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Baskets aren’t usually the first thing you’ll find in a modern interior, but this Fair Trade Basket Collection possesses a sharp, sculptural quality that would do well whether used as objets d’art or as functional storage pieces. Made from palm wood, these baskets would normally warp over time, but Piet Hein Eek chose to specify thin slats strung together to allow for shrinking and expansion.
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If you’re a vegan or you’re opposed to leather in any way, shape or form, just admire the graphic patterns on these ‘rugs’ and skip on over to the next post. Okay, for the rest of us, let’s soak in the fact that these patterns are hand painted on leather hides. Hand painted. DIY-ers will have their thinking gears crunching, and everyone else will have to start saving their Benjamins, for the Painted Plains Collection by Avo does not come cheap. Hang one on the wall to admire or put one on the floor to (gingerly) walk on, either way your room won’t ever be described as boring.
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Don’t you dare say you have no need for a magnifier. What about those tiny hairs and freckles on your hand? The intricate markings of your own signature? The fuzzy anthers of a flower? Or the crisp text on that print out sitting on your desk? This heavy bronze magnifier designed by Daniel/Emma (in collaboration with Field) doubles as a paper weight and will keep your curiosity sharp.
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You won’t find these at your local kitchen supply store. These terracotta pots by Benjamin Hubert are glazed internally and have silicone lids for a tight seal, which make them perfect for storing dry goods- pasta, cereal, etc.- in the kitchen. No sacrificing design style here, as each piece could easily double as a vase (or group them together for a bigger centerpiece). Plus, they’re on sale (!).
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So, you’re probably developing a complex for the amount of organizational items I throw at you, but really, I’m just trying to help. Iittala’s Aitio Boxes (Aitio = theatre box in Finnish) strike me as the sort of thing that would work equally well in the kitchen or in an office area, as the powder-coated steel would withstand all manner of bumps and bruises. Hang a few on the wall or just set one or two on the countertop to corral kitchen or workplace miscellany.
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Let’s hope that the soothing shades of blue on this three piece tray set will aid your organizational skills, and encourage you to put your stuff where it belongs. It’s not hard, you know, you just put in a little extra effort and your home can neat and tidy (says the person who has project folders scattered all over her desk and empty cardboard boxes in the foyer). Keep the trays together for a color study look, or separate them throughout your home for multiple landing pads for gadgets, keys, and odd accessories.
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This Clever Hook was first featured on our site back in 2007, and, with the newer (“newer” being anytime after 2007) wood version, it certainly deserves another highlight. The Clever Hook has a grabbing mechanism that will immediately clasp any item that is placed on it. Think of it like pincers- little metal pincers- that keep a grip on your towel/bag/coat/whatever. Just lift up the item to remove it. There’s a 40 pound limit, so don’t go overboard, of course. Enjoy watching the little grabbers grab your item securely for safekeeping.
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The lines on the Grid Planks by Daphna Laurens would certainly tempt you to arrange food precisely along the perfectly ordered grid, for at least the first few moments of food prep anyways. After that, your sanity might be questioned. Consider the smooth side for cutting, and keep the grid side pristine for serving.
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The diminutive Dalu Table Lamp won’t be the biggest light in the house, and that is exactly its charm. It’s just over 10 inches tall, so it’s perfect for beside the bed or tucked into a dark corner for just a bit of illumination. You might recognize a sixties era sort of vibe, and you’d be spot on, as this is a re-edition of the original designed in (drumroll) the sixties. Molded thermoplastic resin gives the Dalu its shape; choose from black or white.
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Do you like these Hook Baskets from Pinetti? Because they like you too, and want to be seen somewhere in your home. Maybe in the living area for the kid’s toys? Or for keeping your collection of cashmere throws at hand? Perhaps that sounds a little silly, but, let’s face it, you’re not going to plonk down $375+ for a basket only to shove it in some closet for your dirty laundry (seriously, don’t do that), so you might as well utilize it somewhere where storage is sorely lacking and you can appreciate the basket’s details.
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See these paddle-shaped, melamine cocktail trays? They’re for your guests, so they can stand around and comfortably hold their plate piled high with hors d’oeuvres while shaking hands and sipping drinks. Their thumb goes through the hole for firm grip, and that little detail decreases the likelihood of someone spilling something that will stain your rug. And, yes, who knows, maybe an impromptu game of Ping Pong will break out once everyone has relaxed a little. Take note of the date that Vico Magistretti designed this set: 1987.
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Here’s a prettier water bulb for your plants, but it’ll cost you a teensy bit more than some of the other options out there. Okay, maybe a lot more, but this one is more of an art object than some ol’ watering bulb you’ll throw out when you get sick of it, and that explains the price tag. Each one is mouth-blown and hand shaped by glass artist Gregor Herman, so you’ll be able to admire its odd beauty alongside your prized plant.
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Problems with portion control? Join the club. The Ete plate can help, as it has portion sizes drawn directly on the plate. Fill the veggie portion up, cut your meat portion to fit, or follow the color guides for a mixed dish. See? It’s super simple, even a kid could get the hang of it. And, for every ten plates sold, one goes to a high school or academic institution. Back the project over at Indiegogo to get your own ($15), or a set of two ($40), four ($60) or six ($90).
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A little copper makes a big difference in this drinkware set. The copper bands wrapped around each piece are like cummerbunds; it’s pretty obvious someone’s dressed up for a fancy occasion. And, just like a cummerbund, the copper band could be kept on all the time for a dressier look, or you could take it off to bathe put the set in the dishwasher or go for a more casual appearance. Okay, let’s forget how funny tuxedos are and take a moment to admire the copper feature, and how it will develop a nice patina over time.
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When the summer laziness hits you, you’d better take a break and do something different. Like, say, play with some three-pronged blocks. Many grownups see blocks as a toy meant purely for the playroom, but others know a pile of wooden blocks can be just as useful on a desk or in an office break room. So, buy a set for yourself or buy a set for some little ones, either way, be sure to roll up your sleeves and join in with stacking/arranging something different (it might just give your brain a rest, or at least some creative freedom).
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