Let’s kick off the holiday weekend with some really innovative design. Today I bring you Bike Furniture.  It doesn’t need much explanation, as its name pretty much says it all. But, I’ll give you one anyway.

This collection of truly unique furniture comes from Bike Furniture Design, a design and manufacturing studio that specializes in turning recycled steel and aluminum bicycle rims, handlebars and frames into modern furniture.  These designs are completely different from what I think of when I think modern furniture, yet I think some of the pieces could be perfectly integrated with other modern furnishing and décor.

I’m always impressed by items made from recycled parts.  Sometimes even though they are green and innovative, I can’t see how they’d fit in with everyday items. That’s the difference I see in this collection, its green, innovative, and I could defiantly see mixing a chair or two in with my own décor. Be sure to check out their site here.

I was browsing around the web earlier today when I came upon this.  Before I could figure out why I was fascinated I was and after a moment I realized what it was.  Underneath its cocoon like covering, the Zeppelin is a very traditional looking chandelier. This cover makes its overall look so modern though. It’s this paradox that makes it so very interesting and unique.

This is just one of the captivating designs of Marcel Wanders. If you’re not familiar with him, know that I’m far from the only one who thinks his work is brilliant. Marcel has been recognized with honors that include being named one of Holland’s most influential people and among the word’s 50 design icons.  While you may be familiar with some of his product design, be sure to check out some of his interior work design as well.  My favorite here.  Visit his site too. You’ll love it.

Sometimes the simplest things bring the most inspiration, and often the simplest designs are the most impressive. Both of these ideals are beautifully illustrated in the work of Shige Hasegawa.  Hasegawa is a product and interior designer whose work I have just come upon but was instantly impressed.  Hasegawa studied at Washington State University and has since done several exhibits, the majority of which have been in Japan and Milan. The two images shown here are from his Hana Collection for Milano Salone 2009.

See more of Hasegawa’s brilliant work here.

I was happy to get an email invite to the Niels Van Eijk & Miriam Van der Lubbe Subjects exhibit at the Dutch Textiles Museum Tilburg. It opened this past weekend, and while I would have loved to have gone I’m stuck on the other side of the world. I thought the least I could do is share with you some of Van Eijk & Van der Lubbe’s most interesting works (in my opinion). So, here it is!

Half a Table, 2003

Bibu Bench, 2008

La Divina Commedia, 2008

And one of my previously mentioned favorites here.

I highly recommend you take a moment to visit the website of these two innovative designers as well. See it here.

I love innovative lighting, and this new design from Marcus Tremento is exactly that.  This lighting seams to float above, looking natural and modern at the same time. Paper Landscapes is just one example of Tremento’s amazing work. Check out his website here.

This brilliant lighting is currently on display as part of the Between Lines exhibit at the Framziska Kessler Gallery in Zurich.  If I was closer, I would defiantly be there.  If you can get there, you have until Aug 30 - this is one not to miss.  More about the exhibit here.

and get a Solar Table! This is more than your ordinary table, this table has the potential to revolutionize the way energy is stored and produced. The top is covered with cells that collect solar energy all year, feeding your home with energy you need.  Sleek style and energy conversation? Well, I’m sold. 

And as an added bonus, it kind of looks like you’re playing a crossword puzzle too, which as a writer I love.

This table is the first of its kind, but plans are underway to create a bench, light, and flag pole as well. Check out more about it here and see more from its designer here.