September 17, 2012

This rather beautiful piece of design is the ES 01 extension socket, created by Georges Moanack for Punkt. The idea was to make this ubiquitous household item attractive enough to be part of the room rather than a dusty ball of cordage, hidden under the table. “I wanted to make crawling under furniture to untangle cables a thing of the past, and the design challenge was to find an attractive and accessible solution to this problem,” – says Moanack. The piece features a sleek removable lead, 5 strategically positioned sockets, single power switch, C clip to keep those wires in order and an overload protection. It comes in  a range of versions to comply with the different power supply standards of different countries. Available in three Punkt. signature colors – white, black and red.

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Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Donald M. Rattner.

Did you know the word “tetrad” refers to a shape made up of four contiguous squares? And that the inventor of the computer game Tetris came up with the name by combining this word with that of his favorite sport, tennis? Don’t feel bad if you didn’t – we only learned this piece of trivia when we were introduced to the Tetrad Flat Shelving System by Bravespace.

Tetrad is a modular storage and display solution consisting of five independent shelving units, each in a different tetrad configuration. Thanks to their interlocking geometry the units can be arranged in a variety of ways, and multiple sets can be combined to form larger shelving pieces.

Like many reconfigurable design pieces, Tetrad works well in small spaces because it allows you arranging the modules to get the most out of your available wall or floor space. And its economical 9-inch shelf depth provides just the right amount of surface for display and storage without encroaching on valuable real estate.

Units are assembled with metal backs in multicolor or white and wood veneer sides in maple or white. Made to order in the USA.

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September 14, 2012

– This definitely goes to the iWant category – Everpurse: a bag that charges your iPhone all day. (via swissmiss)

– An astounding (although rather dark) animation – RED.

88 youtube tutorials. (via bltd)

– Another great Kickstarter project – wooden tablet tech toy.

– Loving this laptop and tablet stand – Desktop Chair.

– Stunning – bird’s-eye view of Dutch tupip farms.

Cool timelapse vid – Patrick Vale drawing the view of the Manhattan skyline from the Empire State Building.

– An amazing 450-foot elevated walkway, built around treetops.

– A newspaper that won’t color your fingers – paperless projected eco-gazette.

– Simply beautiful. Book of color – RGB Colorspace Atlas.

Have a lovely weekend, folks!

My fellow countrymen Moscow based design studio Dopludo Collective created Nenuphar – gorgeous modular shelving. The piece looks rather exiguous and airy, but don’t be fooled by this appearance. The unit is as stable as can be thanks to its clever weight distribution. Inspired by organic forms, the eight movable shelves can be rearranged to create various configurations. And thin metal support strips create negative space around your storage. The shelving surfaces are quite spacious for all kinds of things (perfect for greenery, if you ask me). And storing a lot while staying aesthetically pleasing – isn’t that what we all want from a storage piece…

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September 13, 2012

These  hanging planters by Art Terre, called Accessory #0, can be suspended from a metal rode and allow enjoy home greenery without cluttering precious counter space. Versatile and adaptable, they can be put in various configurations and used anywhere around the house. If you have a bar for hanging things from – you can attach these planters to it. Made from 100% Pévétex, a recycled and recyclable material harvested from automobile industry, Accessory #0 is durable enough to be used both indoors and outdoors. The adjustable straps allow customizing the planter exactly to the place it occupies. Beautiful.

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September 12, 2012

If you are a foodie, but live in a tight urban apartment with no proper kitchen – there might still be hope. Meet Critter – a free-standing worktop kitchen unit by Milanese designer Elia Mangia. Based on the idea of a primus stove kitchen, the piece is configurable and easily movable around the house. Designer elaborates: “The main structure is made by two beams of solid wood on which are assembled the legs and a series of freely interchangable modular accessories. The whole kitchen is completely demountable in a few fast and easy steps and is kept together by only 8 screws.” Initially envisioned to be moved between indoor and outdoor spaces, the system works especially well in the house. And with dimensions 240 cm x 65 cm x h 91 cm – it can fit even in a small studio apartment.

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Intersection is a small and innovative occasional table by Thomas Merlin. It can play multiple roles around the house and fold completely flat when not in use.

Here what designer says about the project: “The concept comes from the idea of connection between two elements which make up a table: the tabletop on one hand, and the other hand. The particular drawing of the table allows to fix these 2 elements by using a crossbar, which also serves as a carrying handle.”

Two identical metal sheets, three oak crossbars and four legs – that’s all it is to the construction of the table. Minimal elements, beautifully put together…

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September 10, 2012

I am really impressed with this Foldable Desk from Lensvelt. The piece is a collaborative effort of two big industrial designers – Paolo Rizzatto and Franciso Gomez Paz. Created to accomodate nomad approach to the modern office, this item actually falls perfectly into the shopping list of a shoebox dweller. A sleek, minimal and easily adaptable piece, it can be used as a desk or a dining table (or both), and folded flat when an extra space is needed. And another great thing about office furniture, released into civilian life, – it usually lasts very well, for it is designed with the greater margin for abuse.

(via stilsucht

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A big thank you goes to Module R for sponsoring Shoebox Dwelling! Module R is a fine Brooklyn-based shop, featuring cool customizable art and design. I’ve been a fan of their selection for a long, long time. In our city they are a “go to” place for modular storage, interactive toys (for kinds of all ages), stylish designy accessories, awesome screens and dividers and much more. Check them out!

(Interested in sponsoring SD? Contact me.)
September 9, 2012

Here is a Kickstarter project I really heart. Clip Tree by Minnesota based designer Matthew Plumstead of McCarty Quinn studio is a great customizable entryway item and not only. The piece is a configurable valet that can be used in any room of the house, and even in the office. “From cell phones to soap, from spring scarves to towels, from messenger bags to a child’s raincoat, Clip Tree provides a way to elegantly frame our possessions,” – says designer in his Kickstarter intro. The product comes to you with six multifunctional clips – hook, bowl, tray, peg, hoop and mirror. In order to attach these clips to a wooden dowel all you need is a screwdriver. Both wall mounted and free-standing versions are available. Pledge at Matthew’s Kickstarter page to get yours!

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