L Shelf is a clever modular storage component, created by designer Aurélien Veyrat of Objet Optimisé. These L-shaped units (hence the name) can be easily connected together to form shelving systems of various size. Here is how designer describes this product: “L is to storage what stone is to building: the original element, the basis of creation and the expression of modularity. Whatever your needs, L is the comma that punctuates space without limitation.” Lovely. See more photos after the break.
This clever IKEA hack took less than $500 and 6 hours to accomplish. Lowly IKEA kitchen cabinets were transformed into a full platform bed with quite ample storage underneath. Wonderful use of resources.
This is just delightful. Created by a team of designers in Italy, PlayWood is a simple connector that allows you to create your own modular furniture from any kind of wood your want (or have on hand). The principle is simple: download the designs, purchase the PlayWood connectors, cut your wood into pieces (according to your chosen design), and build your very own piece. You can choose any kind of material with a variable thickness from 1,5 cm to 2,0 cm. A great way to DIY.
The Lux bedside table by British designer Jake Barker is a thing of beauty and dual function. The detachable light fixture can be used as a reading lamp, ambient lighting, or a low brightness nightlight. A simple touch of the metal plate in the lamp’s base changes the intensity. Perfect little table, especially if your bedroom is small.
Berlin based studio Ambivalenz created Fläpps leaning shelf, which to me is an example of simplicity and function combined. The shelf is easy to put together, it folds flat against the wall when not in use, and it can withstand quite a lot of things in its business mode. A design any shoebox dweller can definitely appreciate! Thanks to its clean lines, Fläpps can blend with any interior and benefit any room that need extra storage. The piece is made from birch plywood with metal hardware.
Check this out, ladies and gents: IKEA concept kitchen 2025. According to company’s head of design Marcus Engman, it’s going to be all about the table. For EXPO Milano 2015, IKEA previewed a concept table called the Table For Living, which tells you what you can make with various ingredients and heats your food, no stove required. Very futuristic gadgetry, and no more excuses for not cooking at home. I like that.
Dynks is a modular shelving system by Polish brand Tabanda. The beauty of this product is in its multifunctionality and ease of assembly. You can build an attractive bookcase, no matter how big or small, in minutes with these blocks. I also love that you can vary the shelf width, which is great for a large variety of books and media. Available for purchase here.
The Nesting Shelf by Nendo is one of those “why haven’t I thought of it” objects. Simple and adaptable, it can benefit any small space. The construction of the piece is based on an ultra-thin horizontal section (just 4.8 mm) that slides inside the outer shelving. When expanded to its fullest the shelf doubles in size. Neat.
Jerusalem based young designer Michal Blutrich created Pile, a stackable furniture kit for tiny apartments. It consists of a table, a lamp, and a series of cushions, all you need, really, to accommodate a group of unexpected guests. Designer explains: “Stacking means to reorder elements from horizontal to a vertical and compact composition – creating a sculptural object. This ordinary but effective technique led to the essence of the work: A transforming furniture, with the gesture of opening up to reveal a space to meet.” Check out the video to see the product in action.
Growing up in Soviet Russia, I remember an odd piece of furniture that most of us bought to accommodate an occasional overnight guest. It was an uncomfortable pull-up chair that could be transformed into an equally uncomfortable (and mercilessly narrow) bed. This is why I am so excited about this witty evolution of the old idea by Moscow based designer Elena Sidorova. She aims at the same function, but approaches it with infinitely more pizazz and ergonomic kindness. The Flop chair looks comfortable and spacious, and it can be easily turned into a functional tween bed. And as a bonus feature, all the guest bed paraphernalia (pillows, comforters, and sheets) can be stored right here, inside the chair.
