Has Dwell Magazine become irrelevant?

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As someone who has built a life around being a proponent of Modern Design, I find myself supporting and gravitating towards companies that have similar philosophies.  In October of 2000 I remember walking by a news stand in NYC and seeing the Premiere Issue of a new magazine called Dwell.  The cover was bold.  A big steel box of a house with a woman and her dog sitting in front of it.  The heading under the title said 'AT HOME IN THE MODERN WORLD' in all caps with a lovely sans serif font.  The features listed on the cover had tag lines like 'Design for Real People' and 'The Most Beautiful Vacuum Cleaners on Earth'.  I was drawn from the start and picked up a copy.  </span><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I got it home I read the first issue from cover to cover and salivated at both the publisher's mission and the editor's opening remarks.  They were brilliant.  Lara Hedberg (publisher) led with the tag line : From the Robie House to Our House and talked eloquently about we should aspire to create homes that fulfill our deep longing for meaning and beauty.  Editor Karrie Jacobs went a step further.  She wanted to stage a minor revolution.  Her beautifully written introduction talked about how the design community has a desire to try and show architecture as this perfect and unattainable being.  Dwell was aiming to give it back to regular ordinary people and this inspired me.  From then on, I waited on every issue and saw the magazine grow and develop to reach thousands of new readers every month.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienmQE_6mod7RFdfwEMIYXUTbNVAlbrQSH2fJpWqHeUAd0rvARxyVLD0uuTVw5a5J2Ud6x1rLWwPQaxCZCSPy-JNEO7V2Ba43x7v5Ap2q8W7KHzLuSHsHwTM7US_mezfGPkT05eEjI46U/s1600/dwell+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienmQE_6mod7RFdfwEMIYXUTbNVAlbrQSH2fJpWqHeUAd0rvARxyVLD0uuTVw5a5J2Ud6x1rLWwPQaxCZCSPy-JNEO7V2Ba43x7v5Ap2q8W7KHzLuSHsHwTM7US_mezfGPkT05eEjI46U/s320/dwell+003.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By 2006 each issue was the size of a local phone book filled with page after page of enviable goods and projects.  Despite the change in editors (I believe they are currently on their fourth in 12 years) there seemed to be a continuity of thought that made me believe I could be part of this revolution.  Year after year went on and slowly the mission changed. It seemed that the book was getting thinner and thinner as advertising revenue across the industry tanked.  The magazine started to lend their name to conferences and consumer partnerships (such as a tile line with Heath ceramics) and the revolution started to fizzle.  It seemed that all of the energy of the original mission was now going into generating revenue to keep the ship afloat.  Today the magazine arrives about as thick as the original issue, which is pretty thin.  I used to devote a solid two hours to reading each volume and now it takes me all of eight minutes.  All of the original tenacity and gumption have been replaced with project after project of designs that seem as impractical and unattainable as the designs they once condemned.   </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I suppose you could argue that shelter magazines as a whole are tanking.  Domino closed and even Martha Stewart couldn't sustain the popular Blueprint brand.  But I would disagree when you see books like Elle Decor, House and Home, Elle Decor UK, Living ETC, and Inside Out growing by the month. Even Atomic Ranch and Modernism haven't lost their luster through the recession and I even found myself picking up recent issues of Architectural Digest, which is amazing in and of itself.  These books have survived by focusing on their core audience and not concerning themselves with trying to grow beyond their brand.  I think this is a lesson Dwell could definitely learn from.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course there will always be people discovering Dwell for the first time and falling head over heels. But for my part I will not be renewing my subscription and I am very sad to say that.  I wish the magazine went back to it's original desire to show the average person about meaning and beauty in the home as opposed to finding the craziest places around the world which most people will never even come close to living in.  </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Karrie Jacobs once wrote that Dwell wanted to demonstrate that a modern house could be a comfortable one.  If only it were so.</span></div>

Has Dwell Magazine become irrelevant?

As someone who has built a life around being a proponent of Modern Design, I find myself supporting and gravitating towards companies that h...

Read more »

The Truth about Ikea Kitchen Cabinets

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's no surprise that the kitchen is probably the most common home renovation that people choose to do.  It's the place where everyone ends up as well as the part of the house where the food and drinks are.  I have probably designed and built over 20 kitchens in the last 8 years and I have used various cabinet companies ranging from totally custom to off the shelf.  As is the case with many projects, budget is usually a concern and for that reason, we use alot of IKEA cabinets.  If you are considering using them on a project, I suggest you read on.</span><br /><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every project I have done for Pocono Modern has used IKEA cabinets and I would say that I am fairly proficient in making IKEA products look custom.  However, the question most often asked about IKEA cabinets is about the quality.  I have broken out my analysis into five major categories:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Construction</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Door / Drawer Styles</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Hardware</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Variety of Components / Accessories</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Appearance</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1- Construction</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The construction of an IKEA cabinet frame (AKURUM) is particle board with a white or beech colored plastic laminate.  Overall, this is pretty low quality but to be honest, not that far off from a more expensive Kraft Maid cabinet.  Most production line cabinets today have particle board substrates covered by either melamine, laminate, or wood veneer.  Only custom cabinet makers will use solid plywood for the frames and that will cost you big dollars.  I actually prefer the particle board cabinets because they are more stable (plywood can sometimes warp over time)  and they make them from wood chips, which is more eco friendly.  But that being said, you hardly ever see the cabinet frame, especially if you have drawer units, so it's not much of a priority to me personally.  The other variable is that you assemble the frames yourself using locking cams.  For this reason, I can verify the soundness of the connections and even add glue in the joints if I like.  I would say though that the final quality of the unit depends alot on the assembler so if you are careful then you will end up with a good quality cabinet.  If you are the kind of person who doesn't use up all the nails when you install the back then IKEA may not be for you.  </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2- Door / Drawer Styles</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The door (or drawer) style is the part of the cabinet that you actually see and in that area, I believe IKEA brings the good stuff.  Unlike the frames, many of the doors and drawers are solid with good quality wood veneer.  The painted finishes tend to vary slightly, (particularly in the Ramsjo line) but overall they have a good variety and hit many different price points from dirt cheap laminates to better priced Oak.  They even have glass doors and lacquered style colors.  Overall the variety and quality are impressive at this price point but you need to be very careful about discontinued lines.  If you think you may want to add a cabinet in the future, be prepared for the possibility that they may stop making that line and you won't be able to get it.  This has happened to me twice.  First with the Oak Tidaholm line (below) and then with the medium brown Nexus style.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmHjxJKr92ihKKGDEAnYu-3XQ3V4Wb5FYeVy4EURvYoINEYYT9R7Pv1uf8ulxhhrA-3qfb0f9r9iDWjLmFVj-UIXxkSG18wq3msoqs_F1Jng0mY2Pjf3nmD1d-JOBYDAzIYhClQCoIkg/s1600/tidaholm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmHjxJKr92ihKKGDEAnYu-3XQ3V4Wb5FYeVy4EURvYoINEYYT9R7Pv1uf8ulxhhrA-3qfb0f9r9iDWjLmFVj-UIXxkSG18wq3msoqs_F1Jng0mY2Pjf3nmD1d-JOBYDAzIYhClQCoIkg/s320/tidaholm.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tidaholm Line (discontinued)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3- Hardware</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">IKEA has made great strides with their hardware.  And by hardware, I do not mean the knobs and pulls but the interior drawer glides, hinges, dampers, and legs.  The drawer and door dampers prevent slamming of parts and provide a nice easy glide upon shutting.  The hinges are of the same or better quality than you would find in a comparable special order cabinet.  They are all pretty easy to install, except for the door dampers, which I always have trouble snapping in.  Note to IKEA: work on easier to install door dampers.  They have also added decorative legs so your cabinets can sit off the ground, which I like very much.  They come in three different heights so you can even use shorter cabinets to get different effects.  If you choose to go with the standard black plastic legs, they offer matching toe kicks that snap right on.  Overall, IKEA gets high marks on the internal hardware, especially when you compare it to the junk they were using a few years back.  As for knobs and pulls, I find that their own line is far better priced than anything you can buy at the big box stores, especially the modern bar pulls.  </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4- Variety of Components / Accessories</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is probably the single biggest flaw with the IKEA line.  Looking for a flip down sponge drawer?  They don't have it.  Want a narrow spice cabinet?  They don't have it.  Looking for options on a corner unit.  Sorry, they just have  a couple.  Although their line is fairly diverse in terms of door and drawer fronts, they keep the amount of components fairly limited to certain sizes and options.  I suppose this is because they make so many parts and pieces that they have to stick with what sells.  I have often hoped that they would add pull out drawer units for garbage and recycling bins, but alas, none have come along.  If you want unique parts and pieces then I'm afraid you're stuck with what they have.  If you can get over the limits of their running line, then I would say that is the biggest hurdle.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNecV85XRqP4mSNynq_AHHjb4ET1IZqFbFPJhggYwsT9eQamexTZpu_eFoQLx-ZfyBpqH0y-1ErKUlUC-QIrLohyJfbC1iw8vPl2UUsKhBhuuNUfTrYMnS93OoeWusOmnB8U0f_YCmD70/s1600/ramsjo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNecV85XRqP4mSNynq_AHHjb4ET1IZqFbFPJhggYwsT9eQamexTZpu_eFoQLx-ZfyBpqH0y-1ErKUlUC-QIrLohyJfbC1iw8vPl2UUsKhBhuuNUfTrYMnS93OoeWusOmnB8U0f_YCmD70/s320/ramsjo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Two toned Ramsjo Kitchen </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5 - Appearance</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This last category is entirely up to you.  I have found that when assembled correctly with the right amount of additional details (lighting, hardware, windows, etc..) an IKEA kitchen can look every bit as custom as one 3x the price.  Of course it will never compare to a custom cabinet with inset doors (as opposed to overlay doors which is all IKEA makes) but for the money I don't think you can find a better deal.  Just be sure to get a second opinion on the planning as the standard work triangle is not the only consideration for a functional kitchen.  You need to make sure you have the proper clearances for walking by, the proper support for countertops, and enough room to open doors and drawers.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Below are a few more samples of other IKEA kitchens that we've done.  Please also leave your feedback on anything you feel is good or bad with the systems.  Maybe IKEA will catch on to our suggestions in the next generation.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nq2GbFAEX9EvhM8xDc8zlhJWEvdbwnQDdkNf2AzE_KgCUs4i-0oGSXTOROnnaRixgr_zzvR2o1mSNLShwv8NlBcT-5_Si_vM5DVaz826k3CyfKDTNGsMJu4844FnFfYQMfcWDsZ9xeE/s1600/nexus-black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nq2GbFAEX9EvhM8xDc8zlhJWEvdbwnQDdkNf2AzE_KgCUs4i-0oGSXTOROnnaRixgr_zzvR2o1mSNLShwv8NlBcT-5_Si_vM5DVaz826k3CyfKDTNGsMJu4844FnFfYQMfcWDsZ9xeE/s320/nexus-black.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nexus Black Brown</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsK11iMcAY-pGJNuR4IpP-sK06otGpTsMTAIRLPLTg-H3Uy288pkZApWN_imwIYh5JXLDHiVZJDhJsGpPjgGgZyjqtideNM124EqVtkNyn2tnS6eSHZthHZ3HRtF-eM2Sjb3NU7qC4elM/s1600/nexus-med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsK11iMcAY-pGJNuR4IpP-sK06otGpTsMTAIRLPLTg-H3Uy288pkZApWN_imwIYh5JXLDHiVZJDhJsGpPjgGgZyjqtideNM124EqVtkNyn2tnS6eSHZthHZ3HRtF-eM2Sjb3NU7qC4elM/s320/nexus-med.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nexus Medium Brown (discontinued)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSh8nU1KobgQHV1URVs_F8blRZK2KEO_nGEFH269nzuaf5jBkVPWEN5P-4JxJAJVHUmdSGt2x8LONJDbjNPQh2kO9mW_95O26LCYQfWASNURk8h-P3etgl-Qcn9TJZmSpMLZXn-Ou2lzM/s1600/oak-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSh8nU1KobgQHV1URVs_F8blRZK2KEO_nGEFH269nzuaf5jBkVPWEN5P-4JxJAJVHUmdSGt2x8LONJDbjNPQh2kO9mW_95O26LCYQfWASNURk8h-P3etgl-Qcn9TJZmSpMLZXn-Ou2lzM/s320/oak-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Liljestad</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In summary, IKEA cabinets can really pull off a quality look if you plan it properly and take time with the assembly.  They are limited in cabinet types and accessories, but the money you save will allow you to spend more on countertops and lighting which really add to a kitchen.  However, if you truly desire a custom kitchen with solid wood construction and specific finishes, there is no substitute for a quality cabinet shop.  Just be prepared to spend considerably more.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">01 May 2013 - To date, over 50,000 people have read this blog post. We appreciate all the comments and support!  If you found this post helpful, please support our sponsors by clicking on ad!  Even one little click helps tremendously!  Thanks to everyone for your help.  Check out our other IKEA related posts below - </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our review of the 2013 Cabinet Line: <a href="http://poconomodern.blogspot.com/2013/02/ikea-kitchen-cabinets-2013-door-lineup.html">http://poconomodern.blogspot.com/2013/02/ikea-kitchen-cabinets-2013-door-lineup.html</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also check out our post on IKEA PAX closets and wardrobes: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://poconomodern.blogspot.com/2012/08/designing-custom-closets-using-ikea-pax.html">http://poconomodern.blogspot.com/2012/08/designing-custom-closets-using-ikea-pax.html</a></span><br /><br /><br /></div></div>

The Truth about Ikea Kitchen Cabinets

It's no surprise that the kitchen is probably the most common home renovation that people choose to do.  It's the place where everyo...

Read more »

What does 'modern' mean anyway?

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you are one of the many people who attended a Design school of any type within the last 30 years you probably were taught to be somewhat forward thinking.  Most schools today try to best prepare their students for the world which they will enter upon graduation.  And let's face it, that world is a MODERN world.  It is a world full of technology and opportunity for those who wish to embrace it.  I don't know how many successful architects are still using a T-square and a drafting table, but I doubt it's very many (Glenn Murcutt may be the only one).  </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">That being said, when the conversation turns to Architecture, the word 'modern' has a very negative connotation.  Modern buildings are thought to be harsh and cold, made of steel and glass and very often devoid of emotion.  Modern homes are thought to be reserved for movie stars and egomaniacs who like the idea of living in a place that looks like it's meant to be on display but not really 'lived in'.  Even the real estate industry has turned it's back on the word 'modern' by replacing it with 'contemporary' in its listings.  If no one disputes that we all live in a 'modern' world, then why are modern buildings so few and far between?  I don't see people driving around in Model T's, so why would people build their houses in the styles of by-gone eras?  I think the answer lies in the fact that no one really knows what 'modern' is.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Let's start with a textbook definition.  Modern is defined as 'of or relating to present or recent time'.  By that definition anything that exists today is Modern.  If you went out and built a pyramid tomorrow, it would be a modern pyramid.  This is part of the problem.  I don't really think that the definition of the word itself is applicable anymore based on how quickly our society changes.  Relatively speaking, a Sony Walkman relates to recent time.  Compared to a record player,  a Sony Walkman is modern.  It is also extinct.  </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The next problem is that there are very few examples of great modern design.  If you open a trade publication you will find that most of the modern buildings that get published border on the ridiculous.  They may photograph well and appear very progressive but in fact are borderline dysfunctional and very expensive to maintain.  To me, this is not what inspires people, or at least, it doesn't inspire me.  Judging from the widespread lack of modern housing, I'm guessing it doesn't inspire alot of home buyers either.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A few years back, the American automobile industry was headed for extinction.  For years they had just regurgitated the same old designs and relied on the American consumer to buy their cars regardless of the competition.  For 'the big three' there was only one way out  of the crisis and that way was 'modernization'.  They had to update their product lines, focus more on design and fuel efficiency in their fleets and start creating products that reflected the technology of the day.  They introduced features such as parking assist, voice commanded automation, and better engine technology.  All of this in sleeker more interesting modern designs.  It has been shown time and time again that creating well crafted, socially relevant products will yield great success.  To circle back, we have to ask ourselves:  "Is the building industry really doing this?  Are they giving modern design a good name?"</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I think that modern architecture is not about building something that relates to present time.  I think it is about building something that relates to present life.  And in that pursuit it cannot be contained within an Architectural style.  When I look at the homebuilding industry at present, I see the automobile industry three years ago.  Unfortunately, there are no major homebuilders leading the way with socially relevant, modern designs.  They just keep reformatting different versions of the same thing.  If we as a society are truly to embrace modern design as a medium then we have to look at the most successful examples from Joseph Eichler to Steve Jobs and understand how the tools that we have available to us today can carry us into a better tomorrow.   </span>

What does 'modern' mean anyway?

If you are one of the many people who attended a Design school of any type within the last 30 years you probably were taught to be somewhat ...

Read more »