Every once in a while Anthropologie has a product that is both amazing looking AND affordable. The Milk Bottle Measuring Cups nail it on both fronts. Made of white new bone china with colorful insides this is a measuring cup set I would feel good about leaving out in the open.
Milk Bottle Measuring Cups $24
About:
Atelier Takagi represents the functional and aesthetic ideals of artist and designer Jonah Takagi. Conceived as an outlet for an over active imagination, AtelierTakagi is a multi-disciplinary design studio and workshop producing objects that require closer examination, that inspire and inform and re-contextualize our surroundings. Ultimately, we strive to make beautiful things.
Based on the New Basics table shown above, I would say they are doing a good job of making beautiful things. I love the simple straight forward materials with the pop of color from the powdercoated steel.
It's been a particularly wet Spring here, a fact that would surely be made more bearable (or at least more colorful) with one of these Marimekko umbrellas! These bold, wet-weather accessories are available through Crate and Barrel in two color schemes: yellow and orange.
Marimekko Umbrellas available from Crate and Barrel: $25
Earlier this month I went to a fantastic textile themed art installation called Press Plush at GARFO Art Center (show runs through June 3rd) and ever since I have been really inspired by all things fabric. Along that same line, NYC based Carrie Strine happens to be doing some fantastic quilts right now, that I absolutely love. They are simple handmade quilts with a modern flair. They are being billed as everything from "Luxury Moving Blanket Throws" to "Linen Crib Quilt". To me they are all works of art.
Handmade Modern Quilts by Carrie Strine $150 - $350.
Culinarium has a great line up of kitchen related products, but the one that caught my eye is this set of stackable concrete bowls. These hand burnished bowls are so flawless that they almost look like aluminum rather than concrete. They come complete with a cork gasket and concrete lid.
Culinarium stackable concrete bowls $69.
I came across Mike Lemanski's work a few weeks ago and boy am I glad I did! He's been working as a freelance illustrator since 2010 and has already amassed a pretty impressive client list: Google, Coca Cola, Urban Outfitters, and Fortune Magazine, among others. Mike approaches is work "within the idea that design is art", and I think that really shows. Any one of his commercial projects could be a limited edition screen print, don't you think? I mean, it might be weird having a print celebrating Google Chrome's 2nd anniversary hanging in your house (unless you work for Google?), but they really are that good. Check out more of his work below to see what I mean.
LINK: mikelemanski.co.uk
More pics after the jump!
At first glance I thought that Toronto based STYLEGARAGE was just another Gus Studio retailer. Then I started noticing more and more things that weren't Gus Design. It turns out that STYLEGARAGE also makes it's own custom furniture, and they are doing a good job of it too. They have everything from chairs and tables to lighting.
According to designer Julia Fellner the "Yes!" lamp "...recalls memories of 'jumping for joy'. Through motion and gesture the user warps the flexible paper cube. Product and human engage in a dialog."
I'm not so sure about that, but I do LOVE the fact that she designed an amazing lamp out of low cost materials that can be easily manipulated to change shape. Yes!
Earlier this month I posted about the clever Bote toy boat made of cork and white plastic. Today I have an even more simple idea that could make a great DIY project. Dutch design team Floris Hovers has this simple concept to turn any shampoo bottle into a bath time boat. I'm sure with a little handiwork, a sewing machine, and some rubber bands, you could whip up the same thing.
If you are fluent in Dutch, read about the Flessenboot here.
Otherwise, just make one and send us a picture.
I'm admittedly horrible at following other design blogs, but one that I have kept tabs on over the years is Shelterrific. A few days ago they posted this fantastic paint chip Easter egg garland idea that they found on Modern Parents Messy Kids. What better way to spend an afternoon than raiding your local paint store and getting crazy with scissors and string.
DIY Paint Chip Easter Garland Tutorial
Over the years, Perch has been adding to and expanding their beautiful ceramics line and the most recent addition is a collection hand-poured soy candles. I love that they have the same bright colors and playful style that you've come to expect, not to mention the fact that you can reuse them as pots once the candle is used up. Pretty fantastic, I say. Check out all the available colors and styles here.
Typically speaking I'm not a big fan of vinyl wall sticker or light switch covers. Typically. Somehow when you throw a cute owl shape into the mix both those go right out the window. I think this would be adorable in a kids room.
OK, so I'll be the first to admit that I have absolutely no idea what "spun aluminum" means, but apparently that is what these little guys are made of. What I do know is that they come in 4 lovely colors (orange, white, turquoise and mustard) and that because they are made of metal, they will last a lifetime.
While these kami pots/vases from ett la benn look like beautifully sculpted ceramic or concrete, they are really made of paper. 100% biodegradable cellulose to be more correct. From the pictures on their website, it almost looks like they are made through a paper-mache process, using metal as a solid structure. Whatever the process, the end result is nothing less than stunning.
More pictures available at ett la benn
On the surface, Justin Fantl's images have a certain sterile quality yet there's an underlying humor that seems to offset the overall sense of isolation. It's a strange combo that makes for some interesting photography. Check out his portfolio through the link below and let me know what you think!
LINK: www.justinfantl.com
More pics after the jump!
It's been a while since I've posted about my obsession with useless white porcelain objects. Lucky for you I happened to stumble upon these Porcelain Keys from Japan. I can think of absolutely nothing to do with them, and that is exactly the point.
Porcelain Keys, set of 5 for $36
I'm usually not too big of a fan of chrome anything, but I'm going to make an exception for the Krups Silver Art collection. The set includes a coffee machine, espresso machine, tea kettle, toaster and juicer. The classic chrome is offset with small sections of natural wood. If it looks as good in person as it does in this photo, I'm sold.
Krups SIlver Art Collection $80-$300
(thanks Brian!)
Blue Dot has posted a great video of Warren Young talking about the design process behind the Toro Chair. I love hearing about all the steps that goes into a chair design, and seeing the various prototypes that lead up to the final product.
Behind the Scenes: The Design and Development of the Toro Chair
Sooo... I guess it's like a bean bag for your yard? That's kind of cool. At the very least, the Tie-One-On Sectional from CB2 is probably super comfy (not to mention durable - it's made from heavy-gauge, water-resistant polyester with PVC lining). Oh, and it's modular: you simply tie the different pieces together in whatever configuration you want. While I love the lifeguard-red color, I'm not entirely sold on the slouchy/lounge-y look. What do you guys think?
Tie-One-On Outdoor Sectional from CB2: $100 - $200 / piece
One of my loyal GRM readers turned me on to Rue La La recently. I've been a Gilt junkie for a while now, so it's nice to have another option to get designer clothes and home goods at a steep discount.
Today through the 25th they are giving away $20 towards your first purchase for all new members. That could get you a Kalorik coffee maker, blender or toaster for pretty much free. You can thank me later.
Sign up here if you haven't already.