Customer Creation: Fun Design on Traditional Home December 2, 2015 12:00

We are loving the customer's idea of installing the Doorlenz on a door that has a panel. We wouldn't have thought of that.

We see a lot of Doorlenz installations on modern homes, but we were very pleasantly surprised at how great it looks on this, more traditional, home.

Another great design idea! We are always impressed by what our customers come up with.

"Taking Imagination Seriously" | Janet Echelman November 18, 2015 12:00

There are so many sources of inspiration out there, so many people whose work is the personification of creativity. Below, Janet Echelman gives a Ted Talk on her work, and the success she's had from giving credit to her own imagination.

(The talk is just over 9 minutes long. Go ahead, take a break; it's worth it.)

What's great about this, is the repeated scenario of her saying that "_________ didn't exist...so we had to create it..."

This is an attitude that Craft-Modern fully supports and celebrates. It is something that we strive to do with our own pieces, and it's also something that we encourage from others.

What can we create today?

Three-Story Montreal Apartment November 11, 2015 12:00

Last week, Design-Milk featured a former sugar refinery, turned chic apartment, in Montreal.

The article describes the apartment as having "refined, industrial vibes," which we completely love. In fact, this is similar to the way we describe our own Gira Table; the term "New Industrial" is often thrown around the office.

 [Click here for the Gira Table gallery]

It describes pieces that are extremely sleek, often involving shiny (not rusted) metal, and sometimes a brilliant pop of color, in an industrial setting (i.e. an old refinery).

The interiors of this space, by Les Ensembliers, are beautifully curated. This apartment is a great (large scale) example of the "New Industrial" aesthetic for which the Gira Table was designed.

Customer Creation: Airstream November 4, 2015 12:00

We like to make a habit of showing off some of the awesome ideas and applications that our customers come up with. [Check out our Doorlenz Gallery for more awesome designs!]

Today we are featuring a fabulous retro Airstream. You'll notice that our customers had the genius idea of installing a blue Doorlenz in the ceiling. A great way to bring a bit more light and color into the space!

Above, we see the blue light from the Doorlenz coming in on the floor. Very cool.

Have a Doorlenz? We would love to feature your design! Take some photos and send them over to us at craftmodernsf@gmail.com

Video: DIY Doorlenz Installation October 28, 2015 12:00

We often refer to the Doorlenz as a DIY project, yet we still find that many people are surprised to discover that they really can do it themselves.

Today's post is a bit of a throwback...

Here's a video that Steve, owner of Craft-Modern and inventor of the Doorlenz, made back in 2012 to show just how easy it is to install a Doorlenz into an existing door.

Done! And in under 3 minutes!

Color Feature- Amber October 21, 2015 12:00

Craft-Modern on Pinterest October 14, 2015 12:00

Have you found us on Pinterest yet?

Craft-Modern on Pinterest

We think Pinterest is pretty cool, and we use it to curate a collection of images that inspire us in the design process and also in our own spaces.

Visit our page to find...

• boards centered on our own projects and others we've participated in
• color features with ideas on how to incorporate color into every last corner of the room
• creative ways to tie the Doorlenz and Gira Table into your own space  
• various DIY projects
• some of Craft-Modern's favorite sources of inspiration 

Why Modular? October 7, 2015 12:00

Our modular approach allows for a product to change, based on updates to décor, season, or mood.

The lenses of the Doorlenz are incredibly easy to switch out. This enables you to choose the exact color that fits your current aesthetic, while maintaining the freedom to update your door, for a new or different effect, at any time. 

Similarly, the modular design of the Gira Table allows you to change the height, color, or leg design to match other changes you may make in your décor. Each design option adds a uniqueness to the room and will compliment different styles of furniture in different ways.

One could actually take a contemporary room and turn it into an industrial setting by changing out the color or design of the Gira Table components.

You can even change it “just because!”

Furniture That Makes a Statement September 30, 2015 12:00

There’s no denying it: the Gira Table is unique.

It doesn’t blend in.

The average living room is dominated with browns and blacks. Yes, the Gira Table is offered in both silver and black for a clean, simple look. But we also wanted to take this opportunity to get creative.

Rather than simply relying on an accent pillow for a pop of color, we like the idea of using the furniture itself to make the statement.

The customizable nature of this piece allows you to design it to fit with your existing furniture, to compliment or contrast the colors already in the room.

Why Aluminum? September 23, 2015 12:00

There are lots of reasons why we’ve chosen aluminum as a primary material for our products.

Craft-Modern is the creative result of founder Steve Fulton’s background in manufacturing. Aluminum is a material that he, personally, is very familiar with and uses often.

It has also been used quite a bit in furniture, however, usually it is low-cost, outdoor furniture with very little pleasing aesthetic. We appreciate and enjoy aluminum, and it's our belief that, when it comes to quality, artistic interiors, aluminum is a greatly underused material.

We like aluminum because…

• It can be machined, using many different methods, to create interesting shapes
• It can be finished in a variety of ways for compelling effects
• It looks great when anodized; anodizing gives a bright glow to the finish
• It is durable and stands up to weather when used outdoors
• It’s a green material, and is easily and readily recyclable

People in Glass Houses: The Legacy of Joseph Eichler September 16, 2015 12:00

We have mentioned, a time or two, our appreciation for the mid-century modern aesthetic. Here in the Bay Area, we have the pleasure of beholding a pillar in MCM design--the Eichler communities.

Have you seen People in Glass Houses? It’s a 45-minute documentary on Eichler homes and what they mean to the people who have nurtured an unwavering appreciation for them through the years.

The film gives a proper serving of history on Joseph Eichler- his background, his personality, and his vision as he ignited a movement- and this is a great starting point for anyone who is looking to learn a little something. But the film is more than just a history lesson. It’s fun. In it, we are given a glimpse of life inside the walls…or...frames, rather.

One homeowner who was interviewed said that living in an Eichler is “like living in a piece of art…it’s more than just a residence, it’s a fuller existence.” Another goes on to talk about how life in an Eichler enables the mundane things to become an experience; things like, answering the telephone or flipping a light switch.

This concept is at the heart of Craft-Modern's designs. One of our primary motivations will always be to create pieces and ideas that enrich, that bring life to the day-to-day. 

How the Gira Table Legs are Made September 9, 2015 12:00

Aluminum is an easily machined and fabricated material. We use different processes including drilling, CNC machining, and waterjet cutting to form the components of our tables.

The legs are tumbled to give a smooth surface finish, and anodized to give a bright colorful glow.

Future plans include extruding components and other high volume production methods.

Gira Table Fasteners September 2, 2015 12:00

Gira Tables are very easy to assemble. All hardware is included. Standard hardware is stainless steel socket head cap screws to add to the industrial look.

Any available fastener can be used to assemble the table. These can include black oxide, chrome plated, button-head or hex-head screws.

Gira Table Height August 26, 2015 12:00

The design and construction of the Gira Table allows the height to be specified by the customer. The legs add approx 4 inches to the height, beyond the lengths of the post.

Standard post lengths are 7, 10, and 15 inches. Let us know if you want any other post length, beyond the standard. Minimum table height is 11 inches; maximum is whatever you want it to be.

Gira Table Top August 19, 2015 12:00

The current table top is a simple 20” diameter round glass top, 3/8 of an inch thick. The table top can be included in the table purchase, or omitted if the customer would like to provide their own top. 

Future table top designs will include free form shapes, alternate materials, and planter options.

Color Feature- Smoke August 5, 2015 12:00

Rebuilding Together's Dreams Happen July 29, 2015 12:00

A while back, we received an inquiry from Square Three Design Studios about participating in a charity fundraiser for Rebuilding Together Peninsula. Dreams Happen is an event that the organization holds every two years, and it is FUN.

 Architects and builders are paired to design and construct very interesting, extravagant playhouses, in order to be auctioned off at the Dreams Happen Gala (which happened in June). There were lots of awesome playhouses this year, and we at Craft-Modern feel very humbled to have been given the opportunity to be a part of one of the special designs.

Rebuilding Together Peninsula is committed to their mission to “build volunteer partnerships to rehabilitate homes and community facilities for low-income homeowners and neighbors, such as seniors, people with disabilities, and families, so that they can live independently in warmth and safety.” This is a mission we are honored to support. 

And here is a fun video featuring "GALACTIC GUARDIAN S3-15." Cool points to anyone who spots a Doorlenz (or eight)!

Welcome to Our Blog July 22, 2015 12:00

We are extremely excited about this new element of daily happenings, here at Craft-Modern headquarters.

We’ve got just a few hopes and dreams for this new little venture of ours. Like discussing interesting topics. There are lots of things in this world that fascinate us (mid-century modern design, fabulous architecture, and people who use their skills to do awesome things, to name a few), and we are thrilled to have a platform for diving into and learning more about such topics.

We are also excited to use this blog as a means for giving you, our readers, a sense of what we’re about. As we discover and elaborate on those topics and concepts that stand out to us, we hope to hone in on some of the characteristics of Craft-Modern, the brand.

*Who is Craft-Modern, you ask? Check out our About page to find out what we do

And our ultimate goal in hosting this blog is to establish and grow a strong sense of community…with you. We hope to engage with you in common interests, to answer any questions that you might have about what we create, and to serve as a resource for you as you set out to discover, express, and create.