It’s always interesting to see what inspires designers and the journey of your possessions before they became your own. I find it amazing how an object as simple as a rock can inspire a creative mind to construct a beautiful, timeless design. The Petit Palais, Paris is currently showcasing such design journeys in an exhibition focused on French designer and architect; Charlotte Perriand (24 October 1903-27 October 1999).  Charlotte was an influential designer of the modern age; she not only introduced the ‘machine age’ but was also the first designer to use photography as a key factor of her inspiration. The exhibition’s main focus is the photography that contributed to her design processes. The visuals are really fantastic for the photographs are positioned directly next to her famous pieces, as if you are seeing just as Charlotte had. The exhibition is continuing from 07 April To 18 September 2011.

The inspiration photograph: ‘Art Brut Grès plage Normandie vers’ (1935)

The final product: ‘Table Basse’ (1984)

The inspiration photograph: ‘Arête de poisson’ (1933)

The final product: ‘Banquette Tokyo’ (1954)

The inspiration photograph: ‘Art brut vertèbre de poisson’ (1933)

The final product: ‘Chaise Ombre’ (1954)

Charlotte Perriand (1930)

Denmark’s Flensted handmade mobiles are the epitomy of cute!

A family owned business Flensted products originate from the Danish Island of Funen where all the original designs are constructed in Frederiksminde a previous school house. Son Ole Flensted has continued his father Christian Flensted’s creation and the adorable mobile designs keep on coming. Far from mainstream all Flensted designs are entirely inspired by Flensted, they even refused offers from Disney and IKEA! In Ole’s own words “A good mobile should last 50 years” .

Calming to the eye a mobile brings colour and character to a once plain ceiling. Not only beautiful for children the right mobile can compliment any modern home and will never stay completely still. Ole Flensted describes such movement, “A good mobile can continue in motion for 10 minutes after a cat has exhaled nearby”.

Greenhouse are happy friends of Flensted!

Suck Uk, who are a FAV at the Greenhouse and all over the world just keep coming out with this fun and funky stuff!

‘Established in 2000′ may be overstating it a little but about then, Sam and Jude began making and selling their own brand of original gifts and accessories from their kitchen floor in North London.  Production was set back by an unexpected eviction late one night, but they came back – though not to the flat! – to build up the reputation we know today.

They swapped the kitchen floor for a head office in East London, and traded their homemade equipment for a network of suppliers and manufacturers in the UK and the Far East.  Backed by a team of designers, and supplying stores around the world, they continue to mix their sense of humour with their sense of style to come up with the kind of unique, quirky products that made their reputation.

Suck UK products are designed in London, England and are much loved by the Greenhouse

Enjoy x