This visibly simple trash receptacle has one hidden talent – it sucks in dust. Equipped with the vacuum in its base, the Cuum dustbin by Jun-se Kim, Yonggu Do & Eunha Seo performs two functions in one. It collects trash and inhales all the small dust particles swept in its direction. So no more fiddling with the dustpan. The device is powered by a plug-in, wall-socket-compatible cord and can be turned on by simply rotating the upper part. And just like a standard vacuum cleaner it requires disposable bags that can be easily changed when taking out the trash. The Cuum is a 2011 IDEA Awards Entry.
Here is another clever way to organize things – Lap Shelving by Marina Bautier, produced by Case Furniture. Instead of traditional shelves, the system features folded sheet metal components, supported by the solid wooden frame. These components vary in size and function. The range includes a bookshelf, a tray shelf, a deep box end and a shallow box, which can drop into and overlap the frame. Thus, you can adopt this shelving to fit your specific storage needs. And when all items, big and small, are stored within one flexible unit – there is no need for additional storage pieces. What a bright approach to space-saving!
This bed is a new addition to the Air series by Daniele Lago. It also has a transparent base, allowing for the illusion of floating in the air (hence the name). And just like Air sofas and shelves, this bed has adjustable details that can be customised to your preferences and space requirements. With the Air bed you can easily change the headboard configuration to make the piece look like a sofa (perfect for studio apartments). And of course, nothing can beat the integrated storage, which can be made to run along the entire perimeter of the bed.
This piece from New York based artist and designer Sebastian Errazuriz reminds me of the Piano Hanger, I featured earlier this year. Here too, the simple and ingenious principle of a piano-like structure is applied to generate adjustable storage. The Piano Shelf folds flat when not in use, occupying zero space in the room. Once you need to store something – simply unfold the sufficient number of ‘keys’ to accommodate the item. Brilliant! The shelf comes in black and white.
This sleek and concise piece is a combined effort of designers Bastian Diephaus and Ismail Özalbayrak of Studio Unieke. The minimalist wall desk, called S01, can serve as a practical storage unit when closed. When opened, it creates a comfortable workspace for one person. It even features a built-in power-strip for your cables – a nice touch for such a compact item. The So1 wall desk is made from powder coated steel and coated multiplex.
(HT Carl MH Barenbrug)
Jye Stool + Table is a multifunctional object created by Sydney based company Craft Design Realisation. It can be used as a stool, occasional table, night table or bench. Several Jye pieces can interlock and form longer surfaces. The item is beautifully handcrafted from assorted solid timbers and covered with natural Danish oil. And because CDR people specialize on handmade one off items, they can make it in any size or finish of your choice.
Remember Ahhaproject I featured some time ago? Guess what, they have been busy with creating more space-saving designs. And their latest concept for Elecrolux is truly ingenious – a rotating sink/washer combo. ‘The idea came about when we realized the potential of space conservation when our sink was full of dirty dishes! The system works in a way that the dishes are cleaned within the sink, using the mechanics of a dishwasher,’ – designers explain. The sink is divided in two parts – one acts as a sink and another acts as a dishwasher when it rotates under the counter. Perfect for a small apartment!
Can a hanger become a decorative element? Vilnius based designer Julius Bucelis argues that it can. His sleek and beautiful Hook hanger can serve this purpose aside from holding clothes. Thanks to its curvy shape, each piece can also be used as three hooks (hence the name). And when utilitarian duties are over, several Hook hangers can form a pendant. Triple function done right.
If you cook in a tiny kitchen – you know too well that an open oven door makes the place non-navigable. It is also unkind to a human body. But what choice do we have other than performing our daily acrobatic etudes with hot dishes, and getting on with our lives… Well, this clever invention from Neff puts the end to this nonsense. A slide-away door, fitted on the new models, is a godsend for small spaces. By sliding neatly under the oven as you fully open the door, it provides easy access to the appliance. And if you look closer, you will notice that the handle rotates towards you in a smooth, circular motion. And once the door is fully open, it stays visible and easily accessible at the top of the door. Smart stuff!
(HT KBculture)
This multitasking object, called Scalo and designed by Benedetto Quaquaro for Cerruti Baleri, is not on a cheap side ($2,016.00). But it can do so many things! You can use it as a side or ocasional table, stool, shelving unit or a stepladder. Thanks to the hidden hinges, the transition is easy and seamless. Made from bent plywood, the piece features different colors on the inside. A durable stainless steal stop locks Scalo in both open and closed positions.
