Othello is a modular bathroom cabinet, designed by famous Japanese studio Nendo for Italian brand Boffi. Minimalist and functional, the piece is a perfect remedy for bathroom clutter. The unit is fully customizable and can be arranged into many configurations. The modules come as open or closed cabinets with plain or mirrored doors. These doors, in fact, are the most notable feature of Othello – they rotate 180°, closing and opening the next unit. The hardware is integrated in the cabinet and completely out of sight. The matte white, varnished metal handle can be fixed to the door magnetically, if you so choose. Every detail of this piece is carefully thought out and simplified to perfection, which made for a timeless understated design.
(via 3rings)
Read vs. unread bookshelf idea is not new, but Australian designer Robert Stadler executed it so beautifully, it made me look. The Origami-like object is made of aluminum composite and folded into a clever W-shaped structure, allowing us to divide the books into two stacks.
Here is how the designer describes it: “‘Transitory bookshelf’ points out a well known dilemma – books are piling up at home because we lack time to read them. This object combines two inclined platforms which help us to handle the situation : the ‘read!’ section reminds us that we should take time to read; the ‘read.’ section’s purpose is to digest books we have recently read before they disappear into the jungle of our main bookshelf.”
The Transitory Bookshelf is shown at the Milan Design Week till April 22nd.
iLean Shelf is an incredible invention of designers Michael Suman and Lynn Smith. It is portable, sturdy (can support up to 100lbs), easy to assemble and unbelievably versatile. It is ideal for home offices, dorms, apartments, bedrooms, bathrooms, decks, it can even be used on a camping trip. And when not in use – iLean folds completely flat. It’s quite a looker too… The shelf is made of maple wood, laminated MDF, and steel support wires. Check out the videos to see how many different things this smart little item can do. Available at the MoMA store.
This clever piece by much acclaimed Japanese designer Naoki Hirakoso has been recently revealed at the Tokyo Designers Week. The Yata Stool, a seemingly simple three-legged item, can do so much more than providing a place to sit. Thanks to the special grooves on the bottom of each leg, Yata can be stacked to create sturdy and elegant storage. It can also be arranged into a bench or a coffee table. And thanks to its star-like shape the stool fits into any corner beautifully. You can also stack these stools by crisscrossing and store them away without using too much space.
Kyoto-based studio Miso created this beautiful modular storage piece called XShelf. This system is stackable, flatpacked, and aesthetically pleasing. But best of all – it requires zero tools to assemble. Just interlock the wooden pieces via slots, slide the cubic shapes into groves, and you’re done. Simple, sensible and remarkably customizable… A very good idea for a tiny space.
No. 5 is a modest title of the storage system, created by Swedish designer Jesper Ståhl for Voice. Now, I’ve seen a lot of storage, but I can hardly remember anything quite as customizable. Slim dimensions, modularity and harmonious proportions make No. 5 equally suitable for any room of your home (or office for that matter). You can build free standing units, wall mounted shelves, bookcases, credenzas, side tables, night stands, file cabinets, media storage, the list goes on and on. Most modules are perfectly calculated for storing different sizes paper. Various finishes and background accent colors are available.
There is a lot to love about this modular storage system. Mix Boxes by The Utility Collective are modular, eco-friendly and easy to put together. The set includes six boxes of various shapes and sizes that allow you to create many configurations based on your space requirements and storage needs. And what an attractive way to break visual boredom… The pieces are made in the USA without the use of formaldehyde or other harmful substances. The sides of each box interlock, creating a strong adhesive-free bond. And if you want to take your set apart and use segments of it as separate items of furniture, it can be done in minutes.
Some of you might remember the Stacked Shelving, designed by wonderful Julien De Smedt of JDS Architects for Muuto. If you like it as much as I do, you will be happy to know that the Stacked family has expanded with a new wall-mounted Mini Stacked series. Just as beautiful, modular and organic, the pieces can be arranged on your wall in many different combinations (with the same cool clips, holding them together). Here is what designer has to say about the project: “How to be specific and generic altogether? Shelving systems have a tendency to achieve one concern but never both. We decided to dimension shelving units based on the generic measurements of things to store and display while allowing for them to be combined according to specific needs and desires… the result can be at times a random stack of boxes or a coordinated grid of efficient storage… or both!” Mini Stacked is envisioned for things you want to store and display at the same time, a “modest shelving to show your great things…”
This fun and unusual bookcase was created by Italian born and South Africa based architect Aram Lello of Lello Design. The piece, called Tag, is a modular system that allows many exciting configurations. And because it looks equally good from all angles, you can use it as a room divider as well. The modules can be taken apart and used as stools or side tables. Lovely! Tag comes in a variety of bold colors, but if you are intimidated by goudy vividness, more tamed wooden finishes are available.
This graceful modular storage series was designed by Marco Guazzini and Tsukasa Goto of Noto studio for Italian brand Officinanove. The system is comprised of three components in different sizes: tall, medium and short. They can be put in various configurations depending on function and space requirements. I particularly like the shape of these modules. What a beautiful way to break the rectangular pattern of traditional storage… Designers elaborate: “The idea behind the shape is inspired by a ballet school, where many girls are training by running various positions, which will give life to ballet. Similarly the elements of Mademoiselles change position, creating a dance with multiple functions.” The frame is tubular steel with welded steel metal sheet. Additional components can be added to the first three, depending on needs, to tailor the space to its intended purpose.
