BFD founder Andy Gregg, working within the vernacular of classic modern furniture design, has continued to refine his craft of making comfortable and durable bike-based furniture since 1990. Since they created the original Bike Chair, BFD has grown to include a wide-ranging collection of high-quality tables, bar stools, loveseats, and more chairs. Some designs, in addition to utilizing the bicycle, also utilize components from other transportation industries. BFD has created furniture designs from train and automobile windows – used as tabletops – and surplus automotive seatbelt webbing for seating upholstery. BFD upholstery options are wide ranging and include: leather, rubber, cork, clear and colored acrylic, and vinyl. So what made Gregg decide to make furniture out of bikes? He’s been influenced by his years spent in bike shops and on bikes. BFD has been featured in a variety of publications including Momentum Magazine.

As huge fans of Gregg’s work, the Styleture editorial team picked out a few of his pieces that particularly captured our imagination:

Modulus Side Table

Modulus Side Table

The Modulus Side Table is made with strategically bent and welded chrome-plated bicycle rims. The table is topped with a choice of either glass or acrylic.

Vector Lounge Chair

Vector Lounge Chair

The Vector Series Lounge Chair frame is constructed of aluminum bicycle rims. This chair is available with custom padded vinyl cushions in a choice of colors. The rims that serve as arm rests on this chair can be fitted with your favorite mountain bike tires or with inner-tubes only. They can also be fitted with a simple pad.

S-2 Barstool

S-2 Barstool

Constructed of chromed-steel bicycle rims, the S-2 Barstool has a smaller footprint than the S-6 Barstool and is a good choice for tighter quarters. This barstool is upholstered with commercial-grade black, padded vinyl, but other upholstery options and colors are available. It is available in both swivel, and non-swivel versions.

The S-2 Bar series is named after the bomb-proof S-2 rim found on Schwinn bicycle classics such as the Typhoon and other such ‘Middle-weight’ cruisers, and also Sting Rays and Crates.

Modulus Loveseat

Modulus Loveseat

The Modulus Loveseat is constructed of strategically bent and expertly welded steel bicycle rims. It is available with inner-tube upholstery, or custom-made cushions in a variety of fabrics and materials.

CC Mirror

The CC Mirror

The CC Mirror is available in a variety of sizes and styles. It can be made out of any kind, color, and size of bicycle rim and tire known to the cycling world. The mirror shown is made with a professional-level road racing rim and tire.

The world is filled with plenty of derivative and boring furniture; Bike Furniture Design offers the adventurous decorator something that is fun and fresh.

Murakami Chair designed by Rochus Jacob

Maybe your grandma has a rocking chair. Maybe she sits on it and crotchets, or reads magazines about crocheting. Or maybe not. But the fact is, rocking chairs ain’t just for grandma anymore. The Murakami Chair offers a modern twist on the age-old furniture piece – it’s a rocker with a built-in OLED (organic light-emitting diode) lamp that’s powered by the rocking of the chair. That’s right – rock this puppy and you get to be a human power plant.

Designed by Rochus Jacob, an award winning product designer based out of New York City with essential interaction and strategy experience, the Murakami Chair brilliantly harnesses the kinetic energy that is created by rocking the chair and utilizes an advanced nano-dynamo technology built into the skids of the chair to power the reading lamp above the rocker’s head. The OLEDs require very little juice to power and if you happen to want to read without rocking, no worries; rock a while and the battery pack will store enough so you can read later while sitting still. Perhaps best of all, the chair looks sleek and cool, and it will never embarrass you. How did such an idea come about? “I was looking for opportunities to generate energy through activities we naturally do,” said Jacob. “The final result is a rocking chair that enables the user to experience production and consumption of electricity in a gentle and rewarding way.” Jacob also stated that in the future, “To have a drastic reduction of consumption the big challenge will be to make consuming less feel like getting more.”

A bit more about Jacob: He holds a master’s degree in product design and design research from the University of Art and Design in Offenbach, Germany. He gained international working experience at HTC Taiwan, One & Co. San Francisco andIDEO Munich by working with clients such as Microsoft, Samsung, P&G, Nike, Steelcase and Google. He uses a holistic and user-oriented approach that is dedicated to developing meaningful service, interaction and products that have a positive impact on peoples’ lives. Undoubtedly, his Murakami Chair embodies his noble work philosophy.

Songololo by Haldane Martin

Songololo by Haldane Martin

Haldane Martin creates contemporary furniture that integrates, man, nature, culture and technology, with the human qualities of wisdom, love, and beauty. The Songololo Sofa is inspired by nature’s creepy crawlies. Its curvy sensual form is a reinvention of the classic 70’s sectional sofa by Ueli Berger. A patented pivot & bracket system allows Songololo to be made to any length and curved into a variety of shapes by the user.

Stella by Zuster

Stella by Zuster

Australian furniture maker Zuster is known for their care, craftsmanship and genuine passion for their brand and business. The Stella is without a doubt a divine lifestyle piece for your home. This beauty of an ottoman with a plush bolster cushion can be upholstered in any fabric of your choice. It’s available in all of Zuster’s finishes including a variety of timber styles.

Mossa Sofa by Chiasso

Mossa Sofa by Chiasso

Chiasso’s sofas offer distinctive lines and innovative shapes for the modern home. They’re also built for comfort and durability. The Mossa Sofa offers a contemporary Euro-styled sofa with low padded arms and a three-way adjustable neck rest. Fold it down for a completely different look. Constructed from solid wood and draped in slate gray tweed fabric.

Athens Sofa sold by KMP

Athens Sofa by KMP

This sofa can accommodate a veritable army with its expansive seating area.
It features a revolutionized, durable spring system underneath high density resiliency foam seats and backrests. Sturdy stainless steel legs are hand polished to a mirror finish. A wide color selection of flawlessly tailored soft fabric or leather upholstery is available.

Cesto by BoConcept

Cesto by BoConcept

Passion and persistence are what move the people behind the BoConcept brand. Their Cesto is a modern, classic sofa that easily converts into a casual lounging sofa. The easily adjustable back rests can be raised into a high position so you have two comfort options. A low back horizontal look can change into a high back look. The legs can be mounted in different positions to create different looks. The framework consists of solid wood, chipboard and steel springs.

To enhance your style and up your level of comfort, you can’t go wrong with any of the fine couches from above.

Mix and Match

“From high-low pricing, to mixed finishes and styles, antiques and vintage mixed with modern forms – true eclecticism is taking hold in the design world,” said Merrill. It’s partly a response to the economy and partly environmental. “We’re all reusing and refurbishing what we have, stretching the budget, splurging on some items, saving on others, keeping things out of landfills,” she adds.

Mix and match Hastings Tile & Bath's GDO Raised Panel Ceramic Tile

With Hudson Valley Lighting's® Chatham

The Old-World Lived In Look

“The ‘old-world’ Belgian design style that has been in for a couple of years is still going strong,” said Merrill. “It features weathered gray oaks, the natural patina of age and use, the weighty feeling of good construction, and it’s ready to last generations. Nothing is overly fussy or precious.”

GRAFF®’s Bali faucet in Oil Rubbed Bronze

Spa Bath

Our lives are so stressful that more people are looking to relax at home and feel like they’re off at a high-end spa. Merrill tells her clients, “Calming colors, simple lines and ease of use are the key ingredients. Calgon, take me away!”

Stone Forest's® Papillon Bathtub

It’s looking like it’s going to be another great season for interior design this Fall and we thank Linda Merril for her insights, which are always welcome on the pages of Styleture.

Xylem Bambu 36″ Vanity in Dark Bamboo

The Xylem Bambu 36" Vanity in Dark Bamboo

The eco-renewable bamboo veneer is the starting point for this versatile and fresh design vanity. Highlighted with natural bamboo accents, it can be wall mounted or floor-standing using either of two floor stands that provide comfortable heights for vessel applications or under-mount lavatory installations.

Stone Forest Bamboo Quattro Vessel

The Stone Forest Bamboo Quattro Vessel

This piece elevates “green” living to its full potential. Lightweight and water-resistant, this captivating sink is crafted from the laminated exterior of a bamboo shoot, making the vessel a durable and smart decorating option.

Organize It All Bamboo Stationary Caddy

The Organize It All Bamboo Stationary Caddy

This bathroom shower caddy can sit in the corner of your shower stall, or beside the tub, to keep soaps, hair care products and sponges close at hand. Made of carbonized bamboo, the shower shelf has a modern eco-friendly look that will never go outdated.

Bali Bamboo Bath Collection

The Bali Bamboo Bath Collection

Bring the quality and freshness of nature inside your bathroom with this perfect bathroom collection made from 100% natural bamboo. The multi-piece set features a cotton jar, lotion dispenser, soap dish, toothbrush holder, tray, tissue cover, toilet brush and holder, tumbler and waste bin.

Anji Mountain 2′ × 3′ Bamboo Kitchen/Bath Mat

The Anji Mountain 2′ × 3′ Bamboo Kitchen/Bath Mat

This mat offers an exquisite inlaid bamboo design and glossy finish that adds a natural sophistication to your kitchen and bath. Made from 100% eco-friendly bamboo from the Anji Mountains in China, its high-gloss finish is both beautiful and durable. Non-skid rubber backing provides cushion and keeps mat in place. Feels warm under bare feet in winter and cool in summer. Water-resistant surface.

Undoubtedly, with such products as the ones above, it’s easy to turn any bath environment into an eco-chic setting that is certain to make you feel good

The ultra-modern Hoerboard Scomber mix DJ stand

Admit it – you’ve entertained dreams of telling your boss at your day job to go fly a kite, just so you can jet off to Ibiza and DJ the summer club circuit. It’s ok, we all have. Perhaps that dream was never more appealing than now, considering that the ultra-modern Hoerboard Scomber Mix DJ Stand is just a few thousand bucks ($2,330 once fully customized, to be more precise) away from being yours.

Hoerboard Scomber's Dutch Orange finish

If this puppy looked anything more like a Macbook, or something from the minds of Apple’s genius design team, it would, well, be made by Apple. The white has that sleek, glossy finish we have come to know, love and expect from our modern electronic equipment and gadgetry; for that matter, so do the plethora of other colors – Apple Green, Dutch Orange, Basalt Grey and Night Black – in which the Hoerboard Scomber Mix DJ Stand is available. Each DJ workstation can be customized with mixers, turntables, CD-players, space for your laptop or whatever else you may desire. Making it so any turntables fit perfectly into their own design-forward workstation, the stand consists of two units to make you more mobile, like on that aforementioned jaunt to Ibiza. The top of the deck is fixed to a laser-cut powder-coated steel support and all cables are made invisible by a smartly designed corpus. Turntable positioning comes with two options: To be angled in a battle position to give you ample mixing and scratching mobility, or in a classic position for standard mixing needs. With the well-designed laptop clip, you can be sure your precious storehouse of music isn’t going to crash to the floor and cause you to have a heart attack in the middle of your masterful performance. When not in use, you can cover the stand with the custom dust hood, which is designed to be almost invisible for a pleasing aesthetic. There’s no doubt that Hoerboard is on the leading edge of turntable design; the company has infused the creative German spirit into all of its elegant pieces and made them fully customizable to meet your needs. At once simple and highly thoughtful in terms of functionality, the company assures customers that their products will last a very long time.

The top of the deck is fixed to a laser-cut powder-coated steel support

As the brainchild of master designer David Kornmann, the Hoerboard Scomber Mix DJ Stand is leading the evolution of DJ-ing equipment. If you’re a working DJ, or dream of being one, don’t make the mistake of not checking out the company’s gear at www.hoerboard.com

Master of Wood: Vito Selma

Life must be pretty good when you’re a 20-something furniture designer working out of your own shop in Cebu, Phillipines, and the world has taken keen notice of and a strong liking to your pieces. This is the life of Vito Selma, a master of design, geometry and working with wood to create stunningly complex and beautiful chairs, tabletops, sofas and other pieces.

The Sari by Vito Selma

Vito’s philosophy, that “simplicity is by itself the most complex design,” speaks volumes about the age of clutter in which we live and with which we have become comfortable. With wood, Vito is able to form the complex contours that give his works the simplicity and nakedness that make them so beautiful. He refers to wood as his “partner” – it’s an interesting give and take relationship that results in pieces at which people have known to stare and marvel for long stretches of time. Vito’s work has been commissioned by such heavyweights as Nelson Mandela, the Saudi Royal Family and perhaps most touchingly to his inner artist, the princess of his own homeland. His collections include: Adam & Eve lamps, which he describes as “the perfect co-dependence of two beings” and “borne of a single mould yet different in their manifestations, the collection calls to mind the inseparability of two halves that form a whole”; Ari chairs, coffee tables and room dividers, of which he states, “The places that stay with us insist on manifesting in our everyday landscapes: the linear map of Italian Ari stark in wood against a strange room, making it once again exciting, and familiar; and Paisly chairs, inspired by one very hot chick – “There she would sit, by the breakwater, brown shoulders curving in the sun; white frills of a hiked-up Sunday dress gathered at the knees, a wide-brimmed hat falling in soft folds over her face. A silhouette against the rising sun that would recur always in what I’d do. I never even knew her name. That’s how I’ll remember her.”

Un Deux Trois Table by Vito Selma

Undoubtedly, Vito captures the essence of a rich and inspired life in his work. As a result, he has been recognized with numerous awards including a First Prize Industrial Design Award for his Geo Table at the 2010 DOST National Invention Contest. To learn more about Vito and his works, visit: www.vitoselma.com

Balint Kormos’ modular lounge chair in the bench position

In London-based sculptor, product designer, artist and all around idea factory Balint Kormos’ own words, he believes only in “high quality work” and therefore aims “to achieve the best at all times.”

Balint Kormos’ modular lounge chair in the normal chair position

Passionate and enthusiastic about art and design, Kormos is always on the lookout for innovative design solutions to further his experience. It seems rather apparent that he has found the ultimate solution when it comes to taking the traditional, stationary lounge chair and transforming it into a dynamic piece of furniture that changes at its user’s command. The Modular Lounge Chair’s frame can be folded and contorted into seven unique seating positions, including as bench, chaise lounge and arm chair. Not only that, the chair is beautifully crafted and exceedingly pleasant on the eyes. Best of all, unlike some other designers (who shall go nameless), Kormos has opted to not mass-produce the chair despite its growing popularity – at least for now. Kormos crafted the Modular Lounge Chair during his time as a student at the University of West Hungary; it was also presented to the Hungarian Design Awards in the Museum of Applied Arts.

Balint Kormos’ modular lounge chair in the chaise lounge position

A bit more about Kormos: After 9 years of training in design, he gained 4 years of professional experience in product design, interior design, photography and sculpture. He graduated at the University of West Hungary at the Faculty of Applied Arts and completed a degree in Product Design with Furniture specialization. Prior to his university studies, he was a student at the Technical School of Arts in Hungary and majored in Decorative Sculptor Design.

The Periodic Coffee Table

Offered at a staggering cost of nearly $10,000, the Period Coffee Table would make the perfect gift for the science fanatic in your life, if only it wasn’t so darn expensive. Designed to offer a visually stunning presentation, the table has each element inlaid inside a solid acrylic block; the blocks are ordered in the familiar grid of the periodic table that you know all to well from your junior high science class. A sheet of impenetrable glass – at least we hope it is – encases the grid and in combination with the blocks, protects those in the Periodic Coffee Table’s direct vicinity from elemental harm. The rest of the table is manufactured from burred oak. The Periodic Table is 4 feet x 2.5 feet x 16 inches and ships from the United Kingdom.

All of the inlaid elements

The hefty price tag of the table may prohibit many individuals from owning it, but it no doubt makes a great piece for corporations or schools who can request to have it further engraved with their logo. Word on the street is that it’s a great conversation-starter with the ladies, too.

PURE Inspired Design

We are never surprised that people have strong feelings about design. What does surprise us is when someone takes their love of design and changes careers completely to follow that passion. We recently spoke with Samantha Cobos of PURE Inspired; a line of eco-conscious fabrics and furnishings that she began in 2001.

We love that you just seemed to jump into eco-friendly fabrics and furnishings. How long were you designing before you decided to really take that plunge?

SC: Well, first of all I gave up my eight year career as a computer programmer to become an interior designer. I opened my own business in 2001 right after completing my design degree. I was successful, but the economy went south starting around 2008 and I had a lot of time on my hands. I started studying eco-friendly design as well as sketching patterns. What I discovered was a true passion for patterns and colors, as well as the need for eco-friendly design options! You might be surprised to know that I’m self-taught – I don’t take classes, I just try to figure things out on my own and I never give up

Samantha Cobos of PURE Inspired Design

How did you become interested in eco-friendly design?

SC: I realized one day that my personal goals to be ‘green’ at home were not translating into my interior design business. Once I realized this I studied and read all I could on eco-friendly design choices. I also studied for the LEED AP test and passed!

You design eco-friendly furniture and fabrics. How would you describe your design style? Where are your products manufactured and how challenging is it to maintain control over the manufacturing process as it relates to sustainable manufacturing.

SC: I would describe my design style as fresh, fun, and easy. I don’t like stuffy interiors – I LOVE lived in spaces with splashes of color, lots of texture, and eye-catching patterns. I’m happy to say that all my furniture and fabrics are made in these! My furniture is manufactured in Minnesota, which is where I live. My organic fabric is grown, woven, and printed in the USA. I feel it is very important to keep things local whenever possible – it is less expensive to manufacture in China, but I wanted to keep everything close. The quality is better and the carbon footprint is smaller. Also keeping things close gives me more control – everything I manufacture is on demand so there is no inventory, which allows me to make changes and improvements easily.

Sofa by PURE Inspired Design

You launched your line at the International Builder’s show – how nervous were you that your products would be reaching the right audience? Subsequent to that show – which trade shows do you exhibit at now – which ones do you consider your ‘must exhibit’ shows? And which trade shows do you attend to find out about the newest technologies and products?

SC: The interior designer for the green reVision home sponsored by Green Build Magazine, which was open during the International Builder’s Show, contacted me to see if I would be interested in participating in the home. I decided to dive right in and have products made for the show – the show really gave me the push and confidence that I needed. The audience for the show was not my ideal audience, they were mostly builder, but the experience was worth it! It was a lot of fun to be involved with the team and see my furniture, fabrics, and rug in a green home!

I have not been doing many trade shows since the IBS in 2010. I need to research the best shows for eco-friendly design products. In April I did the Greenprint show in St. Paul – it was a new show and I hope to be involved next year as well. With furniture it is very expensive to travel to other cities. I may do a textile show in the future, but I’m undecided.

Who or what has influenced you as a designer? Are there other ‘eco-conscious’ designers whose work you admire?

SC: When I started researching eco-friendly interior design I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for and I found it frustrating. This is one of the reasons that I started creating my own patterns with custom colors. This gave me the flexibility to create whatever I was needing instead of just looking for it. I’m influenced more by colors and shapes – I never know where or when I will find a new inspiration – it just happens. I’m sure there are many wonderful eco-conscious designers out there, but my designs are inspired from everything I see whether it is interior design, fashion, gardening, architecture, pottery… then my own imagination creates something truly my own.

Armchair by PURE Inspired Design

Ok – let’s go from the living room to the bathroom and talk a bit about the Caroma Challenge. You’ve reviewed Caroma’s water-saving Flow Showerhead on your blog. What struck you about that showerhead in comparison to other water saving products?

SC: I love the shape of the showerhead – it is sleek and different. The best thing about the showerhead is that it worked so well! Great shower experience and great water pressure! Plus it saves water – what could be better.

Caroma FLOW Showerhead

Do you think consumers know enough about how ‘easy’ it really can be to save water while still having a great shower experience? Would that be your biggest take-away from that challenge?

SC: I think I learned that it is so easy! People may think that it requires a plumber, but it was a 2 minute installation. So I think if consumers knew how easy it was to switch out their old shower head for a water-saving model they would do it.

How much of all of the information about sustainability in design is really trickling down (no pun intended) to the consumer now? What else can manufacturers or showrooms or designers do?

SC: I think education is the key. Once a consumer knows something about saving energy, water, the planet… they can’t just forget it and will try to make the best choices. Also consumers will share what they know with others. I’m always sharing interesting facts with people about the environment and good choices, and I have to believe that I’m making a difference!

Samantha Cobos, Allied ASID, LEED AP
PURE Inspired Design
Blog: PURE Inspired Design BLOG