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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)

 
 

Scalo Modern Stool & Step Ladder

This is terribly expensive for a stepladder, even though it works triple time as a stool or bookshelf. However, in examining the details (hidden hinges, stainless steel stop) and materials (bent plywood), one can understand how it would cost more than, say, a simple small step ladder found at a furniture store. The price is probably (definitely) more than most of us wish to spend, yet there’s something to be admired for a piece that combines all three functions in such a nicely finished way.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $2,016.00
Available from: Stardust.com

Twice Twice Dot Clock

This new clock by Jonas Damon is a modern interpretation of the two-sided railway station clock. You can wall mount it on its side or have it free-standing (shown below). Take note of the ship date though, unfortunately you’ll have to wait until the end of October.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $170.00
Available from: Areaware

20×200 at West Elm

20×200 has recently collaborated with West Elm, which is happy news for those of us fond of filling walls with art. My favorite two are the ny.10.#28 by Jennifer Sanchez and upstairs by Joe Kievitt, both shown below.
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More information:

View 20×200 at West Elm here

TriBeCa Loft by Office of Architecture and Push

This TriBeCa Loft by Office of Architecture and Push shows how loft living doesn’t mean sacrificing privacy and storage. Cabinetry as well as sliding and accordion doors define specific room functions without blocking natural light or interrupting the overall flow of space.

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Socks Rolled Down Glassware

Update: Now on sale at 40% off at Plastica. Snap ’em up while available.

Marimekko’s ‘Socks Rolled Down’ glassware is simply lovely. Various shades of delicate color would be just the thing to match the spring weather that’s right around the corner.

Colored mouth-blown glass for cold drink use.
Dishwasher safe.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $21.00 and up
Available from: PLASTICA

MiniDock

Smart. This MiniDock utilizes your existing Apple USB Power Adapter to cut down on cords and allow your device to charge directly into the wall socket. That means extra tabletop or counter space, not to mention less to cart around when traveling. MiniDock is available in three versions to fit either US, UK or EU style adapters and sockets.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $19.95
Available from: Bluelounge

Source: DesignTAXI.com

MUJI Hard Carry Suitcase

MUJI rarely goes wrong, and for that very reason I’m extremely curious how well these suitcases will stand up to the tests of travel. While they don’t meet FAA carry on guidelines (45 linear inches is the maximum), they do look durable and are much more affordable than some other similarly attractive hardcases. More info below.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $197.50
Available from: Muji

Numbers Desk Set

You might have seen the Numbers Notepad before, but have you checked out the Blueprint Notepad? I’m taking a serious liking to the whole collection by Mateo Ilasco and the Numbers Desk Set (which includes both notepads along with some number clips) is looking mighty tempting.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $34.00
Available from: Mateo Ilasco

Pad Rug Ivory by Marie Mees

Black and white patterned rugs have always seemed like the ideal choice for a room, mostly because they act as a neutral backdrop and you can easily change colors around. While this rug is leaning more towards an investment piece price, I do like the repetitive pattern, and, as it’s hand knotted New Zealand wool, you know the quality won’t disappoint.

Size: 67″W x 95″L

Purchase Information:

Price: $3,225.00
Available from: Stardust.com

Twelve Degree Bookstand

Perfect for a desktop, this bookstand can keep books or magazines at hand while freeing up some desk space. The stand can be interlocked in multiples, and of course, it would work well on a bookshelf too.

Epoxy Powder Coated Steel.
Available in green or orange.

Purchase Information:

Price: $20.00
Available from: MoMA Store

Glass Greenhouse

Despite the recent terrarium craze, I still haven’t created or bought one for my own home. This rather affordable easy-on-the-eyes greenhouse is tempting me to finally write it into my to-do list this weekend. It’s nice that it’s so simple and spare, as that allows for the plants to be the main focal point.

Small: 9″sq. x 18″h. $49.00
Large: 24″w x 13″d x 20″h. $169.00

Purchase Information:

Price: $49.00 - 169.00
Available from: West Elm

You Are Here Bookmark Pad

If you’re a big reader and you tend to take notes, perhaps this bookmark pad will come in handy. Keep track of important pages as well as title, author, date started, and date finished. 25 tear-off bookmarks are included on a cardstock pad.

Measures 7 inches L x 1 3/4 inches W.

Purchase Information:

Price: $6.45
Available from: The Spoon Sisters

Beam Table/Stool

If you need some character in a room- as in a big chunky side table or stool- here it is. HollerDesign brings us the Beam table and/or stool; it pretty much nails the rustic modern look with its interesting joint (see pic below) and hand charred finish.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $325.00
Available from: HollerDesign

Einspine’s Drying Line

There’s no shortage of indoor drying lines available online, but the selection isn’t anything to get too excited about. This system by designer Russ Hornstein could possibly be recreated with a few smart choices in hardware, but if you’d rather not bother, it’s not too terribly expensive (especially since you’ll be saving energy by air drying). The cord supports four times as much clothing as a conventional clothes line, and by creating a few loops you’re able to hang laundry sideways… so, you’re getting quite a bit more laundry drying in a rather small amount of space.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $25.00
Available from: Uncommon Goods

Psychoplates

These remind me of the Ink Blot series by Kathleen Walsh (which are no longer available as far as I can find) for obvious reasons. Inspired by the Rorschach test, you’re sure to have some interesting conversations based on what your friends and family see within the patterns. Figure 3 is clearly a giraffe’s face, don’t you think?

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Purchase Information:

Price: $180.00
Available from: Fitzsu