In my non-stop surfing of the internet for cool hip things that mid-mod lovers might like, I found the Philco PC. Now, I am a dyed-in-the-wool Mac user and I doubt this will ever change but if I had to make the switch, a computer like this would make the transition a whole lot easier (at least I’d have something pretty to look at while it reboots after crashing).

The design of the “Philco PC” was inspired by the 1954 design classic Philco Predicta, as well as an eclectic mixture of modern minimalism, the steampunk movement, and antiques. As lead designer Dave Schultze of SchultzeWORKS explains, “The result is a design aesthetic that blends multiple elements of the familiar, but with some surprisingly fresh styling that just so happens to house a state-of-the-art Windows 7 PC.”

The Philco PC was created for a 3d modeling competition so is only a concept design right now but Schultze is in talks with a number of companies to actually start producing them. I’m looking forward to finding out what happens!

If you aren’t already aware of TED Talks, you’re in for a real treat and probably more time in front of the computer than you planned for. TED talks are inspiring, engaging and humorous talks about Technology, Entertainment and Design. The one above in particular caught our eye recently because it was given by Eames Demetrios, the grandson of Charles Eames, and was about the man himself.

“The legendary design team Charles and Ray Eames made films, houses and classic midcentury modern furniture. Eames Demetrios, their grandson, shows rarely seen films and archival footage in a lively, loving tribute to their creative process.”

Apart from being Charles Eames’ grandson, Eames Demetrios is a creator and designer in his own right. His current project is Kymaerica and the Kcymaerxthaere, an alternate history of the world. His web site is completely fascinating, and I’m looking forward to learning more about his work.

A wonderful documentary by the Victoria & Albert Museum about Dieter Rams, the designer who influenced the Apple look. Learn more about Dieter Rams in the Lushpad designer biographies section.

While most of his contemporary designers preferred wood as their primary material, Kjærholm chose steel but always combined it with other materials like wood, leather, cane or marble. Of his favourite material he said:

“Steel’s constructive potential is not the only thing that interests me; the refraction of light on its surface is an important part of my artistic work. I consider steel a material with the same artistic merit as wood and leather”.

Read more about Poul Kjaerholm here.

Written by Katherine Raz of Back Garage. Thanks Katherine!

“Marc Newson is an industrial designer whose imagination knows no bounds. He has created everything from the iconic Lockheed Lounge chair – the most expensive piece of furniture by a living designer ever to sell at auction – to coat hangers, dish drainers and vibrators. His latest and most audacious project is a suborbital jet that just might be the future of long-distance travel.

In this profile, Marc Newson talks to Alan Yentob about his inspirations, thought processes and designs. He remembers when, aged just 23, he sculpted the Lockheed Lounge from a piece of foam in a frenzied few days. “It felt like a monumental moment.” He couldn’t get rid of the Lounges back then. Today, with just thirteen in existence, they are one of the most sought-after collectors’ items in the world.” via BBC

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

To help us keep up with our crazy schedule, Katherine Raz from Backgarage is now writing our designer biographies. She’s a fellow design enthusiast with a frugal streak as you can see from her fabulous blog.

“BackGarage is about the aesthetics of everyday living on a thrift store budget. Not because we can’t afford nice things, but when you’ve got an eye for design and like getting your hands dirty, you can cultivate stylish surroundings without cracking the piggy bank. And it’s a lot more fun. BackGarage is a virtual museum dedicated to all things beautiful on a budget. With occasional splurges.”

Katherine has just finished writing this biography about Dieter Rams. A German industrial designer who’s work for Braun in the 50s and 60s is believed to have heavily influenced Apple’s design aesthetic. Gizmodo has another great article to read about the Apple / Dieter Rams influence that can be strongly seen in the iPod, the G3, and the newer flat screen monitors. Check it out here.

This Audi commercial has some beautiful pieces of mid-century modern in it. It’s really quite inspiring to see how they change the same space to look so different with each transition. Check out the lushpad listings if you’re interested in finding a nice credenza like the one pictured above.

Designed in Vancouver by IntelligentForms, these fun Laptop Pillows keep your laptop from over heating by creating a ventilating structure between you and your computer and keep your wrists in an ergonomic position for extended laptop use when you’re lounging on the couch. The pillows are constructed using sustainable materials and packed tightly with buckwheat for insulation.

I have to say I was a little dubious when I first got mine, but now I can’t live without it! These novel laptop pillows cost $69 and are worth every penny!

The Design Museum in London has a fantastic online exhibition called A Century of Chairs. I spent a good hour going through the images and reading up on each of the highlighted pieces. One of my modern favourites is Jurgen Bey’s Tree Trunk chair by Droog (pictured here).

Few objects tell the history of modern design as eloquently as the chair. Aesthetics trends, the emergence of new technologies, ergonomics, social and cultural developments are all reflected in the evolution of chair design.

The exhibit gives you a really good sense of how the design and development of the chair has evolved over the decades due to changes in materials and technology.

Read the original 1961 Playboy article about mid-century modern masters Designs for Living.