This cool multifunctional stool belongs to ideaco, an innovative design agency known for many organizing ideas. This particular piece provides extra seating where it is needed, and, thanks to a clever cubby in its base, some extra storage too. Rack & Stool can be placed near the sofa, in the office, serve as a bumrest in an entryway… There is truly no limit to how you use it. The piece comes in many different colors too. Sweet.
This small apartment in Barcelona, redesigned by its owners Monica Potvin and Markel Otaola, uses an interesting approach to space-saving. Instead of creating a separate bathroom, laundry room and kitchen, they built a cube in the center of their home to house all of the utilitarian stuff. Even the floor space under the hallways around the cube is used for extra storage; this was inspired by the tuck-away elements on sailboats (Markel is a sailor). Watch the beautiful home tour, shot by Fair Companies, to get Monica’s take on living small and a lot of great space-saving ideas.
Who can resist a clever flatpack item? Not me. Especially if it is as beautiful as this one. The Wired shelf by Siyuan Zhang uses a metal elastic connection as the main source for keeping the wooden assembly together. The string provides tention between the parts, keeping them tightly together. It also allows to use fewer components and avoid gluing things together – both great achievements. So there you have it – an aesthetically pleasing, smart piece that can enhance any room. Watch the video to see what a breeze the assembly is…
(via designboom)
– Every time I watch this, I get chills. Planets viewed from Earth as if they were at the distance of the moon.
– Amazing vintage photographs of London Olympics.
– Probably the coolest calendar ever.
– Bookworm’s special – a book labyrinth. A libririnth…
– Fascinating – 3D Versailles.
– iPad prototypes we never knew about.
– This might be the funniest weather forecast in history.
– The physics of cats always landing on their feet.
– Glowing ears as part of a show? Why not, it’s Disney.
– Interesting article about the architecture of human memory.
Have a nice weekend, guys!
This foldable side table, called Hook, has been created by German-based designer Eric Degenhardt for the brand Richard Lampert. A lot of good thinking went into this design. The piece is lightweight, compact, foldable and can be suspended on the wall via the hook (hence the name). The piece is quite a looker too, in both folded and unfolded states… “Hook is a small, round side table offering a multitude of uses: you can put your feet up on it or use it to rest your book or glass, depending on your needs at the moment,” – says the designer.
This clothes hooks reminded me of the Piano Hanger in miniature. Same pull-down principle, same great concept of a piece that folds completely flat when not in use. Made from 18 mm cleated plywood, Percha coat hanger by Identidad Diseño can be an elegant and compact addition to a busy entry area. Many points for space-saving and visual delight…
This prefabricated Mini House by Swedish architect Jonas Wagell is built to be suitable for any landscape and any weather. Sized only 15 sqm (approximately 161 square feet), the unit is designed as a compact and affordable alternative to a cottage. It can be shipped to virtually any destination. A sturdy construction is created by prefabricating walls and roof in modules. Also, critical aesthetic details such as the trimless windows in walls and roof and electrical feeds in walls are prepared. Mini House is delivered flat-pack and constructed on-site within a few days. The concept includes a number of customized add-ons, such as a compact kitchen and bath module, a heater kit with chimney, a storage module and a solar power kit to provide electricity.
While folding furniture and small space go together like milk and cookies, folding furniture and elegance – is a rare combination. Usually when we think of a folding item, we see images of something rather cheap and unsightly. The works of German designer Nils Federking are a refreshing exception. His pieces are slick, beautiful and really thin in its folded state. Each item has a well-though-out mechanism, allowing to fold/unfold it in seconds. They are not one-track design either. Federking experiments with different forms and shapes and invents a specific folding principle for each one. I also appreciate the fact, that most items are free-stranding when folded, so you can display them. Clever.
I am incredibly delighted to be interviewed by Say Daily. As some of you may know, Shoebox Dwelling became a recent addition to the SAY 100 design channel curated by Tina Roth Eisenberg of swissmiss, which made me one happy blogger indeed. In this interview I talk about the dignity of small spaces, design trends relevant for urban living and even some memories of my Soviet past… Enjoy!
– An exciting vacation destination – Russian Space Hotel.
– People with Moleskine fetish, check this out – Moleskine All Black collection. A beaut!
– This dog-shaped cat scratching post is a hit (at least judging by the video).
– Incredible optical art by Regina Silveira.
– Drink the coffee, eat the cup, repeat… Lavazza’s new edible cup creation.
– A fan that blows cool air between the sheets while you sleep? Yes, please!
– Cool solar powered iPhone charger.
– What a cute wall decor idea – painted picture frames.
– A record player for the iPod generation.
– Here is something to refresh your palette – a stunning and icy glass house.
Have a fantastic weekend, ladies and gents!
