Karim Rashid & SodaStream: A Bubbly Match

The award-winning designer has a new kitchen device -- and he's giving his only US interview to ShelterPop!

With the at-home soda craze in full swing, it's only natural that SodaStream -- maker of the DIY soda maker -- would bring some design cred to their machines by teaming up with award-winning designer Karim Rashid. Together. they've created a fun and bubbly limited edition home soda maker that us seltzer-aholics here at ShelterPop are crazy about. So when he agreed to give his one US interview to us, we jumped at the chance to talk not only about the DIY soda trend, but inspiration and good design as well.



Mad Men might be responsible for the resurgence of all things retro -- style-wise -- but a sluggish economy and the desire to be green might explain the recent rise in a more back-to-basics, DIY lifestyle. One trend that's making a major comeback (besides pickling, farm-shares and basically anything local and seasonal) is homemade soda. According to SodaStream, about four million people around the world are using their soda makers to make fresh sodas and seltzers every day.

So, what drew a busy designer like Rashid to collaborate with SodaStream? Surprisingly, he was drinking regular sodas and seltzers like the rest of us. "I didn't make my own seltzer before SodaStream came into my life. I too was wasting bottles of Perrier," he says. "I believe good designs should replace three products in one. SodaStream already does that with their wonderful, responsible products. I was inspired by this and wanted to take my energetic, fun, colorful spin on the product."

Energetic and fun it is. Rashid's bubbly take on the SodaStream is similar to his other designs, which all emit a playful and happy vibe. "Everything needs to be designed, so why not design with delight in mind?" he says. For this piece in particular, Rashid looked toward the influence of technology in our everyday lives. He explains, "My Digipop series of patterns is a graphic movement that has its roots in the computer age and is driven by digital technology. I see our new domestic environment becoming more casual, and more technological."

When asked about what other products he'd like to get his hands on, Rashid has no limits. "So much of the industry needs a makeover: Air conditioners, coffee pots, blenders, toasters, irons, hair dryers and bathroom scales. In fact, I would love to design everything that we come into contact with as human beings, especially when they have a large impact on our psyche and experiences."

But he left one out: We wanted to know, why hasn't anyone been able to design a well-make, non-flimsy unbreakable umbrella? Rashid, thankfully, has that in the works. "I actually am working on a line for a Japanese company. The umbrellas will have beautiful and ergonomic handles, and fun Digipop patterns to brighten up gray days."

Besides the umbrella, we have a lot more to look forward to from Rashid. "September will be a big boom, design-wise. I'm working on furniture upholstered in fiber optics, LED lighting, new kitchen designs, liquor bottle packaging and identity, a new KarimSpace retail store in Belgrade, a hotel lobby and bar in China, a concept house in Egypt, new tabletop work with Alessi and so much more!" One has to wonder, does this man ever sleep? (Surely, if he does, the sheets must be pretty divine.)

As for design predictions, Rashid's thoughts are pretty hypercolor-space-age -- which is to say, totally his style. "Smart materials that change shape, memory, temperature and conduct electricity are in their infancy," he says. "We can look forward to a toothbrush changing color due to wear, a plastic chair changing color due to body heat, or a plastic mountain climbing rope changing color to warn me that it's wearing out." Pretty cool. Or hot. Or both? Only the future knows...

Love the soda trend as much as we do? Here are some of our fave items that bring it home to you.

Clockwise, from top left:
Red/Kenga Tray: Angela Adams
Paper Straws: Kikklerland
Bubbles Pillow: Home Decorators Collection
Red Vintage Seltzer Bottle: Grasshopper 510
Purple Vintage Seltzer Bottle: Grasshopper 510
Green Vintage Seltzer Bottle: Grasshopper 510
Bubble Glass Tumblers (Set of 6): Target
Diner Bar Stool: BarStoolsandChairs.com

Now, if you're dying for one of Rashid's limited edition SodaStream machines (pictured up top, alongside his handsome face) you can call your local Bloomingdales to see if they have any in stock. Otherwise, we recommend checking out other models, like the Genesis kit in shocking red or check out SodaStream's fantastic selection.

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