Garbage disposal is a prosaic process, but unless it is properly organized, nothing poetic is possible. And Tri3 by Paris based designer Constance Guisset is an organizational beauty, allowing for this process to go smoothly. The piece is essentially a trash bin and a recycling station in one. It consists of three parts (hence the name): the top segment is meant for organic waste, the middle one pivots to the side and stores plastic litter and the bottom compartment, the biggest one of the three, is dedicated to glass. All three parts are brought to movement by their respective pedals on the bottom. The disposable bags are stored under the hood. The vertical shape of Tri3 is not only attractive to the eye, it also saves space, allowing vertical storage. I also like the fact that the organic waste compartment is small enough to ensure frequent removal.
Facet is a clever modular space divider designed by Bas van Leeuwen & Mireille Meijs of Bloomming. Produced by 3form, the item is made from all recyclable materials and can be easily incorporated in any space, big or small. This truly versatile object allows you to customize width, length and even transparency of your divider – the segments rotate 360 degrees and create various patterns and levels of privacy. The installation is easy, the components attach to a frame with a simple click. Beautifully well thought out product, ideal for open floor plans and studio apartments.
The Label Chair, designed by Félix Guyon and manufactured by Canadian company La Firme, is possibly the thinest folding chair in the world. When folded, it measures only one inch! Made of Russian birch, the chair features specific decoration that gives the piece its name. The Label Chair was initially produced for the International Documentary Film Event in Montreal, but its elegant form and superb functionality will make it a welcome addition to any interior, public or private.
I’m quite taken by this Kickstarter project, and not only because my fellow Brooklynites are behind it. It resonates with anyone who tries to grow herbs and vegetables in a limited urban setting. Windowfarms, as the name suggests, is a system allowing you to cultivate your greens by the window all year long, hydroponically. The roots are bathed in nutrients from the sea, preventing food plants from getting root bound (as they do in traditional soil filled containers). You get healthier roots, and fresher, more nutritious vegetables without dirt in small spaces. The initiative has been funded already, so the product will be produced in the beginning of the year 2012. Pledge within the next 10 days to get your set.
Most of us are used to see the radiator as that hideous noisy thing under the windowsill we have no control over. New York based industrial designer Rochus Jacob decided to change all that and rethink the annoying item. His version of the radiator is smaller, more efficient and fun to look at. The campfire-like shape suggests placing the piece in the middle of the living space, allowing it to heat the room faster and save energy (and money).
Here is how Jacob describes the concept: ‘Rethinking the radiator is about helping people to reduce the average room temperature by 2° which could eventually save a ton CO2 a year and cut cost by 40%. Modern technology allows the use of lighter and more efficient materials in smaller forms. By moving the radiator deeper in to the living space the interaction becomes more present which enables the user to keep the heat consumption more often at a lower and constant level.’
The system works with hot water or steam just like regular radiators. And in the summer time, the piece can be easily stored away to allow more living space. Brilliant!
There is a lot to love about this smart and innovative storage from Way Basics – it is modular, easy to put together, and it’s made from 99% post consumer recycled paper. These storage cubes come in a variety of colors and finishes and can be put in an infinite number of configurations. But what impressed me the most is the assembly process. It is simplified to the point of a child’s play. If you are capable to close a strip envelope – you will be able to assemble this furniture! The principle is the same: peel the tape, attach one part to another part (watch the video and see for yourself). So, if your aspirations include living a more sustainable life, Way Basics made it much much easier…
Just as I thought that it was enough Kickstarter goodness for one year, I saw this cool thing. Hidden Radio by industrial designers John Van Den Nieuwenhuizen from Australia and Vitor Santa Maria from Brazil is a neat and intuitive radio and bluetooth speaker in one. It is buttonless and slick. You turn it on and control the volume by simply lifting the cap. If you don’t have a bluetooth device, a 3.5mm audio input plug is available. Compact, stylish and urbanist-friendly piece of technology. Also a thoughtful gift for a gadgeteer on your list. Check out the Kickstarter page to see Hidden Radio in action and perhaps consider backing the project.
(HT Minimalissimo)
When real estate is scarce and precious, every inch counts. And why not use the underutilized space in the corners? Kulma frame shelf by Martina Carpelan is designed to be hanged either in a positive or a negative corner of a room. Good for books and small items, the piece has simple clean lines. Its role is to ‘highlight both the space within the shelf and the corner surrounding the shelf.’ Made from solid oak on request by the designer.
If you have piles of books growing on the floor around every seat – congratulations. You are a proud bookworm, and you will love this piece. Le Bouc was created by Mathieu Gabiot in collaboration with Speculoosbook, graphic design company specialised in editorial design. The piece is dedicated to books in all forms and sizes. It supports them, open or closed, keeps them available at all times, whether you are in your office, drawing room or garden. Small enough for a small room, Le Bouc is versatile and mobile. The piece can also be a very useful and attractive addition to a desk – something many of us chase for.
Some of you might remember me featuring the 450-square-foot Manhattan studio that unfolds into 4 different rooms. Well, wonderful people of Fair Companies went ahead and visited the place, giving us a comprehensive walk-through. Check out the video above to see how the owner Eric Schneider and architects Michael Chen and Kari Anderson of Normal Projects managed to fit living room, kitchen, bar area, home office, sofa bed, extra bed for guests, closet, and library into the tiniest of spaces. The ‘morphing cabinet’ they’ve created definitely deserves a second look. Enjoy!
