MUJI and Mindful Consumption

Last fall, I attended a talk by Masaaki Kanai, the president of MUJI. I am now writing about MUJI in the first chapter of my thesis as an precedent for the promotion of mindful behavior. At the talk last fall, Mr. Kanai spoke of one of MUJI's guiding principles: "Muji tries to attract not the customer who says 'This is what I want,' but rather the one who says, rationally, 'this will do.'" 

For a retail entity to think this way is rather mind-blowing and seemingly contradictory. I encourage you to check out the full video of Masaaki Kanai's talk at MIT.

Masaaki Kanai  -- http://stinterni.mondadori.com

Lobby Project Finishes

I'm sure when Lowes came out with their "Let's build something together" campaign, they weren't thinking about interior design students making 7 day emergency slap-dash materials boards, but nonetheless, here you have it. Rubber mulch mat, burlap, marble tile, and two shades of Min-Wax later, I am a bit of a believer. I also found a great use for the seed paper I have lying around the house that I'm never ever going to actually plant. I don't have time for actual gardening, just gardening-inspired concept boards.

Still Cool

So, I exchanged emails with a potential residential client whose daughter wants "a chair that hangs from the ceiling." I immediately imagined she might be talking about the Eero Aarino bubble chair. I found a very reasonably priced knockoff on Amazon. And then I thought, in this order:

1) Kids are a hoot.
2) Wait, now I kind of want one (a bubble chair, not a kid). Where could I put it (applies to either)?
3) Oh, no, you can't just put one of these in a kid's room. Can you imagine how sad the visiting friend who has to sit in a different chair would be? Maybe two are needed.

It's only fair to point out that authorized repros are also available from Hive Modern. Free shipping!

Footstool/Chair Pairing

I just ordered this stool to pair with my Eames shell chair.  I have high hopes for this little guy.  Lots of black and white accents in that room, so that is not an issue.  And the stool's petite stature will hopefully let the chair shine in all its glory.  Photos of the newlyweds to follow later...