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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)

 
 

More notes on annoying ads

Okay, so apparently those terribly annoying auto play ads are still happening to some of you. To those of you that have emailed, thank you very much for letting us know. I thought we got every last horrible one, but apparently not. Again, we’ve never intended these ads to be on our site, and sincere apologies that you’ve had to put up with them.

If an auto play ad happens to you and you feel like helping, can you take a quick screen shot and email us? That will help us track down the guilty party and get these ads removed.

And yes, we’re still working on the site remodel. If you’ve ever been in the business of redoing a website, you know it’s not necessarily a piece of cake. The last few bugs and fixes should be done any day now, so hang in there.

BCN Barstool

How often do you think of barstools as comfortable? Designers Harry & Camilla chose an industrial plastic to form a curved seat that has flex and give, and although I’m not sure how much ‘spring’ there is, it’s sure looks more comfortable than other barstools.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $550.00
Available from: arango

Tom Dixon Copper Blow Shade Lamp

If the beauty of this floor lamp doesn’t impress you enough, absorb the fact that it’s IP-rated for outdoor use. That’s right, you can use it outdoors. Accommodates a low-energy bulb.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $500.00
Available from: ABC Home

Hive Rubber Doormat

If you’ve ever stood in the aisle of your local hardware store and been disappointed with their doormat selection, you’re certainly not alone. While fake stones and scrolly ‘Welcome’ signs work for some, it’s better to find something unassuming and utilitarian (or maybe even opt for something like Come In/Go Away). While this rubber doormat is a little higher in price than your local big box hardware store offerings, it certainly won’t offend anyone’s design sensibilities.

27.6″L X 15.7″W.

Purchase Information:

Price: $38.00
Available from: Chiasso

Camera Lens Mug

Camera-geek joy, indeed. This mug looks just like a 24-105mm lens. Buy several and call it a day, because this would be just about the best gift (ever) for anyone who likes photography. A lens-cap lid and rubber-grip focus and zoom rings completes the picture.

Plastic mug with stainless steel lining.
Holds 16oz of liquid
3.3″ diameter, 4″ tall
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Purchase Information:

Price: $24.00
Available from: Photojojo

Source: Craft

Motley Ottoman

You’ll have to allow me some leeway here, as this ottoman isn’t technically available for purchase online, but it’s so colorful that I can’t really help it. Specially knitted by Donna Wilson, this Chesterfield inspired ottoman is a lovely example of how a traditional piece can be turned on its head simply by use of fabric and color. And don’t worry, if you’re not the sort to appreciate the rainbow-esque color scheme shown above, there’s 4 other different colour ways available.

Designed by Donna Wilson
Manufactured by SCP

Purchase Information:

Price: £2,005.00
Available from: SCP

Slide Clips

Take a look at this alternative to the binder clip. It simply slides on nice and tight with no extraneous arms.

Made of stainless steel.
Made in Japan.

Large, holds up to 60 pages, qty. 20 – $14
XLarge, holds up to 90 pages, qty. 10 – $12

Purchase Information:

Price: $12.00
Available from: Plastica

Baggu Duck Bag

Utilitarian bags are always handy to have around. Whether you use this one for your everyday needs or just for market trips, the heavy weight 16oz canvas will hold up to the task at hand. Best of all, at $20, you could afford to get a few.

16″h x 10″w x 5.5″d
16oz recycled cotton canvas.

Update: The BAGGU website looks like it’s a little messed up at the moment, but you can try emailing them at info(at)baggu.com or calling them at 800 605 0759 for a list of retailers. I found several at Fabrica Verde but let me know if there are others out there. 02/06/12.

Purchase Information:

Price: $19.00
Available from: Fabrica Verde

Naef Colorem Cubes

I know I posted the Optical Mixer by Naef Toys last week, but I can’t help but feature these varnished blackboard paint cubes as well. 5 water-soluable chalk crayons enable kids (or yourself) to decorate the cubes with imaginative artwork, with only a quick wipe of a wet sponge to make them ready for another memory game or masterpiece.

12 piece set: $59.99
25 piece set: $99.44

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Purchase Information:

Price: $59.99
Available from: Naef Toys

Pelican Chair

Seeing that we’re all usually up for saving some money, you might be interested to know that DWR is having their annual sale on upholstery and rugs. A quick peruse through their offerings and I kept getting caught on the Pelican Chair (1940). Curves and comfort are words that spring to mind, and of course, you just can’t go wrong with a piece designed by the architect and designer Finn Juhl. While his furniture is certainly in the ‘investment piece’ price range, you can possibly save a good chunk of change from now until the end of August.

And, if the Pelican Chair isn’t quite your cup of tea, there’s several other iconic pieces to set your sights on. Check it out: 15% off at DWR’s Upholstery and Rug Sale.

“A chair is not just a product of decorative art in a space, it is a form and a space in itself.” -Finn Juhl
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Purchase Information:

Price: $4,900.00
Available from: DWR

Black White Rug

I knew I had seen this rug somewhere before, or that at least it was very similar to Suki Cheema’s Black Marble Pillow (for which I’m still searching for an online retailer), and lo and behold, it actually is a Suki Cheema rug. I don’t quite get why some retailers choose not to list the name of the designer/manufacturer of the products they sell… it’s certainly their prerogative but it’s unfortunate for those of us interested in an item’s story.

100% hand printed rug
5×8

Purchase Information:

Price: $385.00
Available from: Haus Interior

Anthony Burrill Posters

Check out Anthony Burrill’s posters. Sure, the colors and graphic fonts are nice, but so are some of the messages. More posters shown below.

I Like It (51×76 cm), £33.50
Work Hard (black), £48.50

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Purchase Information:

Price: £34.50
Availability: Buy Anthony Burrill Posters here

Bufa Chair

What do we have here? Felt, stainless steel, and accordion-like sides… hmm. Inspired by tailored attire, the sides of this chair are threaded together with rope, presumably allowing for some adjustment. The idea of felt being transformed from flat 2D surface to a 3D form is nothing new, yet this chair utilizes elements of fashion to make an impressively stitched and very ‘this season’ seating option.

by MOWO Studio
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Purchase Information:

Price: $759.00
Available from: Gessato

Areaware Sale on Gilt (again)

More Areaware on Gilt Groupe’s site today, most of it half price. I picked up a Kuma Pillow for $12, a String Light for $60, and Gran’s Candlestick for $22. (Gilt Groupe is an invitation-based site, fyi.)

Custom Bus Scrolls

Well, if you’ve had little luck finding a vintage bus sign with that specific city/stop, you might consider a custom one from TransitDesign. Sure, part of the charm of a bus scroll is the fact that it was at one time actually used, but seeing as they can get a little pricey and hard to find, maybe it’s worth bending the rules a little bit.

Pictured:
Resort Towns of NW Michigan, Canvas 20.5 x 60, $195.00
Create Your Own Bus Roll, Canvas 20.5 x 60, $295.00
Not Pictured:
New York City Vintage, Canvas 20.5 x 60, $195.00

Purchase Information:

Price: $195.00 and up
Available from: TransitDesign's Etsy Shop