bltd

Whoa. Though these are terribly expensive, they're also completely spectacular. Part lighting and part sculpture, either of these lights are sure to become a treasured piece in your collection. I don't mean 'your collection' in the home-is-a-museum sort of way, just that if you spend the money on one of these lights, you should love it enough to keep it forever. MR. 2 (H 104.9" x W 77.7" x D...Read more

Whoa, these stainless steel bookends weigh nearly 4 lbs. a piece, which makes them absolutely perfect for your big art and design books. Simple hefty bookends are rather hard to find for some reason, so it's lovely to find this perfect pair. Design: Stefan Long, USA Dimensions: 8"L x 7.75"W x 8"H...Read more

If you're in need of a small step ladder to reach those upper shelves in your kitchen or closet, this retractable solid oak one might be a perfect fit. "Two-level retractable step ladder in solid oak. A practical design that functions as a compact 3-step ladder with the lower pedestal pushed in. Alternatively, the lower pedestal slides out along safety runners to create a 2-level version for a surer footing....Read more

Looking for something different this year to wrap your special gifts in? Well, look no further than Megan Herbert's wrapping paper designs. My favorites are the two shown above (Snowflakes and Circulation), but the Skeletal and Respiration ones are equally intriguing and appropriate year round. Each design represents elements we all as human beings share – the blood coursing through our veins (‘Circulation’), the bones helping us to stand strong...Read more

You're in luck if you're an avid bicycle rider and happen to always be in the need of bungee cords (I know I am). Use IT Clips to transform your old, punctured inner tubes into incredibly useful tie down straps. A fine example of upcycling done right. "The IT (Inner Tube) Clips and IT Hooks allow you to reuse your old bicycle inner tubes as tie downs. This version fits...Read more

Nice. With this timer you simply turn it to the number you want and it starts ticking down. Might not seem like the most genius thing, but when your hands are covered in cooking ingredients, you don't really want to mess around with tiny buttons or switches. Keeping time in the kitchen is no longer a crap shoot with this dice-like timer by Japanese design collective IDEA. Want a 3-minute...Read more

I won't mess around with talk of deck size or trucks because, although important, it's really the graphics that stand out on this skateboard. And, hey, no tears if you're not a skateboarder, you can always wear the T-shirt. Hello is a collaboration between California based skateboarder Buddy Carr and New York based graphic designer Antonio Carusone. T-shirt (Color: Black, White): $22.00 Skateboard, Limited Edition of 100: $160.00 [via things...Read more

I love this simple wooden block light with its vintage style bulb. It's a nice study in contrasts. Keep in mind that it doesn't come with hanging hardware, but that's easy to get (a small hook or something from the hardware store would work). Made from a solid piece of olive wood, this light is stunningly simple in form and function. Featuring a vintage style Edison carbon filament bulb that...Read more

When I first visited Portland I didn't have an itinerary, and thus was a little bored. I tried Yelp but that only helped so much. I checked out the bookstore and thumbed through some typical travel guides. Not any better. Then I stumbled upon eat.shop. portland, a curated listing of the best and most unique local businesses. Suddenly I wished my vacation was two weeks longer. Extra credit: Have you...Read more

These typeface necklaces remind me a little of these, obviously due to the same material and construction method. These are super cute and would be a nice gift for your favorite graphic designer friend for the upcoming holidays. I'm way into Avant Garde and Herb Lubalin and his collaboration with Ralph Ginzburg, Avant Garde Magazine, for which the font was created. Buy it here: Helvetica Necklace Buy it here: Avant...Read more

While these might not be the most masculine-looking set of headphones, they do appear super light and comfortable and won't fall out like standard iPod earbuds when you're exercising, which you do no less than three times a week, right? Plus, the bead-like earpiece would all but disappear, and androgyny is in style nowadays, trust me. Orange or Pink. Packaging: Foil/Clear giftbag Earphones ball diameter: 0.5"...Read more

Modular systems can offer much needed versatility to your home, and this system does so with a distinct mid century flair. A half drawer unit plus half seat (not shown) would be ultra handy in a entryway, and the look of the two-2 drawer units on a double base (shown at top) could look very nice as a bedroom dresser or console. The only drawback is it can get a...Read more

This clever design uses a flat ribbon-type cable instead of round wire, enabling you to easily coil it without making a tangled and knotted mess, saving you time, and with that incredible blue color, looking awesome while doing so. USB A to B (regular to mini) connectors, 4 ft Comes with 24 adhesive labels to mark cables...Read more

These handmade glass icicle candleholders are an elegant way to celebrate the winter holidays, especially if you're not the deck-the-halls-and-bring-out-the-dancing-santa type. Designer: Mehtap Obuz Dimension: 5.5 in. Diam. Price shown is for set of 2....Read more

We've added another new member to our team. A big welcome to Mark Robson, who will be a contributing writer for BLTD. With his extensive travel experience, he'll be sharing his knowledge on interesting places and things. We're really looking forward to what he'll add to the site....Read more