ZD Design Blog

2009-04-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

April /2009

Danish Design Exhibition

Danish Design Exhibition: April 16 - May 13
Opening Reception

Thursday, April 16th 6 - 8 pm

Classic to new generation of Danish Design products will be on display and available to you at Zinc Details, 1905 Fillmore Street, San Francisco location from April 16 through May 13th.
Please join us for the opening reception to cerebrate many great Danish designs by Royal Copenhagen, Norman Copenhagen, Architect Made, Menu, Ego, Stelton, Le Klint and more!

When you become an enthusiast of Modern design you'll notice how influential Danish design was to early adapters of modernism in 1950- 60's. You can't avoid finding Aarne Jacobsen's Ant chair or Poul Henningsen's Artichoke lamp or Erik Magnussen's Stelton Vacuum jug somewhere on a page when you are flipping through the Mid-century interior books. America fell in love with Danish design back then and many of us are still in love with them.

In the Danish design tradition, quality is closely related to function, aesthetics, economy and environment. Throughout the 20th century, it has become a fundamental principle for Danish designers to emphasize the user needs and functionality. Such ideas perhaps originated in the design and teachings of Kaare Klint before the Second World War, but were more closely identified with the work of leading furniture designers such as Finn Juhl, Hans Wegner, and Arne Jacobsen.

Group of Young Danish Designers start presenting a new, expressive, internationally inspired designs during the 1990's. Today there are two trends you'll find within the new Danish design designers. One is "wild" with pioneering design and an informal idiom using spectacular and sculptural forms. The other is "disciplined", with a clear basis in the Danish design tradition in its respect for classic craft, yet sufficiently bold to experiment with new technology and new materials. Both trends have given Danish design and especially Danish furniture design the talent and energy in short supply for several generations.
The new generation has added humor and irony to the traditional values.

We have to note that Denmark's strong Design awareness's one of the contributory factor is the Danish government's commitment to design. In the late 1990s, the Danish government was one of the first in the world to define an actual design policy - an initiative which in 2007 was followed up by the launch of DesignDenmark as part of the general Danish trade and industry policy.

Sale Alert !

Knoll Space Sale 2009

Friday, May 1st - Sunday, May 10th

We are pleased to announce the Annual Knoll Space Sale will take a

place from May 1 through May 10, 2009. For the duration of the sale, you'll receive 15% off published U.S. MSRP on all Knoll Space Products.

Please contact us at 415. 776. 9002 or info@zincdetails.com to receive product information, price quote, textile samples today.

Launch Event

Heath Ceramics Summer 09 Collection
Exhibition + Launch Event

Thursday, April 23rd : 6 - 8 pm

Please join us for the launch event for Heath Ceramics's Summer 09 collection at Zinc Details, 2410 California Street, San Francisco location on April 23rd, from 6 to 8 pm.

Heath's summer collection season continues to explore where science meets art, finding inspiration where the two disciplines converge. This season the new work will be displayed at Zinc Details in San Francisco from April 23rd-May 20th . There will be a launch event on Thursday April 23 from 6-8pm. Throughout the show, 10% of profits from the sale of the pieces will be donated to Architecture for Humanity ( architectureforhumanity.org).

The new accessories collection features overlapping glazes to produce extraordinary interactions of the colors, a legacy of its founder, the pre-eminent ceramicist Edith Heath. She developed her own exclusive recipes and original formulas, to create unique glazes. This winter, Heath Ceramics Creative Director Catherine Bailey continues the tradition of Edith's glaze experiments with a palette of vibrant, glossy reds, inspired by the season's berries and autumnal foliage.

A fusion of simple crisp lines, geometric forms and lustrous glazes in vivid hues are what is most prized in Heath Ceramics by designers and architects. This season, the unique glazes, in glossy and matte finishes, are explored in a variety of unexpected ways, applied on bowls, cups and vases. Specifically, the accessories collection consists of two tones of red glaze layered to give rise to a surprising fusion of graphic effects and textures.

The Deep Serving Bowl highlights such effects of overlapping glazes, resulting in an unmatched depth and beauty, demonstrating remarkable complexity and simplicity at once. Each product is handcrafted, reflecting individual variations in the depth of color. Other items in this season's line-up include: a bud vase, a multi-stem vase and tall modern cups.

About Heath Ceramics:

The late Edith Heath, was a defining influence of twentieth century American design, creating distinctive handcrafted ceramic dinnerware and architectural tiles that were unlike anything commercially available at the time. She and her husband Brian founded Heath Ceramics in 1948, which quickly became a California institution, symbolizing the creative free spirit of California. Heath Ceramics dinnerware has been used in homes for more than half a century, and also in other restaurants, including chef Alice Water's Chez Panisse and Brasseries 44 at the Royalton Hotel.
Heath Ceramics continues as one of California's last remaining mid-century era potteries. In 2003, husband and wife team, Robin Petravic and Catherine Bailey purchased Heath Ceramics with a mission to revitalize the company by placing a strong emphasis on design, while preserving Edith Heath's handcrafted techniques and designer-maker legacy. Heath now makes both classic and new designs with the highest level of craftsmanship that ensures an enduring quality and aesthetic. Today, facing new economic and environmental issues, business challenges and politics, Heath remains a small and privately owned local manufacturer in order to be able to stay true to its core values in the making of products: focusing on great design and craft and making responsible and holistic decisions for the long-term benefit of our customers and our employees.
For more information, contact 415 332 3732 or visit

www.heathceramics.com

Zinc Details

1905 Fillmore street : San Francisco : 415. 776. 2100

2410 California Street : San Francisco: 415. 776. 9002

www.zincdetails.com

Still the Simple Life : by David Fallis

2009-03-19T14:29:00.001-07:00

March /2009

Zinc Gallery : March 4 - April 30

Still the Simple Life : by David Fallis

Opening Reception

Thursday, March 12, 6-8 pm

Please join us Thursday, March 12th, from 6:00 pm - 8:00pm for the opening reception for local artist David Fallis's new work at Zinc Details 2410 California Street, San Francisco.

"Still the Simple Life" is a mix of two series' of works Fallis has been working on. One being a "stain" series in which the background of each painting is created by using the subject matter as pigment. And the second is a series of simple woodburn drawings. Both series' are studies of single objects seen in everyday life.

For Fallis "Still the Simple Life" is a departure from the sometimes chaotic, abstracted mixed media works he's done in the past. This change in style might be an unconscious decision to remind him to simplify his life as the world around him becomes increasingly more chaotic.

Fallis told us that "Working on these series gives my mind time to quiet and focus on something other than rent, bills and the hustle of everyday life outside the studio. I'd rather spend my time focusing on the simple pleasures of life. A cup of coffee or tea, a glass of wine, enjoying a beer with a friend. The simple things that bring us a little joy everyday but so often get overlooked as we're gulping down that last swig of coffee as we rush off to wherever it is we need to be right now. Hopefully, besides reminding myself, these pieces will remind others to keep it simple. Life is too short not to enjoy. Less is best."

David Fallis lives, works and plays in San Francisco. When not running his own picture
framing shop he tries to find time to make art, music and enjoy the simple things.

Featured Product

One Night Stand

Sleeper Sofa by Blu Dot

We have been waiting for a perfect sleeper Sofa for San Francisco apartments and homes for years and finally it's here! Designed and manufactured by Minneapolis based furniture company Blu Dot. They have been creating minimalist modern American furniture for 12 years and we have to say they sure know how to create modern furniture with style, function and value.

Long awaited One Night Stand is a sleeper sofa that doesn't look like one. Sort of like a wolf in sheep's clothing. Just remove the black cushions and flip the seat forward. Voila, instant queen sized mattress. Available in grey or rust wool blend with brushed stainless steel legs.

Dimension: 80w x 30h x 32d
$ 1,799

Good Design is Good

Twentieth Century Design Classics
Good Design Exhibition + Vintage Furniture

Authentic, original contemporary design. Excellent craftsmanship, creating durable object of lasting quality. We believe our commitment to these characteristics from leading designers of the 20th and 21st centuries, translates into exciting products for enduring enjoyment and appreciation. We do not want to be limited by a "signature style." After all, it takes innovation to create a classic.

We offer great collection of design classics at Zinc Details and currently we are holding a mini exhibition of good designs at both 1905 Fillmore Street and 2410 California Street stores. Conjunction to good design exhibition we are showcasing great vintage furniture from 50's, 60's and 70's at our 2410 California Street location only. All vintage pieces are in great condition in all different period and styles. Please stop by both locations and we hope you'll find a good design you can not live without it.

Come see us soon...

Zinc Details

1905 Fillmore street : San Francisco : 415. 776. 2100

2410 California Street : San Francisco: 415. 776. 9002

www.zincdetails.com

HOME SWEDE HOME

2009-03-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

February /2009

Event

HOME SWEDE HOME

February 19th, 6-9 pm at Filippa K

Please join us Thursday, February 19th, from 6:00 pm - 9:00pm to celebrate the best in Swedish fashion, design and premium liquor at Filippa K store on 66 Kerney Street, San Francisco.
Zinc Details will be there to presents best Swedish design products during a party. 10% of the evening's sales will be donated to the Scandinavian School of San Francisco.

Filippa K
66 Kerny Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
415.951.0210

Featured Product

menu

Scandinavian Design Originals

3 little words, but they express everything for which Menu live and breathe: A never-ending search for beautiful Scandinavia design with true originality. Aesthetic and practical daily surprises that you become happier and happier to look at, touch and use.
We are proud to introduce new collection from Menu at Zinc Details, 1905 Fillmore Street, San Francisco location.

Menu is a family-owned design company established in 1979 in Denmark.
The company's visions of creating epoch-making, high quality functional design have produced a varied collection of classics and trend-setting products, now being sold in over 40 countries.

There is a designer behind every Menu product, who aims to live up to the requirements of durability, surprise and multi-function. Menu only uses promising and recognized designers, each of whom is able to contribute to the development of the innovative design line which has made Menu one of Denmark's most successful design companies.

We love San Francisco!

49 Mile Drive Prints by Annie Galvin

Local artist Annie Galvin creates paintings based on the iconic Rex May's 49 Mile Scenic Drive sign post. It's available in variety of colors and they are now available at Zinc Details, 2410 California Street, San Francisco location.

It's a perfect gift for San Francisco local, visitor or anyone who just loves the design.

Ireland native Annie Galvin worked as an illustrator in Dublin before moving to San Francisco in 1989, two weeks before the earthquake.
Her inspiration comes from San Francisco, Vogue magazine, comic-books, Josef Frank textile
designs, gardens, Mexican wrestlers, the short stories of Haruki Murakami, and her own dreams and daydreams.

As she became familiar with San Francisco, Galvin started to see the 49 Mile Scenic Drive
sign around the City. She loved the simple shapes and clean colors of the sign - especially
the black eye and beak details. In 2004, Galvin started painting the sign in different
color combinations. 49 miles drive prints available at Zinc Details are high-quality archival prints of some of the original 8" X 10" paintings.

Galvin and her husband, Eric Rewitzer, also an artist started 3 Fish Studios in January 2007 in order to create a space they can make art, hang out, listen to music, and show their work. They are strong believers in the collaborative process of creating and sharing art, and we love to be surrounded by the vibrancy of creative people exchanging ideas.
To see their work, please visit http://www.3fishstudios.com

Zinc Details

1905 Fillmore street : San Francisco : 415. 776. 2100

2410 California Street : San Francisco: 415. 776. 9002

www.zincdetails.com

Minimalist automobiles

2008-10-23T10:03:00.000-07:00

For over 20 years, the Swedish-designed Playsam line of wooden cars has been a favorite with kids – and their fathers. (No worries: girls can play with them, too!) The classy little auto was named a Swedish Design Classic in 1998 and honored in 2005 on a postage stamp. Zinc Details has a whole fleet of Playsam cars ready for the holidays. Kids – hide them from your fathers!

What a way to celebrate!

2008-10-22T13:34:00.001-07:00

Zinc Details already carries many of the unique products available through Charles & Marie, including the inside-out champagne glass. Brings a special perspective to toasting the New Year or a best friend. $69 each glass.

Call it – head or tails?

2008-10-22T13:32:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what happened to the rest of the moose? Here’s one answer in these head-and-behind coat hooks from Charles & Marie. Also available in hippopotamus and giraffe. $59 the pair.

Get trashy…but in style

2008-10-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

The Vipp 13m is the ultimate in step-on trash cans. One gallon/4 litre capacity. Made of stainless steel with baked-on finish, it’s unquestionably the last trash can you will ever have to buy. Liners available. Available in white, cream, blac, and stainless. $225.

Geneva Complete Multi-function Sound System

2008-10-22T13:27:00.000-07:00

The Geneva Sound system is made for an iPod, but it also plays CDs and has built in FM Radio, as well. Simple and sophisticated in design, and the sound system in just unbelievable! The Geneva Sound System Model M is a complete, multi-function stereo system in a single wood cabinet. It's a tabletop size that is nonetheless capable of room-filling sound. Its four speakers are independently powered by a 100 watt digital amplifier, with sound accuracy unmatched by any product of its size. The sealed, wooden chambers feature ported bass for rich, powerful lows. Available in white, red, and black lacquered finish. 14.2” w x 7.8” h x 10.6” deep. $779.

U-Do-It Lamp

2008-10-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

Extraordinary in its form, the Norm 69 holds a special place in the Norman-Copenhagen legacy. As the first product launched in 2002, this stunning lamp comes in 69 pieces that anyone can assemble without the use of any tools or glue. Designed by Simon Karkov, the lamp lends extraordinary light to any space. Available in 4 different sizes: Small: 16.5"dia, Large: 20"dia, X-large: 23.5"dia, XX-large: 30.5"dia

The Eames’s favorite bird

2008-10-22T13:23:00.000-07:00

Charles and Ray Eames augmented the interior "collage" of the Eames House with numerous objects brought back from their extensive travels. The figure of a black wooden bird -evidently one of their most prized samples of America folk art - stood in the centre of their living room for over fifty years. Also seen as an accessory in many of the Eames's photographs, the bird figure comes from the Appalachian mountain region of the eastern United States. Based on the original 1910 artifact and in cooperation with the Eames Family, Vitra is now producing the first series of this figure. $209 each.

Put it on a cork!

2008-10-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

Three small friends, robustly built, stable, individual in character and lovable in appearance, that's the Cork Family by Vitra, designed in 2004 by Jasper Morrison. Whether as side-tables or stools, the three different brothers benefit from the advantageous properties of such a natural material as cork. Cork is light, enormously tough and has a pleasantly soft feel. 13" h x 12.25" d $407 each

A Classic Turns 50

2008-08-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

Iittala celebrates the 50th anniversary of the appearance of this lovely tinted glassware by Kaj Franck. Described as “the conscience of Finnish design,” Franck epitomizes Finnish modernism. His clear and softly tinted glasses, pitchers and bowls are sturdy and durable, intended for daily use and designed to last a lifetime. Real beauty, Franck maintained, could only be found in the practicality of use. Available individually and in sets at Zinc Details.

Pass the Port, Please…with the Barbara Carafe

2008-08-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

Designed by Nina Jobs for Design House Stockholm, the Barbara Carafe features a colored ball that serves as the lid- which is then placed underneath the carafe when in use. The ball has a ground surface to keep it from rolling. Mouthblown crystal. Available with black, clear or amethyst ball at Zinc Details.

Artifort – Dutch and Distinctive

2008-08-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

Dutch furniture design and manufacturer Artifort takes no back seat to anyone when it comes to unique ideas. A great example is the Tongue Chair by Pierre Paulin, which challenges the parameters of domestic ergonomics. Comfortable, too. Browse the Artifort collection at Zinc Details.

Listen! The trees are talking!

2008-08-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

Actually, they are, thanks to the wooden Magno radio by Indonesian designer Singgih Kartono. The Magno combines the most current MP3 player compatible elecronics with sustainably grown woods. AM/FM radio with shortwave reception. Ebony wood casing and knobs. Uses AA batteries. Available at Zinc Details now.

They’re Back – Tam Tam Stools

2008-07-16T16:09:00.000-07:00

2008 commemorates the 40th anniversary of Henry Massonet’s Tam Tam stools of the late Sixties. The stools are a classic, simple and economical solution to casual, contemporary seating. Tam Tams also serve well as seats or small tables for children’s rooms and play areas. The removable top allows a child (or a resident grown-up) to have a secret hiding place for small treasures.

Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know about Le Corbusier

2008-07-16T16:05:00.000-07:00

Le Courbusier Le Grand, the spectacular visual biography of one of the greatest architects of the 20th Century, is available at Zinc Details. 768 pages and over 2,000 images and documents, many of them previously unpublished. Le Corbusier was the creator of some of the most important and impressive buildings of the last century, but also an accomplished painter, sculptor, furniture designer, and urbanist. Letters in “Le Grand” reveal his intimate relationships with the likes of Picasso, Leger, and Josephine Baker. By the editors of Phaidon Books, intro by Jean-Louis Cohen.

Milano Salone 2008

2008-05-12T18:37:00.000-07:00

“The Salone del Mobile Internazionale” is the International Furniture Fair of Milan, the largest and most anticipated trade fair in the world. It is renowned as the leading exposition for new products by furniture manufacturers and designers and is covered by most leading design periodicals.

At the show we saw many exciting new products, emerging young talents and had a chance to meet design superstars such as Philip Starck, Jasper Morrison, Ron Arad, Arik Levy, Boroullec brothers and Tokujin Yoshioka.

During the week of Salone there were as many as 413 events, exhibition and parties happening all over the city. It was simply design overload! Here's snap shots from Salone 2008.

Salone 2008

Ceramics from the Summer of Love

2008-04-12T10:03:00.001-07:00

Well, they could be. Aldo Londi produced these ceramics between 1950-1970. They have so much of the 60s aesthetic (think the credits for James Bond films of the set from Laugh-In) that they could have helped prop up a Peter Max poster. Great retro vases re-produced by Flavia. Available at Zinc Details.

Rugs with a punch line

2008-03-28T09:03:00.000-07:00

Former San Franciscan Dan Golden is producing a line of rugs, made in New York, from a series of his very sardonic cartoons. The rugs are made from New Zealand wool that is dyed in Georgia and tufted by hand in Long Island City. The cost at $120 per square foot reflects local labor conditions and attention to ecology, says business partner Ford Lininger. Golden and Lininger both graduated from San Francisco State more than a decade ago in the drawing and painting program.

“I thought the cartoons would be great on rugs,” Lininger said.

The rugs have proven popular overseas and to people with contemporary homes who want a unique piece. Golden’s rugs are available through Zinc Details.

(From an article in the San Francisco Chronicle by Laura Thomas, March 26, 2008.)

The Best Folding Bicycle - EVER!

2008-03-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

Strida - the first completely new bicycle geometry in 95 years. Inside a triangular frame of lightweight aluminum, power is transferred to the rear wheels via a silent clean Kevlar belt. Handlebars are mounted horizontally, so the rider can sit comfortably upright with an excellent view of the road. The genius of the triangular frame is that it can fold. In five seconds, you have a light, compact form that you can easily wheel before you, stow in a closet, load in your car or take on the train. With no external grease or oil to soil your clothes, Strida makes daily commuting fun and practical. Now, instead of being snarled up in traffic, you can ride wherever you want, then fold up your transport and take it with you. Designed in England. Now at Zinc Details.

Riding the Strida is Channel 5's Liam Mayclem, who had just finished interviewing Zinc Details' Vasilios Kiniris for an "Eye on the Bay" segment. Deal was, he had to ride the bike. Problem was, we couldn't get him off!

Not just dinner, but A dinner

2008-03-25T16:05:00.000-07:00

Give your table the easy aspect of “A Dinner” rather than just “dinner,” with PlateBowlCup, the first complete Alessi tableware collection. Designed by Jasper Morrison, the Alessi collection lets you “eat in, like you eat out.” Complete place settings, along with glassware and utensils, are available at Zinc Details.

Your very own hanging garden

2008-03-15T17:23:00.000-07:00

Plant your favorite greenery in Treille, a system of cylindrical vases horizontally aligned and connected by nylon belts and lacquered metal braces. Plants find easy support to grow vertically – up or down. The pre-assembled set hangs from ceiling or woodwork. Perfect as a room divider.

Designed by Ronan & Ewan Bouroullec. From Ameico.

27.5” L x 86.6” H. Hanging brackets included.

Missoni – fashion-forward fabrics with an Olympic history

2008-03-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

Bath towels and bedding drawn from the world of fashion. That’s the home collection from Missoni. The rich mosaic of fabrics and furnishings express a mood that’s modern and contemporary. Zinc Details is proud to bring you the freshest ideas from the Italian firm that’s always been steps ahead. Missoni got its start designing track suits for the Italian Olympic team.

Now they can help you medal in your bath or bedroom.

SENZ Umbrellas – they’ve got your back

2008-03-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

Tired of getting soaked (and looking dorky) because the wind turned your umbrella inside out? SENZ umbrellas are your answer. They’re aerodynamically designed for superior protection and to withstand winds up to 70 mph without inverting. And the SENZ unique long profile keeps the rain off your back.

Available at Zinc Details. $65

The Senz umbrella from the Netherlands is the winner of multiple European design awards. More to the point, it works!

ZD gang

2008-03-07T16:01:00.000-08:00

Heres a current photo of our lovely staff at Zinc Details-- waiting to serve you! We just finished celebrating our buyer's 10th anniversery!

New Artist at Zinc Gallery

2008-03-07T15:39:00.000-08:00

"Warped Architecture" - new work by artist Verda Alexander at Zinc Details, March 5-April 30
Verda Alexander, Little Blue City, wood, paper, tempera. At Zinc Details, 2410 California St., San Francisco, Mar 5-April 30