A Twist On The Classics

SKATE STUDY HOUSE, also known as ‘SSH’, is a line of products conceived through the eyes of a skateboarder. The furniture aims to mix contemporary lifestyle, art and sports culture, and align with some of the bestselling modern furniture, while paying tribute to the renowned Case Study House. “The SKATE STUDY HOUSE finds its inspiration here by recreating furniture, and giving a feel of déjà vu-with-a-twist by incorporating skateboard decks. The introduction of this new element responds to the popularity of action sports, street art and design culture with a consciousness on our environment.” You might ask where they got all of these decks from which to construct the furniture. It’s easy to realize when you discover that the project is a collaboration between Jim Gray and Jonjon of ACME, Steve Lake of Sector 9, Chris Bullard and Al Collins of Premier Displays, and designer Eric Crandell.

Learn more at skatestudyhouse.com

Tanya Aguiñiga Talks About Her Design Inspiration

Tanya Aguiñiga is a furniture designer who earned an MFA in furniture design from Rhode Island School of Design in 2005. Originally from Tijuana, she’s now based in LA. Spending most of her life living between Tijuana and San Diego, she has found inspiration from both locations and the differences have informed her work drastically.

“In Tijuana, everyone made trash into something beautiful and useful, nothing went to waste. Having grown up in a place where trash is used to construct houses, furniture making has provided me an outlet to create something that is functional while translating emotions into a three-dimensional object.”

In 2006 Tanya was awarded with the United States Artists, Target Fellow Award. “United States Artists (USA) is a grant-making arts organization dedicated to supporting America’s finest living artists working in a diverse array of disciplines. After decades of dwindling public support, artists now have a home where they may find significant private funding—unrestricted cash grants—to ignite the creativity that makes this country great.” Their motivation for continuing to grow the organization stems from a study they conducted, concluding that America is “a country that loves art, not artists.” In their survey, the organization found that 96% of Americans said they were “greatly inspired by various kinds of art and highly value art in their lives and communities.” Only 27% of people that they interviewed however said that they believe “artists contribute a lot to the good of society.”

Belts Made From Belts

Linda Demers from à La Mode Designs sells products that are often made from post-industrial scrap. Through her site, you’ll find these great belts made from automobile seatbelts, an urban twist on the classic “d” ring belt. She say’s her biggest challenges are being able to find consistent reclaimed materials to use and sourcing manufacturers who can sell or donate smaller quantities.