Wonder what it’s like to live in a tiny house? You can rent one and find out! Getaway co-founders Jon Staff and Pete Davis with the help of some Harvard Design School students, built vacation tiny houses that are available for rent. Here is how they describe their project: “We start by custom-building Instagram-able tiny houses that are big enough to live in, but small enough to live simply in. The houses are designed by Harvard Graduate School of Design students to provide the comforts of home — including a comfy queen bed, a stove, a toilet and shower, and classic books and board games — all while being completely off-grid.” The Gateway houses are currently available in the Boston area, although expanding to other locations is in plans. You can book the Getaway House here.
One of my favorite design blogs, Minimalissimo, is putting together a print edition of its strongest articles. Visually stunning, just like the blog it derived from, Minimalissimo magazine will feature minimalism in architecture, art, fashion, graphic & package design, and industrial design. You will also be able to read interviews with renown artists and learn about their unique perspective on the art of less. The first limited edition of the magazine is now Kickstarting.
– Made me laugh (and recognize myself). What will happen if I don’t take my phone out.
– Addicted to this game right now: Specimen.
– Sky Ladder. Amazing pyrotechnic artwork.
– This adorable sea slug is solar powered.
– Economies and corporations explained using cows. Funny.
– And something for the senses. 20 minutes of kite flying.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend, folks!
Some of you may remember CATable by LYCS Architecture. Now they have unveiled a new design, series of sculpturesque cubes with small spaces for cats to hide and play in. I love the sheer beauty of these pieces. They not only provide your cat with fun and exercise, but add aesthetic value to your home as well.
Architectural studio +R Piuerre has recently completed this project, a transformation of a dental office into a compact 60 square meter dwelling. Designed for a young professional, this apartment features many space-saving ideas and visual tricks to maximize the space. The first floor houses a lounging area, kitchen, and a bathroom in between, and the mezzanine level includes bedroom and home office. Although the overall color scheme of the place is white, there are blocks of refreshing color that brighten the mood. The narrow corridor, leading to the living area, is visually expanded by a long mirror strip across the wall. Clever. Check out more images after the break.
St. Louis based design studio Artifox has unveiled two space-saving items that compliment each other beautifully – desk and bike rack. Designers call their creations ‘artifacts’, emphasizing the uniqueness of their design: “We believe that as our world changes – so should the spaces we live in. That’s why we’re dedicated to the evolution of modern artifacts – adapting them for your life.” Both pieces are offered in the choice of walnut or maple wood. The desk comes in two heights, sitting and standing. It also features two-level cord control (compartment for your outlets and fasteners for keeping the remaining visible cordage neat), built-in docking for your devices, writable surface, adjustable legs, and a hook for your bag or headphones. The minimalist rack is made to look equally good with or without a bike. Both pieces are available for purchase here.
To continue the cloud theme, this cloud shaped nightlight gets two thumbs up from me. The piece is made from powder coated metal. You can hang it on a wall or set it on a dresser as a decorative accent. I particularly love the perforated front, which lets just the right amount of light into the room. Available for purchase here.
– A three-question quiz to test your rationality.
– A Renaissance painting reveals how breeding changed watermelons. Amazing.
– Here’s an easy way to brighten the back to school gloom – rainbow pencils.
– Hilarious names of English pubs.
– 14 beautiful Japanese words we all need.
– And the prize for the best sneeze goes to…
– Interesting. How walking in nature changes the brain.
– And a much needed moment of silliness. An animation about butts.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Designer Simon Woodroffe, creator of YO! Sushi and YOTEL, has recently unveiled an exciting new concept – YO! Home. A technologically advanced take on compact living, YO! Home introduces many unexpected space-saving ideas. “Homes are our refuge, our rock. – designer says. – Since the invention of the city centre apartment, we’ve never really re-invented it. YO! Home is that new invention.” The space-saving ideas and techniques for this new home were borrowed from yacht and automotive design, stage production, and other diverse fields. Check out the photos after the break to see all of them.
These cloud shaped cork boards by Design Ideas made me look. Small enough to fit any space, they can be perfect for a kids room, dorm, home office, or any other place where pinning things to the wall is appropriate. Made of naturally regenerative cork, these boards come in two sizes. Each has both double-sided foam tape and peel-and-stick magnets for hanging. Available for purchase here.
