Harrington College of Design Chicago, Eating and Seating Competition, 1st Place Over All!

Friday, February 19th, 2010

Harrington College of Design is located in the heart of Chicago. A variety of programs and Talented Designers graduate from a rigorous program located in one of America’s Best Architectural City’s …Chicago.

Meet  Maki Fujii, a student at Harrington.  Maki was the first place winner Over All  for the Fall 2009 Design Competition for best piece of furniture for “Eating and Seating”.

For more information on how to contact Harrington and recruit Talented Graduating Designers, visit here

Looking for Designers, Check out our Directory.

http://www.yourfurniturelink.com/designers.html

Check out YourFurnitureLink.com home page for cool vendors, retailers and sources.  Manufacturers, distributors and retailers can join here.

Winners – The Seating and Eating Challenge

Friday, December 18th, 2009

We want to thank all those who have participated in this great competition and Congratulate all of those who won! We are looking forward to seeing what’s next from the students at Harrington College of Design!

1st Place Winner’s:

Maki Fujii

Winner over all! Maki Fujii by klick_it.

First Place Seating and  Winner over all Maki Fujii by klick_it.

Cameron Wudtke

Obi from Orangeskin with Cameron Wudtke by klick_it.

The solution illustrates the many ways the bentwood ottoman can be used as an eating surface. It is thin enough to fit between the seams of each modular unit. As stated before, these modular cushions can be placed in many configurations within the frame, adapting to the needs of busy college students. When eating, college students are typically studying, watching TV., or on their computers.

The  Seating and Eating Challenge by klick_it.

2nd Place Winners:

Theresa Poulos

Terese Poulos by klick_it.

Terese Poulos by klick_it.

Jennifer Sompoloski

Jennifer Sompolski: Second Place by klick_it.

Jennifer Sompoloski by klick_it.

3rd Place Winners:

Atousha Arabsheibani

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Honorable Mentions (Alphabetical):
Lauren Andrysiak

Lauren Andrysiak by klick_it.
Goeun Kim

G.Kim-PG7

Laura Schlueter

Laura Schlueter by klick_it.
Kevin Scott

Kevin Scott by klick_it.
Garrett Tershel

Garrett Tershel by klick_it.

Veronica Klemp

&

Chrisopher Orput

Eating and Seating Challenge Final Works

Friday, December 11th, 2009

As the competition comes to a close we want to thank all who participated in the process and wish luck to all! We are looking forward to the winners which will be announced next week here on YFL.

Javier Argueta

Chair and Pin System

Dimension 1

Dimension 2

Cut Through

Table with Chairs

Atousha Arabsheibani

QUATTRO

THE CONCEPT BEHIND QUATTRO SOFA WAS TO DESIGN A FLEXIBLE PIECE OF SEATING THAT COULD BE ARRANGED AND REARRANGED DEPENDING ON THE APPLICATION AND THE SPACE IT’S BEING USED FOR TO GIVE THE OWNER COPLETE  CONTROL AND UNLIMITED  OPTIONS FOR THE CONFIGURATION, SHAPE AND LENGTH.

ABA

THE SOFA WITH FOUR SECTIONS AND ENDLESS SELECTION OF MATERIALS AND FINISHES THAT CAN BE STACKED AND PLACED TOGETHER ALTERNATIVELY.  NO MATTER HOW THE PARTS ARE COMBINED THIS TIMELESS FURNITURE ENHANCES EVERY LIVING ROOM, HOTEL LOBBY, ARIPORT LOUNGE AND OFFICE SPACE.

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QATTRO MEANS FOUR IN ITALIAN.  THE DESIGN CONTAINING FOUR DIFFERENT PIECES WITH DIFFERENT SHAPES GIVES THE USER THE ABBILITY TO PUT THE PIECES TOGETHER AS THEY WISH AND THEY CAN COME UP WITH THEIR OWN DESIGN AND CONFIGURATION DEPENDING ON THEIR MOOD, THEIR SPACE AND THEY WAY THEY LIKE TO USE THE SOFA.

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THE COMPONENTS ARE LIKE PIECES OF A PUZZEL OR LEGO AND THE USER CAN HAVE FUN

PUTTING THEM TOGETHER AND CHANGING THE CONFIGURATIONS.   PIECES CAN BE PUT TOGETHER IN A LINE AND REPRESENT A SIMLPE SOFA OR CAN BE ROTATED AND REPRESENT A L-SHAPED PIECE OF SEATING, CAN BE SEPARATED AND PLACED IN DISTANCE FROM EACH OTHER.  THIS DESIGN CAN BE USED IN ANY SHAPE AND ANY CONFIGURATION THAT THE USER LIKES EXPERIENCE.

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THE TABLE DESIGNED FOR THIS PIECE OF SEATING IS VERY SIMPLE AND HAS TWO SECTIONS THAT CAN BE SEPARATED, OR PUT TOGETHER.  LIKE THE SOFA, MORE THAN TOW TABLE PIECES CAN BE PUT TOGETEHR TO HAVE VERIATY IN SIZE AND LENGTH.  IT CAN ALSO BE A PART OF THE  SEATING PIECE AND FUNCTION AS A TABLE.

FINISHES USED FOR THIS DESIGN ARE, UNFINISHED DARK CHERRY WOOD FOR THE TOP AND THE BASE, AND SILK AGED BRONZE COLOR WITH ALLEPEY PATTERN FABRIC FOR THE SEATS.  FINISHES AND FABRICS CAN BE VARIABLE , CUSTOMIZED AND CHANGE DEPENDING ON THE CLIENT’S REQUEST.

Lauren Andrysiak

Lauren

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Eating and Seating Challenge – Update

Friday, December 4th, 2009

This week we look at the work of student designer Veronica Palinsky and her final two designs for the competition.

Chair Design

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Table Design

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Congrats Veronica and good luck on the competition! We are looking forward to seeing the rest of the competition Finals in the next couple of weeks!

Seating and Eating Competition – Week 10

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

More Great work from our Student Designers – Remember to inlude your process work and details when submitting your final designs and good luck!

Tempo by LEANDRA DÍAZ

Tempo 1

Tempo 2

Eric Hall

Eric Hall

Lauren M. Andrysiak

Lauren ALauren A 2

Magin Razo

Nest ChairNest Chair 2Nest Chair 3nest

Seating and Eating Competition – Week 9 – 11/13/2009

Friday, November 13th, 2009

This week on Seating and Eating we take a look back to some of Last years winners! We want you to be inspired by the hard work theses students have put into their award winning presentations.

Jahailia Sing – 1st Place New Life Sofa

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Jahailia won because of her attention to detail and because she created a versatile piece of furniture that works in many interiors. Jahailia really put alot of work into her final presentation which you can see here —–> The Chloe Sofa

Cindy Rosado – 2nd Place New Life Sofa

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Cindy won because of her attention to detail. She created a beautiful traditional piece that really speaks to a generation of furniture shoppers who have been around for a while. This is a great piece and really speaks to the wasp set. To see Cindy’s Prize winning final presentation please click here —-> QuetZali

Kevin Scott – 3rd Place New Life Sofa

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Kevin Scott won because of his attention to detail. This Contemporary piece really caught the eye of the judges because of how innovative it is. The fun and stylish design really makes a great piece for any enviroment that wants to embrace a more whimsical feel. See Kevins Final presentation Here —> Sofa R

Younho Choi – Honorable Mention New Life Sofa

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Younho really wowed the judges with his An Rak sofa. This piece is the definition of streamlined modern design. Younho’s attention to detail is what made his piece a hit of the competition. Also, the way he laid out his final presentation was amazingly creative and inventive. Check out his final design here —-> AN RAK

So if you didn’t get the hint, winning design show an attention to detail. Think about how the design is actually built and include the details in your Final Presentation. Can’t wait to see whats to come.

The Innvision Hotel from Laura Drake

Sunday, November 1st, 2009

This is such an inspiring project! We are looking forward to what else is going to come from those talented fingers. This is a great example of what good Interior Design can be and it’s coming from Harrington College of Design. Keep up the good work Laura!

Seating and Eating Competition – Week 7

Friday, October 30th, 2009

This week is Final Submission Week for the Seating Part of our two part competition. We have some really great work and are looking forward to the second half of the contest.

Keep up the good work.

Chris Orput

I have designed a wall system that was envisioned to be used in either an efficiency style or studio apartment.  It is roughly 8″ deep, 8′H and 8′W,with a aluminum wall that has horizontal metered tracks whcih are separated every two inches.  The seats are aluminum platforms that are roughly 3.5″ Hx 18″ D and 22″ L. It has a housing/tip at the end of the platform that coincides with the groove of the wall system so it can be slid in place and guarantee a tight fit.  There is a retractable leg which is housed in the outside portion of the seat (meaning away from the wall).  The retractable, hinged leg is roughly 14-1/2″ long when open so with the ht the seat added to this dimension the overall ht. would be 18″.  As mentioned, each horizontal track is spaced 2″ apart vertically, so the seat platform would be placed in the 9th track, so it is 18″ off the floor.  Likewise, the table aluminum platform would be placed in the 15th track so it would be 30″ off the floor.

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The aluminum eating surface/table platform is 26″D x 2.5″D x 22″ for a single seating and 42″ for a double seating.  All aluminum platforms have holes cut out on either end so they can be hung behind the moveable aluminum track wall and placed in the “closet” portion of the system.  There are aluminum rails inside the closet that can be moved to any ht. and “S” clips that can be used to hang the seating and table platforms when they are not in use.  The aluminum wall track system is hung from casters that have a locking mechanism so when the wall is in place the wheels can be locked and the system will be stationary.

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The closet system would have to be bolted into the wall for safety and functionality purposes. but It designed so the system can be moved whenever its owner vacates his/her space. It can be easily reintstalled as holes have been predrilled in the back of the interior of the closet at 16″ on center.  New holes can be drilled into the back if the stud layout is different in your location.  The seats of the bench platforms would be made out of woven bungee cord material in order to provide added flexible comfort.

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Laura Schlueter

Retractable shell to allow for the desired amount of privacy and allow for the piece to be used either as a sofa and provide more casual upright seating when retracted or as a pod like bed when slid all the way down. Ideal for small, city type apartments, and for people in single residency homes/studios.

laureSee Laura’s full presentation by clicking Here

Lauren M. Andrysiak

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Click here to see Lauren’s Full Project Submission

LAndrysiak

Melisa Cwikla

Cwikla

Click here to see full project!

Garrett Tershel

Garter4

Click here to see full project!

Deidra Castelline

Link

Click here to see full Project!

Veronica Palinsky

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Click here to see full project!

Cameron Wudtke

They illustrate the many ways the bentwood ottoman can be used as an eating surface.  It is thin enough to fit between the seams of each modular unit.  As stated before, these modular cushions can be placed in many configurations within the frame, adapting to the needs of busy college students.  When eating, college students are typically studying, watching t.v., or on their computers.

Cameron Wudtke


Things to know to be a great Interior Designer

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009


Interior design is visions, dreams, feelings, and emotions.  Do  you have these? If so check out Harrington College of Design for great programs teaching you what you need to know. Degrees available are Associates, Bachelors in Fine Art and their new Masters program.

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Peter Klick, instructor at Harrington Institute of Interior Design.

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Seating and Eating Competition – Week 6

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

This week in the Seating and Eating Challenge Student Designers have sent us some great conceptual sketches and we take a look at TLS by Design who is going to produce an upholstery piece created by the Winner!

Queen A Lewis

I’m attending Harrington College of Design for Interior Design. This is my first design challenge.  As a single person that really likes to entertain, I like to have a variety of dining style…buffet, family and formal experiences.  Often times because of the limited square footage from residing in the city, I’m attempting to resolve this issue my having a seating element that can convert into a table that can accommodate at least four additional diners.

I would also like for this seat to serve as an ottoman so after a long  work or school day, I  can rest my legs and enjoy the television when I dining solo.  My favorite idea thus far is what I’ve named the “High Rise” because it has a classic appearance for city or suburban living, it’s gender neutral and has the possibility of being manufactured from different materials such as leather, wood or even an eco-friendly resin.

I’m open for suggestions.

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Garrett Tershel

In my previous entry I talked about the chair I am reconstructing.  I am combining a rocking chair and table and chair for a child 2yrs – 5yrs old.  Creating a table for children that has multiple uses will have value to both a child and parent.I have started sketching.   In this first group of sketches I start to play with the angle of arc needed for a rocking chair.  I also play with the idea of how to combine a table for eating, playing etc. and a rocking chair.

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From my sketches I have created these renderings.

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First a rocking chair and when flipped over, the back of the rocking chair becomes the table for the chair and table.

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Built a model – this is a view of the piece as a table

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This is a view of the piece as a rocking chair.

Next step will be to finalize proportions and rocking arc.  We are heading to Hafele this week to learn about different fasteners and hardware which can be used to build this piece of furniture.  My next submission will be an actual working model.

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A word from Competition Partner TLS by Design!

Since 2004 TLS by Design has been a family owned and run business delivering original fashion-forward quality solid wood casegoods and USA made upholstery. TLS stands for Total LifeStyle.TLS serves a variety of markets, with a strong foundation of designer clientele. The Boutique Hospitality market is another segment of the TLS business where they have designed custom seating and casegoods for a variety projects.

TLS

With a heart to help others, TLS by Design was the furniture sponsor for the 2009 season six finale of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” While the show usually selects a local retailer where they can shop from furniture to rugs to accessories, 5 days before the reveal, even after the home had been demolished, producers asked TLS to provide over $40,000 in custom made upholstery and casegoods.

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From the EMHE experience, TLS’ Jeff Day met Mig & Tig’s Vicki Grazina, the Chicago retailer who has sponsored a show earlier in the season.  After a number of phone conversations, Jeff and Vicki met in person, and Vicki asked TLS by Design to be a sponsor for the Fall 2009 Harrington School of Design “Design Challenge”.  TLS will produce the winning upholstery design and the piece will be donated to charity.

Reversible Chaise Sofa

Bedroom Furniture Inspiration for October 20, 2009

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

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Courtesy of: Flickr

Chair fit for a Queen!

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

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Seating and Eating Competition – Week 4 – 10/9/2009

Friday, October 9th, 2009

Welcome to Week 4 of the Seating and Eating Challenge!

This week a new round of designs have been submitted. By the looks of last weeks designs we’re sure this weeks will be just as good! Don’t forget to leave comments letting the designers know what you think of their progress and overall design ideas. Feedback in key in the design process!

Garrett Tershel

In this contest I will be redesigning a floor chair that is comfortable for about 5 minuets for an adult.  My kids love to play with it as a slide when they turn it over. When flipped over it will provide a bench and eating table scaled to their size (ages 1 to 6).  I’ve noticed when we eat out at restaurants and the places provide seating for children not a high chair but a table and chair scaled to their height, they love sitting in it.  My wife and I are able to get them to focus on their food and sit at a table for an extended time (yes more than 5 minuets.).

Look for my  sketches next week.

Garrett Tershel

Beth Grafstein

As a mother of four college students I finally have the opportunity to complete my education and pursue my dreams. Having been a flight attendant for many years I understand the importance of function and form especially in a confined space. My goal is to create a seating and eating area for a family’s private jet that will give comfort and freedom to a teenage recreation space.

My Client is the Davis Family A young family that travels often with their pre-teen children in a private jet. They would like to keep their children comfortable in a recreation room that has a space for seating and eating. Conceptually I hope To create a sofa and table area that the Davis children can enjoy in a multifunction room on the jet.

Beth Grafstein

Lauren M. Andrysiak

Inspiration: Clean lines, simple, refined, functional, communal eating Big Ideas: Communal Eating:  “Family Style” plating, sharing of food, offering of food, Breaking down the barrier: taking away the table at center – making dining less formal, more personal, and away from lounge/tv Break-Out space:  Physically creating and putting together a dining space for one or many All to force, foster, encourage interaction and communication

Lauren M. Andrysiak

Magin Razo

Per the research data and for my own personal inquires related to eating habits – I, as well as a majority of my counterparts enjoy making dinner together as a couple and eating  dinner at home in front of the television.I propose a sofa inspired by mid century frame. Trays ‘pop up’ from sofa arms and adjust vertically and to desired horizontal plane.  The back of the sofa also reclines in a 36 degree angle for post dinner snuggle time.Born and raised in The City of Chicago an  employee of Coraggio textiles in The Merchandise Mart, part-time student at Harrington College of Design  and full time design enthusiast.

Magin Razo

Cameron Wudtke

A senior at Harrington College of Design. I designed a eating and seating solution for college students.  I was inspired by Scandinavian Modern furniture and modular furniture.  By combining these two elements, I was able to provide a wood frame for the modular furniture to keep it elevated from the ground.  This remedies the risk of spillage that would destroy the upholstery of modular furniture that rests on the ground.  The cubes are all removable and can be configured in a number of ways.  The versatility allows college students (and presumably roommates) to adjust seating heights according to the tasks they’re performing while eating- as I’ve determined a majority of college students are multi-tasking while eating.

Cameron Wudtke

Keep checking back here on Fridays and Saturdays to see more from the Seating and Eating Challenge! Remember to keep sending those e-mails designers, because we can’t wait to see what you’re designing!

Seating and Eating Competition – Week 1

Friday, September 18th, 2009

http://www.haikudesigns.com/images/hiro/hiro-dining-room-set-inx.jpg

This week in the seating and eating challenge students began to research their pieces by looking at how the average American sits and enjoys their space. Students at Harrington College of Design were asked to take the following quiz to better understand the way people live and interact with their furniture. Please take a minuet yourself to take the quiz and help us figure out the best way to attack this challenge.

Mosaic COllection

As you may know the winner of our seating category will have there piece produced by a manufacturer and this week we are proud to announce that the manufacturer is ……. TLS by Design!!! TLS by Design or Total Life Style by Design is a great company who offers unique views on whats going on in the furniture world. The Company has a fun and funky asthetic that allows for great design, Since 2004 TLS by Design has been a family owned and run business delivering original fashion-forward quality solid wood casegoods and USA made upholstery. We will be hearing more from TLS by design as the weeks continue.

Accent Chaise/Bench

We here at YourFurnitureLink are looking forward to seing the students progress. so please make sure you start sending sketches and inspirational imagery to YFL.Design.Contest@gmail.com in order to show your work on the website. Good Luck to all who are involved!

Introduction to the Seating and Eating Challenge

Friday, September 11th, 2009

DSC00197.JPG by klick_it. DSC00194.JPG by klick_it. DSC00275.JPG by klick_it.

Starting September 18th Your Furniture Link and Harrington College of Design are teaming up to bring you the Eating and Seating Challenge!

Students are going to be able to work one on one with furniture company’s while designing two seating options; one for Eating, a dining set, a chair with a built in tray table, a lounge chair that lets you eat sitting up then has a vacum function built in to suck up the Crumbs when finished? The Students are tested to expand their creativity and design ideas to find the piece that will winn them first place. They will also be designing a Seating option for the living space. That means a sofa, a chair, clever ottomans that double as storage or fold out to become a gueat bed? The choices are endless.

large table... by klick_it. DSC00197.JPG by klick_it.

Over the next Twenty Weeks be sure to come and Check out Harrington Fridays for the Students design Process and the Winners of both challenges. First place in both categories receives a $1,000 prize and the chance to have their piece built and sold at auction. Second recieves a check for $500 and third a prize of $300. This is going to be a great competition and we at Your Furniture Link are excited to see the results of the students hard work!

IKEA by klick_it. DSC00194.JPG by klick_it.

Check out last years contest winners in our Contest and Competitons Page to see more images check out klick_it’s Photostream on Flickr

Introdution to the Seating and Eating Challenge with Harrington College of Design

Friday, September 4th, 2009

Your Furniture Link and Harrington College of Design bring you The Seating and Eating Challenge

dining room by ooh_food.

photo courtesy of ooh_food’s photostream on Flickr

A Furniture Design Competition open to all Harrington College of Design Students, who over the next 16 weeks will be given the opportunity to create new cutting edge furniture designs in Chicago. We at Your Furniture Link in association with Retailers Mig and Tig, Chicago and Mortise and Tenon of Los Angeles, are looking for new trends and ideas and asking you to take a closer look at the  living/family and dining room spaces.

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photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy Chicago

We will be posting competitors design progress on our Blog every Friday from now until the contest ends in January of next year. There is a required list of project components including the design images rendered in an interior view, a cataloged list of hardware, finishes, and materials used to create the piece of furniture design. We also require the detailed drawings of each piece designed including dimensions and sections. All information should be attractively compiled and sent to the competition e-mail address which is yfl.design.contest@gmail.com. This is where you will be sending your weekly progress updates. These updates should include one image reflecting the stage you are at in the process of designing the piece. This includes but not limited to, hand sketches, material selections, renderings, wire frame models, pictures of 3-D models built to scale.

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Photo Courtesy of Design Right Now

This is a two part competition with the first section geared toward seating and the second toward eating. There will be a First place prize of $1,000 a second place prize of $300 and a third place prize of $200 for each section of the competition. Those who place 4th to 10th place in the competition will also be recognized on the website with honorable mention.

Simone Armchair in TweedFree Edge Table and Bench

Take a minuet to think, what are the trends: more eating in the living room area or more lounge seating in the dining area? Are we all already eating in our sofas and watching TV? Are you eating in your bed? Is the end of the dining room near or will the dining room be upgraded with more comfortable chairs? What are the other functions we are doing while we are eating? Are we eating alone, or each one of the family different time? Re we sitting down while we are eating?  Do you have communication with family members or guests? Watching TV? Reading Newspaper?  Are you online while you are eating: doing emails, Face book, twitter, YouTube, news or other? What are we eating; fast food from the microwave, take away from the Restaurant, Pizza delivery or a homemade sit down dinner? How often are you using a table cloth, fabric tissue and candle lights? Incorporate the research into you final product.

DSC00197.JPG by klick_it.

Great Images and more info from Klick it’s photostream on Flickr

Check back next week for more details and great inspirational images and ideas!

Harrington College of Design – The Power of The Quick Sketch

Friday, August 28th, 2009

Wollerau EG 1 by klick_it.

All Photos Courtesy of Klick_it’s Photostream on Flickr

Harrington College of Design Professor Peter Klick Shows students the importance of sketching by displaying his Sketches through out the school. Harrington also offers an Interior Design Elective called Conceptual Sketching which takes students through the process of starting with an idea and putting pen to paper and first designing your work by hand before bringing it into AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3D MAX or other popular interior design computer programs.

Cheminee sketch by klick_it.

Students from the conceptual sketching class hit up Millennium Park, Chicago for a day of Sketching. Millennium Park is a great place to people watch or sketch. The park is filled with several sculptures and is home to the Frank Gehry Music Pavilion.

Sketching by klick_it. Sketching by klick_it.

van Berkel by klick_it.

Here is a great example of working from a sketch and what a final project can turn out to look like.  In this sketch you can see that Peter makes notes throughout his rough draft sketch that eventually become details used in the finished space seen right next to it below. This is why sketching is so important!

Sketching by klick_it. FXW playroom by klick_it.

Think sketching with pen and paper is out of date? Well you aren’t wrong exactly. This video from MIT shows how new technology is affecting the design world!

What’s Happening at Harrington College of Design

Friday, August 21st, 2009

DSC00077.JPG by klick_it.

Mary Mc Bride from Forbo Flooring Systems presented the product line to Students and Faculty this past month and served an excellent lunch menu during a meet and greet that followed. Students and faculty enjoyed the very informative event and learned about the great natural Forbo products. It worked out quite well in Harrington’s new SLIK space (Student Lounge and Information Kiosk) which features Forbo Bulletin Boards that were donated to the school last semester when they students desingers finished the creation of the lounge space.

DSC00077.JPG by klick_it.

Forbo Flooring Systems is a global player in high-quality commercial and residential floor coverings. It focuses on environmentally friendly, functional and design-oriented linoleum, project vinyls for specialized applications, entrance matting systems, carpet tiles for the object market and needle felt, as well as cushion vinyls for the home market. In addition to ultra-hard-wearing materials with excellent acoustic and non-slip properties, their collections include many specialty products for clean rooms and operating theaters.

DSC00077.JPG by klick_it.

Check out the video below to tour the concept plan for Harringtons SLIK Space

Find more florring Ideas here

Harrington College of Design – The New Generation of Interior Designers

Friday, August 14th, 2009

Introducing Heather Harmston

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The other day we sat down with Heather Harmston and talked a bit about her experience in Interior Design. You’ll see just as we do that her work with 3D computer rendering is superb. All eyes are on Harrington for great new design and Heather delivers.

YourFurnitureLink: What design style are you in love with right now?

Heather Harmston: I feel like my personal taste and style varies from time to time. I meet new people that open my eyes to new ideas, I find hidden treasures in markets, the more I expose myself to the world of design, the faster my style changes. Currently, I love mixing and matching furniture, textures, art, accessories. I’m very graphic and I love abstract chaotic paintings. My favorite furniture style is one that puts a modern twist on a traditional design.

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YFL: Where do you find the most inspiration?

HH: When starting a project I always love to find inspiration in things that are overlooked in life. I pull inspiration from the unexpected. I find that it spices up my projects and makes them unique. Texture and color have always been a huge influence on how I envision a space. In my experience people tend to look for inspiration in beautiful visually appealing things, but what’s the fun in that? I like to take a deeper look!

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YFL: What will life be like after Harrington?

HH: All I can say is whatever I do, I hope I’m happy. Harrington has taught me so much about myself and about my abilities but the most important thing I have learned is that I truly am in the right field. I am always excited to work on projects and I enjoy every second of what I do. Ideally I would love to be a part of a creative team in an Event Production Company. A company that is bold and is not afraid of color or dramatic effect, one that stands out as being over the top in their designs.

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YFL: Give us a Little information on the Project we see here.

HH: This project in particular was a culmination of vibrant colors and rigid textures. When designing this restaurant entitled RUST, a Moroccan Steakhouse in the heart of Chicago the goal was to create an intimate energy amongst the diners. An escape into a new culture that provokes conversation and liveliness. The concept was “finding the beauty of man in nature”. The interior space utilizes materials such as man made metals and new technology, while still incorporating a sense of earthiness by the way they were finished. The exterior or terrace of the restaurant acts as the beginning phase of “RUST”. The necessary elements of rust or oxidation are water, air and a metal. The terrace acts as a stripped down version of the interior focusing on the basic elements needed to create rust.

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Great concept and Good luck Heather, we’ll be waiting to see whats next!

Find Heather on Facebook for more info on her Interior Design future.

Love Heathers restaurants look? Check out the pieces below to add some spice to your home!

furniture inspiration

What’s Happening at Harrington College of Design

Friday, August 7th, 2009

HARRINGTON - COLLEGE OF DESIGNIMG_3807.jpg by klick_it.

Be Primitive
About 30 Students from Harrington College of Design with Frank Fontana from HGTV enjoyed the excellent guidance from Glen Joffe and Steve Quinlan through their exiting, mysterious, unique and beautiful showroom “Primitive” on 130 North Jefferson Street in Chicago. “We learned a lot about the design from diverse cultures on the 4 floors of the showroom and we enjoyed to see the restoration shop in the lower level.” said a student.

DSC00239.JPG by klick_it.

Students listen intently to the owners as they speak about what is “Primitive”

At Primitive by klick_it.

Students from Harrington Pose with Frank Fontana for a picture after the tour.

Check out the video below for a great Interior Design Thesis project from Harrington.

Interior Design Careers Start at Harrington College of Design

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

This is a final Interior Design Thesis presentations in movie form, from different semesters and different students. In their final thesis presentation the student needs to show all the skills he learned at Harrington College. The students can choose a 30-50,000 square foot project of their choice for the portfolio. They are writing a client profile, collect information, get inspirations, research the direction of their project, create a concept, do the diagrams for a program, build a model, sketch, develop the project in floor plans, create sections, developed the space, 3 dimensional elements (like stairs/openings in the space) and do the renderings of the space. The students are writing an environmental statement of the project. They choose furniture, colors, contrasts, materials, and create a detail. The Students have to ’sell ‘the project to the teacher and the critics and present their final project with an impressive presentation.

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Donald Judd, Soho.  At our Fieldtrip to New York: Harrington College of Design from Chicago with 18 Interior Design Students in May 2006 we are visiting Donald Judd’s atelier former and home in Soho at 101 Spring Street.

Our excellent tour guide was Peter Ballantine. Thank you Peter, this was exiting! We all learned a lot.

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Donald Judd, Soho.   Peter Ballantine in his element…

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Donald Judd, Soho.       In front of the elevator… Peter Ballantine and Morlen Sinoway. (left)     Thank you Peter and Morlen for making this happen.

Peter Ballantinthe; absolute Judd Expert! (right)

Glowing Mornings!

Friday, April 10th, 2009

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Courtesy of: Flickr

It seems that every sunrise is diffferent, just as the landscape is with seasons of the year. One is not better than the other, they just need to be appreciated! Enjoy the morning java and come back in a little bit for some more furniture inspiration.

Interior Design Careers Start at Harrington College of Design

Thursday, April 9th, 2009

This is a final Interior Design Thesis presentations in movie form, from different semesters and different students. In their final thesis presentation the student needs to show all the skills he learned at Harrington College. The students can choose a 30-50,000 square foot project of their choice for the portfolio. They are writing a client profile, collect information, get inspirations, research the direction of their project, create a concept, do the diagrams for a program, build a model, sketch, develop the project in floor plans, create sections, developed the space, 3 dimensional elements (like stairs/openings in the space) and do the renderings of the space. The students are writing an environmental statement of the project. They choose furniture, colors, contrasts, materials, and create a detail. The Students have to ’sell ‘the project to the teacher and the critics and present their final project with an impressive presentation.

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It is amazing what the students learn and execute at Harrington by computer. Recently, Peter Klick, an instructor told me that final projects are handed in on a memory stick. Boy, things have changed since I went there! In the day, I was dragging my large boards in my oversized portfolio case in the rain, sleet and snow. I am beginning to sound like my mother who walked 6 miles to school!

Mama Nature knows her Colors!

Thursday, April 9th, 2009

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Courtesy of: Flickr

Sunrises are just gold as inspiration for an artist or designer.  As each sunrise is so different, the colors Mama Nature gives us always turn out so great! So if you are a fabric designer or furniture designer, don’t overlook what you get for free every morning.  See you in a bit for some great furniture inspiration at yourfurniturelink.com!

Classic Modern Furniture at yourfurniturelink.com!

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

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Courtesy of: Flickr

Glorious Light!

Sunday, April 5th, 2009

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Courtesy of: Flickr

 

Light Fixtures that are Happy!

Sunday, April 5th, 2009

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Light fixtures take on their own personalities just as furniture does!  Actually lighting probably carries more weight in a room than we actually realize.  Currey & Co. has a tremendous amount of selection.  Consumers and buyers should have no problem finding a style that reflects their style and personality.

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Art Work and Nature at yourfurniturelink.com!

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

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Art work that has a reflection of nature is probably one of the most visually comforting things you can enjoy.  Fine art reproductions on canvas are on premium quality canvas.  This includes black, tea stain as well as standard white canvas.

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Pop Art style incorporated with nature make for  a fresh approach and can be easily massaged into traditional or contemporary.  If you are looking for art that is priced well, innovative and made here in the United States, contact: ADunn@casabellaonline.com.

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Art Classics has artists that create proprietary art work for them.  So you won’t see 9 Million of  the same piece at your local bed and bath box store.  They have a unique approach, yet utilize technology so products are affordable.

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Interior Design Careers Start at Harrington College of Design

Thursday, April 2nd, 2009

This is a final Interior Design Thesis presentations in movie form, from different semesters and different students. In their final thesis presentation the student needs to show all the skills he learned at Harrington College. The students can choose a 30-50,000 square foot project of their choice for the portfolio. They are writing a client profile, collect information, get inspirations, research the direction of their project, create a concept, do the diagrams for a program, build a model, sketch, develop the project in floor plans, create sections, developed the space, 3 dimensional elements (like stairs/openings in the space) and do the renderings of the space. The students are writing an environmental statement of the project. They choose furniture, colors, contrasts, materials, and create a detail. The Students have to ’sell ‘the project to the teacher and the critics and present their final project with an impressive presentation.

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Students at Harrington diligently take in as much information as possible, so they may have a better understand of how the furniture industry functions. They integrate classroom learning with industry exposure. This was my experience when I attended Harrington 20 years ago and it has only gotten more sophisticated and advantageous for today’s students that attend Harrington.

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The classics are classic. They never go out of style and are well appreciated as students are exposed to different periods of furniture and how they can be incorporated into each of their projects.

A Moment in Time!

Friday, March 27th, 2009

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Courtesy of: Flickr

Talent from Harrington College of Design on Thursdays!

Thursday, March 26th, 2009

This is a final Interior Design Thesis presentations in movie form, from different semesters and different students. In their final thesis presentation the student needs to show all the skills he learned at Harrington College. The students can choose a 30-50,000 square foot project of their choice for the portfolio. They are writing a client profile, collect information, get inspirations, research the direction of their project, create a concept, do the diagrams for a program, build a model, sketch, develop the project in floor plans, create sections, developed the space, 3 dimensional elements (like stairs/openings in the space) and do the renderings of the space. The students are writing an environmental statement of the project. They choose furniture, colors, contrasts, materials, and create a detail. The Students have to ’sell ‘the project to the teacher and the critics and present their final project with an impressive presentation.

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Meet Peter Klick, an instructor at Harrington, with his wife Dianne.  Peter is always eager to share ideas about the world with his students.  He teaches experimental design.  The word on the street is Peter is a designer who thinks outside of the box and encourages his student to do the same.  Kudos to educators who set and live by this example.

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Students attentively listen when they meet with vendors  in the design trade.  Harrington introduces students to many companies.  This practice is so they  become familiar with the sources and that will be important for them in the real world!

Enjoying the Morning Solo!

Sunday, March 22nd, 2009

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Courtesy of: Flickr

Alone time in the morning. Enjoy the java and the sunrise before a hectic day begins.  Come back in a little while for some great design ideas and furniture sources.

Sunrise and Waves Crashing!

Friday, March 20th, 2009

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Courtesy of: Flickr

Listening to the waves crash in when the sun come up is magical!  Get the java, enjoy the sunrise and come back in a little while for some great furniture ideas.

DesignMaster is a Home Run!

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

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Ever try to find great dining chairs that have style, quality and selection?  If you haven’t, let me answer the question….very hard to find.  That is, until you land at DesignMaster.

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We love the fact that DesignMaster gives the consumer so many options.  There are wonderful cover options, stain finishes and nail head selections.  You really can make your look so individual.

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As a retailer, it is interesting to see the same style chair come through with different finishes and fabrics.  The looks can be so unique, even when it is the same frame!

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DesignMaster doesn’t cheat on comfort.  Once again, DesignMaster is generous with the seat depths and solid construction.  If you are in search of great dining chairs, search for more DesignMaster on our product search.

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Tree Huggers Everywhere!

Friday, March 13th, 2009

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Courtesy of: Flickr

Talent from Harrington College of Design on Thursdays!

Thursday, March 12th, 2009

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Honorable mention! Congratulations!
Ashley:
“Hello!!! My name is Ashley Hughes and I am a senior at Harrington College of Design. I was born and raised in Chicago which gave me the benefit to explore and be inspired from some of the world’s greatest architecture and interior spaces. I would love to work with restaurant and hotel design! I am very open minded when it comes to different styles and techniques. I am not only amazed when I see a design that I am interested in but I appreciate it’s use and role in a space. Three important things I look for in furniture when I shop is: 1. The quality of the product 2. Making sure the item is function able 3. The design structure of the piece should make sense and be practical.”

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Sheryl Houda and Malia AcohidoGettty’s Competition Winners! Congratulations from YourFurnitureLink.com!

Always and Forever Classic!

Sunday, March 8th, 2009

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Courtesy of: Flickr

A Morning of Awareness!

Sunday, March 8th, 2009

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Courtesy of: Flickr

Shedding light!  Good morning early bird!  Sip that morning java and come back in a bit for great interior design ideas at YourFurnitureLink.com!

Our Calm and Rustic View this Morning!

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

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Courtesy of: Flickr

Good Morning my early bird. Enjoy your java and come back in a bit to see some good furniture ideas at yourfurniturelink.com

No Stress with Green and Sienna!

Friday, February 27th, 2009

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Some are at a point in life where we wish to de-clutter our minds and spaces.  Entering a chaotically designed room can be uneasy.  Yet, environments that present as relaxing and warm create a relieving mind set.

Green and Sienna Furniture gives an emotion of calm.  Sequoia, designer and owner emulates his personality into his furniture line…harmonious.

At MigandTig.com and MortiseTenon.com we applaud and support small businesses like Sequoia’s that provide great design and integrity.  Nope, no private jets, big expense accounts or bailout money here… just great design ideas and hard work. Check out Sequoia at his store or contact Green and Sienna if you are a retailer for a little Zen.

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Personal Rooms on February 11, 2009!

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009

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Courtesy of: Fun on the Floor’s photostream at flickr.com


Gear Up for your Furniture Search at YourFurnitureLink.com

Sunday, February 1st, 2009

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Courtesy of: PatrickSmithPhotography’s photostream at flickr.com

Good morning my early bird! Can you say, I am digging this morning view? Smell your java, close your eyes and let the sun hit your face. It is a beautiful morning. Come back in a bit to get your home decorating ideas at yourfurniturelink.com

More Furniture Decorating Ideas coming tomorrow at YourFurnitureLink.com

Saturday, January 31st, 2009

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Courtesy of: careenin’s photostream at flickr.com

Simply pooped! See you in the morning for some more good furniture search at yourfurniturelink.com.
Sweet dreams!

Friday, January 30th, 2009

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Dreaming about Designer Furnishings at YourFurnitureLink.com

Thursday, January 29th, 2009

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Courtesy of: an.thor’s photostream at flickr.com

Time to go to sleep. See you in the morning for some more good interior decorating tips at yourfurniturelink.com.

Sweet dreams!

Light and Airy Designer Furnishings by Bolier & Co.

Thursday, January 29th, 2009

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If you are on a furniture search at yourfurniturelink.com for your metro space, Bolier & Co. is the winner!  The elegant JimWinkels@aol.com will assist you with all the answers to your questions.  The upholstered portion of this line is made in the USA with modern sensibilities and traditional elements.

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At YourFurnitureLink.com we Think, the Palm Desert Homes of Lucille Ball and Bob Hope Had to be Groovy!

Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

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Haute House of California is introducing their 1962 Palm Springs line at the Las Vegas Furniture Market that takes place February 9th-13th, 2009 at the World Market Center.  Step back into time, enjoy your martini, and visit Haute House in 1962!  Yeeahhhh  Baby!

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At YourFurnitureLink.com, Big Surprises behind Closed Doors!

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

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If you want to experience a huge market place with one of a kind pieces, without leaving the USA, take the  time to experience Arte De Mexico. This company is an established business that grew tremendously and never lost its edge for being unique. A true endless supply of custom furniture and lighting.

Whether you are a retailer, designer or consumer and have an appreciation for rustic and comfortable, don’t miss Arte De Mexico in the USA.

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This is the Sin board at Harrington College of Design, Chicago. When you have no sleep and must meet project deadlines, letting your feelings out with chalk is much healthier than coffee and cigarettes.  One confession reads,  “I slept with my roommates fiance, 1 month before the wedding”. Yikes! You guys are bad!

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As the Sin board is updated, yourfurniturelink.com will keep you in the loop for more dirt.

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At yourfurniturelink.com, Gold and Silver are timeless…

Monday, January 26th, 2009

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…and have held their value and style for centuries.  For great furniture design and bedroom furniture, visit John Richards, a vendor that gives an abundance of value and style.

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Courtesy of:  PKlick@interiordesign.edu of www.KlickInteriors.com
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At yourfurniturelink.com we say, When in France…

Sunday, January 25th, 2009

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…do what the French do, live well!  The Atelier De La Madeleine Collection by Theodore Alexander can be enjoyed anywhere in the world! Visit Theodore Alexander for some more French Living!

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Courtesy of:  PKlick@interiordesign.edu of www.KlickInteriors.com

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