There is a lot to love about the 10 Unit System by Japanese architect and designer Shigeru Ban – it is modular, eco-friendly, good-looking and can be easily assembled by one person. And most importantly – it is ideal for limited spaces, because it allows us to built and customize our furniture according to our immediate needs. The series of L-shaped units can be combined to make different kinds of seating, from individual chairs to multi-seat configurations. You can also build table bases for tops of varying sizes with this same system. All configurations are held in place by a simple method of connecting rods, which makes them a child’s play to assemble. The 10 Unit System is made from UPM ProFi, an innovative composite, comprised of recycled paper and plastic. So, it is easy on the environment too. The product is available at Module R.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzO1-tfwG2E
Viper is a series of LED lamps, created by Danish designer Philip Bro Ludvigsen for Danish lamp manufacturer Le Klint. The piece comes in three sizes – small, base-less version (that can be converted into a wall lamp), a medium table lamp, and a large floor model. Viper is made of leather or wool felt and fitted with flex wiring, which is why it can be bent into any shape imaginable. With these highly adaptable lightpieces you can direct your illumination in any way you please. The lamps were recently unveiled at the Copenhagen Design Week 2011.
Stoov is a cool futuristic concept for Electrolux designed by Methieu Baele. It is a cooking unit, which you can stick on to your cooking pots. Thanks to the electromagnet, it can be attached to any side of the dish. The cooking method Stoov provides is very simple – set the temperature on to the touch screen and the piece does the rest. The heating elements inside allow for an even heat distribution. The internal battery and small size make it possible to take your Stoov anywhere you want. The adapter is used to power up six of these devices at the same time. Brilliant! Watch the video below to see how it all works.
Abbracio is a beautiful upholstered bed designed by Fausto Boscariol for Italian manufacturer Europeo. The most telling feature of this piece is a bending headboard that embraces you (hence the name) while illuminating your reading. Two lights, incorporated into the corners of the bed, can be turned in any direction, giving you the choice of direct or ambient lighting. The bed comes in a variety of colors. Watch the videos to see Abbracio in action.
Among many delights of this year’s Maison et Objet Fair I would like to mention this unusual inflatable planter by ArtTerre. The piece is called Green Pillow and acts as a flexible houseplant container, equally suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Once inflated, it becomes a plant cushion. You can put it on the sofa or the floor, it is waterproof and can even float. So, you can freely scatter these planter pillows around any surfaces. The item can hold pots of up to 13cm in diameter.
This multifunctional table by Djordje Zivanovic was recently submitted to the StyleFactory for voting (if you want to know how the StyleFactory works – check out this post I made earlier his year). Called 50/50, the piece is comprised of two parts: the wooden one – for dining, and the plastic one – for work. The idea was to have an elegant dining table and durable work station in one designer object. There is also a storage section in the middle (points for space-saving). And if you need to accommodate a larger crowd – 50/50 can be extended with one easy motion. Vote, if you want to see this piece produced. I have.
This beauty of a desk by Leonhard Pfeifer was shown at the latest Maison et Objet Fair in Paris. The aspiration for the piece was “to look striking from any angle so it could sit in the middle of a room, instead of pushed up against a wall.” And indeed it does. The Ravenscroft desk features a cross-legged design, wide desktop, hidden cable access slots, filing compartments, and a raised rear surface, perfect for monitors, lighting and various odd objects. The piece has a pronounced mid-century modernist feel to it, which makes it work incredibly well floating in the room.
(HT 3 Rings)
This wall bookmark by Es Collection made me smile. Such a simple way to make any avid reader happy… The piece is called Book Smart and can be mounted on a wall near your favorite reading spot — bed, chair, couch, wherever. The ribbon detail is a lovely humorous touch. You can group these colorful bookmarks together for a whole library. Who reads one book at a time anyway? Available at Sleek Identity.
K1, an innovative mini kitchen by Kitchoo, is the winner of this year’s Reddot design award. And there is a reason why. This hyper-equipped piece includes refrigerator, sink, two burners, dishwasher, garbage disposal and storage – all in one sleek sideboard. When all the components are tucked away – you will never guess that there is a full-functioning kitchen inside this tiny piece of furniture. Stylish, minimal and very clever. A godsend for studio apartments!
This conceptual daybed, called Holey Poley, is a thing of versatility. Its creator, Clinton Steward, is still a design student and developed this impressive concept as a part of a school project. The structure of the piece is based on the dynamic between poles and holes. The perforated upholstery pieces can be combined into various configurations and secured in place by the oak poles. Thus, you can easily create a traditional sofa, two chairs, a loveseat and more. Lovely idea!
