Haptic Lab

Brooklyn based multidisciplinary design studio Haptic Lab was founded in 2009 by architect Emily Fischer. It began as a project after Emily's mum was diagnosed with glaucoma to be wayfinding tools for the visually impaired. Emily started by making quilted maps and now has extended to kites and furniture that combine traditional craft techniques with new technologies. If there is a map of somewhere you particularly would like, Haptic Lab offers custom made orders also. 

Chiaozza

Brooklyn's small design studio Chiaozza is all about creating playful products for everyday life. And that is exactly how i'd describe these custom alphabet frames. The exploration of colour, shape and form are reflected in the functional sculptures. All work is done by hand, locally in New York. Love them!

Water Street Brooklyn Apartment

This two bedroom cosy yet distinctive apartment in Brooklyn's DUMBO district is available for holiday rent over here. The combination of cement, steel, soaring ceilings and wide open windows gives the unmistakable industrial loft legacy. The view from the apartment is fitting with sweeping vistas of the East River and twinkling Manhattan beyond. I love that lounge room... the sofa... the leather armchairs... the windows... i die.

Dana Tanamachi + Puffin Books

I've written about the incredibly creative illustrations of Dana Tanamachi before (here) but I couldn't resist sharing some of her new work. Teaming up with Puffin Books, she has illustrated in her chalkboard style the covers of three classic childrens books: Peter Pan, Pippi Longstocking and The Wizard of Oz.

Watch the stop motion video below to see Tanamachi's creation of the cover of Peter Pan...

Workstead

Design firm Workstead is made up of a triplet of graduates of the RISD Architecture program; Stefanie Brechbuehler, Robert Andrew Highsmith and Ryan Mahoney. The firm have offices in Brooklyn and the Hudson Valley where they focus on architectural and interior design, lighting and furniture design, and exhibitions. The firm aims to design responsible works that create a sense of place for both the objects they contain and they people that experience them.

This particular project in Prospect Park involved a complete reorganisation of spaces, with highly tailored millwork creatively positioned throughout. "Modern in form, simple in material, but complex in texture, hand-painted elements conceal a warm walnut beyond. Rich wood and colourful brass create a sense of grace and punctuate a backdrop to the bustle of everyday life."

This Brooklyn home is clearly an example of Workstead's mastery of refinement and understated luxe.

Photos by Matthew Williams

The Knife Maker

This video by film maker Keef of This is Made by Hand is not only beautifully put together but the story itself is beyond enviable. J and I found this site over the weekend and have enjoyed browsing through the 4 or 5 films so far from across Brooklyn creatives. This story of 'The Knife Maker' is our favourite. To see all the videos click here.

Tanamachi Studio

Brooklyn based Dana Tanamachi is the brains (or the hands!!) behind the graphic design studio Tanamachi Studio. The studio specialises in hand lettering and custom typography for editorial, food, fashion and lifestyle brands. Tanamachi has worked for names such as TIME magazine, Google, Bloomingdale's, Tommy Hilfiger and the O (Oprah's) magazine. She also does small projects like weddings and retail interiors, as well as branding and logo design.

To see more of her work click here.