skip to main content
 

Articles Written by Katie

Katie

About Katie: Katie has been a product and textile designer, an art restoration specialist, and an interior designer/merchandiser. Her interests are focused on finding well designed items that improve daily life as well as reading fiction and making stuff. (View Profile)

 
 

Tractor vs. Metro Barstool

Hmm, these two stools are very similar, aren’t they? Is one flattering the other by imitating certain aspects of design or is it just a case of blatant copying? One was designed in 2000/2001 and the other showed up this recently this year. One costs four times what the other does, for good reason if the descriptions are anything to go by. I’ll leave it to you to decide if it’s an ‘inspired by’ situation or a flat out copy-cat.
(more…)

Purchase Information:

Price: $300.00 - 1,250.00
Available from: DWR

DAAME Leather Laptop Tote

Whoa, it’s about time. If you’re of the female persuasion and you’ve ever searched for an appropriate laptop bag, you know it’s hell. They’re either too ‘office-y’ or way too nice and expensive and not at all utilitarian. The DAAME Leather Laptop Tote has pockets and spaces for your laptop and tech stuff as well as your everyday essentials, and it doesn’t scream ‘HEY I’M CARRYING A LAPTOP! I JUST CAME FROM THE OFFICE!’… and it doesn’t cost over a grand, which is refreshing in the world of ladies’ high quality handbags. Instead, it’s being offered at (an introductory price of) $395, which is a steal considering its elegant appearance and utility.
(more…)

Purchase Information:

Price: $395.00
Available from: DAAME

Octahedron Side Table

If you’re going to buy a side table, make it an Octahedron Side Table, please. This one by Eric Trine can live indoors or out thanks to its durable powder coat finish and steel welded construction. And the colors! White, black, royal blue, tomato red, industrial yellow, or mint, choose any one and it’ll be a hit.
(more…)

Purchase Information:

Price: $300.00
Available from: Eric Trine

Geo Ring Holders

Ladies, put your hands up… and gentlemen, let’s not leave you out, because you might just be cool enough to wear man rings (pinky rings do not count). Do you need a ring holder? These almost look like jewelry for your jewelry when all four of these Geo Ring Holders are lined up side by side, and despite being ‘trinket-y’ they’re all relatively safe bets for a small gift idea (for others or yourself). Plus, you always have the option of busting out some ‘Put A Ring On It’ lyrics- and dance moves- when you pick up/put down your rings.
(more…)

Purchase Information:

Price: $10.00 each
Available from: Umbra

Fender Floor Lamp

Some of the most interesting interiors have a mix of modern and traditional elements, which is why some of us are always drawn towards pieces with a sense of history. After seeing the price on this Fender Floor Lamp from Wilkos Electric, I certainly was sold; I think it will live next to one of my more modern armchairs. Each Fender is individually handcrafted by Maciek Wilkos in his Montréal-based workshop and can be customized to suit your space.
(more…)

Purchase Information:

Price: $339.00
Available from: Wilkos Electric

The A Stool

Good news, the A Stool is now available from a US shop. With minimal assembly this flat pack stool forms two interlocking ‘A’ shapes that give structural strength as well as a little typographical flair to your home or office. Designed by ByALEX in London. Also in the collection are The A Table (£115), The A Coat Stand (£145), and the A Desk (£515).
(more…)

Purchase Information:

Price: $140.00
Available from: Kate Spade Saturday

Ember Modular Urban Backpack

This backpack from Ember means business. It’s a 20-liter pack and modular system meant for commute and travel. Add the weather-proof exterior gear pockets on to the minimal pack (padded internal laptop & tablet sleeves) for more room when needed, or leave them off when you’d like a lighter pack. There’s also three styles of external utility straps/handles. Take a look at their Kickstarter page to back the project.
(more…)

Purchase Information:

Price: $209.00
Available from: Kickstarter

Titanium Flexy Un-Wallet

Now, this is a minimalist wallet. Made from Commercially Pure Grade 2 titanium, the Un-Wallet is very thin (1mm thick) and holds up to 10 cards or 50 bills in total with its slat-like two-sided design. A silky, matte finish hides fingerprints. Nice, isn’t it?
(more…)

Purchase Information:

Price: $30.00
Available from: Canoe

Friday Links

  • PillPack via @Netted
  • Kickstarter: Sidewinder™ Insulated Magnetic Bottle
  • Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee: Tina Fey
  • Your voice betrays your personality in a split second
  • HAPPY WITH THE RAIN by Aliki van der Kruijs. “In this particular method of printing, rain creates patterns in the material with the aid of colour pigments.”
  • Christopher Walken Dance Now
  • The Perfect Symmetry of Wes Anderson’s Movies
  • ‘Design Is One of the Most Powerful Forces in Our Lives’
  • FUCK YOUR NOGUCHI COFFEE TABLE
  •  
    Enjoy your weekend!

    Fading Mirror

    Feeling a little hazy? That’s understandable if you’re gazing into this Fading Mirror by Amsterdam designer Thomas Eurlings, as it has a printed gradient under the glass to give a soft reflection. The smoke-like edging will give you a dreamy, floating image whenever you should happen to pass by… and, good news, it won’t break the bank.
    (more…)

    Purchase Information:

    Price: $270.00
    Available from: Luminaire

    Heavy-duty Steel Spade, Shovel, Fork

    If you’re planning on digging in the dirt to plant new flowers and such, you’d better have the right tools to minimize any aching backs. Longer handles will help with that, just like you see with this set available from Kaufmann Mercantile. Fabricated from airplane-quality steel for strength, each tool is handmade one at a time in the same factory since 1964 in New Jersey.
    (more…)

    Purchase Information:

    Price: $44.90 - 98.00
    Available from: Kaufmann Mercantile

    Fatboy Picnic Lounge

    Yes, the large tag on this Fatboy Picnic Lounge is a little obnoxious, but it’s also a little pouch for your keys, phone, etc. so you don’t lose them at the beach or park (or backyard?). Maybe we’ll just tuck it under the lounge rug so it doesn’t distract us and/or others from all the fun we’ll be having. Four giant pins, a hole in the middle for a sunshade, and an included brush make this Picnic Lounge perfect for a sunny day outdoors. And, when the day is done, roll it up and carry it home with its specially designed strap.
    (more…)

    Purchase Information:

    Price: $249.00
    Available from: Design Public

    Criss Knit Orange Pod

    Spring is… springing, and if we shall take hints from all the spring newsletters hitting our inbox, it’s time to think about sprucing up our outdoor area. Don’t worry, there’ll be more planters and tools and furniture featured soon, but for now, let’s talk about this Criss Knit Pod/Pouf. It’s outdoor-friendly as it’s made from poly-foam knit (it wipes clean) and a dense poly fill makes it suitable for an extra seat, ottoman, or table- just add a big tray on top. It is very orange, but maybe this year we’ll be a little bit more brave when it comes to color… agreed?
    (more…)

    Purchase Information:

    Price: $199.00
    Available from: CB2

    Modfire vs. Target

    Ouch. It physically pains me to see blatant rip-offs*. On the left, you have Modfire’s Urbanfire; on the right, Target’s recent Threshold™ Chiminea. Notice that trademark symbol? Not cool. For more information, visit Modfire’s facebook page.
    (more…)

    Purchase Information:

    Price: $1,350.00
    Available from: Modfire

    Flos Tab T Table Lamp

    The Flos 15% off Sale ends tomorrow (March 20), so now’s the time to pick up a Tab T Table Lamp, as it slides in at just under the $300 price point. Designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, the Tab T has an adjustable head that gives you direct lighting that’s ideal for a desktop or side table. Choose between shiny black or white.
    (more…)

    Purchase Information:

    Price: $293.25
    Available from: Flos