Book storage and sitting space are the things we always need more of in any home, especially a shoeboxy one. Here is a design idea that gives us both. Trick by Sakura Adachi, designed for Campeggi, is a book case that turns into a table with two chairs. It is compact enough to easily assume the either function. Or the two functions can be combined to create a reading station – a true luxury in any space, big or small.
Anyone who has ever entertained in a small space knows that it is a sophisticated dance between perception and reality. We want to give the perception of not having limitations while cutting corners, especially when it comes to furniture. Ideally we wish our furniture to be credible in its entertaining functions and still keep its day job. This piece from Designers at Large studio does it all. FlatFish 2 is a coffee table by day and a full sized dining table by night. Its sub-structure is formed from waterjet cut light gauge aluminum and its legs are waterjet cut and formed from 3/16” plate steel; hence FlatFish 2 is light, stable and easy to operate in the event of a sudden relative invasion. Something else is interesting about the waterjet cutting technology – it optimizes the use of material and minimizes waste. Any scrap from the cutting process is used to create additional products. So, when the model hits the market (it is in design development now), you can dine and rest your feet on it knowing that you saved more than just space.
How many times have you lost things in your chairs and sofas? Phones, jewelry, books… you name it! This clever idea from Daisuke Motogi embraces our old habit (along with all those items we wish to loose and then find in our furniture). The model is called Lost In Sofa and is equipped with numerous built-in pockets for your things. Lost In Sofa allows you to store remotes, reading glasses, books and papers, even drinks! The only drawback of this concept is that when situated in a cushy seat and surrounded by all your spoils – you may never want to lift your bum…
Modern Cellar company is known for its massive projects like custom built wine cellars and specialized wine furniture. The object in question – Insta wine rack – is a byproduct of the main line of merchandise. The ‘off-cuts’ that would otherwise end up in the dumpster are salvaged, redesigned, hand polished and given a new purpose. And there you have it – a modern wine rack and a glass holder in one, elegant and functional. Made out of waste and wastes nothing.
What can be more ruinous for your budget and space than children’s furniture? If only it could grow as fast as the owner does, all would be well… Moan no more. The new Stack Me Up chair from designer Ho-Chieh Hsu does just that – it grows. As your child is getting bigger, the chair can be elevated via application of books under the seat. The beauty of the concept is in its versatility – the chair can sit a child, but does not look like children’s furniture. Thus Stack Me Up can survive in an adult home, becoming a conversation piece, a customizable sitting solution, and a nice book display.
Source: Yanko Design
This neat idea from Cerekapery innovation lab combines a table and a chair in one stylish item. With an easy movement you can make it either one. The sweetch18 switches (alliteration intended) to give you additional sitting or table space. And because both versions of the piece are equally cool and functional, there are no sacrifices. Just convenience and visual joy. No wonder this table/chair has won a designer award in Paris already.
Living in small spaces takes discipline. Discipline means fewer things. Fewer things need to be smarter things. Designers Leonardo Fortino and Andrea Bartolucci, founders of the Spigoli Vivi project, created something that fits the bill. Helios is a chair by day – simple, functional and understated. But by night it becomes a table with a built-in light. A hidden power-cord slot allows switching the light on and off. Thus, Helios can be employed as a night stand for a visiting guest, a side table, a night light with storage… And this is what minimalism is all about – limited form, limitless function.
We’ve all done this. With more or less damage to our spines and surroundings. Finally there is an idea that celebrates human urge to climb shelves and bookcases.
Designer Danny Kuo created this modern take on an old library classic. Lower boxes slide out and serve as steps, allowing you to reach upper shelves and cabinets.
With all elements combined in one unit, there is no need for a ladder. This helps to save even more space.
IKEA! How can we avoid thee… Its ubiquitous nature is beyond any comparison. Nearly any person owns an IKEA item. But in spite of the obvious appeals of the brand (cheap, folds flat), it does not add any uniqueness to our home. The Mykea company aims to change that and offers ways to personalize our IKEA.
A design print will arrive in a transport-tube along with an application guide to become your another weekend project. Just like the furniture itself…
