Book & Hero bookend and Supershelf by studio Artori are clever inventions that hold your reading in place and create a cool effect of books suspended in the air. Double win. The optical illusion is achieved by a metal frame that holds the books, and a magnet that holds a figure. Available for purchase here.
Bruno is probably the smartest trash can in existence. Sleek and minimalist, it is filled with amazing tech: it has built-in charging and filter, hands free sensor, it even alerts you when it is time to take out the garbage or buy garbage bags. But the beast feature of all is the integrated vacuum, allowing you to sweep the floor and automatically deposit debris directly into the trash bag. Neat! See the piece in action after the break. Available for purchase here.
Every time spring arrives, so does my obsession with barbecued food, and with it, my quest for finding a perfect compact indoor/outdoor grill. These two serious contenders, Caliu and Terra, were created by the German design duo Bahí & Güell. Aesthetically appealing as they are compact, both pieces can be used in the tiniest of spaces. Assembled and disassembled in minutes, they can be stored neatly till the next grilling season. The Caliu model, which is a slightly bigger one, comes with several very clever attachments. Watch the video after the break to see them in action.
Remember Urbio? They came up with a new, even more user-friendly line, called Perch. The principle is the same as the previous system, only now the panels can be attached to the wall via damage-free Command Strips. Perfect for renters and power drill challenged. The storage containers vary in size, allowing you to build many configurations. Watch the video after the break to see the installation.
I know that kitchen gadgets are an obsession of mine, but only because of awesome inventions like this one. How can I possibly stay indifferent. Spredo, a cool little tool, designed by Avichai Tadmor, turns an ordinary corn eating moment into a delightful experience. The piece is comprised of two sections, one for butter, the other for salt. Spredo’s curved edge fits the shape of a cob beautifully. And, above all, it is made to look like a yellow submarine. Nice touch. Available for purchase here.
Renters, this is your lucky day. Remember the pain of never having a pendant lamp above the correct area and inability to fiddle with the electrics? This product puts an end to that pain. The Little Bishop ceiling hook, designed by Melbourne based studio Hunter & Richards allows you to hand any cord based pendant in any spot in your home instantly and without special tools. Genius. The product is currently Kickstarting.
This witty and fun shelving set has been designed by Italian studio Officina41. Inspired by the Do Not Disturb sign, these little shelves offer just a perfect space and function ratio for an entryway area. The set includes a hanger with valet tray, hanger with mirror and a hanger with a letter and key holder. You can combine them or use them individually, depending on your space limitations. The shelves are made from powder brushed metal and come in five colors: white, canary yellow, ferrari red, aqua green and ocean blue.
Golden Biscotti is my new Etsy love. Product designer Nicole Lehner, the creative force behind the brand, has taken simple everyday objects to new aesthetic heights. I especially like the desk organizer, pictured above. All objects are handmade in Switzerland, from natural materials without using any toxic dyes. Wishlisted and giftlisted.
Shoebox kitchens require hardworking tools and aesthetic vision to be livable, and this item from Makoto Koizumi has both. This porcelain stacking set of tools includes a mortar with pestle, a ginger/garlic/zest grater, a citrus juicer, and a storage canister (that also acts as a ladle holder). It could also be used as an elegant prep tool at a dinner table. All pieces are microwave and dishwasher safe. Available for purchase here.
I am a kitchen gadgeteer, and this item by studio Caveman Factory, made me reach for my wallet like nothing else. Anton Strainer Bowl is a very cool idea. It sits on your counter without mixing with dirty dishes and sink bacteria. The specific shape of the piece allows you to submerge your veg in water (a trick to removing pesticides) without using another dish. The strainer is quite a looker, so you can even serve your food in it. A great hardworking item for a small kitchen. Sold here.
