Don’t we love when things are stripped of all the unnecessary details and reduced to their function?.. We also love when this design choice is reflected in the price. This minimal and inexpensive little desk (only $399) is a new addition to the Blu Dot collection. Comprised of only the essential parts, the Stash desk will fit in any space. The piece is available in graphite-on-ash or walnut / grey and sold at 2modern.
Designers at h220430 studio think that the aesthetic sense should be taught in childhood through exposure to great design. That is why they created the EVA chair. Colorful and fun, a true eye candy, the chair is made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (hence the name). The material is fully recyclable, and if your child tries to test bitable and chewable qualities of high design – s/he will be safe with this product. The EVA chair respects the adult sensitivities as well – it is easily assembled (and disassembled), and folds flat for compact storage when not in use.
This whimsical shelf by Dripta Design Studio made me smile. Designed to resemble a thought bubble, it could be a fun addition to a living and a kids room alike. It may not be able to hold many items, for it is more of a conversational piece than a heavy-duty storage unit; but with this shelf on a wall you will never be accused of living in a dull home. Still in the concept stage, the Dream shelf can be made from fiberglass or wood.
The Clouds coffee table set is a lovely versatile design from Mark Hark. When used as one piece the lines create a textured effect of real clouds. The set may also be separated into three individual pieces and used as a series of occasional tables around the room. Made from oak veneer on high-quality medium density fiberboard (MDF), the Clouds set comes in three colors – white, black and walnut. If they make it in frosted glass – my life will be complete…
Eco-conscious urban gardeners – rejoice! Here is a product in which recycling meets hydroponics in one compact package. Grow Bottles is a smart invention by Potting Shed Creations, that will allow you to grow fresh culinary herbs and enjoy the sustainable design at the same time. Made from reclaimed wine bottles, the package includes everything you need to start your gardening project. The idea is simple – each bottle is sliced horizontally; the top part, filled with seeds and clay pebbles, sits inside the bottom part, which in turn holds water. The water reaches the seeds through a ribbon, made from recycled plastic bottles. Grow Bottles are available in five varieties – oregano, chives, basil, parsley, and mint. Already beautifully packaged, they make a great gift too.
This elegant modular storage system was created by MDF Italia. Constructed from 6 mm thick MD-wood fibreboards, the Random system can be built in any way you see fit. You choose the height and the layout of your unit, and whether you want the cabinets to be open or closed, free-standing or wall mounted. Shelves fit into the backs through concealed slots, which makes creating your unique design a child’s play. The Random shelving system comes in black and white.
Most carpets are passive objects, they rarely possess any functions other than lying there and looking pretty. Not this one. Designed by the Alexander Munk Design Byreau, the unusual piece, called Sasan Magic Carpet, can perform many roles. It has four sections, which will allow you fold it in many different ways. While perfectly functional just as a carpet, it can double as sitting, lounging, and even as an extra sleeping place should you need one. Smart stuff!
Dutch designer Reinier de Jong, in case you need reminding, is the person who gave the world this brilliant thing. His new creation, a neat little desk called DEX, is another example of functional minimalism. Small enough to fit anywhere in your home, DEX is a refined take on an old classic. The frame has a minimal presence round the seat for optimal comfort, the drawers can be pulled out completely to accommodate heavy load of paper or a printer, the ultra slim top (only 12 mm wide) consists of alternating layers of high pressure laminate and aluminum for extra strength and durability. Ethereal in its appearance and structurally strong, the DEX desk can be a perfect home office piece.
Say you are a student, or a traveler, or you live in Manhattan and have a cupboard-sized kitchen… Whatever the situation might be, if you are forced to cook in a tiny space, consider CookEase by Liew Ann Lee – a compact integrated cooking system. It contains a heater and two color coated stainless steel bowls. The heater operates on magnetic induction and is made from silicone. The whole set folds into a case, that looks like a lunchbox. Portable, kind to your stomach and fun.
Eco designer Petz Scholtus recently celebrated the completion of her most personal project. She adapted her own apartment in Barcelona to a green lifestyle. The place, located in the historic Barri Gòtic area, is on the smallish side – only 58 square meters (624 square feet). It was in the desperate need of a major gut reno when Petz bought it in 2006. In order to make the apartment livable and green (and to save some green too), she implemented the five Rs of eco design: Reuse | Reduce | Recycle | Restore | Respect. The result is a hip and responsible eco pad, full of innovative solutions and fun details. Do watch the video of the apartment tour, revealing lots of great space-saving ideas. Also, check out Petz’s blog to see all stages of the process and many useful resources.
Photos by Stefano Buonamici
