No, I’m not talking about embarrassing baby bathtub photos of my favorite designer, but rather a collection of photo’s taken by Life magazine of Charles and Ray Eames. This simple google search reveals a virtual treasure trove of high resolution classic photo’s of my favorite design team. Check it out and let me know which one is your favorite!

Eames Life Magazine photos.

I’m definitely digging this incarnation of the mid-century classic: the ubiquitous Nelson bubble lamp gets a colorful face lift exclusively for Room & Board.

What do you think? Fresh and timeless or total sacrilege?


Nelson Colored Pendants available from Room & Board: $359 – $435

I’m fascinated by flatpack objects, especially unusual ones like lamps. This Flat Lamp arrives at your house completely flat, and in a matter of minutes with no tools at all, it’s transformed into a 3D lamp. Made of stainless steel and a section of veneer, it is available in a dark or light wood, or red or white. Shipping is only $6.

Available from gSelect for $72.

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Calendars aren’t usually where you look to make a big impact in your decor, but the Yearly Planner from Miriam Bereson does just that. This large-scale, brightly hued calendar is great for those needing to plan ahead (each dot has plenty of writing space) or for those looking to add a graphic (and functional) element to their decor. Available for $15 – what’s not to like?

Yearly Planner by Miriam Bereson: $15

I’m a big fan of thinking out side of the box, like making a clock where the hand is completely stationary. I’m also a big fan of wenge, and apparently so is Jason Linde, architect and designer of the Wenge Series of clocks. Made from a veneered block of wood, each clock has a stationary enamel hand and a rotating acrylic wheel. Pricing starts at $110.

Available from Supermarket HQ

I wish this existed when I got married. CB2 is offering a 42-piece dinner set for four for a mere $99. That’s right people. Four square dinner plates, dessert plates, and soups bowls. Four marta coolers and double old-fashioned glasses. Six sets of knives, forks, and spoons. And four basket weave placemats in your choice of green, blue, black, or white. FOR $99!! That is absolutely nuts! Even though I already have a flatware set.. and drinking glasses.. and placemats.. I really want to get this! You can never have enough glasses, right? That’s what I thought.

42-piece Dinner Set for Four from CB2: $99

So, you have a bunch of wooden hangers, a bike rim, chain ring and a bunch of zip ties laying around. What are you going to do with them. The obvious answer for Organelle Design was to make a chandelier. I love repurposed design, and the Hanglier chandelier is no disappointment. Drop us an email if you decide to try you hand at making your own. Of course for those that aren’t as brave, you can purchase a finished Hanglier from Etsy for $300.

Organelle

I didn’t realize people still used doilies, but if you’re one of them, at least make it a Doileez from Modern Twist.

About:
Bringing optimum functionality and style to the home, the eco-friendly and reusable silicone Doileez come in minimalist patterns that protect furniture surfaces, while adding a stylish design element to modern decor. It is available in a range of patterns including clusters and loop. These food safe, hand-silk-screened Doileez, are easy to clean and provide a variety of uses. Use them under vases, table centerpieces or to decorate food presentations at parties.

Doileez by Modern Twist available from RE:modern: $22 [set of two]

I’ve mentioned GIlt before, and even though I don’t usually get too wrapped up in discount designer websites I continue to find myself quite smitten with GIlt. While it started out as a mostly women’s site with a couple of home items, it has had some nice additions as of late. The Gilt website now has a mens specific section as well as a travel section. In addition, they have a great iPhone app that will even remind you when sales are starting and let you purchase straight from the app. Speaking of sales, starting today they have some Areaware goodies on sale, and later in the week some Alessi. I’ve also got my eye on the Adiadas Consortium and Timbuk2 goodies. As always, GIlt is for members only. Sign up here.

GIlt

Since things are turning a bit chilly in these parts, my mind has turned towards staying warm. Our home does not have a fireplace, so we would need some sort of free-standing indoor variety. I ran across this unique fireplace concept from industrial designer Camillo Vanacore. It is made from a special kind of ceramic that turns transparent with heat. When the fireplace is off, it appears white, but as things heat up it becomes clear, allowing for an unhindered view of the fire inside. As it cools down, it returns to its original appearance. While still just a concept, the idea is interesting. I’d love to see this in other shapes besides a cylinder, although the resemblance to a giant light bulb is pretty cool.

What other uses could you think of for this unique kind of ceramic?

Can you recommend any other modern indoor fireplaces?