McDonald's New Concepts

I'm not a huge fan of fast food. I try not to eat it, but let's face it, if you put McDonald's fries in front of me I'm hard pressed to say no. The best in the business. Well, I think it's fair to say that McDonald's has leapfrogged all other QSR establishments in the design arena as well. The company recently hired Studio Gaia to design new restaurant concepts and (if I may say so) they ROCKED it!! Check out these images! Would you have guessed McDonalds? Would you have guessed fast food? Studio Gaia emphasizes the use of straightforward and inexpensive materials. The end result looks anything but inexpensive- I'm so impressed. The concepts were recently featured in Hospitality Design Magazine and (I hope) McDonald's will start rolling them out soon. In fact, I just heard that a new concept store opened a few miles from the office today. I may have to stop in. The question is, can I resist the fries?



Below is another, more urban concept. Also by Studio Gaia.

I'm working on it....

Hi Readers-

I realize that the text here got really small and hard to read all of the sudden. I'm working on it! We will be adding an RSS Feed and links to follow me on Twitter very soon. Thanks for your patience!

Jenny

Art Upon Art

I can't help posting another brilliant move by Hermes. It's right up my alley. Hermes has taken the beautiful color studies of Joseph Albers and woven them into silk scarves! Mind you, this happened last Fall, but I bet you can still find them.... if you're lucky enough to be able to get one. This is such an obvious pairing- color in any natural material is richer and more vibrant and beautiful. Such amazing color combinations in silk is downright luxurious. My color professor in school studied with Joseph and Annie Albers, so I have always had a fondness for their work. Hermes and Joseph Albers? Slam dunk!!

Marble

I can't get away from the fact that I simply LOVE marble countertops. I know so many people find them less than practical, but this surface is timeless and incredibly beautiful. Plus, what do you have and live with each day that doesn't show any character or age? I consider it wabi-sabi and I think it's a good thing. Without a doubt my next kitchen will have marble countertops.

A Litte Peace

There is so much heavy stuff going on in the world and personally lately that it feels like a good time for a little peace. Stop and think. And be good to each other... life is too short.