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I think it’s often easy to forget that something as simple as the Aalto stool is well within a meager modernist’s budget*. So, for this week’s design classic, consider the stacking stool by Alvar Aalto as an option for extra seating. Designed in 1932-33, the stool is made from solid birch veneer and features a bent L-shaped leg that allows it to be stacked to save space.

Available in natural wood grain or with a white, red, or black laminate top ($275).
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Well, if you are very short on space, this little cabinet will give you the finished look without the legs. It appears to be a complete side table, yet the only three-dimensional part is an open drawer that’s just big enough for a few books. The two-dimensional wall decal creates the illusion.

Designed by Lisbon-based designer Fernando Brízio for Droog.
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Just saw this over at Poketo!: In October of 2004, Kate Bingaman-Burt began drawing her credit card statements each month with the goal of doing so until they were all paid off. Now, imagine all that work, and think, if you did the same, would it affect your credit card balance? She has since paid off the original debt.

Letterpress Print edition of 100 8”x 10”

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Frangipani, indeed. Do you know what a Frangipani is? It’s a flower that most of us would recognize as the Hawaiin Lei flower. The lovely textured pattern of this light shade is created from hundreds of overlapping elements of polypropylene plastic (which, as some of you might know, is completely recyclable).

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If recent events have prompted you to understand what’s happening with the earth’s lithosphere, you might appreciate this map as a visual aid. It provides an accurate visual detail of the ocean floor and is available in two sizes, with or without a frame.

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Sure, the Loop Stand Table ($1,265.00) is an excellent choice for a dining or work table. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you might think about purchasing the Loop Stand Frames (2 pcs, $289.00) instead and then figure out an alternative top for yourself. (Personally, I’ve stained and sealed a plywood top for my own dining table for around $100 and been quite pleased with the results.)

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Wall tiles had a big heyday a few years ago, and some of these designs by the Dutch company WallArt remind me why. All of their wall tiles are made out of the fibrous residu of sugarcane, making them 100% recycled and compostable/biodegradable. My standout favorites are the Gaps and Kites, but there’s ten other patterns to choose from if you’re interested.
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While this is perhaps the most flattering angle, I do have to say this bed looks incredibly appropriate for a modern-yet-affordable sleeping surface. The frame is made from sustainable solid mango wood and features an open headboard where you can put all manner of bedtime accessories (books, alarm clocks, etc.).

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You might be familiar with the blankets and cushions of Scholten & Baijings, which are entirely amazing and retail anywhere from ~$250 per pillow and ~$700 – $1,700 per blanket (expensive, but, as I said, a-maze-ing). These graphic tea towels for Hay Denmark are an affordable way to enjoy the design duo’s fluorescent patterns; the towels cost $32 for a set of 2.

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Cast of Vices has created a luxury lambskin leather version of those ever-present plastic bags. While most of you already have your reusable totes (don’t you?) for groceries and such, you might want to have a nicer (i.e. non-mucky) bag to use for finer purchases. The four patterns (‘Have a Nice Day’, ‘Thank You’, ‘I HEART NY’ and ‘Recycle’) are hand embossed and sewn in Los Angeles.
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A couple of you have written in asking where this might be available since the original retailer (tinyliving.com) shut its doors. Form.Function.Style carries it now for AUD $55.00.
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If you’re in need of a rocker to soothe a baby (or yourself?) to sleep, you might just consider this one from Monte Design. It has a small footprint (25″w x 31″l) so it could fit into a smaller room with little to no problem, and the clean modern lines won’t offend anyone’s senses.

Wood base options include a choice of Solid American Walnut or White.
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“I wanted to clear up the slum of legs.” So said Eero Saarinen, designer of the well known pedestal (aka Tulip) collection, which includes a dining, coffee and side table.
Winner of the 1969 Museum of Modern Art Award, Saarinen’s collection is one of many iconic designs from the mid century.

To learn more about the designer, visit Eero Saarinen’s wikipedia page.
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If the name Jasper Morrison rings your bell, you’ll be ecstatic to know his shop is now online. And what lovely offers are on hand? Well, the Punkt phone, of course, designed my Mr. Morrison himself. If you still have a landline, I’d say it’s a great choice; there’s a fully integrated answer machine, phonebook, and ten ringtones to choose from. The handset is upside down, which allows you to read who’s calling and answer the phone without picking it up.

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I don’t know if you feel the same way, but I’ve always struggled a tiny bit with deciding on window coverings. Finding something that provided privacy without being too formal or too frilly, or frankly, too I-just-bought-this-from-IKEA, is always a long drawn out search, with the result often being I end up making something myself. I should add that this DIY window covering is hastily made and almost always unfinished. The solution might just be getting this textured tyvek curtain. It looks soft, modern and entirely interesting.
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