Roped In

I'll admit it, I love researching online. Any reason to peruse the Web in search of that golden nugget of crucial information and I'm there! My latest excuse has been DDI's very own Color & Materials Specifiers' Conference (which is right around the corner). Scouring the Web, I've come across some interesting material usage. Tons of projects out there are experimenting with bizarre, creative and unexpected materials--and just when you thought cardboard boxes had no re-usable purpose other than sitting in storage until the next time you move! The best part is that many new materials being used are both beautiful and sustainable.

Speaking of which, one of my favorite materials projects I came across recently is the Maedaya Grill & Sake Bar in Richmond, Melbourne, Australia. This two-story restaurant, which was designed by Australian firm Architects EAT, features Manila ropes that hang from the ceiling, seemingly melding the ground floor dining room and sake bar together. According to TheCoolHunter.net, "the rope idea was inspired by the classic design of sake bottles, which were traditionally fastened with ropes."

Have you seen any inspiring color and materials projects lately? Let us know here!

--Jessie Bove