It’s almost time for balcony gardening, and this compact solution can be a perfect contender for a limited outdoor space. UrbMat is a small-space garden idea that takes the guesswork out of growing your own herbs, vegetables, and flowers. All you need is a small area of dirt or a raised bed 3X2 feet in size to get started. The seeds come in protective encasements, GrowUps, that already include all that is needed for a plant to flourish – a mix of chili powder, compost, worm castings, and clay. Simply lay UrbMat on top of the soil, press the GrowUps into the corresponding holes, and leave it to do its magic. I think, even I can do that.
Human fascination with fire knows no space boundaries. Even shoebox dwellers want to have fire places. This minimalist item from Acquaefuoco can fit the bill for the most space challenged of us. Compact and elegant, the fireplace utilizes bio-ethanol. It will add a lot of warmth and character to your apartment without adding any mess of a traditional fireplace. Available for purchase here.
This unusual studio apartment has been designed by Polish design studio Mili Mlodzi Ludzie for the client who loves minimalism. I love how designers handled this small space/small budged project, they managed to furnish and equip a 26 m2 apartment, and, in spite of the limitations, make it truly original. In order to achieve the uncluttered appearance, the desk, TV, storage space and kitchen are all hidden within the white front panels. Handles along with the lines on the ceiling and walls, are arranged in a broken pattern, giving a unique character to the room. “We decided to put the night zone above the bathroom to free the client and the zero level from the daily routine of bed making, – designers explain. – Contrasting statements are extracting from low-cost and common materials and giving them new values.” See more photos after the break.
– A butter factory transformed into a sculptural modern apartment. Stunning.
– Fascinating stuff. 8 pronunciation errors that made the English language what it is today.
– Cool idea. A ring that holds your tech.
– How big is the space. A fun interactive website.
– A very touching video of a deaf woman who hears for the first time.
– A pocket printer. Very neat indeed.
– Interesting animation. Writers’ Block.
– And something for the senses – Photos from Japan’s 2014 Cherry Blossom Season.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Every design project that reduces cordage clutter makes me feel grateful. The OneLess desk from Heckler Design does that while maintaining compact size, which makes it perfect for small apartments. The piece is made of 12-gauge powder coated steel (except for the feet, those are polypropylene so they won’t scratch the floor). It features a rare facing shelf underneath the tabletop that can contain all your cables and cords, freeing the main surface for more elegant objects. The desk comes in a variety of colors.
In spite of being a confirmed city dweller, I am quite taken by this small weekend structure, built by Broadhurst Architects on the southern slope of South Fork Mountain, near Upper Tract, West Virginia. “The shack was created as a logical step between tent camping and the yet unrealized weekend cottage, – architects say. – This fundamental shelter has no electricity. Oil lamps provide light. Heat is provided by a small wood stove.” The place is as close to nature as one can get. The front facing façade of the building features a glass garage door that opens to a magnificent view of the valley. Side windows provide ventilation, by letting mountain air inside the building. A simple and beautiful structure for the peaceful living.
(via bless this stuff)
These witty hangers, made to resemble a blown out of proportion paper clip, can be an interesting idea for a small entryway. Just like the actual paper clips they can be linked to form a chain of any length. This chain then can be suspended from the ceiling, taking virtually no space and accommodating items of clothing, bags, accessories and so forth. The Big Clip hook hanger can also be attached to the wall, making a cool magazine rack or coat hook. The piece is made from solid 10mm chrome plated steel rod, measures 28cm. Designed by studio Arash and Kelly.
(via designboom)
Ludovica lamp, created by Italian design duo Zanocchi & Starke, is a lamp and a a bookend in one. The piece is comprised of two independent parts: a painted aluminum frame and and a removable lighting element in opaque white plastic. The light is battery operated, so you take it from the base and place it anywhere you need soft diffused illumination. And the best part – this lighting element can be recharged from your computer via a simple USB. I also really like the matching red cable. The piece fill be presented at the Tortona Around Design exhibition, during the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan this week.
– The most beautiful libraries in the world – bookworms, for your enjoyage.
– I’ve been in meetings like this one many, many times. The Expert.
– Beautiful idea! Health-tracker iPhone case.
– Maps before maps. Fascinating.
– Awesome micro-photography site. Yay, science!
– Have difficulty waking up for your workout (I do)? This motivational clip from Nike might help.
– Are selfies a mental disorder?
– Absolutely stunning. The Cats of 19th Century Japan.
Have a good weekend, guys!
