"Modern rural" design might seem to be somewhat of a contradiction... At least in the U.S. But for Irish design types like Sasha Sykes, it seems modernity wasn't quite in such a rush to sell the family farm and move to the city.
Sykes' response in 2001 was to found Farm21, a furniture and art operation that is one part minimalist lucite and two parts hay bale. Think DWR meets Andy Goldsworthy.
After several formative years spent in the East London furniture scene, Sykes has arrived in Chelsea, drawn by the "opportunity and the open doors." 
We met with Sykes a while back, and dug the stuff, particularly the lamps and even the photographic window blinds. Admittedly, we're Irish and like to garden, but we find the modern-rural juxtaposition compelling. Warm and organic, but also clean and linear.
Prices on lamps start at $175 and the cubes $375, and the most you can spend at Farm21 is a couple of thousand. Those would seem to be very reasonable prices for room-making pieces that none of your friends will have.
Related Links:
• Green Design: Reclaimed Wood Furniture by Uhuru
(ReEdited from 2005-5-16 - Rebecca B)
Copyright © 2008 Apartment Therapy
I love these things, but would expect to see them copied (badly) on Trading Spaces within the month...
Wow, the stuff on the website is really cool--esp the pieces done with moss! I like screen and photo-image blinds, too. Hmm... wishing I had a bigger budget some of these pieces.
ooh, nice ideas for do-it-yourselfers!! :-)
glad i kept the autumn maple leaves i collected from central park last year (they're nicely pressed and dried)...
view *heather leaf*'s profile
I love the glowing "Straw Cube II." Any ideas for DIY-ers for that one? 'Fraid I'm tapped out from the cure, but something like this would be perfect for my living room.
view kristin in portland's profile
The address you post is different than the one on their website.
I wish they'd mark their info in $s and inches instead of pounds and mms.
view anne's profile
These were copied, but not too badly, on changing rooms in england a few years back!
view elizabethy's profile