This valet designed by Linda Altmann for German brand STADTNOMADEN, is not only minimal and slick – it can be a truly multifunctional item around the house. The piece, appropriately called Kammerdiener, comes apart to create two leaning valets that can be used anywhere you need mobile storage. It can also serve as a single unit with the optional tray for smaller things. Made from solid ash, Kammerdiener does not need any tools for assembly – the parts simply interlock. Lightweight and easily movable, the piece can be taken in any room and put to work. Lovely idea!
Fully adjustable lighting system that adopts seamlessly to our preferences and takes zero floor space? Yes, please. French design duo Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec created Aim lamp, a new project for Italian brand Flos. The piece is suspended from the ceiling and, thanks to the clever use of cables, can be adjusted in any direction. Designers explain: ‘We came up with a proposal of a new typology of lamp that naturally positions itself in the space – like a plant would do – thanks to the long cables which facilitate the orientation and the height of the light freely.’ The lamp is a looker too. I smell another big hit from the Bouroullec family.
Primi tray table by Phase Design made me look. The piece is not only a clever example of dual function, but also a very elegant one. The table is comprised of two parts – solid steel bar base and removable tray, which comes with an inset color plate or bronze mirror top. Base available in flat and gloss black or white powder-coat finish. Color plate available in various powder coat colors. Beautiful addition to a room of any size.
This modular and visually stunning mini garden by MUTdesign, called Roots, is inspired by traditional trellises. The system is based on spiky interlocking wooden structures that are reversible and can create different configurations. With Roots you can build a kitchen garden, vertical garden of any size, even a green room divider. Various sizes of ceramic flowerpots are available to accomodate different plants. The Roots garden is a concept design I cannot wait to see produced.
Here is another example of a smart expandable table. This unusual item, called TAble, by Elda Bellone Studio hides two tables in the shape of a single one. This design is great if your space only calls for a small dining piece, but you would like to be able to sit more people in a party situation. Whenever an entertaining occasion comes – voila, the table comes apart doubling its capacity. Beautiful idea.
(HT Six Different Ways)
New York based architect Jen Turner created this small but oh so mighty item, aptly called The NewYorker. The piece is a witty workplace/bar combination, that embraces our gotham city sensitivities (and stereotypes) fully. This seemingly minimal box has one side that opens to reveal a desk complete with compartments for work-related storage. Spin the piece around and the other side reveals a bar equipped with a shelf for bottles, a drawer for accoutrements and a pull-out bar surface. Just about everything a true NYer needs to get through 24 hours…
Real Good Chair is a cool and colorful design by Blu Dot. And as you probably guessed from the perforated lines, it is also a flatpack item. Affordable and efficient, the chair comes to you in a little box with a simple assembly instruction. You can just as easily disassemble the piece, if it needs moving or storing. The Real Good Chair is made from powder-coated steel and available in ivory, aqua, and two glossy tone-on tone colors: satin black or glossy red. Nice work! You might also enjoy their silly assembly video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vflKxF3ROcI
This multifunctional table by Marco Olgiati, called π, is an example of an exciting dining/workspace hybrid. The tabletop is comprised of three parts with the textile storage compartment in the middle. Thus, after finishing work, you can slide your work-related items into the storage area, close the sides and enjoy your meal. The size of an item allows to create working areas for two people, which earns this design even more space-saving points.
Boxinbox is a storage cabinet by Keiji Ashizawa. The beauty of this design is in the shape of the boxes that fit into each other (hence the name). The metal frame is also easy to disassemble for compact storage. The whole construction, even though it looks rather etherial and fragile, is actually sturdy enough for the boxes to slide, letting you a fast glance over the contents. And when you are done storing stuff (if only!), you can store the piece itself after turning it flat. Thus, Boxinbox creates extra space while taking almost none for itself. I really like that!
I am incredibly honored to be featured in Die Zeit, one of Germany’s most popular publications. Having been a design journalist for years, I have never found myself on this side of the table before. It is a great joy to be recognized by peers. A big thank you to the writer, Philipp Wurm, and all involved.
Here is the link to the article: Die wunderbare Welt der Natalia.
