March 8, 2011

Fold them down when you need an extra storage, flip them up when you don’t – this is the idea behind the Piegato, a mobile storage system, created by Matthias Ries for Serafini. These colorful metal shelves are as minimalistic as can be. Easy to install, fold flat, provide storage while taking zero space for themselves…  They come as individual units or as sheets of three (for creating bigger configurations). In addition to all this goodness, the unused Piegato shelves serve as an interesting aesthetic accent on your wall. As rightly stated by Dornob, these shapes become somewhat iconic – a passive element of decor.

Every cat-lover knows this painful sequence: you purchase something, the box arrives at your home, the cat immediately claims it. After the box is appropriated by the cat, it falls into the cat-toy category, and you have no willpower to dispose of it. Before you know it – your place is filled with scratched boxes and traces of shredded carton… But there is a way out! You can offer your cat the Dome, designed by Elizabeth Paige Smith for Kittypod, as an aesthetically pleasing compromise. Made from industrial strength carton, the Dome is easy to assemble and delightful to look at. It even features a scratchy pad to keep your fluffy companion busy. While you are throwing all those unsightly boxes away…

Source: Inhabitat

 

There is something distinctly architectural about this piece – a wooden side table with acrylic windows looks like a miniature building. Designed by Teddy Luong in collaboration with Dennis Cheng for Umbra, the Condolisa table provides more than just a place for your teacup and a book. It has compartments for storage inside, which can hold books, magazines, pillows, throws, – you name it. The frosted acrylic windows add visual interest and also give the subtle view of the stored items. The removable lid works as a surface. Thus, the Condolisa side table is multifunctional and minimalistic – the two M’s we, shoebox dwellers, appreciate the most…

March 7, 2011

Children’s furniture is an investment. I am yet to meet a parent who would not want the safest, prettiest, fluffiest items imaginable for the baby’s room. However, while no expenses are speared for accommodating your child’s needs and wants, the question remains – how to make these expenses count in the long run? This clever collection from Castor & Chouca could provide an answer. These pieces grow with their owner and transform from cutesy baby things into more adult items. Thus, a crib becomes a desk for a schoolchild; a toy cabinet goes under the work station in a form of a storage unit; and a child’s bed is transformed into a lounging sofa that would not embarras a socializing teenager. All pieces are eco-friendly and made from sustainable and recyclable materials.

March 4, 2011

We, urban dwellers, constantly struggle to come up with compact and functional bike storage. This unusual piece goes beyond simply providing a place for your two-wheeled friend, it puts your bike to work! Created by Store Muu Design Studio, the PIT IN bike desk utilizes the bike saddle, turning it into a chair. Made entirely from plywood, the piece is fairly light and easily movable. Skeptics might argue that a bike seat makes the most uncomfortable chair imaginable. However, if you are not planning to write a novel and just want to take a coffee break and check emails, the PIT IN desk will serve you well.

Source: bookofjoe

March 3, 2011

Here is a concept that goes beyond aesthetics and functionality. It actually expresses a point of view. This optical illusion, turned into a bookshelf, is a reminder that ideas can be misinterpreted when passed from one end to the other. Created by ClarkeHopkinsClarke, the Bias of Thoughts bookshelf was inspired by the famous 2D drawing of the optical illusive bookshelf. Here is how the notion of the piece is explained by designers: ‘Thoughts are biased. When ideas are passed from one person to another, due to the transfiguration of the communication process and the frame of mind of the receiver, they are always perceived with bias.’ The Bias of Thoughts bookshelf is strong enough to withstand books and iPads, as well as hanging magazines.

There are different ways to achieve seclusion and solitude. This one literally allows us to rise above things. This desk, called Consider One’s Place, from Japanese creative office Fift looks suspiciously like a ladder. And it can definitely serve as one. But unlike your average ladder, it has a seat and a laptop holder on its top. So, no matter whether you feel antisocial or just want to elevate your creative thinking, you can climb on top of one of these and reclaim your space. I wonder how the Consider One’s Place desk will affect one’s mood and productivity.

March 2, 2011

Flexible Joinery is a clever creation from israeli design lab Dag. The idea is to provide a temporary and adaptable joining function, which can serve many purposes around your house. Made out of a silicone casting over an inner metal skeleton, these joining elements are flexible and strong at the same time. The technology dates back to the 1950’s, with Bruno Munari’s ‘Zizi the monkey’. According to Desingboom, the pink color of the elements is meant to give visual contrast against wooden shelves.

 

 

Parents beware – this adorable thing might turn your house into the most popular sleepover spot in town. Designed by photographer Yusuke Suzuki, this portable bed, called Child’s Play, is built to delight, entertain and, hopefully, lul to sleep your precious youngsters. Complete with the mattress cover and duvet pages, this ‘book’ has the generous size of two twin beds put together. So, no luxury has been speared. And what a better way to plant the right idea into the future avid reader’s mind?..

Source: Snoop

March 1, 2011

These handmade attention getters from Craftsquatch will surely add character to any room. The new collection of internet-inspired pillows is available on Etsy. Designs include such well-recognized logos as Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Android and others. So, whatever you are addicted to on the web, you can celebrate your brand of madness with a fun and colorful pillow. Made from fleece and polyester, these pillows are soft and springy at the same time, which makes them perfect for a nap after you finally tweeted, tumblred, and googled yourself to sleep.