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Changing out your doorbell to one of these might just be the thing to add some polish to your home’s entrance.

“Create a clean exterior aesthetic with the addition of a modern Doorbell. This Small Doorbell can be installed vertically or horizontally and its pared down design fits a variety of architectural styles. The button has a satisfying touch resistance and the brushed stainless steel can complement our Neutra House Numbers. Necessary hardware for installation is included. The doorbell will work with most existing bells. Made in Germany.”

Brushed stainless steel.

Small: H 1.4″ W 5″, $125.00, available at DWR

Large: H 3″ W 3″, $150.00, available at DWR

(This item’s link and price was updated 05/05/10.)

Looking through architonic, I happened across this glass. It looks amazing- wish there was an up close picture to show the 3d effect…

“An award was made to Inglas Deko Wilder Wein for its special decorative properties. This , laminated safety glass with integrated decorative material consists of two thermally pre-stressed sheets of glass, with processed tendrils of Virginia creeper in the bonding area. In order to create the effect of space (3D effect) the tendrils of creeper are positioned at different levels of the bonding area. Typical applications for Inglas Deko Wilder Wein are shower partitions, partition walls, table tops and furniture sections.”

These stickers remind me of the Tattoo House that I posted a while back. It seems like this would be a smart way to get a little bit of that look without spending a whole lot.

“Stickers can be adhered to any glass or plexi surface, outdoors or in.
Easy to follow instructions are included.Once adhered, glass can be
washed normally. Minimum outdoor resistance, 3years. Frosted stickers allow 70% of light to pass through while maintaing maximum opacity, even at close range.
Use several sheets to create patterns and greater privacy.”


Standard size sheets are 20 x 40cm(11x17inches) and include all the elements indicated. Custom sizes are available by request.

[posted by katie]

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.

Neoporte is the industry standard for great modern doors.

Not only are they amazing to look at, but they’re also green.

“All Neoporte doors are made from 100% stainless steel, a durable, recyclable
material that lasts a lifetime without the need for toxic refinishing.”

This wall/door solution is perfect for large, open living spaces where you may need to periodically add some soundproofing or privacy.

 [posted by kris]

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″

Danish designer Jacob Jensen’s cordless doorbell features five different polyphonic tunes. It features a LED that indicates both ring and low battery level. Protected from the interference of other cordless products.

It sounds weird to say that glass garage doors are one of my favorite things, but they are. I especially like the idea of a garage door in the place of a large window, allowing for opening/closing at the push of a button, old-school style.

[posted by katie]

It’s that time of year again, for the Apartment Therapy “Smallest Coolest Apartments Contest”. One of my favorites this round is Victor & Soeun’s Romantic Loft.
It looks like their “pod” is made with a combination of translucent plastic and what looks to be the glass doors for the Akurum cabinets from Ikea*. This is a great solution for an enclosed room because the walls aren’t the standard 4-6″ thick and the translucence allows for privacy yet doesn’t close the space in.

$234.00 [link to retailer]

You can buy the doors separately in the kitchen department.

*Actually, on closer inspection, it looks like the hinges are on the outside, so they’re probably not the Akurum doors, but if you don’t have the stomach for making your own doors, they would be a quick and easy solution.

Speaking of Apartment Therapy, they’re currently running their “smallest coolest apartments 2006” contest right now, and I’ve fallen in love with many of the entries but I thought this apartment has the most innovative use of the Ikea Pax wardrobe doors I’ve ever seen. Vince (the resident) used it in his tiny apartment as a movable wall that let’s light in but also provides privacy and dividing the space for different purposes.

For those of you who are DIY inclined, there are several of really great usable ideas on the site.

Pax Stordal Doors, $320

Stolmen Post, $30

Total cost approximately $800

All of this via Apartment Therapy. Please go check out their contest and vote on your favorite entries.

I was in the amazing Herzog & De Meuron designed Prada store in Tokyo last year, design-gawking. The dressing room was just off to the side with the only walls made of transparent glass. I went in, and unable to easily ask for assistance, fumbled around for a bit until I saw a button on the floor, which I stepped on, causing the glass to appear to immediately fog-up. I now know, of course, that it was not fog but instead polymer liquid-crystal optics. In the natural state, liquid crystal droplets are aligned randomly in the polymer and the reflective index of liquid crystal does not match that of polymer (np ? ne), so the incident lights are scattered, resulting in a translucent state. When an electrical field is applied, the liquid crystal droplets reorient so their extraordinary relective index matches that of polymer (np = ne), resulting in a transparent state.

What are the implications for those of us who didn’t really like science class? Well, in residential applications it means that you can have rooms that transform from public to private spaces with the flick of a switch.

Have you ever wanted a secret hiding place in your home? Now’s your chance. This door poses as a book-shelf, making it possible to conceal an entire section of your home. If your house is small, maybe you could make your closet into a meth-lab. just kidding.

Available in several different sizes, styles and shelf widths.

Looking for that certain je ne se qua for your front door? Try this nickel plated, cast zinc door knocker.

Mounting hardware is included.
Free shipping

Size: 7.5″ H x 4″ W x 2″ D

Remember that one time when you were a kid and you wanted to be a spy? Decoder rings and the like? Step it up a notch with your own Fingerprint Door Lock.

Stores up to 10 fingerprints.