on Facebook