The Patio de Sant Jordi and Sant Doménech is a historic structure dating back to the 16th century, originally built to educate the Moors during a period of economic prosperity. As the centuries have passed, it has remained much the same. The Gold Digger installation aimed to celebrate the convent’s architectural heritage while converting it to something altogether new and unexpected. Visitors who popped in during the festival found a whole new world of discovery and curiosity inside.

The designers installed 112 golden thermal sheets within the convent’s patio (the sort normally used as emergency blankets). The sheets were stitched together about a meter above the ground and stretched halfway up the walls, so it almost looked like the entire patio had been gilded with a thin veneer of gold leaf. By raising it just slightly above the ground, the designers created an interstitial space that felt vaguely subterranean.

Visitors would climb in from the side and crouch or crawl to reach holes punched in the foil. When they stood up, they found themselves in a shimmering, reflective space, gazing up at the columns of the convent and the sky above. Additional holes punched in the vertical walls of gold revealed statues of kings and other important figures.

The point of the installation was to infuse the space with a sense of duality: hot and cold, light and shadow, silver and gold. The chromatic differences between interior and exterior make the interior of the courtyard all the more dazzling, especially as the breeze moves the fabric, creating dappled reflections of sunlight and a sound reminiscent of ocean waves.

“The color and effect of the installation change depending on the time of day,” say the designers. “At midday, the light falls directly from above and the reflection of the fabric blinds the viewer. At sunset, on the other hand, the golden color of the fabric takes on new shades, more delicate and pink. Visitors had the opportunity to actively interact with the installation. They could not only admire the sculptural details of the Renaissance ornaments in the courtyard but also interact with the other visitors.”

The installation was the winner of the festival, lauded for its success in encouraging visitors to see something old and seemingly unchangeable in a whole new way. A Cel Obert is held annually to honor the architecture of Tortosa and adorn it with ephemeral art. “Many of these buildings have an interior architecture that is as important as the exterior, although it often goes unnoticed. That is the case of many courtyards, which thanks to the A Cel Obert festival of ephemeral interventions can now become a great attraction to be discovered.”

The post Modern Alchemy: “Gold Digger” Turns a 600-Year-Old Convent into a Strange Golden Realm first appeared on Dornob.

Conceptualized by Russian high-end accessory company Caviar, the exclusive, single edition PS5 was assembled from eight sheets of solid gold. Although no price has been released yet, at going market rates, Boss Hunting estimates that the Golden Rock PS5 with its 20 kg of gold will cost around $1.8 million.

Caviar, a firm aimed at producing the loudest and most iced-out accoutrements in the world, says it “could not pass by such a luxurious and very difficult to manufacture golden version of the PlayStation.” The designers were inspired by “the unique geometry of the gold ore and the graceful, beautiful outlines of the rock,” which led to its transparent “Golden Rock” name.

With its multi-faceted, precision-cut shape, the company calls its latest creation “a real masterpiece of jewelry,” made in the “original technique” and adding both volume and texture to the console. But despite being a brand known for its lavishness, Caviar’s PS5 still doesn’t appear to be the more expensive disc-playing type, but rather the cheaper edition that only plays online games.

Two gold encrusted DualSense game controllers are included in the extravagant offering. To give them extra panache, Caviar covered both in genuine crocodile leather “for real tactile pleasure.” However, since the DualSense controllers are the new PS5’s most unique feature with “immersive haptic feedback” and “dynamic adaptive triggers,” it is unclear if Caviar’s decision to include 750 gold inserts and a reptilian wrapping will enhance or dilute the intended experience.

Of course, that issue may have been of little concern to the hedonistic atelier, who calls their handiwork “a mixture of rationality and brightness,” with “pure fine lines and deliberate luxury.” No availability date has yet been given for the one-of-a-kind Golden Rock console.

Founded in 2011, Caviar is known for their luxe overhauls of Apple iPhones and Watches, ensconcing them not only in gold but other exotic materials like titanium, black diamond, and even meteorite. Their Caviar iPhone 12 Pro Victory Solid Gold, made from an ingot of 18 karats and a “smattering of diamonds,” is listed for $122,230.

The designers have announced that the PS5 is part of their “Fantastic Four’ collection for this year. The other opulent gold pieces will include a pair of Nike Air Jordans for $15,380, a Samsung S21 for $77,230, and a pair of Airpods Max for $108,000.

Caviar’s rendering of the PS5 is sure to add a little more controversy to the already mercilessly mocked new style. When the first pictures of Sony’s new black and white iteration were published in June 2020, Twitter exploded with jokes about its resemblance to a Wi-Fi router. Its ridiculed appearance hasn’t stopped it from flying off shelves, though. Since its November 12th release, the PS5 has been selling out, often within minutes of being restocked in stores. In fact, scalpers on eBay have been offering the console for more than 350 percent of the retail value.

Perhaps Caviar’s Golden Rock case is one (very expensive) way of enjoying the games without having to look at the less-than-stellar original design.

The post Would This $2 Million Solid Gold PS5 Impress Your Gaming Friends? first appeared on Dornob.

Each of these “habitats” are encased within wooden boxes, tempting viewers to step forward, look closely at each tiny detail, and fully immerse themselves in their individual worlds. The compositions are purposefully monochromatic to produce a disorienting camouflaged effect. Picking out the different natural patterns, some of which have been fictionalized, is like a game.

Occasionally, you may spot something altogether unexpected in these tableaus — like a human body part amidst the flowers, plants, and animals.

“I began to engage with these organic forms after mediating on the relationship of humankind with nature, and our current inclination of irreversibly harming the environment,” says Buyruk. “As an alternative to this act of destroying, I wanted to create something new, and create spaces where all species live together without hierarchy. Therefore, my work is very much informed by Darwinian processes of evolution.”

“I feel the use of color, particularly when working with depictions of the natural world, dictates meaning. I like to avoid using descriptive elements such as color. I also prefer to encourage the spectator to immerse themselves into the work and get lost in the details, discovering something new with each viewing. Using color would separate forms more succinctly, and I am interested in non-hierarchical hybridity.”

The animals that can be found in the habitats include rodents, a pig, a bearded dragon, a hawk, and several other birds. There’s a reason the elements of each piece are so uniform, too, with nothing popping out of the field to dominate the others. The Istanbul-born artist says this choice reflects a desire to reject hierarchies within nature, including those involving humans.

“I actually chose these animals on the basis of the fear that they biologically instill in humans. Certain animals pose a serious threat to human evolution, which has been engraved in our DNA. We find some animals uncomfortable or frightening because of their shape or color, causing us to negatively and incur a ‘flight’ response. I wanted to juxtapose our age-old, biologically rendered fear against our socially conditioned admiration for flowers, and position them together.”

Buyruk says the pandemic hasn’t affected her artistic practice, since she was able to merge her studio and home in a quiet residential area of Istanbul months before it hit. She’s trying to take advantage of this time to avoid distractions, channeling the urgency of this situation into her work. She hopes the shutdowns and quarantines will encourage people to listen to themselves, think about what kinds of activities they truly value, and continue to make room for these things in the future.

“HABITAT” recently wrapped up an exhibition at Leila Heller Gallery in Dubai, representing the first time Buyruk’s work has ever been seen in the United Arab Emirates, but you can view it in full online at the gallery’s official website. The artist is also a porcelain specialist at the Faculty of Fine Arts at Selçuk University in Turkey.

The post Camouflaged Creatures Hide Within the Porcelain Sculptures of Melis Buyruk first appeared on Dornob.

The recently launched product line includes over 200 storage and display options for virtually every surface in your home. Under the brand names Stylewell and the Home Decorators Collection, these artful decor pieces will match nearly any aesthetic they’re put in, including farmhouse, classic, bungalow, modern, art deco, and transitional design.

Without further ado, let’s check out some of the new offerings.

‘Hoo’ knew storage could be so cute? This StyleWell Light Brown Owl Water Hyacinth Woven Decorative Basket with Lid also comes in a darker shade, but both will hide away gloves, toilet paper, paperwork, and/or small umbrellas whenever the need arises. If you’re more of a unicorn person, check out the StyleWell White Unicorn Water Hyacinth Woven Decorative Basket with Lid instead.

Those who prefer a more traditional look might like this farmhouse-style Home Decorators Collection Square Galvanized Metal and Natural Bamboo Woven Decorative Basket with Handles, which provides both an eye-catching design and superb functionality. Other baskets in the new collection come in galvanized metal, gold metal, black metal, rattan, and more.

For table accents, check out the collection’s selection of decorative trays, which come in just about every shape and size you could want. Examples include the Home Decorators Collection Wood with Galvanized Metal Trim Decorative Rectangle Tray and the eye-catching Home Decorators Collection Black and Natural Water Hyacinth Decorative Rectangle Tray. Those who prefer something even more eye-catching will be happy to hear that there are also mirrored options to consider here.

Looking for a better way to spruce up your walls? Just choose from one of Home Depot’s 78 new options ranging from basic white shelving to comprehensive designs that are completely unique. The Home Decorators Collection Round Wood and Black Metal Wall-Mount Bookshelf stands out as a transitional piece, while the StyleWell Hexagonal Wood and Metal Floating Shelf embodies a more modern style. Function is important, too, of course, so be sure not to overlook pieces like the StyleWell Wood, Black, and Galvanized Metal Wall Organizer, which boasts three cubbies and five hooks to organize even the messiest of entryways or school stations.

Perhaps the best way to personalize your space is to include those closest to you in your wall decor via beloved family photos. Of course, the frames you put them in are half the battle, especially when you have a particular style to adhere to. If you’re looking for something relatively simple with just a splash of style, the Home Decorators Collection Wooden Geometric Picture Frames might be a good option for you.

Finish off your interior design with the perfect mirror for each space, adding depth to your rooms and reflecting natural light all throughout the house. Home Depot’s new mirrors offer large, small, square, round, and just about any other kind of accent you can think of. Check out the 31-inch Home Decorators Collection Round Framed Antiqued Wood and Black Metal Accent Mirror for farmhouse comfort, or go bold with the more modern Home Decorators Collection Round Framed Gold Accent Mirror.

Even if you don’t have any home improvement projects on the horizon, you’ll find it incredibly worth it to make one more trip to Home Depot to put the finishing touches on the interiors you’ve worked so hard to cultivate over the years.

The post Home Depot Releases Over 200 New Decor Pieces to Help Round Out Your Interiors first appeared on Dornob.

Bold Marble

Image via Maddux Creative

Skip the standard Carrera marble and try something a little bit out of the ordinary instead. Unusual marble patterns like Zebrino, Arabascato, and Paonazzo add artistic flair and the grounding influence of natural materials in one. And when it comes to 2020 bathroom trends, this design by Maddux Creative practically has it all: an interesting marble pattern, gold accents, open shelving, and vessel sinks.

Brass and Gold

Image via Blaze Makoid Architecture

It’s hard to be mad about the continued popularity of warm, elegant-looking brass and gold accents in interior design. You can bring these metallic materials into the bathroom in all sorts of ways, including lighting, mirror trim, faucets, and cabinet hardware.

Dramatic Black

Image via HGTV

Bathrooms are usually fairly small, so they may not seem like great candidates for dark hues. But you don’t have to paint your whole bathroom black in order to pull off this trend. Black brings in some contrast that sets off other elements in the room: daylight streaming in through the windows, living plants, white walls, beautiful marble, gleaming lighting fixtures, and reflective surfaces. Try incorporating it through your vanity, an accent wall, shelving, or accessories. Black cast iron tubs set against white walls are also very popular this year.

Integrated Lighting

Image via Grand Mirrors

Good news for your makeup application routine: we’ll likely see a lot more diffused LED lighting integrated into bathroom elements like mirrors, shelves, and vanities in 2020. The effect is much softer than that of a standard lighting fixture, and it tends to be a lot more flattering, too.

Open Shelving

Image via Septembre Architects

The idea of open shelving in the bathroom isn’t to keep all your clutter in full view, but rather to mimic a spa-like feeling with well-curated vignettes. Shelves on the wall or beneath your vanity might display baskets full of plush towels, aesthetically friendly bath oils and salts, plants, or apothecary jars full of cotton balls.

Smart Features

Image via Kohler

If you’re disappointed that, in the decidedly futuristic-sounding year of 2020, we still don’t have all the cool tech predicted back in the 80s, you can at least soothe yourself with a shower that’s perfectly customized to your preferences down to the single degree. Smart features are invading one of our most private spaces, and while to some people that sounds like a nightmare, to others it’s a dream.

For instance, Kohler has a new smart toilet with built-in speakers, ambient lighting and, for some reason, Amazon Alexa support. Their Verdera Voice Lighted Mirror supports Google Assistant, as well, playing music, telling you the weather, or changing the color of the integrated lights. And Kohler’s PerfectFill bathtub technology will draw a bath “to your preferred preset temperature and desired depth with a simple voice command.”

The post 6 Bathroom Trends That Feel Fresh for 2020 first appeared on Dornob.

Au Naturale

Right in line with saving the planet, designs for 2019 are brimming with sustainable materials. Go big with a natural fabric sofa or easy chair, or sprinkle a bit of environmental fanfare throughout your home in the form of organic cushions, pillows, throws, and tapestries (yes, they’re back in style). What’s more, these peaceful textiles work with every décor, from French country to Boho-chic.

Guiltless Gilding

Gaudy gold is never exactly in style, but done properly, it makes other colors and fabrics pop like magic. Somehow pairing black or bright gold with raw natural pieces transforms it into a tasteful accent that glows without being gauche. Work some gold patinas into your decor, and your home will look absolutely breathtaking.

Art Deco Strikes Back

Arguably the most sumptuous and enchanting style ever, Art Deco has patiently waited in the wings for years, biding its time just knowing that its return was imminent. Now that mid-century modern has morphed into the darling of decorating, the time for reemergence seems just right. Check your attic or basement for any old pieces you might be able to revive, and enjoy the way all those fetching design details and mixed metals bring personality to your home.

It’s All About You

No matter your taste, you’ll want to make sure to include a little bit of you in every room. Whether it’s treasured photos of family and friends, a conch shell from a childhood trip to the beach, or a framed t-shirt from a memorable concert, 2019 is the perfect time to start showcasing your personality in your style.

50 Shades of Any Color You Like

Paint companies have pulled out all the stops in recent years. There’s never been a better time to go wild with colors, especially new blends like Ultra Violet, Night Watch (a rich jade color that mimics nature), and a wide spectrum of deep reds and bright oranges. Offset those colors with shades of deep apricot, the aforementioned gold, gray flannel, and tantalizing teal, and you’ll see that the average person’s decorating palette has never been so diverse.

Black is Beautiful

Giving gray a run for its money is matte black. You’ll find it in rugs, furniture, lighting fixtures, assorted décor accents, kitchen and bathroom appliances, and pretty much everything else these days. It pairs well with any color and adds a dash of drama to any space.

Calm and Cozy

Everyone treasures their often-fleeting moments of respite, which is exactly why the Hygge trend continues to grow. Taking its name from a Danish word that’s used to describe special feelings and moments that are tranquil and soothing, Hygge is different for everyone, so you’ll definitely want to play around with different colors and textiles to find what makes you most relaxed.

It’s Easy Going Green

Houseplants have been making a comeback lately, especially the big ones with variegated leaves. No worries if you weren’t blessed with a green thumb: artificial plants have also come a long, long way and look just as good — if not better — than the real thing. Dress them up with natural weave baskets, and presto! You now have a few green masterpieces on your hands.

The post Interior Design Trends for 2019: Stimulating Ideas for Every Taste first appeared on Dornob.

When Boston-based designers Sally Wilson and John Kelsey of Wilson Kelsey Design were tasked with creating a luxurious bathroom based on artworks from the period between 1875 and 1915, Monet’s water lily paintings quickly came to mind. The duo visited the Orangeries Museum in Paris and took in an oval room designed by Monet himself to house his oversized water lily panels, noting the “modern sensibility expressed by their simplicity.”

“While Impressionism may seem traditional today, at the time it was considered avant garde,” they explain. “The late 19th century was a time of transition and flux. Impressionism was part of the movement away from classicism and realism toward expressionism and deconstructionism. In fact, impressionism was the modern movement of the period. The potential to create visual tension and excitement around that ‘moving away’ was very inspiring to us!”

The result is a work of art in its own right — an ovoid bathroom featuring impressionistic water lily wallpaper, French paneling in the color “Chicago Blues” by Benjamin Moore, a water lily glass tile mosaic, and sculptural golden accents. First unveiled at the 2018 DXV Design Summit in New York City, the bath pays tribute to Monet in both its incorporation of his works and its successful distillation of a mood. Its harmonic contrast of classical and modern elements makes the space easy on the eyes and keeps most of the focus on the artistic features.

“A Monet hallmark is the reflection of light on water, and a bathroom is all about water,” says John Kelsey. “Our goal was to celebrate Monet and his Lily Pad Series within the context of that era’s architecture while adding a modern sensibility and technology via our fixtures, lighting, and materials.”

Who wouldn’t want to sink into this sumptuous freestanding tub designed by Lowell, enjoying Rem Collection faucets with water flow patterns reminiscent of natural waterfalls? The vanities are elegant and understated, and the open-air shower wall has a pointillistic effect thanks to its use of thousands of tiny tiles, all of which were computer-designed and robotically manufactured by Artaic. Another set of dark blue background tiles spills down onto the floor to create a pond effect around the tub.

Concealed doors hide dual gold-lined water closets for a little couple’s privacy, with glass walls between the shower and these closets putting on their own displays of golden light at the flip of a switch. Additional details include hand-painted water lily tables, a modern chandelier with organically shaped lights, sculptural cabinet pulls by Serie Rare, and a ginkgo leaf sconce from Charles of Paris.

The post Artistic Luxury Bath Lets You Immerse Yourself in Monet’s Water Lily Paintings first appeared on Dornob.

Finders Keepers?

Back in 1981, an American company known as Sea Search Armada first found the San José. Colombia quickly claimed the famous ship — along with all the cargo in it — as their own. After battling it out in court for 30 years, a judge finally decided in 2011 that Colombia had patrimonial rights to the vessel but that the bounty would be divided equally between them and Sea Search Armada.

A Fly in the Ointment

Enter the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, who found the sunken ship still untouched off the Colombian coast in November 2015. More specifically, the team used a robotic submarine, the REMUS 6000, to determine the ship’s location and contents through sonar. REMUS was also able to identify the ship by taking photos of its cannons, which are engraved with some very unique-looking dolphins, at 30 feet away.

Rob Munier, the Vice President of Marine Facilities and Operations at Woods Hole, explains: “We’ve been holding this under wraps out of respect for the Colombian government,” although some think that the estimated $17 billion booty may have played a part in the company’s silence. However, The Washington Post reports that the “researchers at Woods Hole say they have no financial stake in the haul.”

The History of the San José

In the early 18^th century, the San José, a heavy triple-masted, square-rigged sailing ship, was a favorite of the Spaniards. Armed with 62 cannons, the ship departed South America in 1708, making its way back to Spain to deliver emeralds, silver, and gold from the Peruvian mines in Potosi (which many historians believe were obtained under questionable circumstances). When his attending warships were delayed, the Spanish commandant decided to leave without them, even though the War of Spanish Succession was already in full swing. Before his reinforcements could catch up with it, four English warships overtook the San José and sunk it, with most of the ship’s 600 odd passengers losing their lives.

What’s Next

Colombia has revealed plans to construct a museum and high-tech conservation lab to commemorate the San José. The country also plans to put the treasure on public display. The national government has already started fundraising to recover the bounty.

Of course, Spain has other plans. They claim that the riches rightfully belong to them since they’re on one of their historic ships. UNESCO has even entered the arena at this point, warning Colombia that they “would cause the irretrievable loss of significant heritage” if the unearthing of the San José was commercially exploited.

However this saga finally ends, it sounds like no typical treasure hunter will ever get the chance to roll around in the piles of gold and silver resting in the hull of the San José.

The post Shipwrecked 300 Years Ago, the San José Has a $17 Billion Bounty on Board first appeared on Dornob.

Lucky for us all, Danish design studio Reform has pioneeed a new concept in kitchen design that doesn’t break the bank. They work with internationally-renowned architects and designers to make kitchen cabinet fronts and countertops that are compatible with low-cost IKEA cabniets, giving everyone the power to create the kitchen of their dreams. Their most recent output sees a standard kitchen transformed with the use of golden doors, creating a warm space that glows like the heart of the home should.

This new venture has been installed in Danish fashion designer Stine Goya’s new showroom and studio in Copenhagen. The kitchen was designed by Danish native Christina Meyer Bengtsson in collaboration with Reform for IKEA. Meyer Bengtsson has previously designed a few made-to-order kitchen units for Reform, but this time she took IKEA’s Metod kitchen system and gave it a new lease on life. Stine Goya had seen Meyer Bengtsson’s work for the firm and commissioned them both to create a kitchen decked out with custom cupboards that would complement her own fashion designs.

The final design is bold yet minimal, oozing golden hues to create exactly the inviting atmosphere that Goya envisioned for her new offices: a communal area where her staff could gather comfortably and informally. The golden cupboard doors and baseboards are set against simple black countertops and splashbacks, and the oven has also been finished in black to create a daring contrast within the kitchen. The sinks are all made from brass, and their faucets look almost sculptural because of it.

“Color is important to me, both in my work and surroundings, so we decided to transfer it to the kitchen, which is a room often overlooked in an office context,” says Goya. To complement the kitchen units, the walls have been painted a warm ochre yellow, with timber floorboards accentuating the golden glow of the entire space.

Goya has also lent touches of her own personality to the space, decorating it with artworks and vases from her personal collection. She notes: “One of my favorite decorative objects used for the kitchen is the glass plate, that I found at Salone del Mobile, a place I visit every year for inspiration. The artwork in the kitchen is all by friends of mine.”

Reform summarizes the IKEA overhaul concept as follows: “Reform projects start with a basic ingredient — elements from the IKEA kitchen. Add our architect-designed fronts and countertops to create an aesthetic and a personal style that combines quality construction, function, and timeless design.”

The post Reform Gives IKEA Cabinets a Golden Touch first appeared on Dornob.

Ai Weiwei’s latest series is entitled “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors” and can be read a comment on the structures used to separate and divide societies. The title comes from the 1914 Robert Frost poem “Mending Wall,” and all three structures in the series are constructed from vertical metal bars that resemble fencing — the likes of which could potentially be used in the building of Trump’s border wall. The installations have been placed in three key locations around the city: Central Park, Washington Square Park, and Queens.

The Central Park installation is called “Gilded Cage” and consists of a cylindrical structure that has been painted gold. The cage has also been equipped with a turnstile and bears a circular opening in its roof. There’s a tension between the openness of the structure — in terms of both the wide spaces between the bars and the opening to the sky — and the enclosure it creates, which could potentially be perceived as claustrophobic by the observer. The gold paint was a deliberate choice on Ai Weiwei’s part, and one made in hopes of enticing Donald Trump himself to the cage. The president’s love of all things shiny and glitzy is well-documented, and Trump Tower is just minutes away from the installation.

The second installation slots directly in under the arch in Washington Square Park. It has an opening in its center that visitors can pass through, the arch of which is covered in a seamless, undulating metal that forms two human silhouettes and contrasts with the silver bars making up the rest of the structure.

For the Queens installation, Weiwei wrapped an existing silver sphere (which was erected for the 1968 World’s Fair) in a low-lying mesh to create a fence, preventing the children who usually use it to play from accessing it and highlighting the division that occurs when such structures are put in place. The project was funded via Kickstarter, and Ai Weiwei hopes it will create awareness of the negative effect barriers have on the people and places into which they are installed. The series will be on display from October 12th of 2017 to February 11th of 2018, and it will be accompanied by a group of smaller works located around New York City.

The post Good Fences Make Good Neighbors: Ai Weiwei Unveils Protest Installation in NYC first appeared on Dornob.

The post Pointless Carpet’ – Inverted Area Rug Art Installation first appeared on Dornob.

Glittering gold, composed of threads stronger the steel, and created from the silk of over a million spiders, this one-of-a-kind masterpiece is the only known example the world has seen in a hundred years of a hand-woven tapestry entirely made from spider silk. It’s only available to be seen on display in museums as it travels the world.

A rare and beautiful tapestry

Each thread of this wonderful hand-crafted work by Lambda is comprised of between 100 and 1000 individual spider silk strands gathered from golden-orb spiders and woven together by hand-powered machines. Factoring the time and labor spent on its elaborate construction, this unique item is worth way more than its weight in gold.

As natural cannibals, it is nearly impossible to raise these rare and amazing spiders in captivity, so a team of nearly 100 people was required to hunt daily for them in the wild, capture them by hand, bring them back, place them on a machine to hold them still and draw out their silk before releasing them once more from captivity.

A similarly precious spider silk cloak

Closely resembling Lambda’s hand-woven rug is this stunning golden spider silk cloak, as written about in The Guardian.

“The hand-woven textiles are naturally golden in color and took eight years to create. The cape was made by Simon Peers, an Englishman who has lived in Madagascar for more than 20 years and Nicholas Godley, an American who has also worked for many years in Madagascar. Inspired by 19th-century accounts and illustrations, Peers and Godley started experimenting with spider silk in 2004 to see if they could revive this forgotten art.”

“To create the textiles, spiders are collected each morning and harnessed in specially conceived silking contraptions. Trained handlers extract the silk from 24 spiders at a time. The spiders are returned to the wild at the end of each day. It has taken 1.2m spiders to provide the silk for the brocaded textile and 80 people to collect them.”

“After silking, the silk was taken on cones to a silk weaving workshop where skilled weavers have mastered the special tensile properties of the silk. In the cape, the main weave is of 96 strands, the lining 48 strands and a large part of the embroidery is made using unspun 24 strand silk.”

The post The Most Luxurious Hand-Woven Tapestry Money Cannot Buy first appeared on Dornob.

There is something vaguely hedonistic, unruly and playful about these shiny gold figures by Daniel Loves Objects that double as light fixtures. These lamps featuring tiny movable mannequins are as much art as interior furniture – and more interactive than either typically is.

Having one of these simply would not suffice – their interactivity, either in proximity or at a distance, has huge potential for animating interior spaces and creating virtual, every-changing stories out of inanimate objects. While we are unlikely to see these creative objects in real life they are at least lovely to consider – and the basis for an obvious question: what other everyday home object designs could be somehow anthropomorphized?

“*Electrical wires removed for visualization sake* Imagine the classical movable mannequin takes on a whole new form and style. The classical lamp has evolved much over the years but what if this lamp allows your imagination to run wild? And every movement of joint is at your control? What will the evolution be? The results may be controversial, provoking or elegant. Finished in gold plating for a touch of exquisiteness.”

Another series, called “Of Wars & Wits & Power,” features tiny gold figures holding up a wooden bookcase.

“Driven by the recent crisis of certain countries who got very uptight over issues of being asked to disarm their missile test launched, their alarming action to remain hostile and persistent in their belief had stirred me to create this part of a furniture combination to depict their behavioral trait, a bookshelf with their golden army, strategically placed underneath, to uphold and to protect their ultimate plans, frozen in time for all to see.”

And finally, little plastic men in a shade of gray help hold a lamp post aloft.

“WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND – The post series from the war bookshelves, this 1.7m tall floor standing lamp depicts the ironical struggle of uptight countries who regularly speaks of war on their mouth. Are they struggling amongst themselves or are they still actively erecting their territory flags, these power balancing soldiers in cool gray finished strive to recover that sense of patriotism which may have been washed away. Like an old faded photograph, these gray soldiers are frozen again for the feast of the eyes.”

The post Strike a Pose! Movable Mannequins Double as Lamps & Bookshelf Supports first appeared on Dornob.

Nothing says executive power and excessive luxury like black and gold in an office design. To keep the design from getting too carried away, however, artistic touches soften and add interest to this creative conference, meeting and lounge space by i29.

The thematic focus on the idea of a spotlight is immediately obvious to an occupant – from the large circular ceiling lights to the faux-shadows they cast on the floor and the spaces on the wall also implied by their presence. This repeated theme also offsets what might otherwise be a stuffy, overly-elegant space.

Ultimately, this design strikes the right balance between conceptual and practical, artistic and functional. It serves its purposes well with ample light, seating, work and storage spaces but still makes for a radically unique office interior.

“The board of an investment group in capital stock, wanted to have a self-called ‘power office’. i29 l interior architects and Eckhardt&Leeuwenstein, two offices which collaborated during this project, created this by placing every board member in the spotlight on a playful way.”

“All three boardrooms and a lounge are executed in an overall design concept. Large round lampshades, spray painted gold on the inside, seem to cast light and shadow oval marks throughout the whole space. By this, a playful pattern of golden ovals contrasts with the angular cabinets and desks, which are executed in black stained ash wood. In the flooring the oval shaped forms continue by using light and dark grey carpet. Also, these ovals define the separate working areas.”

“The lounge area has, in combination with the white marble flooring these same light/shadow patterns that cover the bar and benches in silver fabrics. This area can be used for presentations or social working, with an integrated flat screen in the bar and data connections in all pieces of furniture. The existing space is set in a 17th century historic building, at one of the most famous canals of Amsterdam called ‘de gouden bocht’. All existing ornaments and details are painted white.”

The post Power Office: Gold & Black Interiors first appeared on Dornob.