bltd

Cicada Books presents Graphic USA, an alternative guidebook to 25 American cities written and illustrated by graphic designers. Graphic USA gives you an insider's view of the best (and occasionally weird) restaurants, hotels, galleries, bars and coffee shops, all with quirky illustrations/graphics by the artists that live in each city. It's quite like reading a friend's notes on interesting places that you should see, with tidbits and paragraphs to help...Read more

Random links for you on this Freitag: NPR: Everything You Own In A Photo: A Look At Our Worldly Possessions Minimalissimo, a blog that celebrates minimalism. the human calendar via Digital Crushes iPad 2 "Thinner. Lighter. Faster." British place-names misspelled on American signposts: Oli Kellett, via It's Nice That mo+mo living AMAZING Cardboard Columns With 16 Million Facets: Michael Hansmeyer via Co. Design Have a nice weekend!...Read more

Remember my little speech last week about adding more classics into the BLTD mix? Well, here it is Thursday and time for another piece deemed classic by many a mid century fan. Charles and Ray Eames are quite famous for their experimentation in wood-molding techniques and their success in creating high-quality furniture that could be mass produced. The Plywood Group, to which this dining chair belongs, is made from a...Read more

After moving out to the Northwest it didn't take long to notice that people take their coffee pretty seriously out here, and I'm not talking about Starbucks or Seattle's Best. A welcoming local cafe is always a stone's throw away, catering to both the casual coffee drinker and as well as patrons of the most distinguised taste. In Portland, one of the most unique cafes I have come across is...Read more

This cardboard clock arrives at your door flat packed and unadorned, ready for you to assemble and decorate in whatever way you see fit. I'd be tempted to leave it as is, especially as it's currently available with laser-etched detailing of a traditional pendulum clock's face (limited edition of 50). There's also a smaller Cardboard Clock for £15.00 (see below). Cardboard Clock, £15.00...Read more

This varnished buffet by moca is composed of multiple compartments in several different colours, as you can see. While it's a bit high on the budget scale, the color options are entirely want-worthy and would probably jazz up any dull room in a split second. A black steel frame supports the compartments and gives a nice line to contrast with the visual blocks of color....Read more

Architect Matthew Hofmann recently completed a contemporary renovation of a vintage 1970's Airstream trailer, which he now calls home with his girlfriend in Santa Barbara, CA. A lesson in living small, the updated Airstream shows thoughtful use of space and storage as well as catering to the modernist aesthetic. Read Mathew's comments on the project below: Project Location: Roaming free in Southern California – Currently Santa Barbara. Project goal: Living...Read more

What is a 'Vide poche'? It's a valet tray for keeping your keys and coins and such (the literal translation is glove compartment, or according to this site, empty pocket). This collection from {far4} has some friendly illustrations that are bound to fit anywhere you need a little tray to catch your odds and ends. Vide poche with Serge the pelican, $60.00 Vide poche with a skull, $60.00 Vide poche...Read more

Photojojo offers relief to the world of drab black plastic camera bags with their Classic Leather Camera Satchel. An all leather exterior houses a padded interior fitted for a camera and lenses, as well as a laptop sleeve for 13'' laptops. Two front pockets as well as a zippered rear pocket keep the small things organized while you snap away. I don't even have a nice enough camera that would...Read more

Cute. These paper place mats offer space to write out a menu, message, or customize a place setting in LCD style text. Quite similar to the DIY Screenprinted LCD card, isn't it? pack of 12 sustainable Alphabetti Papermats....Read more

The Mobi is a really simple and cool looking phone dock / stand that will keep your work or home office desk that much more organized. It's rubber coated for a smooth feel and has a built in storage dish. Use it as-is or plug in your phone's charger cable through the bottom. Available in fuscia or black. Dimensions: 7 x 3 x 5"...Read more

A New Zealand Portage leather sling seat contrasts nicely against a white ash hand-turned frame; together they provide a comfortable lounge that would keep a seating area visually clean and light. Starling was designed by Cameron Foggo of New Zealand....Read more

For those of us that are a bit clumsy (or lazy), this tray would be a dream. Filled glasses and dishes keep their place even if you swing the tray, allowing you to move from kitchen to dining table to outdoors in a breeze. The loop at the top of the straps means you can carry even more in one hand if necessary. Nylon handles are removable from the aluminum...Read more

I'm an all season bicyclist but I'm certainly looking forward to sunny rides soon, and seeing this new graphic from Threadless put a smile on my face. The original Infinity MPG t-shirt is green with white graphics, but a new updated version is available with bright reflective ink, turning bright white in the headlights of cars. Check out this video to see it in action. I wouldn't trust it as...Read more

A blackboard cabinet, offering endless ways to entertain oneself by drawing images, words, etc. on the doors... just how much do your fingers itch to pick up a piece of chalk and get busy making marks? I'm slightly breaking the rules by posting this cabinet, as it's a brand new, handmade prototype and a only available through placing a custom order. All that said, you can purchase it by emailing...Read more