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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)

 
 

Friday Links

  • GOOD: The Rules (via @the99percent)
  • Bottle cap portrait by Mary Ellen Croteau (via curiosity counts)
  • curiosity counts: why old books smell so good (via @brainpicker)
  • Forgot to note how I found this, apologies:Spooky Haunted Mirror
  • What Does The World’s Most Average Typeface Look Like?
  • Where to hide valuables? How about a Doortop Stash? (via Incredible Things)
  • a new bookmark: Sight Unseen
  • Reveeco EcoVéa recycling shower
  • AT: What’s the most popular color in the entire world?
  • Image: mirrored cabinets, good or bad idea? (all I can think about is fingerprints)
  • swissmiss: Brush Up On Your Metric
  • Casey Neistat video: iPhone’s Siri vs. My Human Assistant via @Pogue (“Do you love me?”)
  • Have a nice middle-of-October weekend. Cheers.

    Dustbin by Brendan Ravenhill

    Brendan Ravenhill has incorporated a dustpan into the lid of a trashcan, making most trashcan manufacturers look like idiots for not thinking of the idea before. The steel can and lid is powder coated for durability and the included beech wood brush attaches to the side of the bin with embedded rare earth magnets. It’s not often that one can express admiration over a waste container, but in this case, it’s entirely appropriate. Well done, Mr. Ravenhill, well done.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $165.00
    Available from: Brendan Ravenhill

    Source: Core77

    Les Squelettes Tea Towel

    Non-creepy skeletons cover this tea towel from Bon Matin. More educational in nature than Halloween-themed, you’ll have to have a go at guessing them all, and if you come up short, there’s a cutline at the bottom. There’s also a Les Squelettes print with the same imagery (yet in fluorescent green and magenta for a 3D effect) for $39.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $18.00
    Available from: Bon Matin

    Source: Svpply

    Mutewatch

    Use your gadget skills to navigate this watch; you simply tap, touch, pinch and swipe to access the functions. A vibrating alarm alerts the wearer to the time, and can be adjusted by swiping and tapping; see the video below for a quick demo. Recharge the battery via USP port (runs up to two weeks before charge is needed) and hand wash to clean the rubbery surface.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $259.00
    Available from: A+R Store

    Eye Sea Posters

    There’s a great selection of vintage movie posters from around the world over at Eye Sea. All of the ones shown here are Polish (from the 60’s and 70’s), and they’re all original, so expect a little wear and tear.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: £25.00
    Available from: Eye Sea Posters

    Tetu Cast Iron Tape Dispenser

    At times it might seem as if there’s a slight disposition on this site to feature the more expensive items available in the marketplace, however, know that this tape dispenser by Makoto Koizumi is one of today’s picks primarily for its design and weight. Cast iron would ensure a one handed operation (one can assume) and the design is naturally minimal. Also, if you’re interested, Makoto Koizumi also designed a simple cast iron Tetu door stopper and paper weight that has the form of a rounded stone (see below).
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $150.00
    Available from: emmohome

    Piana Folding Chair

    Man, this folding chair is something else. When you think about regular folding chairs and their clunky look and quality, this one is a winner. Sleek and simple, it folds completely flat, allowing for stacking horizontally or hanging on a wall hook. This would be a great choice for extra seating, as you can store it away in a closet when not needed. Also suitable for outdoor use. Sale is valid October 6–18 (2011), so you can save a little by ordering now.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $191.25

    Support BLTD by buying here.

    Available from: DWR

    Clayhaus Ceramics

    Clayhaus Ceramics has quite the array of tiles to choose from; they carry traditional patterns to a little more ‘out there’ designs, all of which would fit well within a more modern home. All of their products are handcrafted in the US, and take about four to six weeks for delivery.

    Clayhaus Ceramic tiles are available from your local dealer (or contact Clayhaus directly for info).

    Purchase Information:

    Price: $available upon request
    Available from: Clayhaus Ceramics

    Meeting Carafe and Glasses

    If you’re a minimalist that likes a little bit of decorative detail, perhaps you’ll like the Meeting collection from Sagaform. Subtle black stripes surround the base of a carafe and a couple of stacking glasses, making a nice set for having a drink (of water or something stronger) at home or the office.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $10.00 - 30.00
    Available from: Rare Device

    Geo/Metric Scarves and Pillows

    Pattern! Geometrics! These cotton voile hand screened scarves by Thomaspaul are quite lovely, and available in four different colors (all shown below). Plus, if you wish to accessorize your home with the same geometric patterns, there’s also pillows. Happy days, yes?
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $60.00 - 74.00
    Available from: 2Modern

    Knife Block from Viola Park

    It’s entirely safe to say Viola Park has my dream kitchen and I just can’t afford to buy it yet. They’ve introduced a new backsplash shelf and integrated knife block, and, as you can tell, it gets high marks for function and utility, not to mention looks. The 5″ powder coated steel shelf allows access to ingredients while the wood knife block holds 12 knives and is available in walnut, rift-cut white oak, and bamboo.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $125.00 per linear foot
    Available from: Viola Park

    KeepCup

    Still looking for a suitable commuter cup? Check out this recyclable KeepCup: it’s lightweight, has an interchangeable lid (if you get a couple of different sizes), and a silicone band to protect your hand. The 8 and 12 oz. sizes fit under espresso machines, so you can take it to your local coffee shop for a fill up. It’s dishwasher and microwave safe too. Also available in Gray + White and Black + Green.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $12.00-16.00
    Available from: Branch

    Helit Foster Newspaper/Magazine Rack

    While this newspaper/magazine rack costs quite a few pretty pennies, it does seem satisfyingly hefty and no-nonsense. And, should you need other items similar in style, there’s quite a few other Helit Foster desk accessories, just be prepared for similar prices. See the rest over at Helit.

    Designed by Norman Foster.
    Dimension: 16. 5 in. W x 9.25 in. H x 6 in. D

    Purchase Information:

    Price: $240.00
    Available from: Helit

    Alternate Future Collection by IGNOBLE

    If you are looking for a smart and functional bag/backpack, IGNOBLE is a good place to start. We’ve featured their Cora Rucksack and the Lenore Backpack before, and now that they’ve just released two new bags it’s only right to shine some light on them as well. The Stilwin Seedpod Backpack is a sleek and compact daypack while the Wonderly Canister Rucksack covers your travel needs as it holds a higher capacity. Both bags are limited to a run of 325 pieces each, so if you’re interested, get a move on.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $319.00 - 399.99
    Available from: IGNOBLE

    It’s Lonely in the Modern World

    How behind the times I am… I just now found out that Unhappy Hipsters has a book coming out. Full of the photos and accompanying quotes we have read and loved, along with some “awesome” home tips, It’s Lonely in the Modern World is a an ‘add to cart’ no-brainer. You can order it from Barnes and Noble ($13.29) or Amazon ($13.57).
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $13.29
    Available from: Barnes and Noble