In the past, furniture design was mainly focused on aesthetics and comfort. However, as people's lifestyles and needs have changed, so has furniture design. Today, furniture designers are looking for ways to create furniture that is functional, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing. In this article, we will explore the evolution of furniture design since 1990.
The Minimalist Movement
One of the most significant changes in furniture design since 1990 has been the emergence of the minimalist movement. This design philosophy is centered around the idea that less is more. Minimalist furniture is characterized by clean lines, simple shapes, and a neutral color palette. It is designed to be functional and versatile, allowing it to fit seamlessly into any space.
The minimalist movement is a response to the excess of the 1980s, when furniture design was characterized by bold colors, ornate details, and a focus on luxury. In contrast, minimalist furniture is designed to be understated and timeless. It is often made from natural materials like wood and leather, which are durable and long-lasting.
One of the most iconic examples of minimalist furniture is the Barcelona Chair, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929. The chair's sleek design and use of high-quality materials make it a timeless classic that is still popular today. Many contemporary furniture designers have been inspired by the Barcelona Chair's minimalist aesthetic and have created their own interpretations of this iconic design.
Eco-Friendly Furniture Design
Another significant change in furniture design since 1990 has been the shift towards eco-friendly materials and production methods. As people have become more aware of the impact of their actions on the environment, they have started to demand furniture that is sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Eco-friendly furniture is designed to be made from materials that are renewable and non-toxic. Many furniture designers are using materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, and recycled plastic to create sustainable furniture. These materials are not only better for the environment, but they also add a unique texture and character to the furniture.
In addition to using eco-friendly materials, furniture designers are also focusing on creating furniture that is designed to last. This means using high-quality materials and construction methods to create furniture that will stand the test of time. Many eco-friendly furniture designers offer repair and maintenance services to ensure that their furniture can be used for years to come.
One of the most notable examples of eco-friendly furniture design is the Emeco Navy Chair, designed by Wilton C. Dinges in 1944. The chair was originally designed for use on Navy ships and is made from 80% recycled aluminum. The chair's simple design and durability make it a popular choice for both commercial and residential use.
Technology and Furniture Design
The advancements in technology have also had a significant impact on furniture design since 1990. With the introduction of computer-aided design (CAD) software and 3D printing, furniture designers have more tools than ever before to create innovative designs.
CAD software allows designers to create and test designs in a virtual environment before manufacturing. This means that designers can quickly make changes and refine their designs without the need for physical prototypes. 3D printing has also revolutionized furniture design by allowing designers to create complex shapes and structures that would be impossible to produce using traditional manufacturing methods.
One of the most notable examples of technology in furniture design is the Panton Chair, designed by Verner Panton in 1967. The chair was the first piece of furniture to be made entirely from plastic using injection molding.
]]>History of Cutting Boards
Cutting boards have been in use for thousands of years, with evidence of their use dating back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used flat pieces of stone as cutting surfaces, and the Greeks and Romans also used stone or wood for this purpose. In medieval Europe, wooden boards were the norm, often made from the same wood as the rest of the kitchen furniture.
Over time, cutting boards evolved and became more specialized. In the 19th century, butchers began using thick wooden boards to chop and prepare meat. These boards were often made from hardwoods like maple or oak, and were designed to be sturdy and durable. Today, cutting boards come in a variety of materials and designs, including wood, plastic, bamboo, and glass.
Types of Cutting Boards
There are several types of cutting boards available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types of cutting boards are wood, plastic, bamboo, and glass.
Wooden Cutting Boards
Wooden cutting boards are a popular choice for many home cooks and professional chefs. They are durable and can last for many years with proper care. Wooden cutting boards are also easy on knives, helping them to retain their sharpness.
Wooden cutting boards come in many different types of wood, each with its own characteristics. Hardwoods like maple and walnut are popular choices, as they are durable and resistant to scratches and gouges. Softer woods like pine and birch are less expensive, but may not last as long.
One disadvantage of wooden cutting boards is that they need care with use. They are porous, wooden cutting boards should be washed with hot soapy water after each use, and then dried thoroughly. Applying a food safe oil and wax are important for long-term care.
Plastic Cutting Boards
Plastic cutting boards are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to clean. They are also non-porous, which means that they do not absorb bacteria and other contaminants. Plastic cutting boards come in a variety of colors, which can be useful for avoiding cross-contamination when preparing different types of food.
One disadvantage of plastic cutting boards is that they can be hard on knives. The surface of a plastic cutting board can dull a knife quickly, which can make it more difficult to chop and slice ingredients. Plastic cutting boards also have a relatively short lifespan, as they can become scratched and gouged over time.
Bamboo Cutting Boards
Bamboo cutting boards are a relatively new addition to the cutting board market. They are made from a fast-growing and renewable resource, making them an eco-friendly choice. Bamboo cutting boards are also lightweight, durable, and resistant to scratches and gouges.
One disadvantage of bamboo cutting boards is that they can be difficult to clean. They are porous and can absorb bacteria and other contaminants if not properly cleaned and dried. Bamboo cutting boards should be washed with hot soapy water after each use, and then dried thoroughly.
Glass Cutting Boards
Glass cutting boards are easy to clean and can be put in the dishwasher. They are also non-porous, which means that they do not absorb bacteria and other contaminants. Glass cutting boards come in a variety of colors and designs, which can make them a decorative addition to the kitchen.
One disadvantage of glass cutting boards is that they are hard on knives. The surface of a glass cutting board can dull a knife
]]>Angel Food cake is a versatile cake that is wonderful for birthdays, as a dessert and for tea parties. Yes, that is right. Tea parties. I stumbled at our local library into a book that had tea party themes from a few decades ago. The ideas from caviar on crackers and homemade pretzels to scones, the book took our imagination to a tasty level. I am always a fan of sweet and salty and tea can be a soft or flavorful accent. I made the angel food cake using the recipe from Taste of Home. Keeping it simple with fresh strawberries and powdered sugar that makes the texture of the cake pop. The maple Extra Large Circle board was a lovely blonde companion that allowed the slightly browned cake texture to pop.
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The comfort and beautiful texture of the woven seat is strong and typically require being rewoven every 60 years by a skilled weaver. The paper cord is a sustainable material made from certified wood and is biodegradable. The handwoven process takes many hours to complete and requires no maintenance. It is easy to clean with a neutral colorless soap solution. All these attributes make paper cording a very attractive way of constructing a seat today. Our paper corded bench is not only about stylish elegance, but also about functionality – it serves a purpose and stands the test of time.
]]>Many months ago, we discussed wanting to create images with food and that percolated as we worked sun up to sun down on production for the 2022 holiday season. There are many hours of sanding and finishing involved with all our boards and the benefit of that for me is having the time to listen to podcasts and audio books. The impact of listening to The Splendid Table cannot be understated nor can the enjoyment of listening to Jacque Pepin's memoir, The Apprentice: My Life in the Kitchen. Mouth watering inspiration began to hit me.
Erik and I wanted to introduce inspiration for our clients on ways to expand the use of boards. The bevy of food content on social media is mesmerizing and sometimes daunting. I found this recipe that dates back to 2000 (yes, I am now referring to 2000 as vintage!) and it pushed me to explore baking outside of the box...boxed mixes that is. The boiling water with stainless steel bowl nested above the water, so magically melts the unsweetened Ghirardelli chips, cocoa powder, butter and extracts. This technique was new to me but it was so simple and yielded such a wonderful cloud of chocolate goodness to the kitchen.
This may already be out there but the cake board has such potential to bring presence and place to a cake that yields the best of what food brings to an experience. My first time baking this was for a dinner we were hosting with friends. I used a gluten-free flour (King Arthur GF Flour) so that Erik could enjoy the dessert as well. Anyone who bakes GF knows, there is a gamble with substituting the flour. Magic was on my side that evening and a very supportive friend who was a helping hand getting the powdered sugar dusted on the cake. Raspberries or cherries seem like a great accessory to this chocolate indulgence.
Can't you envision a wedding or feast with a multiple cakes on a board serving a bountiful table of guests? Why eat one cake? Why not bring the warmth of wood in it's formal and informal character to the dessert? Explore your own chocolate cake experience with this recipe
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