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Umbrella
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Cool Idea: A Roof of Red Umbrellas
In a pedestrian mall in downtown Talca, Chile, a group of students created a covering from over 400 umbrellas by hanging them on lines suspended from scaffolding, creating a temporary, colorful public space. I love the ethereal look of this installation, and I think it could work wonders re-created in a smaller format, offering a bit of shade at your next garden party. While I think almost anything, if repeated enough times, can create a beautiful display, there's something about the umbrella that adapts itself well to design.
Trend Alert: Umbrella Lamps
Umbrellas are popular when it rains, but there's also a shower of lighting inspired by the rainy day accessories in the interior design world these days. When I spotted these Come Rain or Shine In light prototypes designed by Marie-Louise Gustafsson and Daniel Franzen, I couldn't help but remember some other umbrella-inspired lamps I'd seen. The hemisphere shape of an umbrella is quite akin to many lampshade styles, so it's natural that designers would gravitate toward this design.
Love It or Hate It? Smoon Ombrella
The Beau & Bien Smoon Ombrella ($1854) is a wireless and rechargable "light sculpture" for your indoor or outdoor space that acts a parasol in the day, and a lantern at night. But, to be honest, it looks more to me like an alien starship from It Came From Outer Space . .
Casa Verde: The Brelli
If Rihanna didn't make umbrellas cool, The Brelli ($28-$38) mos def does. The Brelli is made from bamboo, which is sustainable and a clear, biodegradable canopy, so the entire umbrella will completely biodegrade within five years when discarded. Considering how many nylon and plastic umbrellas I lose track of, and which probably make their way to a landfill somewhere, I think this is a great idea.
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Good, Better, Best: Not Your Average Umbrella Stand
Unless you're a character in The Notebook, or Rupert Holmes, most of you don't like getting caught in the rain. And personally, what I find worse, is bringing that soggy drip into my house. I wouldn't mind it though, if I were the proud owner of one of these fly umbrella stands.
Good, Better, Best: Modern Patio Umbrellas
As outdoor dining goes more and more upscale, patio umbrellas are also getting a high-design upgrade. Forget the floral-patterned parasols of your youth. Now, it's easy to find sophisticated sun shades that will make any patio look sleeker and chicer.
Crave Worthy: Kyouei Design Umbrella Pot
Since I usually just throw my umbrella on the entryway floor, I've been thinking I should invest in a nice umbrella stand. Can you imagine one more delightful than this Kyouei Design Umbrella Pot? The ceramic vessel has a planter at the bottom, allowing excess rainwater to trickle down and water the plant.
Steal of the Day: Trovata Round Umbrella Cover
I'm sure your mother told you to lather on your SPF so you don't get skin cancer, but sometimes it's just a smart move to stay in the shade. There's nothing nerdy about being pale — especially when you're hanging under this stylish Crate & Barrel Trovata Round Umbrella Cover ($99, reduced from $169), which blocks out 98% of the sun's UV rays. Its seaglass and khaki colored stripes will show all of your patio guests what a true sophisticate you are.
Desire/Acquire: Pillar Umbrella Stand
This Aaron Thomas Hand Screen Printed Pillar Umbrella Stand ($389) was designed specifically for design fiend and international hotshot Kanye West. But, after Thomas carefully hand-illustrated the Roman-style pillar, burnt screens, and laid out the design, West ended up not purchasing them! It's made of acrylic and measures 10x 24 inches.
Love It or Hate It? Fornasetti Umbrella Stand
Since it's rainy and cold right now in the Bay Area, I've been craving a dry, stylish place to keep my umbrella. These umbrella stands ($985) feature Piero Fornasetti motifs. Do they fit the bill?
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