bltd

Here's a nice minimalist mailbox that can be mounted on a post or railing. Handmade from left-over scraps of galvanized metal sheets, each mailbox features rolled metal edges and stainless steel and aluminum fasteners for rust prevention. A wall-mount version will be available soon, so check back if that's what you need....Read more

Maybe you've seen this already, maybe you haven't. Either way, it's still the only 98% biodegradable pen in the world. The body is composed of bio-plastic, the ink reservoir from biodegradable fiber, and the ink itself is ACMI certified non-toxic. Not enough for you? Well, it's also produced at a wind-powered facility in the US, so that should be enough to impress. Designed to decompose in a compost facility within...Read more

The Waterhouse at South Bend in Shanghai is a wonderful contrast of old and new. Chinese architects NHDRO have thoughtfully renovated a disused Japanese army headquarters into a modern boutique hotel, keeping the original concrete and brick walls while adding current materials and details. Might be worth bookmarking if you've got an older building renovation in your future. The Waterhouse is located by the new Cool Docks development on the...Read more

I love these new Wine Cork stoppers designed by Aurélien Barbry. The Wine Pourer (right) is pretty clever too, as its top ensures a proper seal. With more and more wineries choosing screw tops over cork stoppers, these will at least keep some of that traditional feel alive. My designs are based on objects in daily use. I redefine their use, and find new shapes and expressions to give new...Read more

There's something really satisfying about watching this man start a fire using exclusively Ikea products. It does feel a little Rube Goldbergian, knowing that you could just start a fire with matches, but it's nice to see ingenuity at work. For more information you can see Helmut Smits' site here....Read more

Check out this stoneware planter from Paige Russell. Fossil asked four artists to create an original piece of artwork that illustrates the Fossil motto/slogan 'Long Live Vintage'. Inspired by the Eames Lounge Chair, this planter by Paige is my absolute favorite. There's also a short video of Paige talking about her design process on Fossil's website....Read more

Originally commissioned for the Design Museum Tank, Gitta Gschwendtner created the Bag Stool as a comment on material consumption. There's an outdoor concrete version (143 lbs.) that comes with a fixation system and an indoor version made from a concrete and wood fiber mixture (66lbs.)....Read more

So, sure, you have your Box Appetit, but sticking it straight in your bag is for suckers. This bag is made to carry the Box Appetit, plus there's room for a drink and a piece of fruit (should you so desire). When open, the waterproof bag can act as a 'mini blanket' or placemat....Read more

If you've got a faux allergy to plastic, consider this walnut tape dispenser. And you thought your office mates were jealous of your Swingline, just wait until you unveil this baby. Takes standard sized tape; one roll of Japanese washi paper tape included....Read more

If you plan your outfit right down to your weather accessories, you might have heard of London Undercover. Established by designer Jamie Milestone in 2008, they offer a fair selection of stylish umbrellas to keep you dry, and perhaps best of all, all the umbrellas are made using recycled materials and minimal waste. Recycled canvas fabric, recycled metal shafts & frames, recycled and biodegradeable handles and recycled packaging and tags....Read more

So, notice the fancy new face of BLTD? We're still figuring out a few kinks, so be patient with us... also, we're aware that the RSS feed images are broken but they'll be fixed soon. Any feedback, please feel free to email us. Hope you like the improvements....Read more

If you've long been a fan of Roberto Menghi's iconic Globo di Luce Pendant (1968), you'll be happy to know that the copper version is on sale right now. I'm not sure if DWR is discontinuing the copper or if it's just a summer sale, but either way you'll save half off the regular price. Designer: Roberto Menghi Medium, H 11.5”³ Diameter 11.75”³ Large, H 17”³ Diameter 17.75”³...Read more

For you Canadian folks, here's a nice white dresser with a mid century vibe. Crafted of matte-lacquered MDF, it has three self-close drawers and tapered legs. If you're not in Canada, you might have to do some serious cajoling to get it shipped to your home... good luck if that's your plan....Read more

I posted this a while ago, but seeing as it is now available stateside it’s worth a second look. If you had the right sort of metal ruler and circular magnets, you might be able to replicate this yourself, or you could just spend £15 and get this one (thereby supporting the designer who thought up the idea in the first place). Original retail link 12/11/09: Thorsten van Elten...Read more

I had an opportunity to play around with an iPad this weekend (nevermind it was at this place looking at this stuff) and besides being generally taken with how it works and looks, I came away with a vague dissatisfaction with the plastic case that it was protected by. Now, a plastic case may suit your iPad just fine, but if yours starts showing its age with cracks along the...Read more