If you are a bookish person I doubt you can stay impartial to this table/bookshelf/bookmark. Booken by Raw Edges, designed for Italian furniture brand Lema, is every bookworm’s wet dream. It uses books as building material and in turn provides an attractive display for them. It also allows you to recycle the volumes you’ve read once and have no intention of coming back to. “We were inspired by the fact that people do not re-read the novels that are so often on the shelves,” designers explain. “Most books are usually read once and not re-read, and then we thought, why not use the volumes as if they have a plan? Of course you can always remove the book and read it, but at the same time the books take on a new role.” I also remember that Shay Alkalay of Raw Edges has been toying with the idea of a bookcase like that for a few years now, even built one for his personal use. It is pleasing to see that commercial birth has been finally given to this concept. Booken is displayed as part of Lema’s exposition at this year’s IMM Cologne.
(spotted on If It’s Hip, It’s Here)
Here is a rather unusual treat – a fascinating video shot by the German science magazine “Galileo” about furnishing a small room. A really really small room. Even though the recording is in German – the struggle is universal and should resonate with every showbox dweller on the planet. As for the space-saving ideas shown, they are quite remarkable. Enjoy!
(Thank you, Heiner!)
– Beautiful site! Interactive collection of Leonardo’s works.
– A bird nest made from a planter? Yes!
– Mind-bobbling sculptures by Tomohiro Inaba.
– Death Star ice mold – every proper geek needs one (I do).
– Absolutely beautiful animation about nature and science – Ode to a Flower.
– What a great idea – a to-do list for things you want to do, not the things you have to do.
– Ever had to clean a big fondue dish? If you have – you’ll appreciate this little invention. Fondue Mugs.
– A world without textiles is a ridiculous place according to this funny new IKEA campaign.
Have a lovely weekend, folks!
How adorable is this? The Hold On Tight shelf by Colleen & Eric features two built-in bookends – one fixed and one moving. The idea that is both cute and sensible. Designers elaborate: “Your books are no longer in danger of toppling over. Over-sized wing-nut allows bookend to slide into place and be secured wherever it’s needed.” The shelf comes in beech, walnut and oak, covered with water based stain and all natural shellac finish. The aluminum cube and wing-nut are powder-coated.
belTable by Marcin Pogorzelsk is a very clever idea. Instead of screws, glue or other assembly nastiness, the piece is held together by a single belt (belt, belTable – geddit?). “Our designing goal was to minimize mechanism of a table and reduce problems with transportation and putting together at home,” – says the designer. Indeed. To put the piece together just thread the belt through the holes in each of the legs, and you’re done. The disassembly is equally a snap. Wonderful.
Just wishlisted this beautiful Harry stool from Stockholm based brand Massproductions. Inspired by traditional Japanese joinery techniques and Torii shrine gates, Harry is a stunner. Harmonious shapes and fine craftsmanship combine to make a charming piece suitable for many situations. You can use it as a side table, bed table, extra seating and more. Harry is available in two heights and five finishes.
Here is another exciting iPhone related Kickstaster project – Just Mount. A cool magnet block for your phone, keys and any other small metal objects looks sleek and provides effortless storage. The item is meant to be combined with the TidyTilt+ iPhone case to safely secure the phone in place. Here is how designers describe their creation: “JustMount attaches to most flat surfaces, letting you mount your TidyTilt-equipped iPhone where you couldn’t before. Each JustMount includes hidden wall-mounting hardware: we include both an adhesive pad and screws, so you can choose your preferred attachment method. Stick it to your bathroom mirror to watch the news while brushing your teeth. Put it at the front door to park your keys. Place it near your desk to organize office items and FaceTime at eye-level.” Great! Really hope to see this product Kickstarted.
Everyone who occupies a small urban kitchen knows how difficult it can be to fit a full-size dish rack in it. It takes way too much counter space while offering only one function. How wasteful. Well, this dish rack by Australian born and New York based designer Sally Rumble is different. It folds flat when not in use. Simply slide out one side to make it three-dimensional again. And when you’re done – the rack can be stored away easily or used as a tray.
Nesting tables are a good idea for small spaces for the obvious reasons – they are usually compact, allow multiple functions and additional storage, useful in any guest-entertaining happenstance… These particular tables, in addition to the appeals listed above, are gorgeous. Designed by Wendy Legro and Maarten Collignon of Studio WM, the collection of nesting side tables, called Bombus, can lend an air of class to any room. Placed below each other they form a small cabinet. Designers gave each table a slightly different shape, corresponding harmoniously with the rest of the set. The tables are made from yellow poplar.
(via gessato)
These beautiful objects by Elisabeth Hertzfeld will surely let your creative flag fly. Remake is a modular lighting system that gives you the means to create your own luminous wall sculptures. Thanks to their flexible design these lights can be arranged into various configurations. Perfect for small or odd-shaped spaces, Remake can fit any wall or corner. Each module comes with a 10 watt xenon bulb housed in a light diffusing plastic casing. Plugged into a standard US outlet, the modules emit a soft glow tinted by the coloration of the casing. Kits comes with the specified modules, bulbs and connecting hardware. When you’re ready for a change, simply disassemble the modules and re-combine them to suit your needs. You can even grow your piece at any stage by adding more modules. Clever. Available for purchase here.
