This small 36 sqm (a little less than 400 sqf) Stockholm studio has been designed by Karin Matz for a client who wanted to have a walking closet, all appliances for everyday life, a large shower/bath, and the sense of airiness in the room. Quite a tall order, considering the initial limitations of the space. Here is how designer explains the result:
“The result is an apartment divided in two parts. One where everything is part of one structure, which is based on the Ikea kitchen units. Everything in this part is completely redone with electricity inside the walls and with all surfaces painted white in order to bring in and reflect light. Here all the functions are squeezed in on top of, in-between, under and inside each other. Bedroom, kitchen, wardrobe and storage are all one. The second part is left with things free-standing with all surfaces more or less as they have been for the last 20 years. The holes in the the walls have been filled in, loose wallpaper and paint taken down and electrical cables and outlets have been added running on the outside of the walls. The bathroom becomes the connection between the two parts.”
My favorite part of the project is the elevated bed sharing a glass wall with the kitchen. And the clever storage solution underneath it. Check out more images after the break to see this unusual built in more detail.
Inspired by vintage kitchen step stools of the 1950s, this piece is a stunner. And a functional one as well. While sturdy enough to be used as a step stool in the kitchen or playroom, it also makes an attractive and practical side table for the living room or bedroom. Slotted panels in the stool’s two rungs can be slid up to display books, or pulled down to store tools and keep other objects discreetly out of sight. And even though the stool is made of wood, there is no eco guilt involved. The piece has been handcrafted from 300-year-old Nanciton trees that were felled during the destruction of Hurricane Felix in 2007. Designed by Aaron Poritz, sold here.
K desk by Rafa Kids is a beautiful and smart piece that can be used in two modes: open and closed. When closed, it is minimal and elegant. When open, it reveals an organizer, storage and a display/bulletin board. Perfect for efficient work and easy cleanup. K desk is aesthetically pleasing enough to grow with the child and find its place in a grownup home just as well. Made from Finnish birch wood and plywood and available in natural finish. Sold here.
Quirky came up with yet another clever idea – Branch shower curtain rings. Aside from serving their main purpose, these rings hold your towels, loofahs and other bathroom essentials. I especially like that they can add storage on both sides of the shower curtain. Watch the video after the break so see the product in action.
This tiny 129-square-foot studio in Paris, completed by architect Julie Nabucet, is all kinds of awesome. Stylish and light, it encompasses several rooms in one. The life of the place revolves around a wooden structure that divides the living room from the kitchen. Serving as storage on both sides, it allows flow and doesn’t block the light. It also houses the bed that can also be used as a sofa. The elevated kitchen shares the space with the bathroom sink that didn’t fit into the actual uber tiny bathroom. Ample built-in storage finishes the arrangement, allowing the rest of the room (however tiny it is) to look neat and serene. See the video after the break for the tour of this unusual home.
– An ingenious sink strainer that keeps you from touching yucky things.
– A powerful message. Cindy Gallop: Make Love Not Porn.
– Real dandelions turned into OLED lights. Absolutely adorable.
– Fascinating. How the blind see beauty.
– The world’s largest no-kill cat sanctuary. Yes!
– Amazing imagery. Photos of Longsheng rice terraces.
Have a lovely weekend, everyone!
As a gal and a tech lover, I couldn’t pass by this product without wishlisting it. Designed by David Stuebe of iSkelter, this make-up organizer doubles as a docking station for your iPhone, iPad and most phones and tablets. The position of the devices is such that you can even check news, weather or emails while getting ready for the day. What a great idea! The piece is chiseled and handcrafted from natural, eco friendly bamboo. The product’s smooth surface is glazed with a protective, stain-resistant sealant. Available for purchase here.
Swedish studio Resize Design created this clever storage system. Frustrated by traditional storage that often leaves unsightly marks on walls, floors and ceilings (terrible for a rental apartment), designers came up with the solution. They attached floating storage modules to a pillar. The pillar achieves its supporting capacity by being extended between the floor and the ceiling. No screws, nails or power tools are needed. And each of these constructions can serve as a room divider. Lovely! Available for purchase here.
Who would have thought that a humble radiator could be so stunning! Scaletta by Italian studio Tubes Radiatori draws on the vision of a ladder leaning up against a wall. It can perform in the bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom, using a simple electric cable as a power source. I especially like the little pulley that helps you to control the cable clutter. What a beautiful idea and a simple minimalist execution.
(via designboom)
Choosing a sofa for a small apartment can be daunting. It has to be small enough to allow flow, yet big enough for much-needed relaxation. Well, clever folks at Fab might just pulled it off. The Flip sofa they recently launched is a compact and multifunctional item that can fit in most interiors. It has reversible cushions that allow you to alternate between minimalist and mid-century modern looks. But the biggest perk is the ottoman that flips to reveal a coffee table. What a great thought. Watch the video for a short demo. Available for purchase here.
