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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)

 
 

W102 LIGHT

If you ignore the price tag, this little light is simply perfect. Designed by architect David Chipperfield, its simplicity allows no visible joints, and the size (13.25″l x 4.5″d x 18″h) makes it ideal for a small reading or task light. The brass brings out the latent magpie in me, and makes it convenient to forget that it’s well suited for someone with a generous budget. Available October 1, 2011.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $550.00
Available from: Merchant no. 4

Cardboard Radio

Love this. It’s a cardboard radio by designer Christopher McNicholl and SUCK UK. At the end of its life, the cardboard can be recycled (just keep it away from water until then). For more details, visit SUCK UK. (I’ll keep my eyes out for a US retailer, fyi.)
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Purchase Information:

Price: £25.00
Availability: Buy Cardboard Radio here

Pie Kitchen Timer

I don’t know about you, but I certainly prefer a manual kitchen timer to a digital one. There’s something nice about the visual aspect of time that makes sense to me, and that’s why this timer stands out. The top half twists to the required amount of minutes/seconds with a classic bell alarm when time is up. Plus, there’s no batteries needed.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $14.00
Available from: A+R Store

Unit Portables 01 Shoulder Bag

How handy would it be to have a choice between pockets on the inside or outside of your laptop bag? This bag gives you just that, with two pouches for cables, accessories, etc., that can be placed where you decide is most accessible. Made from the ever durable polyester.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $110.00
Available from: Unit Portables

Atwood Bed

Hmm, what do we have here? Reclaimed peroba wood gives a nice rustic modern vibe, but it’s really the built in bench/bookshelf that caught my eye. Dovetail joints and just enough storage space for books gives it extra points over other platforms. Perhaps it’s not the best choice for very small bedrooms (or very small budgets), but it sure would do well when a strong presence is needed.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $2,399.00 - 2,599.00
Available from: Crate & Barrel

Brita Sweden Gunnel Rug

If you’re a sucker for patterns, you might like this rug with its zig-zaggy-ness. However, the standout quality for me it that it’s woven plastic. I have a somewhat similar rug in my kitchen and it’s been perfect, as I’ve had no worries when it comes to spillage or stains… you simply rinse it out. Sure, it’s plastic, and that sounds a bit unfriendly and cold, but I’ve been surprised at how I notice the pattern (and the interest it brings) and padding for my feet more than the material. It’s a low maintenance choice for high traffic areas, or even outdoors, if you wish. Gunnel Runner Rug shown above, Anna rug below.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $starts at $96.00
Available from: nestliving

Measuring Tape Tape

Oh, how useful this would be (which is why the Museum of Useful Things stocks it, I suppose). This yellow paper tape is printed with a markings every 1/8 of an inch, and is perforated at the end of each foot. When it comes to measuring boxes, furniture, and whatever else, I’d vote for this tape to be my tool of choice. It would stay put and allow accurate measurements.

Made in the USA.

Purchase Information:

Price: $10.50
Available from: Museum of Useful Things

SIWA Paper Boxes

Ooo, SIWA (pronounced shiwa) paper box collection is on sale over at DWR. Designed by Naoto Fukasawa for Onao (family-run company that operates Japan’s oldest paper machine), these boxes are water resistant and can hold up to 22 pounds. With three sizes to choose from, they’d be great containers for collecting/storing miscellany around the house.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $22.50 and up
Available from: DWR

Normann Copenhagen’s Whisk

No, it’s not one of those head massager thingamajigs, it’s a whisk. Design duo LucidiPevere upgraded the materials to durable bamboo and plastic, and the result is most certainly lovelier (if a whisk can be lovely) than the metal version in most of our kitchens. Other colors below.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $24.00
Available from: A+R Store

EARonic iPhone Case

I think I like these cases from CollaCubed. Disguising that you’re on your phone could be beneficial in some situations, for sure. Available in 5 different styles.

Designed by Daniela Gilsanz.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $20.00
Available from: CollaCubed

Friday Links

  • Make: DIY $4 Grocery Panniers
  • I’ve probably linked to this site before, but just in case I haven’t… Reference Library
  • This looks promising: Decurate
  • NYTimes: Graphs on the Financial Crisis via @buildllc
  • Dining Etiquette 101 (via DESIGNLUMP)
  • The Huxtables and their sartorial choices: Huxtable Hotness
  • Okay, who’s next? Artist Creates Makeshift Tattoo Gun from Household Objects
  • Open Culture has a good list of Free Resources for Lifelong Learners Everywhere.
  • Also on Open Culture, Helen Keller Captured on Video.
  • NYTimes The Reckoning: America and the World a Decade After 9/11
  • Storycorps > SEPTEMBER 11
  • For many, this weekend is one of remembrance. Spend it appropriately.

    365 Calendar

    Ah, who doesn’t love perpetual calendars? I’ve long had a habit of posting decent ones, and I’m not about to stop now, especially since this one is super affordable. The only trouble with calendars like this one is you have to remember to update it each day (if you rely on it exclusively, that is).

    Wood composite
    6″Wx3″Dx3″H

    Purchase Information:

    Price: $19.95
    Available from: CB2

    John Beck Paper & Steel

    Whoa, these two Peter Lights from John Beck Paper & Steel are priced at $124 over on Fab.com today, down from a regular price of $185. Each light is handcrafted by the Illinois craftspeople of John Beck Paper & Steel. Also be sure to check out the larger Brown or Black Light Three for $488 (reg. $750).

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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $124.00
    Available from: Fab

    Curve Cushion

    If you’re in need of a cushion that doesn’t clash with your existing color scheme, black and white is always a good bet… and, as a close second (or third, rather) grey is an excellent choice as well. These two cushions from CUSTHOM have a simple circle design that add just the right amount of interest. And, if you like these pillows, you’ll like the Curve Mugs (£18.50).

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    Purchase Information:

    Price: £65.00
    Available from: Theo

    Tidy Ruler

    Nice, here’s a ruler that has a special groove for a pencil and a sharpener built in at its end. Now you (or your offspring) will always know right where the desk essentials are located. Measures in inches and centimeters.

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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $11.99
    Availability: Buy Tidy Ruler here

    Source: Svpply