I've mentioned my mortar and pestle obsession before, and this one by Philipp Beyeler really just pushes me over the edge! It is essentially two mortars in one. The inner porcelain bowl, perfect for the usual herbs and spices, can be removed to access the bamboo base for harder things like nuts. Can you say genius? And beautiful? I'm totally smitten.
Mortar and Pestle by Philipp Beyeler available from the SFMOMA Store: $50
None of the houses I have owned have ever had a doorbell. Maybe it's time to change that. While I haven't been a huge fan of Spore's doorbells in the past, their new doorbell "True" may be changing my opinion.
True bridges the gap between modern and traditional design. An all-metal push button is surrounded by a thin halo of LED-illuminated color, which also reflects against the mounting surface. Designed to fit well with residences built from 1900 on, True comes in several finishes and three illumination colors, as well as a non-illuminated option. Substantial in feel but narrow in diameter, True mounts well to narrow doorjambs and other tight applications.
Make sure you check out their "Ring" doorbell chime as well. I love the simplicity of it.
Anyone else have a favorite doorbell or chime?
Wall switch design has remained fairly static over the years, with a few exceptions every now and then. This fact may contribute to the seemingly radical nature of these new Silicon Switches from Normal Design. A prefabricated push switch hides beneath a cover of raised silicon. Pushing the raised area activates the switch. Whether you like the design or not, it's a good sign of things to come. Here's to mundane objects entering the scope of good design!
What do you think of the Silicon Switch? Space age-y and weird? Ground breaking and fresh? Share your thoughts!
[Currently, the Silicon Switch is available only in Japan.]
I'm fascinated when people are able to rethink old ideas and come up with something completely new. The Node electrical outlet was designed to address the issue of not enough wall sockets. It's unique design allows you to plug in multiple two pronged cords. While I'm not sure that it is really any more practical than your traditional electrical outlet (it may be less practical really, no three prongs here) you can't deny it looks better.
If anyone finds out if these are available stateside, let us know.
Why should becoming a parent mean that you have to compromise your own sense of style? Products for your baby are a part of your life and home. They don't have to be disposable or an aesthetic after-thought. Good design is important for even the youngest members of your family.
I couldn't say it better myself! I don't have kids of my own yet, but knowing that companies like DwellStudio exist and are challenging the idea of what kid/baby products can and should be is certainly a comfort.
Mod Parents: what are some of your favorite modern baby/kid lines? Share in the comments!
DwellStudio Baby Rugs available from Design Public: $200 - $550
Here is a teaser for a great looking documentary. I'd love to know more about German Samper Gnecco, unfortunately my spanish is horrible. Here is what I have been able to pick up. He is one of Colombia's most influential architects in the 50's 60's and 70's, he studied under Le Corbusier and did some amazing work in Bogota.
Anyone have more information?
Holy Mother of Ceramics, these pieces from Etsy seller Fort are absolutely amazing! Each item is handmade from paper fiber clay and comes in a soft white, semi-gloss finish. Your one-of-a-kind vase or bowl will arrive in its very own muslin drawstring pouch, making it that much easier for gift giving. If you fancy this as a holiday gift, act now. Each piece takes about 1-2 weeks to complete.
Swine Flu is on everyones mind this year, and I'm certainly not trying to minimize the seriousness of the virus. That being said, enlarge that pesky little virus 1 million times and you have to admit it's sort of a cute little guy. Luckily this pink plush influenza A toy is not contagious in any way, so spread it around and give it a big hug. Ships within 24 hours.
If you're looking for a simple yet elegant dinnerware set, consider the Classic Century pieces from Crate & Barrel. I am especially enamored with the salt and pepper shakers - they remind me of quail, albeit a little abstracted. The sauce boat would definitely make a statement at Thanksgiving, as well! See the whole collection here.
About:
Originally designed in 1952 by world-renowned designer Eva Zeisel, this timeless tabletop art makes a comeback in a creamy neutral. Zeisel, considered one of the foremost designers of the 20th century, created sculptural pieces with rounded curves, arches, teardrops and wave motifs. Even the plates are a soft oval, just this side of round. Out of production for many years, during which time it became a collector's item, this pattern has been resurrected just for Crate & Barrel.
Although I'm not a photographer, for some reason I'm a complete sucker for camera's. I'm loving these new friends from Superheadz/Powershovel ltd. These wide angle lens cameras are completely analog (read not digital) and are available in black, white, or blue, each with it's own special angel packaging. While the photo quality isn't the best, that's some of the allure to me, and come on, it's only a $30 camera.
The Danes have it. Whether it's furniture, textiles, architecture, or photography, they can do no wrong. Danish photographer Kim Høltermand is a perfect example of that. Check out his AMAZING architecture portfolio and tell me if you disagree. More of his work can also be found here.
Gobs of eye candy after the jump!
I have what I believe to be a healthy obsession for white objects. So last week after I posted about Jason Linde's Wenge series of clocks I was poking around his site a little more, and I was delighted to find his White Radio Clock.
It's just a vintage 50's clock radio that has been partially disassembled, fully lacquered in white and reassembled. While in my mind the end result doesn't necessarily justify the $250 price tag, it does make me want to rip off the idea (sorry Jason). Just think of all the treasures I could find at my local thrift store and turn into amazing minimalists/retro pieces.
Any suggestion on a good white lacquer?
There really is a Flickr group for just about everything, isn't there? If you're needing some inspiration, check out the "Mid-Century and Danish Modern Wall Units and Storage" group. You'll find everything from vintage ads to current photos of people's pads. All in all a great resource for creative storage solutions. I particularly enjoyed this house party scene... the wall system isn't too bad, either!
See more here.
[Image: Aardewerk en Zo]
I love it when companies take everyday objects and make them interesting and exciting again, and that's exactly what Alice Supply Co has in mind. Named after the Brady Bunch's witty housekeeper, Alice Supply Co has been adding an exciting array of colors to everyday objects, and keeping them affordable. With everything from sponges to toolboxes, prices are the same as you would pay for boring browns and blues, but the Alice way is so much better.
I'm a sucker for fruit bowls and Alessi's get me every time! The new "La Stanza Dello Scirocco" bowl has a great graphic quality and sense of movement that I love. It looks something like a stack of cards exploding! The Scirocco is available in stainless steel or colored with epoxy resin (black or white) and consists of a small basket, tealight holder, fruit bowl, asymmetric centerpiece, and tall basket. I'm definitely adding the fruit bowl to my wish list this year!
La Stanza Dello Scirocco series available from Unica Home: $32 - $120
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!
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. :)
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?
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.