If you love typography and flat-pack furniture – you will appreciate these pieces. Originally designed as an advertising campaign for Penguin Books, this line was created to promote reading. The concept is pretty simple – every book is made up of words; and all words are composed of 26 letters of the alphabet, arranged and rearranged in infinite combinations. Building on this fact, DDB Singapore advertising agency created a new Penguin font with one unique difference. Each letter, cut out from plywood and coated with black laminate, could be slotted into another to form furniture. Thus, the letters C, H, A, I, and R make up a chair; the letters T, A, B, L, and E – a table… You get the picture. The campaign was held in eight busy urban locations, encouraging passers by to stop, sit down and read something. The Alphabet collection is now on sale to general public and can be purchased here.
Here is an example of extreme space-saving from Valencia based designer Daniel Gantes. His La Cool Vie Bohème dining table is reduced to its raw function. The piece is nothing more than a foldable pine wood stand that holds all your necessary dining paraphernalia – plates, wine bottle, glasses, napkins, even a flowerpot. Envisioned as a mobile dining solution for someone who lives on a shoestring budget, the table will be just as useful to those who live in a shoebox space…
Even in the absence of space and green thumb, there is still hope for growing an urban herb garden. This planter, created by two Dutch designers Nathan Wierink and Tineke Beunders is completely fool-proof. It can be attached right to the window via suction cups. The pots are transparent to allow maximum sunlight. What a clever idea!
This minimalistic kitchen workstation is a student project by Sébastien Cluzel of the École Supérieure d’Art et Design de Saint Étienne. The piece, called Culinary Landscape, is comprised of four essential parts – preparation area, water station, cutting board, and stove. Everything you can realistically need for cooking is incorporated in this design – cutlery, cookware and even herbs. The designer used interesting and innovative materials; thus, the sink is made from Ductal (a fiber reinforced form of concrete), and the stove is constructed out of soapstone. Other materials include wood, laminated plywood and cons (oak and pine), stainless steel. All are sustainable and functional choices.
Tumbleweed Tiny House Company was established by Jay Shafer, who practices the art of living small like no other human being. Jay plans and builds tiny houses (some of which are smaller than 90 square feet!). You can buy it ready made or build it from plans yourself. All Jay’s creations are van-compatible and can be transported to the new address at a moment’s notice. Truly efficient, eco-conscious, nomad living. Check out the videos below for space-saving and lifestyle-changing ideas.
Dishwasher is a notorious space eater in the kitchen. That is why designers come up with more and more ideas on how to combine it with other things. Here is another interesting concept – a dishwasher hiding under the drainboard of the sink. How intuitive and simple. It is on the small side, so there are some minor sacrifices, but, according to the manufacturer, the appliance can easily accommodate up to five place settings, including dinner plates up to 11 inches. So, just like in science fiction, you can dump your dirty dishes in the sink and press the button.
This neat little side table by Alessandro Di Prisco contains storage, which is a good news for those of us who struggle with paper clutter in the living room. The piece, called Cubico, has horizontal and vertical slots for your periodicals, books, papers and small items. As you load it, the piece instantly creates the feel of more organized environment. It is amazing what simple geometric forms can do…
Squambo – is a modular, multifunctional bookcase from Nintek Design. Based on two differently sized shelving components, the piece can be put together in many different ways. You can build it vertically, horizontally, asymmetrically – the combinations are endless. Apart from book storage, the system will allow you to create wall shelving, media storage, additional seating, even a room divider. And since only two standard panels are used, assembly can be kept simple and the production cost – manageable. Smart stuff!
I heart Resource Furniture. How can I not – they think, breathe and dream small spaces. In this video the company’s president Ron Barth shows some of their new models. His New York accent does not surprise me at all! If you are in the area – check out the flagship store.
When it comes to bathroom storage we, small space inhabitants, are not spoiled with the abundance of choice. Which is why this collection from Royo Group is so exciting. The Keops Evolution series feature functional drawers and shelves around the bathtub itself. This elegant solution allows for much needed product/towel storage while taking virtually no extra space. It also provides for easy access to your beauty spoils. Thoughtful… The bathtub finishes are available in white acrylic and walnut and the furniture part can be chosen to be white or black.
