This multifunctional piece by my fellow Brooklynite Isaac Krady has a lot to offer to a shoebox dweller. A clever little table, called Tre, can be adapted to different tasks and serve several purposes around your house. Designer explains: “Placed horizontally, the Tre can be used as a coffee table or an end table – its contour providing a nook for books and magazines. Placed vertically, the Tre works within the means of its name and doubles as a tray or laptop desk.” The piece is made from bent plywood.
Here is a soaring example of small space creativity from Parisian architects Emmanuel Combarel Dominique Marrec. This airy-looking 50 m² dwelling used to be an artist studio with an awkward two-level layout. One of the main challenges in this project was to fit an independent bedroom into a limited space. The task has lead to an ingenious solution – creating a floating cube in the middle of the room. This floating sleeping island became a focal point of the interior, dividing the floor plan into functional zones without interfering with the flow. The suspended box is made of a metallic structure covered with wooden panels and painted in white to match the rest of the apartment. I love how it truncates the view to both lower and upper levels and creates privacy while preserving openness of the space.
Some of you might remember the brilliant and innovative REK bookcase by Rotterdam-based designer Reinier de Jong. He recently extended this idea to another piece – a coffee table. Called REK just like the bookcase, the piece is based on the same functional principle – the smaller panels slide inside the bigger frame, allowing the table to grow with your needs. Built-in stops prevent you from rolling out the sliding parts too far. You can also secure the piece in a desired position. In its collapsed state, the table is compact – 60 by 80 cm – and can fit even the tiniest of rooms. And with the maximum size of 130 by 170 cm, you can expand it to accommodate a large party comfortably. I also like how the end grain side of the wood is beveled in order to get a grip. A subtle and beautiful detail.
This storage system by Caspar Huckfeldt made me look. Called Angerichtet (German for Served), it is comprised of a series of trays (hence the name), sometimes combined with containers and pots, all of which can be attached to a clever wall-mounted panel. Thanks to the abundance of configurations, Angerichtet is perfect for just about any room in your house. It can even be taken out on a terrace or balcony (if you are lucky enough to have that type of real estate luxury). Understated and fun, these trays provide truly multifunctional storage. They even allow to incorporate greenery and lighting.
(via Stilsucht)
Garbage is a prose of life, but its proper disposal is essential if we want anything poetic to happen. Especially in a small space where air circulation is fast and merciless. I particularly loathe the idea of a garbage bin in its traditional form. It seems that no matter how neat you are or how durable are the liners, every so often there comes a dreaded day when you have to clean the bin (eww!). Wouldn’t it be lovely if the bin just disappeared after serving its purpose? This is the idea behind this product. Aptly called Vanishing Bin, the unusual garbage receptacle by Beza Project is comprised of several nesting paper bins. Once you fill one – throw it away along with your garbage and go to the next one. The piece is made from durable eco paper and can be used with organic waste and recyclables alike. It also promotes frequent garbage disposal, which is another bonus in a small space.
Cleaning up one’s desk is one of the most dreaded household chores. Wouldn’t it be nice to eliminate clutter in an instant or at least make it invisible? This desk by Danmark-based studio Line Depping lets you cheat and tidy up in a matter of seconds. It opens up in the middle to reveal a flexible pocket, serving as a holder for your things. And once the work-related paraphernalia is swiped away, the desk surface can be used as a dining or entertainment area. The storage pocket can also be used for cordage and electronic clutter during work time. Lovely idea!
I fell instantly in love with this sleek little item. Designed by Japanese studio Taiji Fujimori for Sample, Ripple iPhone stand provides an elegant resting spot for your beloved device. And, thanks to the strategically positioned groves, it can also keep your charger in place. Made from cypress wood and smoothed into a simple and minimal shape, Ripple stand is a perfect complement to the Apple laconic design. It even mirrors the Apple keyboard tilt. So, placed among your collection of OMGiWant things, the piece will blend seamlessly. But more importantly – no more frantic searching expeditions and phoning yourself from the landline.
(HT Spoon & Tamago)
Riveli shelving system by Mark Kinsley is a clever and visually delightful storage solution. Not only it is modular and transformable into any number of layouts, it can be disguised as artwork when not in use. The system is comprised of two components – wall mounted base kits and actual shelves. The artwork is attached in parts to the back side of each shelf to create an image. You even have a choice in the way of attachment. It can be permanent and achieved via peel-away adhesive strips; or temporary, done via magnets or slide-in rails. And with three types of modular base kits available, you can create an unlimited number of configurations, even frame a flat panel TV or window.
(HT Bookshelf)
These beautifully constructed side tables by London based designer Tomas Alonso can be folded flat in seconds. Collapsible and storage friendly, they comply perfectly with any, even extreme, space limitations. Designer describes: “Contemporary living in big cities like London, usually implies living in small spaces, spaces that need to be flexible for different uses and that will change from time to time, as we move from one flat to the next, which makes us ‘long term visitors’ in a way. This is a proposal for a “temporary” piece furniture that would accommodate to this kind of living.” The items are made from powder coated steel, ash and laminated plywood.
Some may say that the owners of this tiny home, Diana and Michael Lorence, live spartan life. The 12-foot-square dwelling, located in the coastal mountains of Northern California, doesn’t have electricity or hot water. The only heat comes from a fireplace, which also serves as a stovetop for cooking and making tea. The Lorences argue that they lead a ‘life of luxury.’ It all depends, of course, on where we think luxury really lies. If your most treasured things in life are simplicity, peace, unobstructed conversation and the ability to contemplate, this place is luxurious indeed. For 30 years the couple lived in small homes, often guest homes. So, when they finally settled here, they knew exactly what was essential and brought only that.
