“Mesa lights easily and with its smaller size, fits any outdoor space,” explains Solo Stove’s Clint Mickle. “Creating good moments has never been easier, and we’re thrilled to see new and existing customers gathered around this ingenious, low-smoke tabletop fire pit.”

The Mesa relies on the same dual-wall Signature 360° Airflow design as its larger Bonfire predecessors to create a smoke-free fire experience. Air comes in through holes at the base of the outer wall and vents through holes at the top of the inner wall. While the fire is burning, air between the layers heats up, expanding up and out as it sucks fresh air in from below. The exiting air — now super-heated and oxygen-rich — ignites any smoke particles it touches, eliminating the annoying fire by-product.

The Mesa can be fueled by conventional hardwood (Solo Stove sells their own Mini Oak Firewood packs, perfectly sized for the smaller basin) or with bagged wood pellets (a special pellet adapter is also included in the purchase). It lights up quickly with the help of a Solo Stove fire starter, producing hot fire in just a few minutes. Reviewers say the heat is sufficient for about “four people seated in marshmallow-roasting range.”

To keep the heat from burning any plastic or wood surfaces, the Mesa also comes with a handy one-inch stand that easily folds up and fits inside of the fire pit when not in use. Solo Stove also throws in a durable nylon carry case for “compact storage and ultra-portability.”

Unlike the standard Solo Stove Bonfire, which only comes in a stainless steel finish, the petite Mesa fire pit can be ordered in one of six “seasonal” colors: Deep Ash, Mulberry, Bone, Water, Ash, and traditional Stainless Steel. The color options definitely make it a more attractive accessory for backyard parties, and thanks to the Mesa’s high-heat ceramic coating, less likely to rust over time.

Solo Stoves are solidly constructed from SAE 304 stainless steel, known to be highly durable and super lightweight. The company guarantees all their products with a lifetime warranty, promising to replace any defective unit.

Not only would the ultra-light Mesa be helpful on a hike or in the backyard, but it’s also a smart solution for city-dwellers who want to bring a bit of the outdoor experience into their urban jungle. The petite fire pit could easily fuel a smores-roasting party on an apartment balcony, roof, or patio. Of course, it is only designed for outdoor use. Even though this version is portable, you should avoid trying to bring the bonfire fun inside.

The Solo Stove Mesa tabletop fire pit is available on the company website with a price tag of $79.99 for the stainless-steel edition and $89.99 for the colored options.

The post Solo Stove Goes Mini with Portable Tabletop Fire Pit first appeared on Dornob.

Made of waterproof and fire-resistant fabric in bright white, the tent is made to stand out. During the day, it looks like a small cabin vividly visible against a backdrop of dark woods. At night, when it’s illuminated from the inside, it glows like a lantern. So whether you’re heading off on a hike or just trying to pee at 3 a.m., you’ll always be able to find your way back to your cozy nest. Yibei describes it as a “cloud,” as if you pulled a wisp of a shelter down from the sky and set it down in your ideal camping spot.

The inflatable tent boasts a simple shape with a triangular roof and rectangular body. Made of 210D Oxford polyester with polyurethane coating on the fabric and seams, it’s durable enough to use in most weather conditions, including rain. Instead of unwieldy and annoying poles, the tent is held up by its airframe made of flexible, flat-pack TPU pipes that expand to 120 millimeters when inflated. The frame is designed to mimic the columns and beams of an actual stick-framed house. The tent also expands to an impressive 8 feet by 7 feet with a much higher ceiling than you’d normally get in a traditional tent, making it feel even more like a hut or cabin.

The best part of all might just be the tent’s many generously-sized windows. One giant window on each side can be opened to the fresh air, with insect screens to protect you from bugs, of course. The tent even has two huge skylights for stargazing after dark. The result is a space that feels fully connected to your outdoor setting while maintaining protection from the elements. The large size also means you can stand up to change in private, or set up a table and chairs to dine indoors in inclement weather.

Yibei explains that “when you enter the cozy white space, the ceiling is high and the room wrapped in white fabric is very bright. Opening windows on all sides connects the inside and outside, blurring the boundaries. In the forest, you can just hear the trees blowing in the wind, the chirping of birds, and the smell of wood and earth. The sound of the waves and the scent of the tide create a pleasant time on the beach. When it gets dark, close the windows and turn on the lights, and you’ll be able to relax in the comfort of your own warm home.”

The Air Architecture inflatable tent comes in a portable carry bag and can be inflated with any standard battery-powered air pump. The one downside may be that it takes a full eight minutes to fully inflate, which could drain the battery quickly. It’s also likely that the tent will slowly start to sag after a while if you set it up for a long trip, but if that happens, all it takes is a quick top-off of air through the tent’s valve.

Alas, if you’re chomping at the bit to hit “add to cart,” the tent is currently only available in Japan at Tsutaya Home Appliances+, so it might be a little hard to get your hands on in other countries.

The post Air Architecture’s House-Shaped Inflatable Tent is a Perfect Home Away from Home first appeared on Dornob.

Permanent or Portable?

Image via Pottery Barn

If you own your home and you’re ready to invest some cash into an outdoor entertaining area, you have a lot of options for installing permanent features, including a patio or deck surface, overhead protection, counters, and utilities. If you’re renting (or otherwise need your outdoor kitchen setup to be temporary), don’t despair. A gas or charcoal grill, a few weatherproof portable carts, an outdoor dining set, and an umbrella or two can serve you well, and most of the tips on this list will still apply.

Pick the Best Spot

Consider where you’d like people to gather in your yard, perhaps in a spot pointed toward the nicest view. You’ll also want to make sure you’ll have plenty of space for every outdoor kitchen element you desire. Choose a location that’s not too windy or fully exposed to the sun (unless you plan to cover it). It should also be close to the house, both for convenience while carrying food and other items back and forth, and for ease of running utility lines for electricity, water, and gas, if applicable.

Build Your Kitchen Around Your Grill

Image via Aquaterra

The grill is the center of attention, whether you go with a simple and inexpensive charcoal grill or an all-in-one outdoor kitchen setup complete with extra burners, a smoker, and a pizza oven. Just make sure its location is at least ten feet from combustible materials like wood siding, deck rails, and trees.

Set Up Four Main Zones: Cooking, Prep, Serving, and Entertainment

Your cooking zone, of course, is the area around your grill and other cooking appliances. The prep zone should include plenty of counter space for chopping and other tasks. The serving area is the spot where you’ll have plates, serving dishes, and other tableware waiting to be filled. Finally, your entertainment zone is where guests hang out while you cook. You can arrange these zones as an island with a separate dining table, an L-shape with a bar for guest seating, or a U-shape. However it’s laid out, make sure it’s clear where guests should sit or stand and where the cook can have a space free of obstacles to move around and handle hot objects.

Make It Weatherproof

Image via Mom’s Design Build

Choose tough materials that can withstand changes in temperatures and exposure to sun, rain, and wind. If you’re designing a built-in outdoor kitchen, you’ll start with either a metal, wood, or cement block frame, cover it in cement board backing, and add a cladding material like stucco, tile, stone, or brick.

Make Sure It’s Easy to Clean

You want your work surface to be smooth and non-porous so it doesn’t stain easily; experts recommend natural stone, cultured granite with UV stabilizers, or durable composite materials. Tile is cheap, but it can crack in climates with harsh winter weather, and cleaning the grout can get annoying. Quartz looks nice, but can yellow in the sun, and stainless steel gets very hot. If you choose concrete, it should be polished smooth on top and/or sealed.

Light It for Tasks and Ambiance

Image via Artistic Landscapes

Choose bright overhead lighting for work areas like above the grill and countertops, and softer, warmer lighting in gathering spaces. String lights, path lights, and perhaps even a chandelier can add a nice touch.

Design Your Outdoor Kitchen for Comfort

Cover cooking and seating areas to protect them from the rain and sun. A pavilion-style roof or lean-to roof off the side of your house offer the best coverage along with the ability to add gutters so you can enjoy the space in virtually all weather. Awnings and umbrellas are lightweight, affordable, and easy to move out of the way if you prefer to enjoy the sun. A pergola can also be a nice decorative choice, especially if it’s made of wood and serves as a sturdy structure for climbing greenery like grapevines, wisteria, or clematis. And of course, an outdoor fireplace or portable patio heater will give people something to gravitate toward in cooler temperatures.

Make It Fun

Image via Azuro Concepts

Before you finalize your design, think about whether you want to work a television or a sound system into the mix. You may also want to include custom niches or shelving to support them.

Don’t Forget Storage

Cabinets under your work surfaces are a great place to stash items like grilling tools, pots, pans, and outdoor tableware. You can also use storage benches, carts, or other detached, temporary storage furniture. Make sure there’s a pest-proof spot for your trash and recycling, too.

The post Design Your Own Customized Outdoor Kitchen with These 10 Tips first appeared on Dornob.

That means there’s no extra setup for outdoor parties — the speakers are always ready to go with a full 15 hours of battery life. They connect to a music source via Bluetooth with up a 100-foot range.

Setup only takes a few seconds. Each speaker comes with a magnetic stand that can be staked into grass, dirt, and other landscaping materials. The box can be easily pulled off the stand and transferred to another stand in a different part of the yard, brought inside, or taken on the road for mobile parties. If there’s ever a need for wired charging, the speaker also includes a USB-C port that can be used to power up other USB devices, too.

The sound quality is powerful, thanks to a four-inch passive subwoofer for bass, a ¾-inch tuned dome tweeter for high notes, a four-inch calibrated driver for clear and consistent audio, and a 50-Watt amplifier for volume. Two or more speakers can also be connected to create an even fuller, more immersive sound.

Because outdoor speakers have to be able to stand up to intense weather conditions, the Lodge solar speakers were designed to handle everything from “the hot summers of the Arizona desert to the icy winters in Vermont.” To protect against damage from water, dust, and debris, the speakers are equipped with both UV-safe plastics for the housing and chip-proof industrial strength solar panels. Each one comes with a waterproof IP66 rating.

The speakers have been extensively tested and reviewed to ensure their quality is top notch. “We’ve been working on Lodge since late 2020 and have gone through hundreds of rounds of testing, user feedback, and iteration,” the company says on their Kickstarter page. “We’ve worked with audiophiles and designers from all over of the world to validate our design decisions and component selection, and we’ve completed countless hours of testing both in and outside of the lab. With the community’s help, we brought Lodge to where it is today and built a sound system the Lodge community is proud to support.”

The company also tried to keep sustainability in mind when designing the speakers, allowing them to be disassembled and recycled so that parts could be repurposed in the future.

The Kickstarter campaign generated plenty more interest than expected. The company started with a $10,000 goal and raised over $250,000 by the time it ended. There was so much demand, in fact, that Lodge created a second crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo that raised another $270,000 in a month. The company hopes to start shipping their product to the first Kickstarter customers sometime this summer.

The post These Outdoor Speakers are Waterproof, Wireless, and Solar-Powered first appeared on Dornob.

The home improvement stars discussed their new collection in a recent interview with People, explaining that they to bring their iconic “perfectly imperfect” look to fans everywhere with products that are “built to last” and an extension of the couple’s distinctive aesthetic. As Jenny says, it’s very “authentic,” and gave the couple a chance to actually collaborate in its development.

“Modeled after things we have built,” according to Dave, the collection’s 30 outdoor decor items are both functional and stylish, pairing carefully curated design choices with well-made pieces that are meant to last.

Below are a few of our favorite pieces from the collection for those looking to spruce up their own outdoor space:

Ashbrook 3-Person Porch Swing — $897.00

Inspired by Dave’s carpentry expertise and Jenny’s eye for comfortable, trendy, and stylish decor, this cool swing is made for summer lounging.

Ashbrook Dining Table — $997.00

There’s nothing better than eating outside in the summer, and with this trendy teak table, anyone can be the host with the most. Weather-resistant and built to last, the table’s clean lines and simple construction are a welcome addition to any outdoor space. And don’t forget the chairs!

Natural & White Woven Lantern — Prices Vary

Sporting a classic, woven look that’s effortlessly natural, these fabulous fixtures are the best way to light up those summer nights and keep the party going long after the sun goes down. They’re available in small ($19.97), medium ($29.97), and large ($39.97) sizes.

Green Ceramic Planter — $11.97

Liven up your outdoor space with a pop of plant life placed perfectly in this charming planter.

Ivory Natural Round Pouf Ottoman — $67.00

Make a statement with this stylish pouf. This signature seating has a natural palette that complements any decor, but it’s also stylishly chic with its durable fabric and impeccable taste that echoes the HGTV stars’ aesthetic perfectly.

With their new outdoor collection from Walmart, HGTV stars Dave and Jenny Marrs are the latest in a series of tastemakers to add their names to distinctive decor items. Affordable, stylish, and chic, the collection is built to last and arrives just in time to spice up your summer gatherings.

The Dave and Jenny Marrs Collection For Better Homes & Gardens is available exclusively at Walmart.

The post Get Your Yard Ready for Summer with Dave and Jenny Marrs’ New Walmart Collection first appeared on Dornob.

As you can see, the Pontos looks a lot like a tent in the shape of a kayak. It has a similar lightweight frame sheathed in waterproof nylon and an inflatable seat that closely resembles a sleeping pad. That was part of the inspiration behind this unique design. The creators wanted performance on the water and packability on land, perfect for traveling or impulsive paddles after work. And it doesn’t just fit inside your car – it fits in your closet, suitcase, and even your backpack, just one-third the size and weight of the next-smallest portable kayak when packed down.

“We believe that the benefits of outdoor recreation and a connection with nature should be available to everyone, and we’re here to help knock down some traditional barriers,” the creators write on Indiegogo. “For paddle sports, those barriers are often storing, transporting, and deploying your vessel. We’ve simplified all of these by combining the concept of a skin on frame boat with new durable lightweight materials. At just seven pounds, Pontos kayaks are far lighter than existing folding and inflatable kayak options, which weigh anywhere from 20 to 45+ pounds, and [they’re] more affordable, too! With a pack down size similar to a two person tent, Pontos is the first truly packable kayak.”

Naturally, a kayak this lightweight is designed for calm waters, not whitewater conditions. Those who prefer the latter will have to stick to their more conventional kits for now. But a good deal of thought has gone into the design to make it just as reliable and easy to use as a standard kayak. The lightweight carbon fiber frame, which consists of 18-inch sections connected with shock cord, gives the boat its structure. Once on the water, the “keel pole” presses the TPU-bonded nylon shell just enough into the water to provide excellent tracking. Other portable kayaks are often flat on the bottom, which causes fishtailing as you paddle.

The Pontos’ shell easily pulls over the assembled frame and zips along the top, so it takes just a few minutes to put it together. The 210 denier nylon used for the shell also has some advantages over the heavy plastic usually used for inflatable kayaks. Inflatables are generally hard to pack down to a small size and even harder to get completely dry after use, which makes them prone to developing mold. On top of that, inflatable packrafts also require an additional device for inflation – or a serious test of your lung capacity after a hike.

Currently, the Pontos is available for pre-order via Indiegogo for $497, a 13 percent discount off the expected retail price of $575. It comes in five shell styles in shades of beige, green, blue, and yellow. The crowdfunding campaign will raise funds to order the components and hire a team to finish production, and the boats are expected to ship by June.

The post At 7 Pounds, This Might Be the Lightest, Most Portable Kayak Ever first appeared on Dornob.

As Portelli’s evolving artistic style morphed from Impressionism to Cubism to Constructivism, he infused such Maltese hot spots as the Whisky a Go-go, La Stella Band Club, the Dragut and Piali restaurants, and the sanctuary of St. Therese of Lisieux with his love for moody color palettes, clean lines, and blocky shapes.

The post-war modernist also designed his own live-work space in Attard, an ancient city nestled within the center of Malta’s main island. Architecture firm Valentino Architects just completed a retrofit of this space, which they call “La Serenissima,” aiming to preserve “the intentions of the artist’s design as a contemporary living space.” The result is an artist’s dream, bright and modern with high ceilings and plenty of windows to let all-important sunlight deep within the living quarters.

Preserving a Sense of History

The original studio is defined by tall geometric windows and strong southwestern light, and Valentino Architects decided to focus on these elements in their new design. The reworked interiors follow the same north-south axis, placing private living spaces at the south and north with a small home office and conservatory at the intersection. At the south end, which gets the most light, they integrated 45-degree skylights and high windows.

Sliding glass doors lead from the kitchen to a covered outdoor space with a raised timber deck and new glass perimeter. The angled skylights above this deck were removed to give the space more exposure to the elements, allowing it to become an external terrace that’s shaded from the summer heat but still capable of being opened to cooling breezes. The deck steps down into the living room to double as interior seating.

This cleverly converted outdoor space also acts as one big sunlight collector. The light bounces off the new brushed concrete flooring, pale countertops, and white walls and ceilings, further transmitted into the apartment by interior windows and glazing. Additional new elements like angular floor mosaics, sharply arched entryways, and a sculptural staircase recall the strong dynamic lines of Portelli’s paintings.

“Throughout the apartment, Portelli’s collection of midcentury furniture and lighting have been restored and integrated into the decor, his original plywood pinup board kept hung in the kitchen,” say the architects. “At the northernmost end of the plan, a bedroom and bathroom flank a central, floor-to-ceiling triangular window. A sliding door provides the option for closing off these rooms for privacy, whilst allowing the central sight-line to remain uninterrupted while open.”

About Valentino Architects

Based in Valetta, Malta, Valentino Architects is a design-led architecture studio with projects spanning residential, retail, and commercial sectors, with an emphasis on tailored solutions. “Our work is a study in form, proportion, detailing, and texture, characterized by an economy of scale, color, and material,” they say. “We have built a design approach that prioritizes collaboration and is driven by social, environmental, and urban impact.”

The post Valentino Architects Transform a Live-Work Artist Studio in Malta first appeared on Dornob.

Arya Rattan Daybed at Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters has lots of sweet little flower-shaped accents, nature-inspired prints, and organic shapes in their Spring 2022 Home collection, but none stand out more than the Arya Rattan Daybed. Sculpted into a leaf motif that forms the back and arms, this $1,899 sofa would work indoors or in a protected outdoor space, and you probably can’t find anything like it anywhere else.

Woven Tuareg Pillow by West Elm

West Elm’s indoor/outdoor throw pillows are an easy way to freshen up your decor for the season, and there are so many lovely options to choose from. The $62.50 Woven Tuareg pillow in magenta features a Moroccan-inspired pattern, recycled plastic fill, and a water-resistant exterior, plus it’s the perfect shape for lumbar support.

Matisse Wall Hanging at Burke Decor

Woven organic textiles can bring texture, pattern, and color to your space. Oversized textile wall hangings are one of the easiest ways to make a big impact, especially if your walls are lacking art. Burke Decor is a great source for these, in a wide variety of styles ranging from soft and subtle to bold and graphic. This one is the Matisse by Surya, on sale for $140.

Matin Table Lamp at Hay

Hay is known for its laid-back Scandinavian style, and the site is currently holding a 25-percent off sale for spring. Their sculptural lamp selection is definitely worth a look, currently boasting a rainbow of hues. The $245 Matin Table Lamp is a top contender – how cute are these pleated shades? Even better, it’s dimmable and features an LED bulb with a 25,000-hour lifespan.

Minimalist Spring Wreath at Etsy

Always the place to go for unique handmade items, Etsy is bursting with spring wreaths of all kinds. This simple minimalist style by designer Emily Allen features a swath of greenery attached to a matte gold metal hoop. Since the greenery is artificial, it’ll last for years to come, and costs $48.

Handwoven Maximus Rug at Anthropologie

Anthropologie’s Spring 2022 home decor collection is packed with whimsical prints and pastel colors. The Handwoven Maximus Rug in Maize is a cheerful reminder that the season of abundant sunlight is about to return. It’s made of wool, features an ombre pattern, and comes in six sizes. It’s also available in oceanic shades of blue, if you prefer a moodier hue.

Capiz Shell Drum End Table at Joss and Main

Joss and Main cites the “ethereal swirls and silks” of Spring 2022 high fashion runways as inspiration for its collection of “surrealist” seasonal pieces. The $260 Capiz Shell Drum End Table has a subtle luster and natural texture that will definitely bring some soft visual interest to your space.

Glass Vase at H&M Home

Shopping on a budget? H&M’s home collection for Spring includes some serious steals like this $12.99 pastel green and purple glass vase. Check out the matching larger one, as well as a series of complementary candlesticks in the same collection.

The post Cheer Up Your Home with Our Favorite Spring 2022 Decor first appeared on Dornob.

The Red Cave is a luxurious, wellness-oriented residence that truly finds the best of both worlds: access to plenty of spacious, tranquil green spaces and all the conveniences of the city. The architects wanted to honor the traditional Vietnamese architectural form of “Đình,” a type of communal house found in rural villages, but update it for 21st-century urban living. Intimate indoor spaces are interspersed with layers of outdoor areas on multiple levels, always considering both views and privacy in relation to surrounding structures. Terraces are strategically set to peer between neighbors instead of right at them, and courtyards are tucked into walled gardens that almost feel like different worlds than the busy streets outside.

The layers are divided into three major zones: fitness and exercise on the ground floor, yoga on the second floor and a “chill” terrace on the third floor. Pillars at ground level separate indoors from out in a porous, “ambiguous” way. Tropical foliage pokes up from a ring of reflecting pools on all four sides, separated from the street by a garden. Circular concrete islands offer places to lounge and enjoy the dappled light shimmering on the surface. Workout equipment is set adjacent to large mirrors to amplify the sense of fluidity.

On the second floor, a large yoga room with a herringbone wood floor looks out onto yet another reflecting pool. Here, the architects inserted what they call a “vague” box with glass walls and perforated wooden screens that let in light and air. “The corridor around the box was extended out into the garden, able to step on several rocks,” they say. “We focused more on harnessing the light at the main seat (terrazzo circle-slab), surrounded by the structural slope roof, creating a dark space to absorb the focused light. Trees, [the] water surface, [and] light are combined to create a tranquil garden atmosphere.”

The third floor houses the living areas, envisioned as a retreat for the hosts. These spaces include a kitchen and tea room leading out to an open terrace with views of the Saigon River. A perimeter garden of tall greenery adds to the illusion that the occupants and their guests are somewhere in the jungle instead of a highly populated city. Of course, the fact that this is a private luxury project gives it an exclusivity that’s less than egalitarian, but imagine the mental health boost we could all enjoy if more public spaces and apartment buildings were designed like this.

“The overall structure of the project is the mix, combining architectural and natural elements, creating a special, impressive building from the external structure to the experience space inside,” the architects explain. “We are calling the structure of convergence, the unity between people and architecture and nature. Homogeneous materials inside and outside, erasing boundaries, only the subject and the atmosphere surrounding the subject establish the characteristics of the space according to the purpose of use and each activity that takes place.”

The post Red Cave House Turns an Ordinary City Block into a Lush Jungle first appeared on Dornob.

“Since Aspen Snowmass first opened in 1946-47, Aspen, Colorado’s average temperature has warmed by three degrees Fahrenheit,” explains Aspen Skiing Company, who commissioned the project. “In total, Aspen Snowmass has lost 30 days of winter since 1980 alone. This season, as part of our 75th anniversary, we’ve installed The Melted Gondola art installation at the top of Aspen Mountain to get people thinking about the next 75 years – and to draw attention to the urgent need to aggressively address climate change.”

Launched in partnership with the nonprofit Protect Our Winters (POW), the campaign takes inspiration from a piece by James Dive and The Glue Society called “Hot with the Chance of a Late Storm”, a similarly melting ice cream truck installed on the beach in Sydney, Australia. Protect Our Winters is a community of athletes, scientists, creatives, and business leaders working to advance non-partisan climate policies. “We need a movement to create large-scale policy change on climate,” says Auden Schendler, Aspen Skiing Company’s SVP of Sustainability. “POW is that movement, mobilizing the outdoor industry as a political force.”

POW and Aspen Skiing Company hope the sculpture will provoke an emotional reaction in onlookers as they arrive on the mountain. Many visitors look forward to their mountain excursion all year, and shorter snow seasons can be highly disappointing. With Aspen warming by about 0.4 degrees per decade, a future in which skiing is no longer possible may be within sight. The groups hope anyone moved by the installation will write to their senators, pressure their favorite businesses to use their voices and influence in Washington, or work to affect small changes like clean energy standards in their own towns.

The installation is rendered even more poignant by the dramatic juxtaposition of two recent events in Colorado: a rare winter wildfire that killed at least four people and destroyed nearly 1,000 homes in the Boulder area, and the 10 inches of snow that extinguished it. On the day the fire started, the area was experiencing unusually high winds after months of drought. The fires blazed across an urban area once thought to be much safer than forested areas in terms of fire risk, burning down a Target and a hotel.

“The record warm temperatures we’ve had in Colorado definitely played a role in this,” says Jennifer Balch, fire scientist and the director of the Earth Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder, in an interview with Colorado Public Radio. “Our temperatures across the Front Range between June and December were the warmest on record going back to the early 1960s. Climate change is essentially keeping our fuels drier longer. These grasses that we’re burning during this event, they’ve been baked, essentially, all fall and all winter. And then, on top of that, we didn’t get a lick of moisture.”

The post Melted Gondola Atop Aspen Mountain Delivers a Dire Climate Change Warning first appeared on Dornob.

Fast forward to 1985. While most people were flocking to theaters to enjoy the fun, futuristic romp Back to the Future, the pop-up camper industry was on the cusp of a futuristic innovation of its own: the awning (also known as the “de markies”). A relatively new concept at the time, the idea was initially developed by Dutch architect Edward Böhtlingk for an architectural competition. Styled as a mobile home and envisioned as an accordian-like caravan that could expand in seconds with a simple push of a button, it was indeed the camper of the future.

Meant to combine “temporary living with a creative travel experience,” Böhtlingk’s cool camper didn’t exactly appear extraordinary on the surface. A box-like construction while traveling, the magic didn’t truly happen until the camper arrived at its destination. There, with the push of a button, the camper would increase to approximately three times its size, complete with distinct spaces that included a bedroom, a small kitchen with appliances, and a sitting room, in addition to several storage spaces built in throughout. While this type of expansion may seem commonplace in today’s camper vans, at the time it was quite the innovation.

Despite Böhtlingk’s success with the concept, the studio wouldn’t go on create a prototype until ten years later, subsequently winning a Rotterdam Design Prize in 1996. Still, it never ended up reaching the market, depriving holiday-makers everywhere of its bigger on the inside,TARDIS-like construction. Perhaps it was simply ahead of its time. Introduced during the excesses of the 1980s, its minimalist, compact simplicity would be much more attractive to today’s campers, who are increasingly embracing design-forward, autonomous structures that allow for more transformative camping experiences.

Next year, this innovative blast from the past will finally have its moment. A project almost 36 years in the making, Böhtlingk’s ‘”folding caravan” will finally meet the public at the 2022 Geneva Architecture Exhibition. With potential investors at the ready, it’s possible that this time-traveling camper will finally reach the market to take its place among its more contemporary fellows. And who knows? By the end of the decade, these small but mighty caravans may even replace their larger, more imposing camper cousins – and prove once again that good ideas never really go out of style.

The post Meet the De Markies: the Innovative Mobile Home That Never Was first appeared on Dornob.

A Lifestyle of Outdoor Adventure

Though most people outside Scandinavia have never heard of it, Friluftsliv is far from new. Loosely translating to “open-air living,” the term was first coined in 1859 by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen. Whereas the Danish term “Hygge” refers to surrounding oneself with cozy, comforting, and indulgent pleasures, especially in the home, Friluftsliv is a kick in the pants to go out adventuring for the benefit of your mental and physical health. In fact, Friluftsliv has even inspired its own law in Norway, called Friluftsloven, which includes the right to roam nearly anywhere you want. You can even major in Friluftsliv in college.

“Friluftsliv is not connected to a specific activity,” says Bene Lier, secretary-general of Norsk Friluftsliv, an umbrella organization of 18 Norwegian outdoor organizations. “For Norwegians, the word has a deeper meaning, like ‘disconnecting from daily stress’ and being part of the cultural ‘we,’ which binds us together as human beings as a part of nature.”

Blurring the Edges of Indoors and Out

A glance at the #friluftsliv hashtag on Instagram provides a great sense of what this trend is all about. Amidst all the scenic landscape shots are painstakingly curated outdoor ensembles, lantern-lit cabins, camper vans bursting with gear, campfire meals, and artfully flung woolen blankets. When it comes to fashion, Friluftsliv is all about practicality, like raincoats, sturdy leather boots, and wide-brimmed hats. But the concept applies to home decor, too.

A big part of Friluftsliv is inviting the outdoors into your living spaces. Bring in the textures, colors, materials, and scents of your favorite landscapes to make your home feel more cheerful even in the darkest months. Houseplants, dried greenery, framed nature scenes, rustic wooden objects, and even scented candles can help set the mood, infusing the spirit of the Friluftsliv lifestyle in every corner of your home. These visuals and sensory triggers can help us feel connected to “kos,” the Norwegian word that means “having a good time.”

Creating transitional spaces between your home and the outdoors can also help enhance a sense of Friluftsliv in your life. Give your patio, balcony, or backyard a cool-season makeover with a fire pit, some soft throw blankets, and an abundance of candles and lanterns.

Decorating with Outdoor Gear

To really nail Friluftsliv as a design aesthetic, create little vignettes that suggest you’re always in the process of leaving for another adventure. Hang items like sleds, snowshoes, and oars on the walls as decor, and set up a rack with all your outdoor layers like coats, gloves, and boots near the door. But even more importantly, actually use all that stuff.

Having these items visible in your home can help remind you of how good it feels to get outside in the fresh air, stretch your legs and challenge yourself physically, or just find a dry place to sit and relax. The 21st century essence of Friluftsliv is disconnection from the digital world, for however long you can get away with it. So wrap up, stay warm, and get ready to look on the bright side of wintertime.

The post Friluftsliv: The Adventurous Outdoor Counterpart to Hygge Design Style first appeared on Dornob.

Located on his own 50-acre property, art dealer Michael Hue-Williams came up with the idea during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Walking through these beautiful grounds during lockdown, I realized I have a unique opportunity to share the experience,” he says. “Having access to this land, combined with my numerous years of experience working with contemporary sculpture, made the decision to open an outdoor sculpture park really compelling.”

“There is very considerable interest from the public in seeing sculpture, particularly in the countryside in southern England, where there are such limited opportunities. In the current pandemic situation, it would be of even greater benefit,” says Lord Rothschild, one of several financial supporters of Albion Fields.

Opening on July 9th, 2021, the art garden’s first exhibition features 26 pieces from some of the world’s top sculptors, all showcased in the lush beauty of the English countryside. One preeminent work is Bernar Venet’s “Indeterminate Line” (2016-2020), itself an oversized mass of coiled metal. Also highlighted is “Sofa in Black” (2011) by Ai Weiwei, which looks convincingly like real leather but is actually carved entirely out of solid marble.

“Horizon Pavilion” (2017) by David Adjaye is a geometric timberwork that blends in harmoniously with its natural surroundings. Elsewhere in the garden the giant frame of “Cement Truck” (2010) by Wim Delvoye catches the eye, having been outlined with intricate Gothic architectural elements.

Many of the garden’s featured artworks also focus on light and reflection. “Big Be-Hide” (2017) by Alicja Kwade is composed of giant boulders on either side of a mirror, one natural and the other constructed from aluminum, thereby providing different echoes in the glass.

Erwin Wurm’s “Fat Convertible” (2019) is a mirrored car silhouette of bulbous metal, and Hue-Williams has artfully juxtaposed it against the weathered wood of an ancestral barn.

Panels of polished stainless steel and aluminum create a dimensional object that appears to vanish into the background at certain angles in “Twisted Geometric Mirror III” (2020) by Jeppe Hein. Albion Fields also includes another of his works – a nine-foot-tall metal cucumber.

Yet another reflective sculpture is Ryan Gander’s “More really shiny things that don’t mean anything” (2012), a six-foot tall sphere composed of a thousand small chrome objects.

To enhance the garden encounter, Hue-Williams even had his land, long used for agricultural purposes, rewilded with deer, badgers, owls, hares, woodpeckers, and other woodland creatures. As they move from piece to piece, visitors can catch glimpses of them as they meander on a zen-like path through forests, meadows, and lakes.

The project came together with the help of four partnering galleries: König Galerie, Goodman Gallery, Lisson Gallery, and Marian Goodman. Adding to the uniqueness of the space, every sculpture on view is for sale through their respective galleries.

The current set of sculptures will be on display until September 25th, after which the collections will be rotated every six months. Visits to the Albion Fields and the adjacent indoor gallery Albion Barn are free, but reservations are required.

The post Art Dealer Brings Sculptures Outside for a Safe and Rejuvenating Gallery Experience first appeared on Dornob.

Outdoor furniture is just the latest product to experience a bottleneck in the supply chain just as consumer demand surges, along with items like seafood, imported cheeses, sporting goods, vehicles, and even basic ingredients to make your favorite Starbucks drink. Doing without a wedge of Bleu de Termignon for a few months may be no big deal, but after our long year of COVID lockdowns, we’re all ready to relax in a new lawn chair with a tropical drink in hand.

Patio furniture manufacturers are still busy churning out all the tables, chairs, loungers and umbrellas they can handle, but a big part of the problem lies in the shipping process. Containers full of goods are languishing at ports, waiting for their turn to be hauled across the ocean to their destination. Retailers are seeing delays of up to six months to receive goods they’ve already sold online using stock photos. At the same time, customers flush with cash are spending freely. Natural disasters, labor shortages, tensions with China, lingering effects of the pandemic, and other complex forces are all having an effect as well.

When will patio furniture be available at stores like Costco and Home Depot again? Possibly not until 2022 or 2023, unfortunately, according to manufacturers interviewed by The Associated Press.

Score Patio Furniture Online

The good news is, there’s still patio furniture to be found online and in your area. The selections may be a little sparser than usual, but retailers like Wayfair, Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, and Amazon still have plenty of options to choose from. You’ll just have to forgo seeing it in person before making your purchase (and possibly wait a little longer to receive it). Some great examples of items you can snag right now include the Lark Manor Pyron three piece rattan rocking chair bistro set, the Tuoze 5-piece patio furniture sectional set, and the Best Choice acacia wood lounge chair with a built-in side table.

Find New Favorites by American Companies

The current patio furniture shortage is a great excuse to lower your carbon footprint and support the economy by buying American and even local, if possible. USA Love List has a source guide for American-made patio furniture, and there might just be an amazing producer in your state you didn’t previously know about. Fiberlite Umbrellas is the only manufacturer that designs, sources, and manufactures fiberglass umbrellas in the USA, for instance, and Lloyd Flanders produces high-quality wicker outdoor furniture in Michigan. Nags Head Hammocks are made locally in North Carolina, and Polywood furniture is made in the USA out of recycled plastics and sold on Amazon. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce for makers that might be located right in your own backyard, too.

Shop for Secondhand Treasures

In our era of disposability, a lot of outdoor furniture is cast aside or sent to the dump just because of small flaws that can easily be fixed. Don’t forget to check your local thrift stores, secondhand furniture stores, flea markets, and even the curb for items that just need a little love. Fraying fabric slats on a lounge chair can be replaced with a new material, wicker furniture gets a new lease on life with spray paint, and you might be surprised at how easily wood can be refinished.

The post How to Score Patio Furniture During the Global Supply Shortage first appeared on Dornob.

This collaboration is just the newest line in the retail duo’s partnership, which began in spring of 2020. To create the pieces, members of West Elm’s design team paired up with REI’s outdoor gurus to make products that are both multifunctional and easy to transport. Dubbed as “grab-and-go products to enjoy summer outside,” this collection is bound to get you stoked for all of your fave summer activities. Picnic, anyone?

Another great thing about this collection is the fact that it’s easy to use and transport. After all, no one wants to be lugging around heavy outdoor equipment on a 100-degree day only to get to their destination and realize nothing works or fits together. With this collection, you’ll never have to deal with those wonky chairs or impossible pop-ups again, because the outdoor experts at REI definitely know what they’re doing.

If all this talk of summer gatherings has made you imagine sipping a cold cocktail, playing your fave tunes, and sitting in your comfy, easy-to-set-up chair while the summer breeze tickles your face, then keep reading. We’ve compiled a handy guide to highlight some of the best items from this fab collab, now available online through both REI and West Elm.

Outward Stool

K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Stupid) may not be one of the most creative acronyms out there, but it definitely applies when dealing with transportable outdoor furniture. This stool definitely fits the bill as it’s easy to fold up and carry all in a snap. Made of recycled polyester, its seat is as comfy as its steel frame is durable. Add a handy strap for easy carrying, and you’re ready to go!

Outward Ground Cloth

Whether you’re headed to your fave sandy beach, your top tree-filled campsite, or are simply looking to have a little picnic in your own backyard, this ground cloth has you covered. We use the term “blanket” loosely here, as this recycled polyester cloth is so much more than your average picnic put-down. Complete with a side that is, according to REI, “grippy,” it keeps pesky sand, dirt, and other unwelcome particles from ruining your vibe (we can’t promise it will repel ants or other creepy-crawlies, though!). It also includes stakes to keep it even more secured, and straps for easy transport.

Outward Dining Table

Feeling fancy? Then you definitely need to check out this lightweight table. Ideal for meals, cocktails, and games, it also makes the perfect prep station. With a heat-resistant aluminum top, its large surface is just the place for your margarita, chili dog, and frisbee (that’s all you need at a picnic, right?). But the best part about this table is its foldable frame, which easily fits into an accompanying carry bag. Easy to set up and easy to stow: a dream for outdoor adventurers everywhere.

Outward Day Shelter

Summer can be filled with unexpected weather, but with this shelter, you never have to worry about getting stuck in the rain again. Waterproof and made of durable polyester, this shelter is easy to set up and can be adjusted from 79 to 98 inches in height. Webbing lash points give you more pitch options and provide spots for setting up cute lights to create ambience. Ideal for any outdoor excursion, this shelter also comes with its own sack to make toting a treat.

Outward Rope Chair

Sit back, relax, and turn the pages of your newest summer read in this comfy rope chair. A climbing-inspired seat and extremely durable steel frame mean you can chill out all day with extra back support. Plus, this snazzy seat comes with a rope handle for easy transport and storage.

The newest collaboration from REI and West Elm is meant to inspire you to “spend more time out there” and is designed with comfort, style, and durability in mind. These new finds embody easy-to-set-up design and are meant for no-fuss transport – making it a snap to get outside and enjoy summer.

The post Enjoy the Great Outdoors With This Stylish Outdoor Collection From REI and West Elm first appeared on Dornob.

The site, formerly owned by the Assistance League of Southern California, was special in the first place. Its primary structure is a classic Neocolonial building designed by Paul Williams (the first recognized Black architect to work in Los Angeles), which the firm renovated for the project. It’s now used as the main entrance for the co-working campus and its largest indoor space, featuring a café, bar, restaurant, event and conference hall, resting areas, terraces, and 200 workspaces. A second building on the lot was demolished to make way for 60 new oval-shaped single-story offices and meeting rooms.

It’s these pods that make the site so unique. Not only are they scattered among palm trees and tropical greenery, but they’re also ringed in glass to offer 360-degree views of the gardens. Birds of Paradise, ficus, ferns, and other plants double as privacy screens for the people working in each individual office pod. The architects envision these workspaces, capable of hosting 700 people, as oversized plant pots. They sit on top of an existing underground parking facility and are nestled into a four-foot layer of soil atop the concrete slab, creating a sunken effect.

The effect is remarkably relaxing for a workspace, and seems true to Second Home’s claims that it’s the healthiest place to work in the entire city. If you prefer to work in the open air, you can do that too at any number of open tables, benches, and loungers sprinkled throughout the campus. The vivid yellow hue of the office pods makes the whole place feel cheerful, and that mood continues into the indoor communal spaces, which are also full of greenery.

The site is the first American location for Second Home, a London-based co-working company, and opened in September 2019. Not the best timing for a communal workspace, considering what came to pass in the following year. But while many other co-working companies hemorrhaged cash during the pandemic, unable to pack their facilities full of busy workers, Second Home Hollywood was able to continue functioning more or less as usual. Each pod is individually ventilated and has windows that open. The design could serve as a blueprint for similarly healthy office spaces in our post-pandemic future, though of course it might have to be modified for colder climates.

“How architecture relates with the environment is crucial to our well-being,” says Diego Cano-Lasso, a partner at Selgascano, in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. “One of the best aspects of living in L.A. is to be able to open a door and be surrounded by nature. That close relationship with the good weather, hummingbirds and flowers is lost if you have stairs, elevators, or corridors in the way. The goal was to work in a garden, where you can be indoors but the outdoors is just a door away.”

The post Selgascano’s Second Home Hollywood is an Experimental Outdoor Office Packed with Plants first appeared on Dornob.