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I’ve recently just been introduced to the amazingly simple, functional art items by Metaphys out of Japan. From left to right, paper clip holder, tape dispenser and rubber band holder. It would create an interesting landscape on one’s desk.

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″

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″.”

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)

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.

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.”

Porcelain egg with coin slot. The only way to get your money out is to break the egg. Ironically, the egg costs more than it will likely hold, unless you fold up bills and stick them in there.

Limited edition phone by Hulger is perfect for Skype, and it’s wireless bluetooth so there are no annoying cords to deal with.

This clock is part of the new design aesthetic that’s come about recently. It’s part DIY (paint by numbers) and part modern with added flourish.

Brush, paint and instruction sheet included.
Overall 15 1/2 x 15 1/2″ (39 x39cm).

There are so many things from Walteria Living that are noteworthy, I can’t pick just one. Loads of excellent gift options for those on your list that are hard to buy for, you’re sure to find the perfect item.

Shown:
Vanishing Creatures Chocolates, set of 3, $50.00 each
Paperweight series vol. 2, set of 2, limited edition, $245.00
Paperweight series vol. 1, set of 3, limited edition, $365.00
Postcard diaries, mixed set of 4 plates, $365.00

[posted by katie]

A different take on modern lighting, this inflatable floor lamp would be an interesting way to shed some light in a corner or beside a sofa.

Inflatable, soft PVC floor lamp.

23.5″/47″H 17.7″ Ø

I love, love, love this calendar. The ‘Cats Let Nothing Darken Their Roar’ 2008 Calendar (2nd Edition) is now available. (By the way, for anyone who hasn’t gotten me a christmas gift yet- this would be absolutely perfect.)

To see all the months, you can go to
Noa Bembibre’s site.

11 1/2″ x 16 1/2″

These pillows are pretty cute (if tools can be cute); the print’s a perfect accent for a bed or sofa in any modernist DIY-er’s home.

Tool cushion covers are made from 100 percent cotton fabric.
Removable cover, inner not included.
50cm x 50cm

(Thanks Charlie!)