skip to main content
 

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)

 
 

Squares Console

I like the geometry of this console- more of an interesting object to put a vase or rest your keys on than a storage piece, but it has character.

Waxed iron, gray granite top

43″w x 37″h x 7.75″d

Purchase Information:

Price: $775.00
Availability: Buy Squares Console here

[Art]ifact

This looks to be a rather interesting read.

“[Art]ifact is about innovative product design that dares to go beyond the conventionality and bring a total havoc to our perception. With brilliant use of form (size and shape), material and colour, these designs stretch imagination beyond limits and create exceptional emotions and user interaction beyond the basic function. Challenging yet familiar, serious yet amusing, the titlele shows you a conglomeration of cool, intelligent, playful, ironic and unprecedented designs, each with an extraordinary angle, idea or story that will tickle our brain and touch our heart.”

[posted by katie]

Purchase Information:

Price: $40.00
Availability: Buy [Art]ifact here

Keyaki Wood Tea Cups

I wonder how well wood conducts heat? I’m tempted to buy these; they look so comfortable to hold, plus, they seem more natural than the ceramic mugs we’re all used to.

“Keyaki wood is a Japanese elm and has been much prized for centuries by Japanese woodworkers for the dramatic and beautiful grain. Each teacup is carved from a single block of wood and has a unique pattern. They are light and wonderful to hold in the hand. Set of 4.”

[posted by katie]

Purchase Information:

Price: $40.00
Availability: Buy Keyaki Wood Tea Cups here

Marcel Sofa

This sofa’s fabric is definitely not for the faint of heart. So if you’re brave enough to go with a bold floral, I salute you on behalf of the rest of us that always settle for solids. (This frame is also available in granite.)

This is the piece to shake things up, to give a room that has nothing to wear something to talk about. Bold abstract in easy to live with neutrals takes the classic floral sofa you grew up with and turns it upside down on its modern roots. High fashion arm has mini-scroll; high salon back cocoons spare uni-cushion bench. Taupe, white and brown with just a pop of orange is never dull, never imposing. Also available in granite.

74.25″Wx28″Dx29″H

$1,099.00 $999.00,
Buy it here.

Purchase Information:

Price: $1,099.00
Availability: Buy Marcel Sofa here

Venus Bowls and Vase

These are lovely, and much more affordable than they look.

“Fascinated by waves and the complexity of glittering water, Erika Lagerbielke’s love for water continues to inspire her. Venus named after Botticelli’s famous painting is classic, clear Orrefors crystal in modern guise. In their simplicity, the bowls and vases are ideal for both traditional and modern homes.”

Small Bowl: 2.5h x 5.125w, $75.00
Large Bowl: 3.375h x 7.25w, $150.00
Large Vase: 9.5h x 5.125w, $200.00

Purchase Information:

Price: $75.00-$200.00
Availability: Buy Venus Bowls and Vase here

PreFab Now by James Grayson Trulove

I think this dude has over a bazillion books on modern homes, but I’ve yet to come across one that I didn’t like. This one is a worth a flip through for anyone interested in PreFab, which I guess is almost all of us.

“PreFab Now explores the best prefabricated houses on the market today worldwide and addresses the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a prefab home over a custom-built one. This book also covers cost, sustainability, and durability. With a wealth of elaborate plans, drawings, renderings, and beautiful full-color images, PreFab Now is an invaluable resource for architects and homebuyers alike.”

Purchase Information:

Price: $26.37
Availability: Buy PreFab Now by James Grayson Trulove here

“Stop Staring At My Tote” Canvas Tote

Man, this is my favorite tote yet.

totes are made from 10oz, 100% cotton canvas.
10.5″x14″x5″ with 24″ handles

[via notcot.org/]

Purchase Information:

Price: $7.50
Availability: Buy “Stop Staring At My Tote” Canvas Tote here

Puma Glow Rider

Surely this isn’t the first time someone has thought of a glow-in-the-dark bike, but it’s the first I’ve seen. Word is that Puma’s Glow Rider will be available April ’08.

“The night glow effect paint used on the steel frame of the bike collects the sunrays during the day, and gives this light off when darkness has fallen, in the form of a beautiful glow, lasting for several hours….Additional features of the bike are its characteristic chunky tires, and a quick, easy and smart semi-folding mechanism, for maximum convenience. This easy-folding design makes the bike a perfect travel companion and allows commuters easy access in and out of public transport, cars or elevators. This unique element provides all the benefits of a folding bike, without compromising on style…”

[image and text via highsnobiety.com]

Gus Design Group Vintage Swing Arm Lamp

I love how simple this lamp is. Hinge, arm, bulb and that’s it. No fuss.

The Vintage Swing Arm lamp is a simple light fixture that swings from a stainless steel wall mounted hinge. It can be operated from a footswitch and includes mounting hardware and a vintage inspired filament lightbulb.

50″W x 10″H

Purchase Information:

Price: $525.00
Availability: Buy Gus Design Group Vintage Swing Arm Lamp here

Something’s Hiding in Here Wood Mustache

How many people have a wooden mustache on hand to use when necessary? Not enough, obviously. (This would be a magnificent gift, by the way.)

Natural and Dark Stained Wood. Hand-carved.

6″ wide mustache on 12″ stick

Purchase Information:

Price: $36.00
Availability: Buy Something’s Hiding in Here Wood Mustache here

Miranda Wine Crendenza

If you’re a serious wine buff, then you might have to prove it by housing your treasure trove in something worthy.

“Compliment your wine room, dining room, or cellar with this luxurious credenza. Stores your wine, glasses and serving accessories. Holds forty-eight wine bottles and twelve wine glasses.”

58″ x 28″ x 18″

Purchase Information:

Price: $2,600.00
Availability: Buy Miranda Wine Crendenza here

Concrete Bulb Hook

A concrete light bulb? Certainly something you don’t see everyday, you can hang your hat on this hook knowing it’ll stay put. Plus, you’ll probably get the ‘Where did you get that!?’ question when you have visitors, leading you to believe that your coolness factor increased.

“Made from a cement mortar mix, this lightbulb hook was poured into a hollowed out lightbulb, cured and then had the glass removed. The glass mold gives it a high shine and polished surface. During curing, the mortar mix leaves small holes in the surface whichadd texture and character. Because of this, every Concrete Lightbulb is unique. A lag bolt was embedded before curing, and sticks out 1.5″ inches to insure a solid grip into the wall when mounted.”

Overall length: 5.75″, Weight: 11 oz

Purchase Information:

Price: $24.95
Availability: Buy Concrete Bulb Hook here

Delica Trays

Take a look- these might be just the thing to simplify your breakfast, lunch or dinner. It seems like the one shown could easily take the place of a placemat, eliminating the need for laundry as well as multiple trips to the dining table.

“A series of trays by Zoocreative that will add a lot of comfort (not to mention style) to your dining experience. The Table and Small trays are cleverly designed to rest your arms in the grooves as you sit down to dinner in perfect comfort. Use the Coffee tray to carry food or utensils to the table… or use it as a lovely centerpiece, filled with fruit.”

Available in three different finishes and three different models:
Serving tray – right & left cutouts: 18.5″W x 15.5″L, $79.00
Coffee tray – raised side handles: 18.5″W x 15.5″L, $79.00
Small tray – one cutout: 13.75″W x 11.75″L, $67.00

Purchase Information:

Price: $67.00-$79.00
Availability: Buy Delica Trays here

Directional Porcelain Lamp

This lamp looks lovely.

“This wonderful matte white hanging lamp captures a nice soft glow when lit. It measures 7″w x 4 1/4″d x 8 3/4″h. Lamps made from thin moded porcelain. Lamps come with a fifteen foot white cord sets that ends with a plug, not hard wired. Bulbs sold separately.”

7″w x 4 1/4″d x 8 3/4″h

Purchase Information:

Price: $98.00
Availability: Buy Directional Porcelain Lamp here

Brooklyn Mugs

Whether you love or hate Brooklyn, these two mugs help take you back (unless you live there already).

Brooklyn Mug (right), $10.95 4.25” H Capacity: 12 oz.
Brooklynese Mug (left), $9.95 4”H Capacity: 7.5oz

[posted by katie]

Purchase Information:

Price: $9.95-$10.95
Availability: Buy Brooklyn Mugs here