Quantum Console

The Molecule Console Table from Casamidi is far more than a mere table...it is both an art object and functional sculpture that lets onlookers peer into the very building blocks of the universe. The designers, Ann-Marie Midy and Jorge Almada, were inspired by a German model of a molecule and like many other pieces in their diverse collection, the final design is quite stunning.

Fab Facets | West Elm's Origami Cocktail Table

West Elms' Origami Cocktail Table is our newest addition to our Fab Facets collection.

Grand Graphic Design

Move over fireplace, bow down big-screen TVs, and ordinary bookshelves beware, this furnishing is about to become the focal point of any room it finds itself in. Whether you use it as a bookshelf or consider it an art installation, the expansive (over 10' long) Tree Branch Bookshelf by Paris-based French designer Olivier Dolle puts a new spin on faux bois. It is graphic design in 3D and a novel way to bring the outdoors into any room.

Brad Pitt Expands Repertoire to Furniture Design

Here at Future-ish, we often get excited when a celebrity has a newsworthy science connection, whether it is a science background, an interest in promoting science, or even when they play a scientist on TV or in the movies. It seems to be much less rare that we report on celebrities with a design connection. Sure there are the occasional fashion lines and perfumes, but other design fields are a rare find indeed.

So we were very excited to read in the Architectural Digest's December 2012 Issue about Brad Pitt's new project...designing furniture with the renowned Frank Pollaro. The full website for the collaboration, www.pitt-pollaro.com will launch on November 11, 2012.

Dining table with signature 'continuous line' element. Image credit: Ellen McDermott
Pitt first tested his design chops back in 2007 with his post-Katrina nonprofit project, Make it Right, that designed and built healthy homes, buildings and communities for people in need. Pitt and Make it So embraced green building full-on and the results were affordable and inspiring creations that were a significant part of healing the community.

Given his past interest in architecture and furniture design and the fact that he's been imagining his own furniture concepts since the 1990s, we expect to be introduced to many new pieces in the line going forward.

Tree Chic

São Paulo based artist and furniture designer Hugo França turns ancient trees into modern marvels. Working with naturally-felled reclaimed wood from the Trancoso, Bahia, area of Brazil, França partners with Pataxo Indians and other local experts to find the best pieces of pequi and imbuia to create his artistic and functional objects. In the US, França's work can be found at R 20th Century in Manhattan.

Contemporary Cork

Brooklyn-based designer, Daniel Michalik, has a crush on cork. Considered the King of overlooked materials, Michalik has been using recycled cork and other overlooked and/or sustainable materials in his furniture and accessories for almost a decade. The Cortiça chaise lounge pictured above is just one of many deigns the demonstrate the beauty and flexibility of cork.

Fresh Faux Bois

Toronto-based Gus* Modern has reinvented faux bois to fit in the most modern of homes. The Root Coffee Table offers functionality with crisp graphic woodgrain lines. Add to that the FSC-certified ash legs and you have one stylish and sustainable cocktail table.

Holler Rocker

The latest edition to our modern rocker series comes to us from Holler Design. Featuring rustic lines but contemporary details, we thing Holler's Rocker 03 is the perfect furnishing to bridge old school and new century.

Vortex line by Vondom

Made from 100% post-consumer recycled material, the Vortex line of indoor and outdoor furniture by Karim Rashid for Vondom offers both futuristic form and function. We look forward to more facet forward furniture from Milan.

Progress Chic: Tamaga, future friendly children's furniture

Toxic chemicals in children's toys and furniture have become a big issues lately. The designers at Latvian-based Merci Design have come up with one solution that is both sustainable and a sure bet to spark any child's imagination. Their first product line, Tamago, has some of the coolest kids furniture around. Imagine building a fort out of these giant blocks! Made from the recycled egg cartons, the pieces can last for years if kept away from water. But...when you're done, they can be added to your compost.