Hasta La Ideas

Prior to the invention of the washing machine, rural residents of Eastern Europe developed a way to wash bulky wool items like blankets, rugs and carpets. Water would be diverted from a nearby source into a roughly-made conical tub that was intentionally not made watertight.

Image: PoligraficNet

Because the channel feeding the tub is aligned tangentially with the circumference, the water flowing into it runs around the edges and creates a whirlpool, agitating the items within. No detergent is needed, and as gravity does its thing, the dirty water runs out from between the slats.

Image: Cinabru ES

Image: Cinabru ES

This invention is called, in Romania at least, a vâltoare (Romanian for “whirlpool”). Here’s what it looks like in action:

To control the speed and force of the flow, an attendant works a series of gates. These are just vertically-placed pieces of wood interrupting the incoming flow:

To be clear, these were not something every family would own, and they were typically not used for everyday clothing. Rather, an enterprising villager or family would build and maintain a vâltoare—for profit—with residents traveling from far and wide in springtime for an annual cleaning of bulky fabric items like bedspreads and rugs. “Especially those made of sheep’s wool,” a housewife from Sugag, Romania told Romanian newspaper Adevarul. Said housewife currently uses a vâltoare in the nearby village of Dobra.

“All these [items] are left here in the whirlpool for up to half a day, and the whirlpool of the water cleans them of all the dirt. No detergent or electricity is needed. The whirlpool of water that flows very quickly does everything.”

During my backpacking days, like many others I carried a bungie cord to use as a mini clothesline. It worked okay, and lacking a certain amount of imagination, I couldn’t have envisioned an improvement.

Little did I know a superior travel clothesline had been designed decades ago. In the 1940s, engineer and inventor Lloyd G. Copeman, who traveled frequently, made a portable clothesline for himself. Copeman braided together three strands of surgical tubing, attached to nylon loops at the ends. The latex allowed his clothesline to stretch up to seven feet, while the braided arrangement allows one to affix clothing without needing a clothespin.

That last part is particularly clever. I never carried clothespins, and I’m sure few other backpackers do; so what happens is you throw, say, a soggy pair of socks over the bungie. Now only one-half of one side of the sock is exposed to the sun, and because the sock is folded over the line, the inside surfaces dry a lot slower than the outside surfaces. Particularly when backpacking, you don’t have all day to wait for things to dry. Copeman’s design obviates the need to fold things over the line, as you can just pinch a corner of your garment into the braids.

Copeman’s Flexo-Line Travel Clothesline has been in production since 1945. It weighs just an ounce, will stretch to seven feet, and can support up to 12 pounds of wet clothing. It retails for $15.

The Chinese zodiac, or shengxiao, consists of 12 animals representing time cycles, with your sign determined by your lunar birth year. Legend has it that only the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig arrived to bid farewell to a departing god, each earning a place of honor in a year based on their order of arrival. As per studies, one’s personality traits are closely tied to their Chinese zodiac sign and they can influence their individual preferences in home décor. You can explore the colors, materials, and styles aligned with your lunar year to create a living space that resonates with your individuality.

Image courtesy of: GanMed64

YEAR OF RAT

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Birth years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020

Personality: Those born in the year of the Rat exhibit cleverness, charm, and curiosity and they are hardworking with a natural inclination for continuous learning.

Décor Style: They are drawn to objects and colors that ignite their imagination, reflecting their charismatic personalities. Those born in the year of the Rat favor light, airy colors, and a touch of geometric patterns, paying homage to their intellectual nature and satisfying their innate thirst for knowledge, a futuristic home is recommended.

YEAR OF OX

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Birth years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021

Personality: Individuals born in the year of the ox are decisive, independent, loyal, and philosophical.

Décor Style: They have a preference for minimalistic designs and traditional aesthetics while the interiors of their home incorporate classic silhouettes, dark neutrals, and a clean and fuss-free ambiance.

YEAR OF TIGER

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Birth years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010

Personality: Individuals born in the year of the Tiger are confident, fun, and courageous, characterized by a vibrant and fiery nature with intense passion and emotionality.

Décor Style: Those born in the year of the tiger have a preference for vibrant colors, and abstract paintings, and a fondness for contrasting materials such as glass, clay, fabric, and wood.

YEAR OF RABBIT

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Birth years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

Personality: People born in the year of the rabbit are distinguished by their natural compassion, sincerity, and generosity. Recognized for their kindness, care, and loyalty, rabbits tend to exhibit introverted tendencies, often necessitating significant alone time at home for recharging.

Décor Style: They are not fond of a mix of colors or styles but also prefer a monochromatic color palette and comforting textures. Additionally, they opt for a straightforward, clutter-free style that enhances the calming atmosphere.

YEAR OF DRAGON

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Birth years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024

Personality: Despite their outward energy and fearlessness, individuals born in the year of the dragon possess a gentle interior, marked by a warm heart and unwavering loyalty. This gentle demeanor coexists with a dynamic personality that is driven by their perpetual quest for new adventures.

Décor Style: Those under the dragon sign value the idea of home and its comforting aspects. Their aesthetic preferences include bold colors and plush designs. Moreover, the prominent warm colors are believed to inspire a feeling of harmony, as they perfectly complement the Dragon’s strong and vibrant presence.

YEAR OF SNAKE

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Birth years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025

Personality: Those born in the year of the Snake are charming, clever, and reserved, showcasing intellectual prowess and an observant nature. Also, individuals with this zodiac sign often exhibit wit, sociability, and strong will, reflecting an ambitious nature that inclines them toward a simple, nature-inspired theme to soothe their competitive spirits.

Décor Style: Their décor style reflects their love for bookcases, books, and classic wooden coffee tables. An excellent choice for this is the Japandi interior design style, characterized by clean lines, nature-inspired colors, and bright spaces reminiscent of nature’s soothing qualities to enhance the Snake’s wisdom and intellectual capabilities.

YEAR OF HORSE

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Birth years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026

Personality: The horse is an extrovert and is defined by energy and independence and the individuals born under the horse sign in the Chinese zodiac are infused with compassion and love.

Décor Style: Individuals born in the year of the horse find an ideal home aesthetic that incorporates mementos from global travels and soft, comforting designs. Opting for muted colors, classic Scandinavian styles with pale woods like ash and beech are particularly suited for creating a calming home environment.

YEAR OF GOAT

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Birth years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027

Personality: Those born in the year of the goat are known as deep thinkers who have a strong appreciation for beautiful things. quiet with gentle, seemingly meek personalities

Décor Style: Create an ideal space for those born in the year of the goat with a decor that encourages creativity, blending a modern and airy ambiance with soft layers and cushions for a hospitable feel. Opt for a warm and inviting aesthetic, like the modern farmhouse style, characterized by natural textures and warm wood tones, to enhance their warmth.

YEAR OF MONKEY

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Birth years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028

Personality: Born under the Monkey sign, individuals exude upbeat, playful, and quick-witted traits, radiating joy in their interactions with others among the Chinese zodiac signs.

Décor Style: Their extroverted natures thrive on social engagements while they enjoy a sunny, natural décor that is adorned with live plants and vibrant colors. To moderate potential prankster tendencies, a decor dominated by wooden tones is the best choice, grounding their lively nature.

YEAR OF ROOSTER

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Birth years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029

Personality: Hardworking, vigilant, and independent, individuals born under the rooster sign are goal-oriented and find relaxation in environments that enable them to accomplish tasks on their to-do lists and strategize for future successes.

Décor Style: Individuals born in the year of the Rooster should ideally have a home featuring at least one work setup with classic wood materials and neutral colors. A vintage look brings comfort, with aged furnishings creating a reassuring ambiance and serving as a reminder that imperfections are acceptable.

YEAR OF DOG

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Birth years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030

Personality: Individuals born in the year of the dog epitomize loyalty, placing utmost importance on friendships and family within the context of their values.

Décor Style: For those with the year of the dog as their birth year, an ideal home environment is characterized by a contemporary interior style, blending sleek design and clean lines for a sophisticated home that suits both get-togethers and their need for order.

YEAR OF PIG

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Birth years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031

Personality: Born in the year of the pig, individuals naturally appreciate life’s finer aspects without prioritizing material luxury. Easygoing and independent, Pigs can, however, easily feel stressed about life.

Décor Style: They find utmost comfort in designs that are crafted with quality materials, and adorned with a hint of glamorous metallic elements that exude elegance. For a calming haven, they can opt for a classic minimalist home with subdued colors, natural light, and well-organized spaces that perfectly suit the magnanimous nature of Pigs.

The post Discover Your Ideal Decor Style Through Chinese Astrology first appeared on Yanko Design.

Australian studio Winwood McKenzie has extended a former worker’s cottage in Northcote, Melbourne to create a house arranged around two courtyard gardens.

Named Quarry House, the home is located alongside the former Northcote Quarry and Brickworks – now the All Nations Park – and references the site’s industrial past with a palette of exposed brick and concrete.

Constraints on the narrow site meant that the new spaces had to be accommodated across a single storey, and to ensure ample daylight Winwood McKenzie inserted a fernery and internal courtyard, splitting the home into three distinct areas.

“Due to the budget and a small site, the design had to evolve with clever responses to dealing with compact space and easily constructible but highly crafted architectural detail,” said the studio.

“This gave impetus to think cleverly about adaptability, future use and the ability to contract and expand, allowing for the clients desired indoor-outdoor lifestyle,” it continued.

“The design does not impede or draw attention to itself within the urban context, giving it the feeling of a secret garden.”

Facing the street, the original white frontage and verandah was restored and refurbished with while tiles and a metal canopy, creating a covered seating area overlooking a small front garden.

Within the existing footprint of the worker’s cottage two bedrooms and bathrooms, which look out onto a small fernery, were created.

To the south, a long corridor creates an axis connecting the old and new spaces of the home, leading into a living, dining and kitchen area that overlooks a central paved courtyard.

Defined by a concrete kitchen island, a wall of timber cupboards and exposed wooden ceilings this space forms the heart of the home, intended to provide an “inner-city oasis” for the family.

Full-height sliding glass doors open out onto the central courtyard, on the opposite side of which a multi purpose room, study space and laundry room were created.

“A concrete kitchen island rises from the concrete floor to create the new hearth of the home for a growing family, while the floor-to-ceiling double-glazed windows and doors surround the courtyard but protect the interior from Melbourne’s inclement weather,” said the studio.

In the new spaces, the exposed grey masonry walls were left exposed both internally and in the garden areas, intended to create the feeling of a single space in keeping with the desire for an “indoor-outdoor lifestyle”.

A historic worker’s cottage was also the subject of a contemporary renovation by Australian practice Studio Bright, which added a rear extension to a home in Melbourne wrapped by patterned breeze blocks.

The photography is courtesy of Winwood McKenzie. 

The post Winwood McKenzie hides “urban oasis” behind Melbourne cottage’s heritage facade appeared first on Dezeen.

Designed by Piero De Vecchi in 1947, the whimsical T8 candle holder entered the echelons of homeware iconography when it was awarded a prize at the eighth Triennale di Milano. Crafted in Italy from a single brass swirl, the candle holder is now available through the online high design platform Abask, where it’s joined by other acclaimed De Vecchi works.