The cool, democratic and versatile Crates Storage System has been created by Atlanta based designer Jenny Drinkard and made in the USA. The flexibility of these smart boxes needs to be tried to be believed. They can store books, office supplies, kitchenware, bathroom paraphernalia, clothes, bedroom linnens, toys… you name it. And thanks to the agreeable looks, Crates can be incorporated into any room in your home. The units are stackable, so you can create various configurations, as big or small as you need. The system includes a number of useful add-ons. You can attach a cork bulletin board or a dry erase board to the side, put a cushion onto the top for extra seating, add a cord clip for wire management, a hook for hanging stuff… Quite brilliant! Available for purchase here.
Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Donald M. Rattner.
More than forty years ago, Swiss engineer Paul Schärer and architect Fritz Haller set out to create a flexible shelving and storage system based on modular architectural structures. Reflecting their respective professional backgrounds, they made it a goal to marry technical perfection and durability with design elegance. The result was the USM Haller furniture collection.
Being streamlined and contemporary in styling, USM furniture works as well in the private home as it does in office and other environments. And since it’s modular, you can configure the piece to slip comfortably into the available space rather than settle for something just because it ‘fits’.
The USM palette comprises just three elements: a metal panel, chrome steel tubes and a chrome-plated brass ball joint that connects them. These elements provide the supporting structure and the exterior envelope for the components and materials contained inside the modular units. It’s hard to imagine a more minimalist vocabulary yielding as broad an array of design possibilities.
This month MODULE R is holding a promotion on USM products. Click here for details.
The Un-tidy side table by Milan based designer Kostantia Manthou provides a clever and unexpected extra storage for various reading materials. Thanks to its accordeon-like leather pocket, the piece expands, creating a bookshelf between two surfaces. Perfect as a bedside table and a reading chair companion, Un-tidy is flexible and can store as much or as little as you like. The item comes in a variety of finishes and several colors of leather.
(via designboom)
Whenever Keiji Ashizawa comes up with a new item – I’m always excited. For those who don’t remember – I featured some of his works in my previous posts. I love the simplicity, beautiful craftsmanship and mobility of his designs. This piece, called Bon Drawer, is no exception. The object is comprised of five drawers that double as trays (the closest translation of the word Bon). These trays are removable and can be used to carry and display the items inside. The metal frame is equipped with two small wheels and a handle for easy movement. The Bon Drawer can be taken completely apart for storage. I can see it being an ideal companion for a desk. Wishlisted.
96° shelf system by Germany-based designer Karoline Fesser is a successful attempt to break the routine of conventional shelving. Each of the basic elements – base, box and cover – follows an angle of 96 degrees (hence the name). “Stackable into each other the elements mount up to a shelf by an alternate layering. Interlocking edges and cuts allow an easy and stable stacking without any additional fixtures,” – designer explains. The modules come in various colors, allowing to create personalized palette.
Since we’re on the subject of interesting room dividers, here is another one I couldn’t pass by. B-OK is a space-saving alternative to the usual bookshelf, created by Italian designer Marica Vizzuso. The piece unfolds into a screen and folds back into a tower, depending on your preference and space limitations. B-OK is also fun – instead of stacking books side-by-side, you pile books on top of one another into a variety of slots. ““Why do you place books in a conventional way when you can have both an amusing and aesthetically interesting alternative?” – aptly asks the designer.
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.
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…
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!
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)