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.

Bay of Fires Lodge, Tasmania

Tasmania, an island and Australian state situated about 150 miles south of the continent, is one of those rare destinations that even many seasoned world travelers never get to experience. But for those who do make it there, a stay at the Bay Fires Lodge is an opportunity to experience one of the great architectural masterpieces of the entire region.

Bay of Fires Lodge Deck

Situated at the top of a 130-foot cliff that receives a constant pounding from the sea, and surrounded by the outstanding wilderness of National Park, Bay of Fires Lodge was conceived by entrepreneurial architect Ken Latona. Latona’s driving philosophy behind choosing the particular locale and imagining the design of the lodge was that our nomadic instincts are dormant within us; therefore, Bay of Fires Lodge is designed as the ultimate base camp for extended nature treks through the region’s rugged terrain. Built to the highest of ecologically responsible standards in an area that is of high significance to the local Aboriginal populations, the lodge is delicately nestled into its unbelievable landscape – almost invisible. Its steep slopes are coated in dry sclerphyll scrub and lead down to white sand beaches with protruding and sensuous pink granite boulders. The structure of the Bay of Fires Lodge eschews traditional, spread out, individual cottages and instead features two elongated timber and glass pavilions; the timber is Tasmanian hardwood and pine that was either air lifted in by helicopter or hand-carried in on foot for the least environmental impact possible. The pavilions are light and linear featuring curved roofs linked to outdoor spines; this architectural technique has proven to be quite effective in providing cross-ventilation and protection from the sun. The theme of light, linear pavilions has also been a fertile field of exploration in recent Australian architecture; the construction technique has been especially fruitful for inserting buildings into sensitive rural sites with minimal cut-and-fill. One of the pavilions houses the lodge’s bedrooms and library, while the other features staff rooms and communal spaces; all rooms and spaces are decidedly Spartan, in a modern and elegant way. A sprawling living area with a large timber deck and open fire is perfect for dining on meals prepared with fresh local produce and paired with Tasmanian wines – a touch of luxury that is welcome at the end of a long day of trekking.

Bay of Fires Lodge Guest Room

Bay of Fires Lodge features 10 rooms and can accommodate 20 people at a time. In Tasmania, “walking season” ends in May of each year – a good thing to keep in mind when planning a visit to this original, design-forward and inviting lodge.

Eva Zeisel, Industrial Designer

The Styleture editorial team has many heroes in the design world; perhaps none have been more of an influence on us than the late Eva Zeisel. Ms. Zeisel, a Hungarian-born industrial designer known for her work with ceramics, passed away on December 30th at the age of 105. As admirers and fans that are simply in awe of what she contributed to the design world, we’d like to take this opportunity to remember her.

Zeisel was born in Budapest in 1906 to a highly educated and intellectual Jewish family; her mom was the first woman to receive a PhD from the University of Budapest, one of her brothers was a sociologist and economist and the other a chemist and philosopher of science. Zeisel on the other hand, was more drawn towards artistic pursuits. She learned ceramics through a local guild and worked for several German manufacturers. In the late 20’s, she became a designer at Schramberger Majolikafabrik and began creating unique and geometric designs for tea sets, vases, inkwells and other ceramic pieces. Her designs were influenced by the architecture of the times. Her life was actually quite glamorous; she spent time at cafes and parties among big city intellectuals and artists. She eventually moved to Russia to work in the country’s ceramics industry, but in 1936 she was falsely accused and arrested for participating in plot to kill Joseph Stalin. She spent 16 months in prison – how’s that for suffering for your art? When she was released from prison and deported to Austria, she met up with her future husband. Shortly thereafter, they had to leave for the U.S. when the Nazis invaded the country.

Eva Zeisel Dinnerware

In the U.S., she found a plethora of creative outlets and worked for a variety of companies including Castleton China, Western Stoneware and Red Wing Pottery. She developed and taught ceramics coursework for the Pratt Institute in New York and was given the first one-woman show at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Zeisel developed some of her most eccentric designs for dinnerware in the 1940s and ’50s and played a large part in the way Americans set their tables. Zeisel’s designs were made for daily use, not show. Her forms were sensuous and often inspired by the curves of the human body. She had an organic approach to modernism – no doubt a reaction to Bauhaus aesthetics from her early period as an artist. Her color choices and her sense of form were influenced by Hungarian folk art and she enjoyed designing pieces so they fit into larger family groups.

Eva Zeisel Folding-Chair

Zeisel had some interesting views on design; she once told a reporter that “men have no concept of how to design things for the home” and that “women should design the things they use.” Zeisel’s work, which ultimately spanned nine decades, has allowed her to own a rich legacy. Some of her most memorable works include rug designs for The Rug Company, a teakettle for Chantal, and ceramics for KleinReid. She also designed Crate and Barrel’s best selling dinner set, “Classic-Century”. In her very late career in 2010, she released Eva Zeisel Lounge Chair and Eva Zeisel Salt & Pepper Shakers; both were featured in O Magazine in the same year. As for awards, Zeisel won the Lifetime Achievement award from the Cooper-Hewett National Design Museum and she has also received the two highest civilian awards from the Hungarian government. To experience her work, all you have to do is head to any one of her permanent collections at the Metropolitan Museum, Brooklyn Museum, New-York Historical Society or The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Other museums throughout the U.S. and abroad also feature her work.

It’s a proud day for Styleture that we get to remember and honor the talented Eva Zeisel. Though we will miss her, it brings us comfort to know that her spirit lives on through her magnificent works.

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.

With January here, many of us are dreading winter’s long, dreary onset. It means shorter days, longer nights and spending time indoors reading, knitting or sitting fireside and catching up on movies. Dreaded nights be damned, as the Crawleys of Downton Abbey have returned to our midst. With the Great War upon them, we’re anxiously awaiting if Mr. Bates’s past will be unearthed and if Anna will accept him; whether Thomas will be revealed as a scheming cad and war dodger; and, most important, will Matthew and Lady Mary finally get it together? To commemorate the occasion, we thought these Victorian-inspired items might resonate with fans of the show. In fact, we’d be so bold to say that their addition could instantly elevate one’s abode from ordinary homestead to lavish manorhood.

Beacon by Hudson Valley Lighting^®

Beacon by Hudson Valley Lighting

Perfect for brightening the butler’s pantry, kitchen or entryway, Hudson Valley Lighting’s Beacon is certain to add understated but essential drama to any room. With finely tuned detailing and streamlined hardware, this attractive pendant or flush-mount application provides functional elegance suitable for everyday.

Broadway by THG^®

Broadway by THG

With a range of more than 35 available finishes, THG’s Broadway tap is elegant enough for a lady’s glamorous bath or would make a welcome addition to the handsome water closet located off the billiards room. Streamlined, the Broadway, with classic detailing and featuring handsome inset porcelain, will certainly never talk out of turn.

Canterbury Floor-Mounted Tub Filler by GRAFF^®

Canterbury by GRAFF

There is nothing more evocative of period-style than perfectly appointed freestanding floor-mounted tub fillers. GRAFF’s Canterbury tub filler is a study in grace and stature: reminiscent of days gone by but engineered for today’s more discerning homeowner. Available in seven finishes (polished chrome, Steelnox^® satin nickel, olive bronze, polished nickel, neo brass and antiqued brushed nickel), with a matching handshower and an optional ceramic insert, plus a healthy 50 inch shower hose, the Canterbury is the perfect choice for the Victorian bath.

Circa Vanity by Stone Forest^®

Circa Vanity by Stone Forest

Hand-carved from a single block of carrara marble, the Circa Vanity and offers a bold, architectural alternative to the Vintage Washbasin. Two options for the stand include open Palmer legs, or a wengé or maple cabinet by Vanity Flair.

La Scala by Corbett Lighting

La Scala by Corbett Lighting

The very definition of excess and opulence executed exquisitely is Corbett Lighting’s chandelier, La Scala. Combining multi-faceted clear beads and smoky crystal drops, La Scala takes drama to a new level with its cascading tiers, flame-inspired bulbs and silver leaf finish. Also available as a sconce, La Scala is offered as a six-, eight and 18-light chandelier and seems perfectly at ease in a dining room or main entryway as it does adorning the grand ballroom.

Finally, check out this video to learn more about the extraordinary history of the real-life “Abbey.”

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.

1. It’s a LED, LED, LED World

Disc by CSL (Creative Systems Lighting)

There is no escaping it – LEDs are the lighting buzz word for 2012. Since LEDs are so compact, lighting manufacturers are no longer limited to the same old forms for decorative fixtures. They can now design and fabricate fixtures in new shapes, sizes and configurations that they couldn’t do before with incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs. Best examples? Stiletto by Corbett Lighting and Disc by CSL® (Creative Systems Lighting).

Stiletto by Corbett Lighting

2. Steampunk Style

Raleigh by Troy Lighting

Steampunk style—a re-imagination of the past, with an eye towards the future—has been gaining a lot of well, steam, over the past few years. Lighting manufacturers will continue to unveil fixtures that honor the industrialized style in 2012. Best examples? Raleigh by Troy Lighting, which is also LED, Rise and Fall by Hudson Valley Lighting® and Beaumont by Troy Lighting Outdoor.

Rise and Fall by Hudson Valley Lighting

3. Warm Metals

Muse by Corbett Lighting

2011 was the year of cool polished metal, but 2012 will feel warmer and softer with bronze, gold and copper tones. Best Examples? Corbett Lighting’s layered Muse “wows” with a soft Tranquility silver leaf finish and faceted crystals. Link by Troy Lighting features a rustic yet contemporary bronze leaf finish, while the Cymbal sconce impresses with hand-forged iron bronze leaf in an Umbria bronze finish.

Cymbal sconce by Troy Lighting

4. Eco-Chic

Raffia by Troy Lighting

With everyone moving towards sustainability, lighting fixtures constructed from eco-friendly materials are more in demand than ever. We’re talking about woods, stones, crystals and other renewable sources. Best examples? Raffia by Troy Lighting features a warm, translucent shade made from Raffia palms, while Bento features a lamp shade made from plantation-grown Saguran and a frame made from recycled mahogany.

Bento by Troy Lighting

With such noteworthy lighting trends and products, the promise of 2012 is certainly looking bright!

Less Is More

Hastings Tile & Bath: Chelsea

According to an IFDA survey, Americans will be living in smaller spaces with fewer rooms by the year 2020 – increasing the need for products with uncluttered, clean lines. Enter the Chelsea small tub by Hastings Tile & Bath and Vola’s Round Series. The Chelsea tub might have downsized for 2012, since it now comes in a smaller version measuring 58 inches wide from tip to tip – but it still has curves in all the right places. The Round Series is a sleek and uncluttered collection of waste bins and tissue dispensers that save space (and hide the technical parts) by sitting flush against the wall.

Hastings Tile & Bath: Vola's Round Collection

Made in America

2012 will be the year of “Made in America.” More Americans today are seeking out “Made in America” products because they want to support local businesses and jobs. Even Europeans are gravitating towards American-made faucets because they want quality and classic American style. The Haley faucet by Watermark Designs, with its bold yet sophisticated lines, invokes timeless American design. Not to mention all of Watermark Designs’ faucets are manufactured in Brooklyn, one of America’s most renowned creative melting pots.

Watermark Designs: Haley

Bath 3.0

Watermark Designs: Luxury Shower System (LSS)

One of the most significant shifts in the bath we’re seeing for 2012 is the introduction of digital and wireless technologies that allow users to customize their bath experience according to their preferences – whether it’s water temperature or music playlists. The Luxury Shower System (LSS) from Watermark Designs and ThermaSol’s Bluetooth-enabled Serenity Light & Music System are two products that are taking the bath into a new era in the New Year.

ThermaSol Bluetooth enabled controls

Customizations

THG: Beluga

Faucet and bath accessory customizations will also be big for 2012. THG, the French luxury bath atelier of custom-crafted faucetry and bath fixtures, created the Beluga as a custom piece before launching it as part of their collection. Watermark ID, the custom division of Watermark Designs, also has a tradition of working along-side architects, designers and developers to design and fabricate customized bath fittings and accessories.

Watermark ID customized bath fittings

With such notable new changes and innovations in the world of bath products and design, it’s undoubtedly going to be a great New Year!

Sommerhaus Piu

When it comes to pre-fabricated eco-houses, the Sommerhaus Piu by German architects Patrick Frey and Götte Björn is unparalled in design. Envisioned as a vacation house, but usable for other purposes including as a work studio, Sommerhaus Piu offers the ultimate in streamlined, elegant living.

Crafted from sustainable woods for a modern, naturalistic feel, Sommerhaus Piu is designed to offer its inhabitants both a luxurious indoor feel and outdoor relaxation and recreation facilities. The home should ideally be erected on or near a natural, open site for maximum benefit. The façade features a simple, wooden strip style with a slightly sloping roof made from charcoal planks. Sections of the roof are perforated to provide a system of natural ventilation. An abundance of natural light pours into the house through clerestory windows, however the roof’s overhang provides protection from overexposure. Large sliding glass doors blur the boundary between home and nature, creating an environment of beautiful scenery; however, the bedroom of the home is closed off for total privacy. Additionally, a wide open terrace, painted dark to define the edge of the house, and covered veranda allow for alfresco dining and other outdoor activities.

Sommerhaus Piu by Patrick Frey and Götte Björn

Ultimately, the eco-friendly design of Sommerhaus Piu provides a pleasurable and comfortable green environment for its inhabitants, as well as a lower costing option for a summer home. It is the ideal home for those who want to have a getaway in the summer where they can relax indoors while having the option to enjoy the outdoors as well. Furthermore, the Sommerhaus Piu has been designed so that it is livable during all seasons.

The famous Blue Jay Way in the Hollywood Hills

Situated just north of the world-famous Sunset Strip in the Hollywood Hills is the neighborhood known as Doheny Estates – often called the Bird Streets as a result of street names including Oriole, Thrasher and Warbler. It is within this prestigious residential community that some of the most architecturally impressive homes in the region can be found. Inspired residences that span from mid-century modern, to ultra-modern, to veritable castles can be seen dotting the hillsides. Conveniently located in regards to accessing the best parts of the Los Angeles, and within close proximity to the city’s best dining and nightlife, it’s little wonder that the Bird Streets have been attracting Hollywood royalty like moths to a flame.

1654 Blue Jay Way is a large and luxurious modern Bird Streets home in Los Angeles, California, once owned by funnyman and media mogul Tyler Perry. Boasting three different levels with balconies, courtyards and spectacular views of the Hollywood Hills, it is undoubtedly one of the finest homes in Southern California. The interior is decidedly modern with a sleek stairwell that opens up the floor plan of the dining and living areas. The staircase itself is impressively made out of steel beams and railings. The color scheme throughout the house includes white, black, nude and brown finishes, furniture and fixtures. Special features of the house include a billiards room and a striking nightclub bar and lounge. A true bachelor home, Tyler Perry is said to have enjoyed some pretty wild parties here.

1654 Blue Jay Way

Another famous figure with a spectacular trophy house on one of the Bird Streets is Keanu Reeves a.k.a. The One. The Matrix star is said to have bought his 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath contemporary castle for $5,495,000. A stone’s throw from Jennifer Aniston and Leonardo DiCaprio’s homes, Keanu’s house was built in 1988 and features 5,600-square-feet in which to frolic and play. The gated abode has glass walls with ocean and city views, stone floors, state-of-the-art security, and an infinity pool to help Keanu stay in shape between films. Famously, Keanu Reeves was “homeless” for many years even though he had millions in the bank; he would divide his time between cottages at the Chateau Marmont, when he was in LA, and other high end hotels all over the world when filming. It seems his Bird Streets residence is the first place he’s really been able to call “home”.

Last but not least, Pirates of the Caribbean star Orlando Bloom owns a Bird Streets compound and he recently put it up for lease at a staggering $18,000 a month. Bloom’s home features 3,200 square feet of living space, all set behind gates on a heavily landscaped lot of three-quarters of an acre. The exterior is quite dark and woodsy, perfect for relaxing in the shade. The interior is decidedly contemporary with state of the art amenities in the kitchen and bath. On a side note, the home was burglarized in 2009 by the so-called “bling ring” burglars who focused on celebrities homes including Paris Hilton’s.

For an architect buff that happens to be in Los Angeles, a drive through the Bird Streets is well worth the time and effort. Just be prepared with a good answer in case one of those pesky ADT Security officers decides to stop and question you.