Inspired by vintage kitchen step stools of the 1950s, this piece is a stunner. And a functional one as well. While sturdy enough to be used as a step stool in the kitchen or playroom, it also makes an attractive and practical side table for the living room or bedroom. Slotted panels in the stool’s two rungs can be slid up to display books, or pulled down to store tools and keep other objects discreetly out of sight. And even though the stool is made of wood, there is no eco guilt involved. The piece has been handcrafted from 300-year-old Nanciton trees that were felled during the destruction of Hurricane Felix in 2007. Designed by Aaron Poritz, sold here.
K desk by Rafa Kids is a beautiful and smart piece that can be used in two modes: open and closed. When closed, it is minimal and elegant. When open, it reveals an organizer, storage and a display/bulletin board. Perfect for efficient work and easy cleanup. K desk is aesthetically pleasing enough to grow with the child and find its place in a grownup home just as well. Made from Finnish birch wood and plywood and available in natural finish. Sold here.
Swedish studio Resize Design created this clever storage system. Frustrated by traditional storage that often leaves unsightly marks on walls, floors and ceilings (terrible for a rental apartment), designers came up with the solution. They attached floating storage modules to a pillar. The pillar achieves its supporting capacity by being extended between the floor and the ceiling. No screws, nails or power tools are needed. And each of these constructions can serve as a room divider. Lovely! Available for purchase here.
Choosing a sofa for a small apartment can be daunting. It has to be small enough to allow flow, yet big enough for much-needed relaxation. Well, clever folks at Fab might just pulled it off. The Flip sofa they recently launched is a compact and multifunctional item that can fit in most interiors. It has reversible cushions that allow you to alternate between minimalist and mid-century modern looks. But the biggest perk is the ottoman that flips to reveal a coffee table. What a great thought. Watch the video for a short demo. Available for purchase here.
Zoo is a clever multifunctional object created by Madrid based studio MAYICE. The piece can be used as a stool, coffee table, magazine rack, modular shelving system or a multicolored bench. Lightweight and easily stackable, each of these elements can keep a balance without the need of screws or additional substructures. The collection is made of pinewood coming from sustainable managed forests. Zoo comes in green, orange, white and red.
(via contemporist)
French designer Paul Bellila found a beautiful way of bringing piece and calmness of nature into the urban home. He created a furniture collection that features integrated planters. These little islands of greenery decorate everyday items like coffee table, console, bench and others, enhancing the landscape of a city dwelling. The pieces are made from solid oak, the planters are made from elegant stoneware. They come in two colors, black and white.
Copenhagen based designer Cecilie Manz came up with this attractive and functional design. Called Aitio shelves, these storage boxes can be hung on a wall or serve as free standing containers. Perfect for greenery, kitchen accessories, papers, desk paraphernalia, books and just about anything you can think of. There is an option to attach hooks to the edges of the shelves. Aitio are being produced by the Finnish brand Iittala, they come in various sizes.
Flow kitchen is a clever idea that belongs to the Oregon based design duo StudioGorm. Inspired by nature, the piece offers a balanced landscape of elements and functions. “Flow is a living kitchen where nature and technology are integrated in a symbiotic relationship, processes flow into one another in a natural cycle, efficiently utilizing energy, waste, water and other natural resources,” – designers say. This compact piece includes a gas cooktop, prep area with the sliding cutting board and a sink, evaporative cooling boxes, ample storage and even a herb garden. I like the fact that the kitchen is developed as a flexible system where resources are reused by several elements creating a dynamic relationship between the products. See more images after the break.
How neat is this? A shelving unit that doubles as a dining table. This unusual fir-and-iron piece swivels in place to rotate between these two functions. Good idea for storing your dishes and other dining paraphernalia and using them when a dinner party occurs. Available for purchase here.
Hong Kong-based designer Hao Ruan of LYCS Architecture has created CATable, an unusual desk featuring a series of tunnels for your cat. These openings and tunnels are handmade and follow the ergonomics of a cat. The intention was to allow pet owners to share their workspace with their feline friends. “It is a table for us, and a paradise for cats,” – says the designer. Who knows maybe your cat will be so touched by this thoughtful design that she even stops sitting on your keyboard.
