I've been fighting the wallet overload for a long time. I keep my wallet in my front pocket, and it's constantly a battle to try and keep it as slim as possible. Problem is there are just too many cards I "need" to carry. That's why I'm so excited about Coin. It's seriously one of the most genius ideas I've heard in a long time. One card that carries all the info of all your cards. Don't get it? Just watch the video, and preorder yours now.
It's no secret that we love Neo Utility here on Grassrootsmodern, so obviously we're excited to see them on fab today. Maybe it's time to get those gorgeous Miller Goodman set's you've had your eye on…
It's been a little while since I posted about Toast's iPhone covers. Since then it seems like there has been plenty of competition in the area. Well it looks like they are stepping up the game once again, this time with the iPad. I really love this look. Huge props for the subtle relief on the sides so that they form to the case better. Part of me almost feels like this is the way the iPad should have come from Apple. Of course this is one of those things where real life experience can make it or break it, so if you get a chance to see one of these in the wild, let us know. Available in walnut or white washed ash.
Toast iPad cover $45
It's been a while since I have found some life changing technology. I recently upgraded to OSX Mountain Lion and ended up migrating back to a few core Apple applications (Mail, Safari). In the process I've been on the hunt for an elegant looking RSS reader so I can keep track of the few blogs I follow on a regular basis. I wanted something web based that would sync across multiple devices, and did I mention I wanted it to look good? Luckily I stumbled upon Feedly. The web based app is available on Chrome, Safari and Firefox (as well as most smartphones), and looks amazing on all of them. It works by syncing up with your Google reader account and presenting all the blogs you follow in a beautiful layout. I'm only a few days into using it but so far I'm absolutely in love. It has a robust set of shortcuts and different configurations to make it fit your needs.
Get your reading list jumpstarted by importing my list of sites below to google reader by downloading this file (right click save). Update your google reader account then sync with Feedly. Instructions here for google, and here for Feedly.
So what blogs do I follow?
Here is where I have to make a confession. For being a modern interior design blogger I'm absolutely horrible at following fellow bloggers. Part of it is that I don't want to be that guy that just re-blogs awesome things that I find on other sites, and part of it is that I'm just lazy. That being said, I would encourage everyone to check out the following blogs if you don't already.
I feel like that little group has been and will continue to be the core of good design blogs out there. I may have missed one or two (did I mention I'm lazy?), if I did, let me know in the comments.
Now on to what I follow daily. It's a good mix (for me anyway) of design, fashion, and other visually interesting sites. In no particular order…
Build is a Seattle based architectural firm that specializes in Modern and Mid Century modern design. What I really like about the Build Blog is that it reminds me of the good old days of "modernism" online. When I first started blogging 7 years ago Dwell had some amazing forums full of architects and designers that were willing to share all of their trade secrets to further the cause of modernism. Unfortunately the forums were axed, and that helping community disappeared. Build is the last breath of those old days. On their blog the share their philosophy of "everything it needs to be and nothing more" and how that translates to everything from cabinetry to gutter details. Their posts on baseboard details and modern door jambs are a must read for anyone interested in modern interiors.
Hopefully you know about the Sartorialist already. It's a fashion website. More accurately it's a blog by photographer Scott Schuman who has an amazing eye for street fashion. I think his photography is beautiful, and I love seeing the world through his eyes. He goes to lots of great places and always manages to catch great shot's of beautiful people dressed interestingly. One caveat. Don't bother reading the comments.
Another fashion blog. Technically mens fashion and lifestyle blog. Jamison Aweau does a great job curating the site, and he has great access to all sorts of interesting people and places.
More Scandinavian design than you can shake a stick at. I've been fairly obsessed with minimalist yet natural Scandinavian design for a while now, and Emmas blog fulfills all my cravings.
OK, I'm going to be absolutely honest here. I have absolutely no idea what the Shiny Squirrel is all about. All I know is that it is chock full of pretty pictures I like looking at. Nothing wrong with that right?
New City Movement is a local blog by my dear friend Jesse Walker. He is an accomplished graphic designer and DJ and has been a stalwart member of SLC's in crowd for years. It's great to see my little city through his eyes, and stay up to date with what is cool.
Speaking of locals, there are some new kids in town in SLC and they have been ripping it up. City Home Collective is a Realtor/Creative design group based in Salt Lake City. They do a lot more than just sell homes though, the sell lifestyles. They are constantly seeking out what's cool in Salt Lake and actually make me pretty damn proud to be living in this town.
This is a top secret blog for locals only. Dallas is semi local (Ogden technically) and has an incredible eye for finding "stuff". He sells it all locally for crazy cheap prices, and if you see it on his blog first, you get half off. Seriously. I'm greedy. Don't tell anyone about this site.
My buddy Gale turned me on to this site about a year ago. It's what he calls "soul modern" which I think is an amazing way of describing the aesthetic. It's full of wonderfully minimalistic interiors that actually feel warm and inviting. Almost an american version of scandinavian design.
Yet another mens lifestyle/fashion blog. I particularly like the way editor Michael Williams dissects fashion and what he likes about the things he shares. For someone like me just dipping his toe in fashion it's nice to get a full breakdown on things. It helps me bridge the gap between "I really like that look" and "I really like that look because of X and Y".
I've been following Jason Gregory since he first started his leather goods company Makr. Since then he has grown into a thriving business of "carry goods" and he is even cracking into product design and interior design. What the secret to his success? He has an amazing eye, and he's able to convert that vision into real world goods. His blog is a combination of updates from the shop, sneak peaks of up coming products, and loads of amazing photography. I would be lying if I said I didn't absolutely love his ongoing collection of tasteful female nudes. (speaking of which have I ever mentioned I have a tumblr page?) Let that stand as your NSFW warning.
The Brick House has been around for 4 years, which is a long time in blog years. Morgan doesn't post often, but when she does it's really quality stuff. Her house is fantastica and full of money saving DIY projects. Her writing style is matter of fact and unapologetic. Oh, and she has a soft spot for brutalism. Is that an oxymoron somehow?
Like her style and need a fix more often? Follow her on Tumblr.
Personal blog of Jessica Define, Hello Define covers a wide swath from Americana to Type Fonts. Like all of the above blogs she has an amazing eye, and makes me feel like a cooler person for having read her blog.
Guys like stuff. At least I like stuff. Uncrate has rad stuff. According to their banner it's a "Digital magazine for guys who love stuff, five awesome new things are posted every day". I'd say I sincerely want about 30% of what they post, which is pretty good in my eyes.
So, that's my short list. Now tell me what I'm missing. SHARE IN THE COMMENTS PEOPLE!
I'm finally ready to admit my vacation is over and get back to the grind. I have a whole bunch of great content coming up from personal projects to great independent designers and even a dash of fashion. To make sure you don't miss anything, make sure you subscribe to our "newsletter" to get a fresh daily helping of design in your inbox. I use mailchimp, so unsubscribing and setting preferences is super easy.
Don't like mail? Don't forget you can find our posts on the facebooks and twitters too.
"toast" icon by Zyneth
Braun Toaster (HC1 I believe) picture at MoMA found here.
You can go ahead and add this to the list of yet another brilliant idea that I wish I would have thought about. The Butler is an iPhone storage/charging station that even has a spot for you wallet, keys, and other sundry items you may need to drop after a long day's work. It looks just as brilliant without the iPhone as it does with it. It turns out designer/craftsman Curtis of the micklish has all sorts of brilliant ideas you should check out.
OK people, here's the deal. I need your help. I'm heading to Paris for 10 days, and I'm officially handing over the reigns of GRM to you while I'm out of town. Truth is, you guys are the most qualified. I have some of the best readers ever, and so much of my content comes from you guys anyway. So now I'm making it easier than ever to share, and I'm giving you all the credit.
With the new website redesign, I created an easy pop down menu (follow the arrow!) for registered users to submit photos and links. It takes just a few seconds to fill out, and once submitted it goes into the cue to be posted. As soon as it gets approved, voilà, you are an official GRM blogger. I'll bring a little something back from Paris for whoever submits the best post.*
Not registered yet? No problem. Head over to the registration page, fill out some info, and you're all set.
Questions/Problems? Let us know in the comments.
*What do you get? Who knows, but it's from Paris so it will be awesome right? Who say's which post is best? I'll just count how many people "heart" the post to determine that. Once again you guys are in power. Ties will be decided by the randomizer.
Honestly I'm not usually one to get all excited about things as geeky as memory sticks, but these empty MEMORY, USB memory sticks from Logical Art have got my full attention.
empty MEMORY available Feb starting at £48.
It's funny how for a long time it was really really hard to find a radio. Not a radio/CD/whatever player, just a radio. I like that the REVO Heritage is just a radio. The look is clean, simple uncluttered. The fact that it is an internet radio means that it's so much more. There is a lot of tech packed into that gorgeous black oak and aluminum body.
REVO Heritage Radio from Fab $359
Yep, it's officially cold outside. Crane has a series of rather handsome space heaters, but I am particularly smitten with this EE-6490 Space Heater. What it lacks in an appeasing name, it makes up for with it's great looks and affordable price. 12,000 watts of pure ceramic heat can be yours for only $35.
Everyone knows that we are huge fans of felt here at GRM and when you add a little leather into the mix you get the perfect combination. The diFeltro Fold is an American designed but Italian made carrier for your iPad or other sundry electronic items. I love the pallet of materials, and the execution looks pretty top notch as well. It's not surprising then that the kickstarter campaign is already fully funded and still has 21 days to go.
It's been a while since I perused Kickstarter but I've been finding all sorts of great projects the last couple of days. This one I'm particularly excited about because #1 it's and awesome concepts that is well executed, and #2 it's SLC based! The ODDIO1 cord free shuffle headphones are exactly what the name implies, a pair of headphones for your iPod shuffle that have, surprise, no cord. It's a solid idea, and the product design looks great. Most of all I can't believe that they are only $35. Let's show them some support!
ODDIO1 cord free shuffle headphones $35
I love things that can be personalized. It makes me feel just a little bit less of a part of the machine. TOAST is here to personalize your iPhone with classy laser cut wood veneers. They have 8 standard designs, and you can add any text yo want to them. It's a decent little kickstarter project that needs some serious kickstarting to make it's deadline in 6 days. If you like it, spread the word, and quick.
Toast iPhone case starting at $20
I love shou sugi ban, and have even thought about using it for my next house. Maybe getting a iPhone case of faux shou sugi ban will be a good way to ease into it.
Custom iPhone cases from Decouart $25
I can geek out on tech products just as much as the next guy, but what I really love is good looking and innovative product. I'm not sure how useful the BioLite really would be, but the concept is fascinating.
By converting heat from the fire into usable electricity, our stoves will recharge your phones, lights and other gadgets while you cook dinner.
Just make sure you have some matches handy.
Leather cases with contrast stitch detailing? Yummy! Whether you've got a tablet, a laptop, or a smartphone, CB2's got you covered. Extra random bonus: each of these cases comes with an exterior business card slot.
If I was cool enough to have an iPad, I would totally carry it around in one of these cases from Poketo. I'm not sure which version I like best though: the envelope, three dot, or two-toned leather. What's your pick?
I don't have an iPhone, I have a hot pink Motorola Razr from about 123508973 years ago. (Photographic evidence found here.) But, gosh darnit, if I did you can bet your grandma's homemade jam that I would spring for one of these sculptural cases from Poketo. I mean, how could I not? They are awesomeness in silicone.
I mentioned earlier this year that I'm really into overlapping colors lately, so when I saw the Colorways iPhone 4 case, I was instantly in love. The case is made from three separate pieces that overlap in the middle. Case-Mate was nice enough to send one my way to try out and my one observation was that having a white iPhone is a must. The effect isn't even close to the same with a black one. They do send along a white piece of paper that you could use with a black phone, but I can't see that being a good long term solution. That being said, if you have a white iPhone and like colors, this may be the one for you.
Even though I am still rocking a 3 year old iPhone 3 doesn't mean I can't start dreaming about what case I am going to get when I upgrade to the iPhone 5 later this year. These EXO Vault cases on Etsy are borderline steampunk for me, but I do admit that I love the look of that aluminum and rosewood. I secretly like the minimalist solid brass Exo9 as well, but don't tell anyone.
