Subscribe to RSS Feed
blog: news + information from “the home authority”

Archive for the ‘ discover design ’ Category

« Older Entries

Inside Discover Design: Reisenthel

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

reisenthel_logo_rot_CMYK_ai copy1

For over 40 years now, the name Reisenthel Accessories has stood as a symbol for contemporary, innovative design – a strong brand which boosts trade. And a distinctive brand requires clear characteristics which you can count on the fingers of one hand. At Reisenthel “innovation” is at the forefront. The brand reinvents itself constantly with new products, new ideas and new designs. “Zeitgeist” is the second main focus. Their products are icons of an attitude to life, ideal companions for all those who love and master their professions, their families and their lives. Thirdly, they have “functionality”. Reisenthel products are extremely practical, clearly designed and perfect for everyday life. Fourthly, there’s “lifestyle”. Reisenthel is a good mood brand. It makes life colorful in a vital, optimistic way. And, last but not least, “authenticity”. Reisenthel is a family enterprise. This factor comes across in the brand. It has charm, charisma and soul.

Marie Kulik was able to sit down with Mimi Kriele of Reisenthel, who answered a few of our questions regarding the focus of design in housewares!

reisenthel red bagMarie Kulik: What is the inspiration behind the design and functionality of your products?

Mimi Kriele: Reisenthel focuses on identifying a problem and then designing a stylish yet eminently practical solution to the problem.  Products tend to be multi functional, often solving more than one problem at once.

Marie: Are there specific designers that have influenced you?

Mimi: Many Reisenthel designs are re-interpreted shapes from vintage pieces such as old French market baskets etc.

reisenthel striped basketMarie: What makes a design “great”?

Mimi: Form of course, but also function which gives the product a ‘raison d’etre’

Marie: What does your company offer the Industry?

Mimi: A wide range of products for shopping, home, storage, travel.  Interesting patterns and shapes, high quality design and materials.

Inside Discover Design: Natural Home Products

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

Natural home productsInside Discover Design returns with a look at Natural Home Products, a company that puts the environment ahead of all else and it shows with the design of their products. Bill Mitchell was kind enough to share some of her thoughts about the concept of design moving forward in the housewares industry and how making sustainability of the utmost importance impacts the brand.

Marie: What is the inspiration behind the design and functionality of your products?

Bill Mitchell: With our mission to make products using the highest standard of sustainable materials with the lowest environmental impact, the result is products with a more artisanal look that mimics nature. Furthermore, we look for designs that offer enough differentiation from our competition while not sacrificing eye appeal, structural integrity or cost.

Marie: What makes a design “great”?

BM: In our opinion, the three most important aspects of a great designs are those featuring current (or even ahead of time) color schemes, practical utility with clearly excellent structural integrity.

Marie: How much does cost influence design?

BM: The material, vs. the design, influences us more in terms of cost. The material is chosen first and the design is influences by what makes sense for that material.

Marie: What does your company offer the Industry?

BM: Our main selling point is that we source products with the highest level of standard for sustainability that are also sleek in design at extremely affordable price points. Our business is also part of a much larger media company that invests in marketing to drive consumer sales.

Marie: How do you see design impacting our industry five years down the road? 10? Longer?

BM: Design with functionality will become increasingly important as consumers get over the design for design’s sake mentality. Not only should something look good, but it must work. We continue to keep both in mind as we design and produce new products because without the unique marriage of functional design, a brand will simply fail.

Marie: How much does the use or function of a product play into the design of it? Do your products follow a similar design throughout the line or does the influence differ from piece to piece?

BM: For us function is a very large part. Therefore, we maintain a similar design throughout the line.

natural home logo

Inside Discover Design: Might Bright LUX Lighting

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

By Marie Kulik, Exhibitor Business Development Manager

Lux Dome Colors

LUX Dome

The latest installment on Inside Discover Design features Michelle Haas from Might Bright with the Brand LUX Lighting. Michelle discusses how LUX has merged design and function into lighting for the home and what impact LEDs will have on the future of the lighting industry.

Marie: What is the inspiration behind the design and functionality of your products?

Michelle Haas: LUX task lights by Mighty Bright were designed to simplify and enhance lives. We believe luxury can—and should be—both utilitarian and affordable. Our line of task lights brings together a luxurious aesthetic with high quality materials and energy-efficient LEDs in a perfect marriage of indulgence and pragmatism.

Marie: How much does cost influence design?

MH: At Mighty Bright we believe high quality personal lighting should be available to everyone. We also believe investing in top quality materials and production—and working with and knowing your producers—equals a superior product. With LUX we have made well-designed LED task lights with accessible prices available to everyone and perfect for designers. We also take cost into consideration so we are able to pass along savings to the customer, but we never let price compromise the quality of our products. With LUX lights, we’ve integrated high quality materials and intelligent design with the latest in LED and optical technologies at an affordable price.

Marie: What does your company offer the Industry?

MH: We strive to examine both designers’ and consumers’ lighting needs and to develop solutions that exceed all expectations. Our commitment to using energy-efficient LED technology in products for daily use enables us to improve and update traditional lighting design and achieve greater functionality. There is a void in the lighting industry, and LUX lights fill that void: sophisticated, eco-friendly lights designed for daily use at an affordable price.

LUX Bar

LUX Bar

Marie: How do you see design impacting our industry five years down the road? 10? Longer?

MH: LEDs are the future of the lighting industry, and as a lighting technology they have immense design potential. In the next few years, their versatility and energy-efficiency will change the way we illuminate homes, workplaces, offices, and hotels. Design will be a significant component of future lighting products as we eliminate the bulkiness and waste associated with present lighting technologies. We believe the LUX line is at the vanguard of LED task lighting, and we will continue to create innovative LED designs.

Marie: How much does the use or function of a product play into the design of it? Do your products follow a similar design throughout the line or does the influence differ from piece to piece?

MH: The function of our lights drives their design, but Mighty Bright is constantly reassessing traditional interpretations of a luminary’s utility. Thus, our design reflects thoughtful interpretation of personal lighting needs. We are not content to blindly duplicate decades of lighting design. To fully utilize the benefits of LED technology, Mighty Bright has designed additional features on our task lights that integrate LED functionality with sleek design that was previously impossible.

Marie: What advice can you offer to designers working in the home goods field?

MH: Well-designed products are those that meet a genuine need. Successful design for home goods starts with a firm grasp of what is needed in the field—only then can designers fashion a truly incredible product. Of course, products in the home goods field must have utility; however, the most memorable products are those products whose form augments both the aesthetic and the functionality.

LUX_Logo_color_V.LED

Inside Discover Design: Ocean Glass

Monday, December 5th, 2011

By Marie Kulik, Exhibitor Business Development Manager

lucaris for IDD blog

Nat-anong Moenkanoeng of Ocean Glass, and their brand Lucaris, was our guest this week to be interviewed about IHA’s Discover Design and the industry trend-shift towards high design and fashion in home goods products. Nat-anong helps us to understand where crystal and glassware stand when it comes to design, and how it can affect your next glass of wine! Enjoy!

Marie: What is the inspiration behind the design and functionality of your products?

NM: Our products are inspired by the modern Asian cities lifestyle, Lucaris has created a new paradigm beauty, functionality and quality that perfectly complements every dining & wining occasion.

Marie: What makes a design “great”?

NM: The design of Lucaris stemware and wine accessories is a collaborative achievement between Ocean Glass, Toyo Sasaki Glass and Martin Ballendat, a multiple award-winning German designer whose works appear in portfolios of many world class brands.

Marie: How much does cost influence design?

NM: We pay close attention to cost and value.

Marie: What does your company offer the Industry?

NM: Lucaris,the Crystal of Modern Asia,celebrates the new Asian dining & wining lifestyle. The first time in Asia that crystal stemware is produced to deliver international quality, for the most enjoyable dining & wining experience.

Marie: How do you see design impacting our industry five years down the road? 10? Longer?

NM: Design has always been important to our industry .Glassmaking expertise and the most advanced glass technology from Germany brought together, have resulted in the creation of world class quality.

Marie: How much does the use or function of a product play into the design of it? Do your products follow a similar design throughout the line or does the influence differ from piece to piece?

NM: With world class quality and design, Lucaris evokes the wining senses, enabling the wine to develop its full aromas and tastes, complementing the tastes of modern cuisines, for the most fulfilling dining & wining experience.

Marie: How did the Discover Design help to expand your brand?

NM: Discover Design helps creating brand awareness among retailers within our industry.Brand  awareness in retails is generally followed by brand awareness among the consumer which is the

Ultimate gold to achieve.

Lucaris

Inside Discover Design: Stelton

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

By Marie Kulik, Exhibitor Business Development Manager

This week we were able to sit down with Mathilde Ring from Stelton, who make their Housewares Show debut last year in the inaugural Discover Design exhibit. Mathilde answered some questions about how Discover Design is helping the progress the global design industry, who has influenced the Stelton designs the most and how a simple, timeless look usually makes for a great design. Here is Mathilde and Marie for this week’s Inside Discover Design conversation!

Marie: What is the inspiration behind the design and functionality of your products?

Mathilde Ring: All Stelton products has a story behind the design and function. Lets take the classic vacuum jug designed by Erik Magnussen. The design is 35 years old, and still Stelton’s best seller. The reason is simple, it’s great design, great function and timeless look. There are the seasonable colors, but still the classic stell, black and white is the best sellers. In the same line we launched 2 years ago the coffee maker in the same design.

Marie: Are there specific designers that have influenced you?

MR: Arne Jacobsen who was designing for Stelton from the beginning has of cause made his mark on the design and product development.
He has given Stelton the design directions.

Marie: What makes a design “great”?

MR: It is unique and timeless

Marie: What does your company offer the Industry?

MR: We offer consumers good, functional design products.

Marie: What was your first impression of Discover Design? The Show in general?

MR: We think it was a very good initiative from IHA to start getting a new, growing buying group to also come to IHA.

Marie: How do you see design impacting our industry five years down the road? 10? Longer?

MR: For companies with a unique identities, design are the key to success in short and long terms.

Marie: How much does the use or function of a product play into the design of it? Do your products follow a similar design throughout the line or does the influence differ from piece to piece?

MR: Design is as important for both functional products and as for decorative products.

Stelton_logo

http://www.steltonusa.com/Products/tabid/231/List/0/Default.aspx

« Older Entries

Register Show Badges:

Attendees | Exhibitors | News Media

Reserve Discounted:

Hotel Rooms | Airfare