If It's Hip, It's Here (Archives)

First off, the latest news is the brand new TV Tub by designer Karim Rashid for the Saturn Bath Company of Korea. A little slice of modern bathroom heaven for those who enjoy luxuriating in bubbles while watching the boob tube.

The one piece oval tub, made of white Liquid Acrylic Resin, incorporates a waterproof television into its organic shape and design.

But this is not the first tub that Karim has designed for the Korean company. The Karim Collection for Saturn consists of the Kouple tub and washbasin (which won the Reddot award this year), the new Kouple tub with rim, the Organik tub also with matching wash basin or sink, and the new Skape tub and wash basin or sink. All are typical fun and colorful designs for Rashid whose pieces often resemble Dr. Seuss on Acid.

Above: designer Karim Rashid

The Kouple Collection:

Karim Rashid's Kouple Tub and Wash Basin:

the Kouple tub, shown in pink (also available in other colors):

The newer Kouple tub with rim, also shown in pink (also available in other colors):

The washbasin and wall mounted cabinet with embedded tv screen:

The Skape Collection

The Skape tub (white only)

The Skape washbasin:

The Organik Collection:

The Organik tub (various colors available):

The Organik washbasin, also available in various colors:

Size specs (please click to enlarge):

Karim Rashid

Monster rugs, rugs with teeth, and bearskin rugs made of anything but bearskin, seem to be all the rage these days. So, I thought I'd share some with you.

First, a design and blog favorite, Joshua Longo's Monster Skin Rug, about which I was one of the first to write in a previous blog post:

above: made of Felted Cashmere, Wool, Polymer Clay, Stuffing
Visit Longoland, Joshua's store to see other cute monsters and furniture.

Monster Workshop's Monster Rug:

above: Monster's Workshop rug.
They also makes adorable plush monsters for purchase.

Adopt them here.

Beast Rug from Punga and Smith

Introduced at the 2009 Milan Furniture Fair, the felted wool rug has a brass skull

Punga and Smith

Eelko Moorer's Rubber Urethane Bearskin Rugs:
The brown, black and white rugs are specifically hand cast and made to order. Other colors are available upon request.

The original model has been executed by hand in clay. From this, a silicone mold has been made for the subsequent rugs. The rugs are all numbered and have a signature cast in the back:

buy it here.

The Blanket Statement by Lise Lefebvre:

The artists' own description: Blanket statement is a contemporary bearskin rug handmade from reclaimed traditional Dutch blankets. These one of a kind rugs showcase the intricate patterns and thick sturdy construction while hinting at another traditional décor style.

I don't know if the artwork below was inspired by some of the above rugs or not, but they would be a fun compliment.

Megan Burns painting:

above: Monster Rug, 2006, oil, 60 x w: 38 in / h: 152.4 x w: 96.5 cm
Contact The Proposition gallery for price (212) 242-0035

Benjamin Hall illustration for Blue Sky Comics:

The Road Kill Carpet from Ooms:

Edible Gummy Bear Rug
And of course, the Gummy Bear Rug, made entirely of gummy bears by sculptor Ya Ya Chou:

above: "Simon," 2006, 7"X32"X30", gummi bears, faux nailtops on wire armature and canvas (Retired)

So, given the trend, I guess it's time to get the monsters out from under the bed and place them square in the living room.

The Chrissy Skin Rug by Chrissy Conant.
Addendum: A reader mentioned being surprised there were no "humans as animal rugs", which reminded me of one of my favorite artists' pieces, which I simply had to add. Thanks for the reminder Amy!

above: The Chrissy Rug by Chrissy Conant (image courtesy of Saatchi gallery)

To see tons of really cool rugs, check out my Fancy Flooring and Radical Rugs list on This Next.