This cool dishrack from Black + Blum is perfect for small kitchens, for it can be folded flat when not in use. Inspired by architectural forms, High & Dry dishrack is both beautiful and functional. It holds an amazing for its size amount of dishes. All thanks to a clever design, allowing to store plates and glassware using the same set of spikes. The draining tray has a folding spout, so you can choose whether excess water drains or not. Smart stuff!.. Available here in Europe and here in the US.
This minimalist Slope desk by Jenk is designed to eliminate clutter and distractions that come from working from home. Its angled top is ergonomically correct and allows you to finish your work faster. It also prevents things from piling up, forcing you to tidy them up right away. The built-in storage compartments allow you to put away your work when done, creating a physical (and psychological) barrier between work and play. The Slope desk comes with two wedges – one to level your drink, another to prevent your pens from rolling away. No frivolous add-ons, only the ones we cannot be without. Very disciplining!
This 22 m2 Barcelona apartment used to be a service room, where the water tanks were stored. But that was before Christian Schallert, its present owner, and architect Barbara Appolloni took on the project. Now it is a fully functional pad, smart, versatile and very stylish. Complete with the little terrace – the space can be transformed into several rooms – bedroom, kitchen, dining room, office. All thanks to clever storing solutions, hidden in walls. Christian calls it ‘an active apartment’ and claims that these daily space-transforming ‘exercises’ keep him in shape. Another hidden bonus of living small…
When it comes to making our space appear bigger, the less storage we see – the better. This cool little item, called Selfshelf, allows you to create stacks of books seemingly floating in the air. That is because the bottom ‘book’ is a shelf in disguise. The title of it reads ‘Ceci n’est pas un livre’ (which is a fancy way of saying ‘this is not a book’). A subtle gag, only noticeable under closer inspection, adds charm to this lovely design idea. The shelf is available at Dutchbydesign.com.
Here is another noteworthy Kickstarter project. Gypsy Modular is a customizable furniture line that folds flat and requires no screws or tools for its assembly. The product was inspired by lego, it allows you to create any item by isung the same set of building blocks. The only limit is your imagination (and space, of course). While initially envisioned as a solution for students, the furniture may fit into an adult interior as well. The kits come in a variety of colors you can mix and match. Clever stuff!
Designer Christy Oates created this amazing line of fold-out interior pieces, that are attached to the wall. In its folded state each item resembles contemporary art – a perfect disguise. In two simple motions it becomes furniture. Imaginative and very useful for those who live in tiny spaces…
The truth about books is that they are rarely stay neatly displayed on the shelf. Rather they pile up right around the reading spot. So, if you read on your sofa – why not store your books there as well? This is the idea behind the Calypso Chair from Brandon Allen. The piece is generously equipped with storage spaces and transforming parts. You can slide your books and magazines under the seat, you can pull out the shelves for your cuppa, you can flip the shelves and use them for your laptop or writing pad, you can rotate the sitting parts, or you can remove the sitting altogether and transform the sofa into a coffe table. With all these options the Calypso Chair might be the only piece of furniture your living room will ever need.
This storage system from Swedish company Zweed has it all. It is elegant, modular, functional and comes in a variety of colors. The line, called Citti, allows you to create your own shelving unit, as tall and wide as you like (or as your space allows). You can also design your item with or without doors and drawers for the compartments. Beautiful, clever piece. I want one for every room.
Source: TheDesignerPad
Collecting things is a basic human condition. Displaying them is a basic human vanity. This piece from German designer Stephan Schulz gives you both – storage and display. Oh, and a little bit of sitting as well, since it is technically a chair. The Comfy Cargo Chair was not envisioned as a finished product. It is rather a framework, a predetermined space awaiting creative collaboration from the owner. The piece gives you plenty of space for your things – books, pillows, teddybears, collectibles… Whatever you put in the empty slots will change the chair’s design and make it truly personal.
Lamps and books are interconnected in our mind, no wonder it became a trend to bind them together physically. The Book Lamp from Groupa Studio is a great example of this dual function in action. The wire frame suggests the classic lamp form with a lampshade and a base, where the ‘base’ serves as a bookmark. Fun, simple, clever item that can enhance virtually any room.
Source: Contemporist
