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That’s right, a wooden pencil with green flocking. I kind of love it. Brought to you by
designboom of course.

First seen at the designboom mart in New York 2006.

If you’re feeling like the mid century classics are getting a bit ubiquitous, this is an excellent choice for more of a modern dining or outdoor seating option.

“the strings collection designed by shin azumi for magis is a visually interesting stacking chair and stool. made in chromed steel rod or cataphoretically-treated steel rod painted in polyester powder. painted version is suitable for outside use. seat cushions also available.”

stacking chair, $235.00, 23.2”w x 31.1”h x 20.5”d. seat height is 17.7”
o cushions: seat- $67.00, 13.6” x 13.4”, backrest – 13.6” x 5.9”
high bar stool, $274.00, 24”w x 36.4”h x 17.7”d. seat height is 31.1”
medium bar stool, $269.00, 23.2”w x 32.5”h x 16.1”d. seat height is 27.2”
o seat cushion, $84.00, 11.8” x 10.6”

This is a rather new item we haven’t seen around yet- all the little details make it something special for your favorite greenery.

“A personal rooftop garden…in a miniature scale. This highly detailed flower pot with stairs, windows and even handrails on the balcony will definitely add warmth to your surroundings.”

Designer:Nobuhiro Sato

3.9 x 4.7 x 4.7″

Thanks Jay!

I sincerely hope that no one will completely rely upon this for all communication when visiting a foreign land, but I do know that no matter how much you prepare, sometimes you just forget certain necessary words. This might be handy to have just in case your memory fails you.

‘You may be fluent in multiple languages but still sometimes find yourself “off the beaten path ” and unable to communicate effectively. “Point It ” is the solution, with images of 1200 items to which you can indicate for universal understanding.’

Despite our occasional visits to Ikea, I have not yet stumbled upon their appliances. But the good folks over at
GrassrootsModern posted this oven, and it looks like an excellent choice for anyone on a budget.

“True convection oven.
Warmer.
Pizza baking.
Convection oven function.
Convection broil.
High and low broil.
Fan defrost.
Thermal oven function.
Continuous cleaning.
Tilting grill.
If the food is not quite done after the set program time, the cooking time is easy to prolong without resetting the oven.
Capacity: 3.1 cu.ft.
1 grid included.
1 fat pan included.
1 enamelled baking sheet included.”

Width: 23 3/8 “
Depth: 22 1/4 “
Height: 23 3/8 “

I love the rough edge next to the super polished surface of the basin. Definitely has a meditative feel about it…

“The polished granite interior will hold its luster — and the rough hewn cut edges are perfect for any modern zen look.”

Hewn-cut Shanxi black granite
L: 21″, W: 17″, H: 4″

This book blurs landscape and art together, showcasing artists that carve and build sculpture from natural materials. I especially thought the Sylvan Steps by David Nash and the Root Sculpture by Nils-Udo deserved mention.

“Never has the relationship between art and nature been more complicated and more fragile, but also richer and more fascinating. The artists and architects in Natural Architecture have transformed the act of building into an art form capable of sparking new relationships with nature, landscape, and the environment. Natural Architecture presents sixty-six site-specific installations that use raw materials, manual labor, and natural stimuli to create truly green architecture that is as organic as the materials with which it is created.”

[posted by katie]

So clever, and appropriately useful in all sorts of ways…

“A hybrid stool/container on wheels by Marcel Wanders. Pebbles is a clever, mobile box that provides extra seating when space and storage are at a minimum. Perfect for holding towels, magazines, tools, office supplies, toys… it fits in any room at home or at the office…”

Standard injection-molded glossy ABS or STYROLUX polystyrene

17″W x 17″L x 15″H

I’m still getting used to the price of this table, and the idea of being able to switch out the pattern of the legs.

“An amazingly versatile piece by Marcel Wanders, capable of matching any room imaginable! Its secret is in its thick, conical legs, made of clear, standard injection-moulded polycarbonate. Change the look of the design by simply inserting a pattern of your choice! Two sets of graphic inserts are available, designed by Marcel Wanders or Javier Mariscal… or choose the blank sheets of art paper and add your own personal touch to the design!”

Rectangular top: 63″W x 31.5″L x 27.75″H
Square top: 35.5″W x 35.5″L x 27.75″H

(This item’s link and price was updated 10/15/09.)

We haven’t posted all the classic mid century pieces, so we’ll be trying to correct that by highlighting a few every now and again.

“Originally made with fiberglass-reinforced plastic, these chairs now take advantage of the benefits of more eco-friendly polypropylene. The molded shell seat has a high, flexible back and a deep seat pocket. The waterfall seat edge promotes comfortable seating for extended periods of time by reducing pressure on the backs of thighs.”

Polypropylene; chrome-plated steel base; plastic glides.

H 32″ W 24.5″ D 23.5″, Seat H 16.5″, Arm H 26″

There’s a new collection of pet furniture available, completely worth taking a look at if you’ve got some furry friends. All are lined with sherpa fleece and come in a variety of pleasing colors.

Shown left to right: Pod, Nest, and Podium.

(Thanks Kate!)

[posted by katie]

Here’s a contemporary sofa that won’t break the bank. I like the super low arms.

“…a low, floating silhouette anchored by overscaled track arms and balanced on a minimal, gleaming stainless base.”

91.5″Wx37.5″Dx31″H

This might be my favorite thing ever in the entire world, or at least close to it.

“What we know as a doorbell is a square box that strangely enough says nothing about what a doorbell really is: an appliance consisting of an electromagnet, a hammer and two sound sources. In this design by Peter van der Jagt, crystal glasses make a crystal clear sound, announcing guests with a musical toast.”

9.8″ x 3.5″ x 9.5″

This luggage collection looks like it could belong to Indiana Jones. It’s both utilitarian and elegant, which is kind of hard to pull off, so it deserves consideration if you’re thinking about updating your traveling gear.

“This durable luggage collection is made with industrial-weight rugged twill that’s densely woven and soaked in paraffin wax. The result is a strong material that’s highly water repellent, even in arduous conditions. Brass fittings resist corrosion in fresh or salt water and full-grain, vegetable-tanned bridle leather provides comfortable, durable straps.”

100% cotton twill; paraffin wax coating; cowhide straps.

Canvas Duffle Bag, H 14″ W 25″ D 13″, $255

Canvas Padded Laptop Bag, H 14″ W 16.5″ D 7.5″, $275

Canvas Tote, H 14″ W 14″ D 6″, $98

[posted by katie]

For anyone interested in green home building, there’s a couple documenting the construction of their home in the form of a blog called ‘Green In Medusa’. You can share your own experience or take notes if you’re planning a similar project.

“[The] blog is a joint effort of owners Baldomero and Stephenie Fernandez and architect Lynn Gaffney to document the design and construction process of an affordable green house in upstate New York. The aim is a transparent sharing of the triumphs and mishaps so that sustainable design becomes approachable for everyone.”

[posted by katie]