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2013 Ikea Doll House Furniture

Ikea Dollhouse furniture 2

My 2013-2014 Ikea catalog was delivered yesterday and I immediately spotted a toy that I have to have…..I mean my kids have to have.  A set of miniature iconic Ikea furniture!  The Huset Dollhouse Furniture set is new this year and its already a hit in Europe.   I dont think I can get to Ikea fast enough and I have a feeling that it’s not even in our American stores yet, but Im going to see anyway.

IKEA HUSET Doll's House Furniture

Ikea Dollhouse furniture

IKEA HUSET Doll's House Furniture

The European bloggers are already having fun with this set, this blogger has set up a well designed barbie house with it, check out all the pictures here:

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I hope Ikea has manufactured A LOT of these sets, I definitely need two.  I have a feeling Macy wont want to share hers with Hudson and I think that its not specifically designed for girls, so he’s going to want it too.

I did a little looksie around the web and the idea of miniature ikea furniture has been introduced before, a New York Times article featured a dollhouse crafter that created her own modern furniture when she couldn’t find any available.  Check out some of her amazingly styled and handmade ikea dollhouse pieces: new-york-times-modern-miniature-dollhouse-ikea-bookshelf

new-york-times-modern-miniature-dollhouse-sofa

Many modern furniture enthusiasts collect miniature Vitra chairs, I thought about it myself but being they cost several hundred anyway, I’d rather just invest in the full size chair.

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Vitra Miniatures Source

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Vitra Miniatures Source

If you know me, you probably know that I have a little obsession with designer chairs and have a pretty good collection that Im proud of, but the miniatures are so cute and tempting, so big thanks to Ikea for making affordable modern miniatures for me (I mean my kids) to indulge in!ColourCheck: Proof Magnus G

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Filed under City Mouse + Country Mouse, Design 101

Chairs 101

Entanglement of Chairs by James Nizam

 

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I am working on my new design series called Chairs 101.  I am crazy about chairs, my obsession started in design school and was awarded at my graduation when my husband gave me my first designer chair, the Eames LCW.  Since then I have added a few others and will be excited to show off my collection as well as other important chairs during this series!

Why do I love designer chairs?  There are several reasons, one is that out of all the many ways that a person can collect important pieces in design, whether it be a work of art or a whole house, one little chair is by far one of the most affordable and obtainable.   A splurge on a single chair doesn’t require much space or special installation to make a whole room feel styled and complete. 

The other reasons for my love are deeper in design theory thoughts.   The evolution of chair design has always paralleled the development of architectural styles and eras. During the last century chair designs have had a lasting impact on furniture design because of their innovative materials and the advance in construction technologies.  A multitude of chairs have been designed simply because of the fact that there is no idea form for a chair and that there can be many solutions to perform its function.  When I study a chair I see so much: a sculpture, a voice, a time period.  The mood it can create and its purpose in social society are all part of the package, wrapped up on four little legs and using only 2 square feet of floor space!  It’s a compact design that makes a serious impact in the design world.

Modern Chair Eye Exam from Blue Art Studio

 

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A chair can be a beautiful work of art that is well designed, studied, and written about.  It can become a celebrated icon. Some of the most iconic chairs have emotional persuasion that speak as loudly as well noted architecture and are often designed by architectural masterminds.   I run across designer chairs in department store displays, hotels, restaurants, advertisements and magazine spreads.   When I find one in person I take my picture in it ( I told you I was obsessed)!  There are many products that feature designer chairs like pillows, posters, coasters and miniatures, they are an easy way to bring a piece of a icon into your home or office. I dont collect the miniatures myself, I’d rather save up for the full size chair and I also have no problem obtaining just one of each, who says that you have to have a matching set?

The Bible of Designer Chairs

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One of my required books in design school was the bible of chairs: 1000 Chairs by Charlotte and Peter Feill.  I will be referring to it myself while writing my posts to get my facts straight.  (Dont worry, Im not going to talk about all 1000!)  I will be writing about not just the history and importance of the chairs but showing you some of the places designer chairs are used and some of the products that celebrate their form.  In my series I intend to share the worlds most influential and celebrated chairs with you.  If you aren’t a design-ish person, you will be surprised at how many chairs you can recognize but have never known the story behind. 

In the tradition of a blog series I will be making these posts on Fridays so check them out as you wind down for the weekend.

Cheers! Nikki

Tune into class next week to learn about: Eames LCW and LCM chair

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Filed under Chairs 101, NBID