NeON and on

I've been a fan of Paul Cocksedge's work since I first clapped eyes on the inspired NeON light.

Each glass vessel is filled with gas which is then charged with an electric current, creating hanging droplets of pure, beautiful colour.

The design for NeON was developed in 2003 but still feels fresh today. I had tried to use these in a bar installation but was told they too closely resembled a mans rubber friend! I'd honestly not seen that myself, but I guess, as in art, we all have our own interpretation!

One of his latest installations for The Wellcome Trust building in London has passers by literally stopping in their tracks and shows Cocksedge is pushing the extremes of lighting design once again.

The Wild Things Are Here

One of my most treasured reads as a child was "Where The Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak. It seems surprising to realise that the first release of the book was in fact 1963!

I am now eagerly awaiting the release of the new film adaptation, and I just hope that the film does not dilute the wonderful character of the story which was so beautifully captured within Sendak's most perfect illustrations.

The Morgan Library in New York will be exhibiting these original illustrations, allowing visitors to view the very thought processes behind each sketch, to witness the development of these remarkable images with which Sendak enhanced his heart warming story. Enjoy it NY!

Urchin Poufs

These Urchin Poufs are so tactile and comforting, they remind me of a favourite woolen hat!

Created by Christien Meindertsma the hugely talented designer, creator from The Netherlands, who has also created the One Sheep Cardigan. Christien has been nominated for the Rotterdam Design Prize 2009, in recognition for her unique approach to design and you can vote for her here

Euro Baby

I am a sucker for anything retro and this Euro Lantern with patterned shade from Nordic design house Moooi certainly ticks that box for me!

But I also love the delicate oriental influence which echoes the design of traditional Chinese paper lanterns. The lamps are made from stretched polyester over a wire steel frame plus they have a beautifully detailed decorative ring at the base. Surely the best way to display would be in a cluster of the different sizes available to create an eclectic showcase!

Jona Hoad Design

It's hard to pick out favourite images from the imaginative works of Jona Hoad. The design company based in London has a unique technique, illuminating carved or etched surface to produce feature screens, lighting fixtures and stunning artworks.

The bathroom image above also features their IlluminArt as a backdrop for another of our favourite artists Jeff Bell who casts the wonderful glass baths.

Days Pass

I wonder what the world would be like if we didn't have dates? I guess we wouldn't have birthdays, Christmas could be anytime of the year. In fact, there would be no years?!

We need to know the day, the month. It's how we live, without truly realising it.

The Perpetual Calendar from Enzo Mari I think is a great statement of time and date. It's such a strong piece and you must physically move the calendar each day, therefore being in tune with the date, perhaps then the seasons and maybe even life that little bit more.

Or perhaps, again, I let myself get carried away....

Available from Nova68 as well as others online