In the last post I talked about Umbra Shift as a platform for he Umbra Studio to experiment with new ideas. So today I’m going to show you a little more of Umbra.
Umbra is a global housewares products design company. There signature is:
“We bring thought and creativity to everyday items through original design”
It was founded in 1979 in Toronto, Canada. Originality is deeply rooted within the company’s foundation. Umbra began when graphic designer and co-founder Paul Rowan needed a window shade in his apartment. Unable to find one that fit his taste and price point, he created his own. Paul then teamed up with childhood friend, Les Mandelbaum, and together they began to re-imagine everyday items into modern designs – Umbra was born.
The Umbra Studio is form by an international team of designers. They do design collaborations, they are open to fresh talent to submit their designs and they make designs competitions.
The value of their products is the richness of their designs. And the designer is as important as the product.
Here you can see a small selection of my favorites products.
NESTA TIERED PLANTER by Sung Wook Park
Accent your living space by bringing the outdoors in with this sculptural tiered planter. The white speckled ceramic pot can be rested inside the sculptural base at different angles to help you show off your favorite house plants. Perfect for introducing greenery to any small space. $100 CAD
- Suitable for plants measuring 2-4 inches (5.1-10.2 cm) in diameter.
- Made of white speckled ceramic and metal wire.
- Overall planter structure measures 9 x 9 x 28″ (21.6 x 21.6 x 70.1 cm)
OH CHAIR MATTE BLACK by Karim Rashid
A refresh on the classic design, this new OH CHAIR has its legs in the same color as its seat. The OH CHAIR is a classic contemporary design featured in the “it” lists of the world’s top design and style magazines. Polypropylene seat with matte finish and powder coated steel legs with nylon feet. It comes in black, surf blue, white and red. $70 CAD
- Easily wipes clean
- Nylon feet prevent damage to floors
- Stackable
- BIFMA approved
- Color coordinated powder coated steel legs
MATERIAL: Polyprolyne / Steel
DIMENSIONS: 24 x 34 x 24” (61 x 86.4 x 61 cm)
PATENTS: German Patent No. 499 05 568-0001, U.K. Patent No. 2083971, U.K. Registered trademark No. 4,446,192
AWARDS: 1999 IDEA Award, 1999 Permanent SF MOMA Objects, San Francisco
MAGNETTER ORGANIZER by Thea Yusyk
A wall mounted magnetic key panel and curved letter holder that allows you to keep it all in one convenient spot. 2 colors available. $18 CAD
- Wall mounted metal organizer with magnetic key panel and curved letter holder
- Includes 3 embedded magnets
- Mounting hardware included
Display your favorite items on this minimalist shelf and wall planter. A multifunctional cup holds succulents and flowers, and a removable shelf makes it easy to accommodate different orientations. Inspired by Piet Mondrian and his iconic compositions, this wall shelf brings function and design to every room of the house. Available in two sizes and 2 colors. $55 CAD
- Welded square rod frame with removable tray that slides and inserts into frame
- Removable wooden cup and plastic liner holds plants and prevents water damage
- Includes two sleek wall brackets for low visibility mounting
- Can be mounted on a wall, or displayed on the floor, table or counter
- Measures 15 x 4 1/2 x 15 1/4″ (38.1 x 11.4 x 38.7 cm)
GARBINO WASTE CAN by Karim Rashid
A winner of numerous design awards and on permanent display at Art Museums, GARBINO’s swerving rim, flowing curves and negative spaces make it the most glamorous of cans. Available in silver, bronze, black and white. $8 CAD
DESIGN INSPIRATION: Beauty and function are not separate. A mundane object like a trash can deserves great design. The GARBINO name is inspired by the acclaimed actress Greta Garbo.
- Form elevates the handles above the waste for disposal
- Rounded bottom prevents liquids from getting trapped in tight corners
- Integrated handle for transport and easy disposal of contents
- Curved bottom for easy cleaning
- Capacity 9L (2.25 gallons)
Ma Maison (my home) 