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The Optical Mixer (Optischer Farbmischer) can demonstrate aspects of color theory when spinning the top with one of the seven interchangeable discs. So, you can buy it for color teaching purposes or buy it just for fun (which is what I’m tempted to do).

Seven interchangeable cardboard discs included with info describing the phenomenon.
Designed by Ludwig Hirschfeld-Mack.

Just saw this impressive sliding door/wall over on Dwell. The Belgian architects 51N4E choose 5mm-thick white marble mounted on a 20mm honeycomb structure for the sliding door that separates the kitchen and adjacent storage space. The wall appears either opaque or translucent depending on time of day and amount of light.

More pictures below.
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Man-oh-man, here’s one killer task light. Amanda Levete showcases the new technology of OLED lighting in a twisting, flat ribbon of steel, with only the cord to offset the powder coated (or polished) surface. What’s so special about OLED lighting, you might wonder. Apparently it’s a super-thin, lightweight panel that casts an even glow without glare, flickering or excessive heat. Impressive, yes, but for now let’s just admire the beauty of this self-supporting form from afar, at least until the technology becomes a bit more affordable.

Available in powder coated or polished stainless steel with a red, yellow or blue cord.
H 11.2″ x L 19.7″ x D 14.6″
Cable L 78.8″
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Raise your hand if you are still in search of the perfect mug. You know, one that will keep your tea/coffee/whatever at the temperature you want without having the messy spillage that inevitably occurs no matter how careful you are. Now, consider the elegance of this particular double walled porcelain mug, with its sliding lid and accompanying drip filter, and if it would solve your beverage issues enough to justify the cost.

Holds 10 fluid ounces (310 ml).
3.5″ dia. x 6.7″ high

Also, see the Lotus Tea Cup for similar sliding lid magic.

These aren’t your normal composition books, of course. They’re made with Biogas derived energy from 100% recycled (post consumer waste) paper. If that’s not enough to win you over, I don’t know what will.

Available in Topographical Map with Grid Pages, Woodgrain and Cherry Blossom.
College Ruled, 80 Sheets/160 Pages
7.5 x 9.75
Made in USA

Well, if you need a pop of color indoors or out, this over-the-top throne might suit your fancy. Personally, I tend to lean towards the black or white because color seems a bit superfluous, but maybe I’m boring that way.

Made of recyclable linear polyethylene, UV resistant.
Available in 11 different colors.
Made in Italy.
W40 x D35 x H43″

What do you get when you don’t follow the instructions? Kenyon Yeh took standard Ikea flat-pack furniture and assembled them as he saw fit, creating an altogether new design with occasional added elements.

Produced and made to order.

Designer: Kenyon Yeh
BRIA-KENN-LOPE (shown on left): £250
DALT: £300

This and the High & Dry Dishrack can compete for the ‘coolest dishdrainer/rack’ title, though this one might lose since it’s a little higher price wise. It looks like the US Alessi shop is out of stock, but you can sign up to be notified when it’s back in.

Designed by Pauline Deltour.
18/10 stainless steel with cutlery drainer, £58.00
Tray in thermoplastic resin, £15.00

Might you care for some subway art? Bold and graphic, these prints are based on old signs found in a Brooklyn antiques store. Price varies according to size and each sign has a limited edition of 125.

16″ by 20″ starts at $249.

UltraChrome© print with hand-painted acrylic gloss
Drymounted onto 2″ deep birch wood panel

If you need some reminding about where the dessert spoon goes, here’s the perfect placemat for your table. Or, perhaps just get a few purely because you’ll enjoy the graphics. No one nowadays really cares all that much about correct placement of cutlery, do they?

60×65 cm (25” x 23”)
Cotton, machine washable.

So, these green chairs stood out quite a bit when I ran across this photo the other day and habit proved unavoidable. A quick lookup to see if my memory served correct and surprise, surprise they weren’t quite the chairs (see #1) I thought they were. Now, onto the questions regarding the two chairs on the right:

a) which one do you think was made first?
b) which one costs less?
c) which one has removable legs?

Do you care? Maybe? Answers below.
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Okay, so we usually try to avoid featuring things from IKEA, because you most likely already know what they have and it’s a no-brainer if you’re on a very tight budget. But this little desk seems like the perfect sort of thing for a cramped workspace, and with the inside lined in felt with pockets and paper holders, plus a cable management compartment, it’s suddenly sprung from so-so to a wow-that’s-a-big-bang-for-your-buck sort of item. Keep in mind you’d still have to buy the legs, but that’s not a lot to add on price wise.

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Perusing OWI this morning, I came across this Chapel House in the Flemish village of Bazel. While the chapel windows and lofty ceilings definitely induce envy, the mix of soft muted colors and occasional odd material makes for an inspiring interior. Perhaps with the right paint color in a strategic spot and the addition of a few antiques or collectibles, you can steal a little bit of the look for your own home. Also, take a look at their use of chicken wire, or at least that’s what it looks like… photos below.

Photos: Verne

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This white aluminum clock is just begging for your own creative scribbling. Pen included.

Designer: Guixé Martí
40 cm dia.

If you’re an iPad owner, take note of this handy folding stand. It can be used either as an upright easel (portrait or landscape) or at a keyboard-friendly angle for typing onscreen. Made from heavy gauge steel, you’ll not need to worry about breakage, and the fact that it folds up to a compact size makes it extremely travel friendly.

(Thanks Matt!)