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This might be slightly cooler if there wasn’t a movie on right now with the same character, but either way it’s still a lot more ‘edgy’ than a regular mirror.

27.5″W x 15″H

I’m still a little fuzzy on how this works, but if I got one, I would just say it’s magic. Might be a good stocking stuffer if you’re still doing some holiday shopping (and, if you’re still way behind and freaking out because there’s basically no time, gift cards might be an excellent solution)…

“Our SmartPad® prevents items from slipping, sliding or falling on virtually any surface! The revolutionary material grips the surface it’s on and the items you place on it. Use one on a dashboard, the side of a computer monitor, refrigerator to securely hold a cell phone, keys, sunglasses or MP3 player.”

Revolutionary material includes no adhesive so it won’t damage the surface
Works horizontally or vertically

The HZL kids certainly keep up their commitment to interesting rugs- these are just two of my favorites from an extensive line, so if you’re in the market for a modern rug, I suggest a look.

“These wool rugs offer rich style in thick 100% handtufted New Zealand wool. New Zealand wool is the best available due to its high lanolin content… Special hand carving and combination cut and loop pile is very unusual craftmanship. The surfaces are soft and thick, making these rugs indulgently luxurious and sophisticated…”

Available in sizes:
55 x 79
67 x 94
79 x 79
98 x 98

Noguchi is well known for his lighting designs, and this one is certainly considered a classic.

“Akari Light Sculptures by Isamu Noguchi are considered icons of 1950s modern design. Designed by Noguchi beginning in 1951 and handmade for over half a century by the original manufacturer in Gifu, Japan, the paper lanterns are a harmonious blend of Japanese handcraft and modernist form. Created from handmade washi paper and bamboo ribbing, and supported by a metal frame.”

27h x 18″d

Note: MoMA Store no longer carries this particular lamp, but you might check out the Noguchi Museum Shop for other lamps.

These are quite possibly the best bookends I have ever seen or ever will see.

“Touchable, hefty and versatile, too. The molten, irregularly organic shape of these Bookends is purposeful to accommodate short or tall books, depending on how they’re oriented. The ergonomic curves of these brass pieces invite touching, which deepens the richness of the surface finish over time with the interaction of the natural oils on the hands. Each piece is cast and hand finished to exacting standards in the same foundries originally used to produce these in mid-20th century.” –dwr

Designer: Carl Auböck II
Manufacturer: Werkstatte Carl Auböck
H 5″ W 3.75″ D 3.25″

“The book presents twenty houses designed by the most celebrated architects of the moment, in a wide range of countries. Technical data, plans and a biographical profile of the architect are presented for each of the twenty homes, along with the project report. Located in very diverse geographical settings and designed by figures with an established international reputation – including Glenn Murcutt, Steven Holl, Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, Richard Meier and Rem Kollhaas – as well as by emerging young arhcitects, the twenty houses represent a significant moment of crystallization in contemporary architectural research. The discussion of the architecture also raises an investigation of the profound changes that are now taking place in the institution of the family, in its makeup, in the rhythms of its daily life and in the forms of its leisure and work.”

Check out how these window stickers act as screening for this home in Australia. It’s quite notable how the architect has considered and met building requirements without sacrificing any design standard, in fact, just the opposite- he’s added to rather than detracted from the building’s overall facade, making it an elegant and beautiful structure.

Every element needed to perform multiple functions for maximum return- hence the kitchen bench becomes part of the stair, and the screening required by council reflects heat and glare away from the expansive windows, neatly eliminating the need for curtains. Council requirements regarding overlooking which dictate a 75% opacity to second-storey spaces are resolved by UV stable stickers rather than expensive and elaborate screening. The tree supergraphic creates playful and ever-changing shadows across the interior spaces and is composed of images taken in the local park.

For anyone fond of Lego, now you can be creative with ice cubes. They also carry some coasters and wine bottle opener that are worth looking at.

Made of durable silicone.
Ice cube tray makes 10 ice “bricks” at a time!
Dishwasher safe.

(Thanks Michael!)

Though cashmere and skulls aren’t normally in the same sentence, they do go together nicely as a pillow.

“A grinning ghoul invites friends to cuddle up to this 100% cashmere cushion. A great gift for dorm-dwellers. Filled with feather down. Made in Italy. Brown/orange. Measures 20″ x 20″.”

Despite my tendency to buy black furniture, I’m really liking the different color options of the Prouve Standard Chair…it might take some time to save up for several, but just one in any of the colors would really make a strong statement.

“Tubular steel piping is enough for the front legs that take relatively little strain, whereas the back legs are made of voluminous hollow sections and pass the strain on to the floor.”

16.5″W x 32″H x 19″D, Seat height at 18.25 inches

Whether this might be a last minute gift for someone else or a necessary object to tame your own desk clutter,
it’s a sure fire way to make sure letters stay put in a nice, graphic way.

“Organize your home or office with this letter holder which features a pictogram of an envelope on both sides. Made of powder epoxy-coated steel.”

3.5h x 4.75w x 1.5″d

Update: This item is unfortunately no longer available. (10/12/09)

Whether you’re jetting off to an island or stashing some stuff for the gym, this bag has that casual-yet-polished look that will accommodate those extra things you might need.

“Combining quality materials with a simple, classic design, this weekend bag won’t date. Made from soft suede with leather straps and detailing, it has a zipped top and an external and internal pocket…available in blue suede and red or black leather.”

W21 x D7 x H15 in.

I think I first learned of Stuart Haygarth from Mocoloco when they did a post on his Tide Chandelier. After seeing it I wanted to start collecting colorful garbage to make something similar, but, of course, that idea got lost by the wayside.

Anyway, if you haven’t seen or heard of his work yet, I strongly encourage you to take a look. He uses collections of objects to create beautiful chandeliers- his quote will summarize his projects better than I ever could:

“The objects are normally collected in large quantities categorized and assembled in a way that transforms their meaning. My work is about giving banal and overlooked objects a new significance. The finished piece of work takes various forms such as chandeliers, installations, functional and sculptural objects.”

Prices range from £2,500 GBP to £12,000 GBP.

I’m guessing most of us don’t have this kind of cash lying around just waiting to be spent on a bookcase, but it sure is impressive.

“Behind the Tier Shelving’s simple silhouette lies a complicated fabrication technique resulting in no visible hardware. As well as appearing to be free floating, this wall mounted shelving system is available in two different shelf depths, 12″ or 16″. An optional 24″ deep desk surface is also available. Shelf widths are available in 4′ or 8′ lengths. In addition, you may choose an overall unit height of 6′ or 8′. To customize your unit further, you may choose from two different dimensions between your shelves, 12.75″ or 17.25″.”

Aluminum tiers support walnut or oak veneered shelves. Aluminum available in multiple finishes; anodized natural or powder coated white, orange gray, and red.

96h x 96w x 12d

Just under $300 for a nice sized area rug…not bad. Several color choices as well.

“When you marry a thick, rich pile to the clean, understated simplicity of a textured circle motif, the result – and the response – is Wow. Few mills offer this kind of heavy, luxurious rug; few rugs have this kind of impact. Modern, refined, with real punch, especially in larger sizes.”

Bentley Prince Street is committed to Mission Zero(tm), ” our promise to eliminate any negative impact our products may have on the environment by 2020.”