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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)

 
 

Knork

Spork, knoon, fife, knork. Only two of these things exist as far as I know, and I give you two guesses to pick the other one (other than the Spork, of course). It’s the Knork, as you could probably tell from the title and the picture, and it’s a combination knife/fork. I don’t know how well it works, but you can find out with $5. Could be worth every penny for the novelty, and who knows, you might just simplify your utensil selection after trying it out.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $5.00
Available from: Knork

Rensselaer Single Sconce

She blinded me with science!“… that song will immediately spring to mind each time you walk by this wall sconce, for how could it not when it’s made from real chemistry lab supplies? And, shall we take a moment to admire how the look may change depending on the finish, cord color, and bulb you choose? Note: you might be a little sick of Edison bulbs, because they seem to be everywhere now, but I think there’s still something very appealing about their soft, candle-like glow and I refuse to be put off by their popularity.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $159.00
Available from: Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.

Clip Clip by HAY

It’s always smart to have a clip or two on hand. Why? Maybe to keep your shirt closed after pretending to be the Incredible Hulk, or maybe to keep your nose from smelling your coworker (those strong, semi-jagged teeth on the clip’s edge will keep your nostrils shut tight, even when you move around the office! or break into a dance!). Or, maybe, and I know this is crazy, you can use the clip with the spoon attached to keep your coffee bag closed.
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Purchase Information:

Price: ยฃ5.00 - 8.00
Available from: HAUS

‘Errare’ Eraser

For those days when you really screw up, pick up this eraser and read the notable latin phrase aloud: “Errare humanum est.” That translates into ‘To err is human’ if you hadn’t guessed, and will make you feel just a tiny bit better about whatever mess you made. On a side note, you might as well get several, and give them away one by one to friends/coworkers when they need the same reminder.
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Purchase Information:

Price: โ‚ฌ5.00
Available from: Atypyk

Stone Chopping Board

This looks way too nice to use as a chopping board, doesn’t it? White Morwad marble provides a durable surface for dinner prep and serving while the delicate brass saucer is the perfect spot for dips or other special fare. And, if you like the look of the marble and brass, you’ll want to consider the Stone Spice Grinder (shown below) and Stone Pestle And Mortar by Tom Dixon as well.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $110.00
Available from: YLiving

QBS

A box is just a box, unless it’s a perfectly square, 17″ box with Rift white oak or walnut veneers and lacquered sides. That kind of box, in this case called the QBS, you can use as an end table, bedside table, or group several together as a coffee/cocktail table. Are you picking up what I’m putting down here? Also available with white lacquer, from MDRN.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $350.00
Available from: MDRN

Nest Protect

Smoke alarms are a far from exciting, and really, most of us forget about them completely until they start chirping because a battery needs to be changed. Well, just as Nest improved the thermostat, they now aim to improve the smoke alarm, with a carbon monoxide alarm thrown in as well.

The Nest Protect will give you an early warning telling you where the danger might be, and, if it’s a case of burning toast or some other cooking fiasco, you can simply wave your hand to silence the alarm. It can also send a message to your phone if the alarm goes off or if the batteries need replacing. It’s not for sale just yet, but you can reserve one now if you’d like to try it out once it ships at the end of the year.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $129.00
Available from: Nest

Little Sun Solar Light

This little solar-powered LED lamp helps get clean, affordable light to the 1.6 billion people without access to electricity. How so? With every purchase you make, a Little Sun can be sold off-grid at much lower, locally affordable prices. Five hours of charging gives three hours of bright light. Do take a look at the video below or Little Sun’s website for more info.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $25.00
Available from: Little Sun

Friday Links

  • Newspapers + x-acto blade = work of Myriam Dion (via the jealous curator)
  • Clever Light Installation by (fos) (via iGNANT)
  • Miminalist pad: 100m3
  • Kickstarter: The Magic Cube
  • Whoa, this app measures the size of a room, draws the floor plan and creates a
    DXF file, PDF document, JPEG images, etc. : MagicPlan (via Architizer)
  • Tree in the house (via Phaidon)
  • Comic: Bringing Sexy Back
  • Collage of NASA solar images
  •  
    Have an excellent weekend!

    Stack Modular Storage System

    Don’t get overwhelmed just yet, as you’re the head honcho in deciding how your own Stack Modular Storage System will look. Various cabinets in a variety of colors can be stacked together or used apart, just pick the appropriate base for the configuration you want. Oh, and if a static base bores you, there’s also a Trolley Base for mobility.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $250.00 - 900.00
    Available from: YLiving

    Form Pendants

    Well, these pendants sure look impressive grouped together. They hint at the classic industrial bulbs of the past yet have a distinct modern feel thanks to the simple cord treatment. Each one is made from mouth-blown white opal glass and requires basic hardwiring (so, to do a cluster of lights you might want to call in an electrician).
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $132.00
    Available from: YLiving

    Float Magazine Rack

    What the… ?? Shown out of context, this particular piece boggles the mind just a bit, but in the right setting with a few magazines strewn about, eventually anyone will be able to make the connection. It’s a magazine rack, made of “precisely angled” powder-coated steel, that keeps magazines floating midair, easily within reach from your reading spot.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $80.00
    Available from: DWR

    Beolit 12 Sound System

    Yeah, I know you don’t need any more speaker options, but just in case you like to keep up to date, you’ll want to take a look at the Beolit 12 Sound System from Bang & Olufsen. Designed by Cecilie Manz, it has a friendly appearance and feel, and, of course, it’s wireless, and has a rechargeable battery and leather strap for transport. Stream music via Apple AirPlay or connect a device via the built-in 3.5mm minijack or USB port.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $799.00
    Available from: DWR

    Scholten & Baijings’ Colour Crystal Stemware

    Welcome all, please take your seats. Did you sign in? Do you have a name tag? Good… the Scholten & Baijings’ fan club is now in session. First order of business is admiring their new modern, crystal stemware with pinstripes and gradient colors. Fantastic, isn’t it? The colors and stripes are hand-applied, hence the cost, and have been noted to cause feelings of extreme distress to those individuals who can’t quite afford the whole collection, so please be aware and conduct yourself appropriately.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $36.00
    Available from: A+R Store

    Hitch Bookcase

    If you’ve been jonesing for a wall of books to grace your living room- soon to be called ‘the library’ in a vague European accent- consider this new bookcase from Blu Dot. Steel uprights support wood veneered shelves for a slight industrial edge. How about the pricing, you say? One Hitch Bookcase is $599, with each additional Add-on at $499.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $599.00
    Available from: Blu Dot