It’s just not that easy.
You know they have great taste. Not to mention style. And it’s not as though they have everything.
Whether their interest in design takes the form of a refined passion or rampant enthusiasm, either way selecting a gift for a “design” focused person can be a daunting task.
Let’s begin with local wares. How about a gift certificate to Nannie Inez on South Lamar? In this retail store, the editing has taken place offline leaving a varied and interesting gift selection, although you can shop online if that is your preference. www.nannieinez.com
A large gift might be an Afteroom Lounge Chair, perhaps, in one of three leather color options, or small sized gift could be a Nora Kogan red matchstick ring?
For those who like their design lines to be straight and not curvy, there’s always the gift of a coffee table book to consider. We’re biased because we think a book on Austin’s fine architects would be a best-loved holiday gift, but right now we’ll have to make do with books about interesting architects located elsewhere in the world. The Portfolio series presents the work of international architects in a magazine style. Atsushi Kitagawara (born in 1951) is known for an expressionist architectural style that “celebrates the experience of space without losing sight of functional requirements.”
Closer to home, House Rules: Architect’s Guide to Modern Life by Deborah Berke, the first female dean of the Yale School of Architecture, promises all kinds of insights into living in style. The book “documents the beauty and relevance of Deborah Berke’s vision by articulating eight guiding principles to achieve an enriching domestic space. Her rules range from how to design a meaningful sequence from indoors to out, to the need for abundant storage to live an uncluttered life.” Ahhh….yes, that clutter theme again.
Design lovers keep their eyes on Red Dot. The Red Dot Design Award is an international design competition that attracts product designers from all over the world. Award winning designs are showcased online and in Red Dot Museums in Europe, Singapore and Taipei, the red dot symbolizing the best of excellent design juried by experts in specific design fields. From the mundane to the sophisticated, source Red Dot designs for gifts and you’ll find everything from a purifying fruit and vegetable washer sink, a robotic duster, a personal table grill, to a cling wrap cutter for anyone who finds the garish colors of cling packaging too unattractive for the kitchen drawer. Part of the fun of gift giving is the receiving of things you don’t really need, but look good anyway.
And while we think of Ikea as a source and resource for many things, we’re guessing a bicycle isn’t one. Guess again, because this bicycle design from Ikea is also the recipient of a Red Dot Award. en.red-dot.org
While we were surfing the Red Dot site, we also noticed that the Audi R8 won a Red Dot Award—we’ll add that to our wish list.
A fitness style gift could be a Jarvis light-weight Rio-Grande paddle board crafted in Austin from environmentally friendly wood. Just in time for January’s New Year resolutions to get out onto one of Austin’s waterways.
Perhaps you are treating yourself this year? Nest Modern has quick ship options in their stylish store for those who just can’t wait. If you would like your back patio, roof deck or porch to look like this over the holiday season, check out Nest’s outdoor furniture collections many inspired by vintage pieces from the 1960s. www.nestmodern.com
But perhaps the ultimate gift this holidays might be a new house or renovation. But how would one choose from the many talented architects in this city? Check out our Conversations for interviews and our listings for your next new home.
Happy (Inspired by Design) Holidays
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