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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)

 
 

FOUND Polaroids

If you’ve ever browsed through Found Magazine then you’ll know what to expect from this collection of Polaroids.

There are photographs, and then there are Polaroids. This hardbound beauty is stuffed with 100+ specimens and curiosities from the Polaroid age, when gratification was as instant as the digital camera but far easier to lose. It’s filled with an incredible collection of photos – some of them very funny, others strangely moving and affecting.

$16.49,
Buy it here.

Purchase Information:

Price: $16.49
Availability: Buy FOUND Polaroids here

Nero Shelf

The irregular decorative edge on this shelf is quite interesting and would frame your objects nicely.

A modern shelf with old roots. Nanni Holén was inspired by the decorated shelves you sometimes find in old cupboards. The shelf can be used alone or in a group and gives a wall a strong and contemporary look. Nero received the Swedish design award UNG 06/07.

Designer: Nanni Holén
Material: MDF-board
Measurements: Width 50, depth 16 cm
1590 kr ($251.20 approx.)

Purchase Information:

Price: $251.20
Availability: Buy Nero Shelf here

Nexus Extending Desk

At first this might seem frightfully expensive for a small desk, but in rooms where space is at a premium something like this would be a necessity.

“Extremely practical where space is limited, the Nexus desk doubles in depth, thanks to a retractable shelf on wheels, set at the perfect height for a computer keyboard . Two drawers slide out from the shelf sides for pens and pencils.”

10 to 12 week lead time.
W33 x D22.5/32 x H28 in.

$1,695.00,
Buy it here.

Purchase Information:

Price: $1,695.00
Availability: Buy Nexus Extending Desk here

Wood Blocks by notNeutral

These woodblocks have some excellent graphics.

This multi-faceted piece turns the concept of traditional alphabet blocks on its head by featuring an array of multi-functional patterns and colors. Not just a set of wood blocks, but two puzzles, numbers and letters, too. A great gift for all ages.

The Letters combine notNeutral’s favorite vintage and contemporary fonts. They picked the most distinct letter forms for each letter on two of the block sides. Basic equations can be solved using the two tone graphic numbers. The Apples are a signature notNeutral pattern that create a fun puzzle. The last two sides are a combination of two Season pattern elements, the flora and fauna elements with the tree structure.

12 wood blocks, Includes wood tray
Each six-sided block is 1.75″ x 1.75″

$36.00, Buy it here.

Purchase Information:

Price: $36.00
Availability: Buy Wood Blocks by notNeutral here

Pressure Sake Pitcher

This is a lovely sake pitcher with slight indentions for ease of use.

The simple idea behind the Pressure Sake Pitcher was to create a handle less pitcher. This is achieved by replacing the handle with two indentations that fit one’s hand when grasping this object. The resulting design solution takes a functional form. Pressure Sake Pitcher can be paired with the Nub Sake Cups.

Designed by: Masahiro Mori
Material: Porcelain
5.25 “H
$25.00,
Buy it here.

Purchase Information:

Price: $25.00
Availability: Buy Pressure Sake Pitcher here

Diamond Mirror

If you’re serious about your reflection, you’ll be impressed with this mirror and its 16 facets cut and polished by hand.

Most glass and mirror produced today are filled with mineral impurities, namely iron, which cause a deep green tint. While most noticeable on its edge it’s also visible on the entire face of the glass causing the reflection of your skin, your hair, your walls and everything around you to have a slightly greenish muddy tinit. The Diamond Mirror is made from laboratory quality glass of the highest optical clarity and backed with an impossibly thin layer of pure silver. Unobscured by mineral impurities within the glass the Diamond Mirror provides more light transmission which in turn results in a reflection that is actually brighter, clearer and more vivid. Often referred to as optically white, the Diamond Mirror quite literally reflects your true colors.

$3500.00, Buy it here.

Purchase Information:

Price: $3500.00
Availability: Buy Diamond Mirror here

Leather Baskets

These baskets run no risk of being ordinary; their architectural forms would look just as good empty as with something in them.

“This design is created from strips of soft leather, woven and stitched to form a flexible basket with an architectural quality.”

Orange Basket, €159, $244 (approx)
Red Basket, €164, $252 (approx)
Black Basket, €147, $226 (approx)

Buy it here.

Purchase Information:

Price: $226
Availability: Buy Leather Baskets here

XO or Mirror Tic Tac Toe

Clever interpretation…

Really simple and really well done the XO is a Tic Tac Toe game and yes, you might argue that there are a ton of them out there, but this one is special as it is played on a mirrored surface and the X and O are only half of what they should be. Why? Well, you are playing it on a mirror surface, hence no need for the other half.

$40.00,
Buy it here.

Purchase Information:

Price: $40.00
Availability: Buy XO or Mirror Tic Tac Toe here

GLOW Amp One

I admit I know next to nothing about audio/stereo equipment. Other than the fact that the sound system I have sounds a whole lot better than just the built-in speakers that come with the TV or computer, if you asked me any other questions I’d be blank. But I do know a few proper audiophiles, and they think highly of tube amps. I’d be curious to see how it sounds compared to what the rest of us have…it certainly looks pretty nice.

About the size of a shoe box, the versatile and simple to use GLOW Amp One is a classic stereo tube amplifier – with a twist – every GLOW amplifier comes equipped with a USB input so you can use your computer, iPod, cd player or even television as a HI FI music source. Just add speakers, the results are amazing.

Not only does it provide the smooth, silky and detailed sound that tube amps are famous for, it looks stunning. The GLOW Amp One is one stereo that is artful enough in design to display as part of your living environment. Forget those ugly “black box” stereo components. The GLOW Amp One simply sparkles… nothing catches attention more than the subtle glow of those little tubes!

The GLOW Amp One is hand crafted and built to last, but costs a fraction of what you would expect to pay for designer audio gear. Comes in your choice of eye popping colors and for a limited time GLOW is offering a free iPod docking station with every purchase.

11.5″ (L) x 5.5″ (W) x 6″ (H).

$648.00, Buy it here.

Purchase Information:

Price: $648.00
Availability: Buy GLOW Amp One here

Pinot Bistro Table – Round

I’ve been looking for a small breakfast-y sized bistro table for my kitchen, and this one is a pretty good price. I think it’s a winner.

Simple but functionally sound, these Italian-made powder-coated steel tables are exceptional examples of everyday outdoor furniture. Available in three styles, their sturdy construction and multiuse design make them the choice for cafés throughout Europe and the U.S. They also work well in office dining areas. By undergoing three different finish processes – electric zinc coating, the application of a grey powder coat and then a clear lacquer – the table surfaces are made resilient and corrosion resistant. Assembly required.

Materials: Steel with three-layer finish.
H 30″ Diameter 32″

$330.00, Now: $231.00,
Buy it here.

Purchase Information:

Price: $330.00
Availability: Buy Pinot Bistro Table – Round here

Travel Shoe Bags

I swear by shoe bags. That sounds funny, but I mean it.

“This handsome shoe bag is great for protecting clothes from getting soiled in a suitcase and so much nicer than carrying shoes in a plastic bag from the supermarket. . The bag is made from a sturdy cotton with a heavy duty cotton cord drawstring. One bag will hold a pair of shoes. Machine wash and dry.”

Measures 16″ L x 11″ W.

Golf Shoe Bag, $13.95, Buy it here.
Gentleman’s Travel Shoe Bag, $13.95
Buy it here.

Purchase Information:

Price: $13.95
Availability: Buy Travel Shoe Bags here

D & M Depot Fiberglass Planters

There’s something about large rectangular containers that has me itching to get some water-loving plants (like the ones pictured on the right).

“Constructed of fiberglass, these lightweight yet sturdy cubes are water tight and easy on the eyes. They’d look good anywhere, inside or out. How you put them to use is only limited by your imagination.”

Colors: Black, chocolate or beige.

Cube, 14 in., $230.00, Buy it here.

Rectangle, 17 in., $401.00, Buy it here.

Rectangle, 40 in. (shown on right), $735.00, Buy it here.

Pillar (shown on left), $498.00,
Buy it here.
(pillar has a recessed area up top for use as a display area. Beige only.)

Purchase Information:

Price: $230.00
Availability: Buy D & M Depot Fiberglass Planters here

The Pebble by Autoban by De La Espada

Whoa, talk about an impressive table, this one by Autoban has a sculptured edge and a bright red (or chrome plated) architectural aluminum base that deserves some attention.

Apparently not from the local beach… With legs made from aluminum and an organic-shaped top, Pebble is the union of contrasting materials, supported by a structure of the soundest simplicity.
Available in your choice of solid American Black Walnut or American White Oak and red powder coated aluminum or chrome plated aluminum base.

112″w x 46″L x 31″h

oak; $9,825.00,
Buy it here.

(please allow 8-12 weeks for delivery).

Purchase Information:

Price: $9,825.00
Availability: Buy The Pebble by Autoban by De La Espada here

Plank Table Lamp

A perfectly pleasing table lamp that’s also budget friendly…

“Raw pine veneer and off-white flax linen box flush in unexpected proportion. On/off line switch, 60W bulb (not included).”

12″Wx7″Dx18.25″H

Purchase Information:

Price: $69.95
Availability: Buy Plank Table Lamp here

Design Planar Dresser

This Planar Dresser and Wardrobe are pretty impressive. I’d say the whole collection is well worth some consideration if you’re looking for long term modern storage pieces.

Cascades of planar facets define this line of modern storage furniture. The signature white faces appear to float on the bamboo exterior and push touch hardware makes opening the drawers seamless. The Planar Storage Line includes a tall elegant wardrobe, modern drawers & dressers, and a stylish media console.
A dresser with many layers, the Planar faces hide the shallow accessory drawers among the deeper clothing storage. Both elements flow together maintaining a clean facade.

Materials: Amber bamboo with white MDF drawers. Drawer faces are 100% recycled formaldehyde-free MDF and drawer boxes are FSC-certified maple. The paint is a low-VOC waterbourne enamel and finished with a durable, water-based finish.
Made in Brooklyn (USA).

Planar Dresser, 39 W 38 H 24 D, $3,975.00, Buy it here.

Planar Wardrobe, 23 W 91 H 24 D, $4,275.00,
Buy it here.

Purchase Information:

Price: $3,975.00
Availability: Buy Design Planar Dresser here