The White House tried crowdsourcing when Obama first came in. They asked the public what its main priorities should be. Legalising marijuana came up number one. Depending on your point of view it may, or may not, have worked for Obama but a version of crowd sourcing is delivering for furniture producer and retailer, Groopti. The website invites submissions from designers then people can vote to green light the production
A relatively unsung female designer was a significant influence on the breezy, mid century style for which California is known. Greta Magnusson Grossman emigrated to America from her native Sweden (where she was already a prolific industrial designer and architect) in 1940. She arrived claiming that all she needed in her new LA home was a ‘a car and a pair of shorts’. The unique approach she brought with her
Swedish interiors store, Svenskt Tenn must have missed the Ikea campaign telling us to 'Chuck out the Chintz' because they have been busy importing floral fabrics from Britain since the 1930s. Above left, is Magnolia Black Linen from British company, GP&J Barker. The colourful pattern on the right with illustrations of wine, hops and tobacco plants is called 'Poisons'! Not an import from the UK, this was designed by the
Can it be that absolutely everything that comes out of Scandinavia is aesthestically pleasing and highly functional? Even the people seem better designed. Scandinavian products are enjoying an extended moment and – excitingly – there are now lots of outlets beyond the well established Ikea and Skandium. The glasses above are £39.99 from Skandivis, a fantastic site full of lovely things for those who 'want to live the Scandinavian way'.