Modern Gift Idea- Chilewich iPhone Case

We're always looking for evidence that modern technology and design are working in sync. The Elan Form Chilewich case for iPhone 3G and 3GS is our latest find. It's the result of a collaboration between Griffin, manufacturer of peripherals for iPhone, iPod, Mac, and PC, and Chilewich l Sultan LLC, design innovator of modern vinyl textiles.

Each half of the partnership brought to the project what it does best. Griffin created a durable and impact-resistant polycarbonate shell as the foundation of the case. Chilewich used its Mini Basketweave vinyl as the shell wrap. The result is a case that's both rugged and beautiful- and a great gift idea. About $40, available now through the Apple Store.

Modern Nativity Set

Because nothing says Christmas like Helvetica. 

The most minimal approach to a nativity set I've ever seen, Oliver Fabel's version gets props for simplicity and style.

Available in German and English. 

For more original, holiday-themed decor check out Pure Contemporary.

Modern Art Chair

One example from the 20 different chairs by French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac now available at Tom Thomas in NYC. A collector's treasure trove.

Modern Wall Mounted Changing Table

Urban dwellers living in cramped quarters will appreciate Swedish designer Bo Ekström’s Nathi changing table, made from Forestry Stewardship Council certified birch and finished with non-toxic, water-based lacquer. Mountable to your wall at any height, where it folds open or shut with one hand, the contoured bent-plywood changing table saves not only space, but also your back. In addition to two built-in shelves for storing the preponderance of baby-related essentials, the changing table also includes a machine-washable cotton pad in your choice of mossy green or ivory.

It's great looking and obviously handy, but I'm not sure why it's $750. 

Thanks Inhabitots.

Free Chairs in NYC!!!

Get ready NYC dwellers, soon you may be lucky enough to notice a "real good chair" sitting curbside. Grab it, it's for you!

The stunt is a marketing gig for Blu Dot, the mannies of modern, minimalist furniture and it's happening tomorrow and Thursday (Nov 4-5, 2009).

Here are the details as Blu Dot tells it:

When its SoHo store opened in 2008, Blu Dot became surrounded by the resourceful culture of “curb-mining:" the act of finding furniture and art on the street. Now that a year has passed, they collaborated with their friends at mono to conduct a curb-mining experiment of their own.

They had a few questions: What would happen if we left a bunch of Real Good Chairs all over New York, free for the take? Who will grab them? Where will they go? How will they get there? What will their new homes look like? To answer them, the Real Good Experiment was born.

So, starting tomorrow, 25 Real Good Chairs will be dropped around NYC. Many chairs will be GPS-enabled. You can follow their journeys in real-time at Blu Dot . And for updates from the field, follow the chair on Twitter.

Once the chairs have reached their destinations, Blu Dot will follow up with the new owners as part of a documentary that will be released in December to celebrate the first anniversary of its SoHo showroom.

Ribbon Hanging Fireplace

Spark Modern Fires, award winning manufacturer of modern, clean, and elegant gas fireplaces announces a totally new direct vent “slim” fireplace designed to hang on the wall. With a viewing area of 46” X 12”, this striking new fireplace provides substantial visual impact; while its depth of only 8” presents an exceptionally lean profile.

Called the Direct Vent Slim 46”, this new fireplace saves space as well as time and cost of installation. Just vent through an outside wall or the roof, hang, and enjoy.

Coco Chanel's Paris Pad Then & Now

See the pad at PURE CONTEMPORARY.

Space Age Terrariums

Meet the Domsai! Space men from another planet? Try Milan, where these 10-inch ETs debuted at 2009’s Design Week. Matteo Cibic—a multi-threat creative director for architecture, design and ad brands—describes his little guys as a kind of tamagotchi for desks or side tables. These terrariums require a bit of water and sunlight, which suits Cibic's aesthetic: user interaction is a hallmark of his work. Produced in the tiny Northern Italian commune of Nove, a hot bed of ceramics, these anthropomorphic planters are all one of a kind - they are hand cast and mouth blown.

$140 at A+R.

Philip Johnson House Resurrected

In the fall of 2008, Victoria Lyon of Victoria Lyon Interiors in Old Greenwich, CT., invited a group of artisans, artists and furniture makers to collaborate on bringing an empty Philip Johnson modern house back to life and showcase it as an example of how a small but iconic mid-century modern house could be adapted for life in the 21st century.

A number of remarkable artists, including some whose work has been exhibited at the MOMA, the Met and the Louvre, contributed their work.

The houses now stands as a reminder of the importance of saving modern architecture which continues to be threatened by the proliferation of the McMansions that replace them.

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