bltd

I know you’re probably in holiday shopping mode, but calm down for a little bit to appreciate this Arnold Circus Stool. I’m not sure how it slipped under the radar, as it’s been around for a while. Not to worry though, there’s still time to congratulate ourselves for finding it now, and then figure out just where we’re going to put it before it arrives. Because at $120, this stool comes in a variety of colors and has varied uses: an extra seat, a side table in the living area or bedroom, or turn it upside down for a storage basket.
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Why are aprons a good gift idea? Beats me, as I’m not fond of the kitchen, but I can guess they protect clothing and also are a little fun in the apparel arena, as no pattern is too big or crazy within the confines of your own home. Now, these patterns by Alvar and Elissa Aalto are not too big or crazy, and you could easily appropriate it for items of clothing worn outside the home (there’s an Artek Tote, after all), but for now you have the option of adding an Apron, Oven Mitt, Trivet or Tray to your kitchen for a little bit of pattern play on very useful items.
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If you’ve ever had a bundle of pens, pencils, and/or markers beside you while drawing or sketching, you know how it takes a little bit of time to find the right implement each time you change your selection. That’s just where this Pencil Display Organizer by Elise Gabriel comes into the picture. Horizontally, it displays all your tools at once; vertically, it holds up to 100 implements and can be wall-mounted to save space on your desktop. Lay it down when you’re working, hang it up when you’re done.
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Here’s a little magic you can share this holiday season. You know how your pics and video are stuck on your camera until you upload them via a cable? That’s no longer the case when you have an Eye-Fi Memory Card; it instantly transfers your shots from your camera to your mobile device or computer. Eye-Fi cards create their own WiFi connections wherever you are, and initiates transfers whenever new content is detected by your device. There are a couple of options available: the Mobi, which allows your camera to connect to your smartphone or tablet, and the Pro X2, which additionally connects to computers. Learn more at Eye-Fi.
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Ready for another wish list? This one is from Jonas Damon, maker of the Alarm Dock and Radio Dock, both of which we’ve featured here on BLTD. Jonas Damon is a Creative Director at Frog, a global product strategy and design firm, and a frequent contributor to New York City based Areaware. Thank you, Jonas, for sharing your list this year!
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Nothing fancy, just a wood speaker. Made of beech wood, this little speaker has a built in amplifier and rechargeable battery to keep things simple. It’s compatible with the majority of your devices and connects with a red, braided cloth covered cable. Consider it as an alternative to the other plastic, colorful options available in the marketplace.
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Yet another simple wallet? Sure, tell us more. The slim leather Minimalist™ Wallet features a front pocket that provides access to up to 2 frequently used cards, while the top pocket keeps an additional 2 to 4 cards handy. On the reverse side, Capsule’s CashStrap™ feature can securely hold up to 30 bills folded in half. Pockets are lined and each wallet is made of premium full-grain leather. I’d say it’s a good option to keep your silhouette slim, agreed?
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If you know someone that’s a fan of Eva Zeisel, and they don’t have this stacking Pillow Vase set, then you have a potential slam dunk gift on your hands. Conceived as a series, the three vases stand on their own as functioning vases, yet also stack to form a larger piece. Each piece is slip cast porcelain with KleinReid’s signature satin matte glaze and are available separately as well.
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Just a reminder that this Thursday, December 12th, is the last day of the Herman Miller® Sale. Save 15% and receive free shipping on (most) products produced by Herman Miller. If you’ve money to burn, you might treat yourself to an Eames® Walnut Stool, a Nelson™ Platform Bench, or a colorful Eames® Wire Base Low Table, just to name a few. There’s more, of course, and will give you another chance to procrastinate on your holiday shopping: Herman Miller® Sale.

A-tisket a-tasket, I want this neon basket. Magazines, towels, toys, you name it, and this basket will hold it. The team of Bend Goods hand bends and arranges the iron wires of each basket to ensure structural strength. A powder coated finish will last through all manner of rough and tumble use, making it perfect for any room in the house.
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If you’ve not lined up your 2014 wall calendar options yet, do add the 2014 Linear Letterpress Calendar to your list of considerations. Each calendar is hand-pressed on a giant antique letterpress; you have your pick of black ink on thick white flecked stock as well as a bold turquoise ink on green.
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Any amateur chef needs functional cooking accessories, and the Tilkkutäkki pieces from designer Maija Louekari will offer suitable heat protection along with a jolt of bold color. Maybe the Oven Mitt and/or Pot Holder is plenty enough pattern for you to handle, or, only if you’re truly brave, get the Tilkkutäkki Waist Apron (shown below) to match and have a crazy rainbow kaleidoscope each time you cook up a storm in the kitchen.
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If you reside in a European country, I’ll admit, you’ll have an easier time purchasing these table trestles. But don’t think shipping fees will stop those of us that live, say, in the Americas, from getting our grubby little hands on them. Each Diamond table trestle is stable, lightweight, and available in two widths: 55 cm and 70 cm. If you’re planning on buying a couple for a desk or dining table, I’d recommend the blue or orange for a pop of color- go bold!
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Enjoy the weekend!

For the third year in a row, we’re lucky enough to see what Stefan Boublil, the creative director of the apartment, has on his list of gifts to give and receive this holiday season.

In Stefan’s own words:

once again, for you wise people who have deliberately chosen to live better through design, my humble edit of the world for the express purpose of giving it away…

1. were he alive, my hero and yours jacques cousteau would have worn the cap of courage… ($75)

2. segregation is only not a terrible word when talking about separating clean from dirty laundry in your travel bag… Doublebag

3. the best kinds of ideas are the simplest, and a pencil with a touch screen knob in place of the eraser is just such an idea… Sketch Stylus ($8.00)

4. if only robert glasper made a christmas album… until then, here’s my favorite album of the year: Black Radio 2 (Deluxe Version), Robert Glasper Experiment

5. in the rain, these jean nouvel beauties will be my boots… (350,00 €)

6. freud, drawn. can’t think of anything better… ($19.75)

7. my only christmas decor this year… FUCK IT ($75)

8. if i wore pumps, these would be my pumps… Gianvito Rossi pumps ($635)

9. to hell with iOS7’s stock calendar app, to Fantastical we go!… ($3.99)

10. and finally, where would we be on christmas morning without cashmere undies…
 

Thanks again, Stefan. It’s always a pleasure to see what’s rattling around in your head.