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Articles Written by Katie

Katie

About Katie: Katie has been a product and textile designer, an art restoration specialist, and an interior designer/merchandiser. Her interests are focused on finding well designed items that improve daily life as well as reading fiction and making stuff. (View Profile)

 
 

Iris Hantverk Concrete Shaving Kit

We’ve featured some things from Iris Hantverk before, but seeing as Father’s Day is fast approaching, it seems appropriate to spotlight their Concrete Shaving Kit. Designed by Lovisa Wattman, the kit includes a soft concrete shaving dish, shaving soap, and a shaving brush with badger hair bristles. Iris Hantverk is known for their handmade brushes, so you know you’re getting high quality. Plus, join the Ode to Things mailing list and receive 15% off (do take a look at their collection-you’ll like it, I promise).
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Purchase Information:

Price: $110.00
Available from: Ode to Things

Beer Foamer

It is what it is: a Beer Foamer. What’s the point of that? Well, to those of you that are craft beer aficionados, you know that the “complete beer experience” includes those precious bubbles, and when you pour beer from a bottled or can, it just doesn’t have the same effect. So, that’s where this little device from Norm Architects comes in. A clear, shatterproof container holds your beer while the copper top supports the foaming device. A press of the button will create the dense foam you’d expect straight from the tap. It’s as simple as that.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $30.00
Available from: YLiving

Stikwood

So…wood walls, yes or no? If your ‘no’ has aesthetic reasons, then I’ve got some images that might change your mind. If your answer is ‘yes, but…’ then join the club. Often wood walls are struck off the to-do list because of cost and installation, yet with the product Stikwood suddenly we’re thinking ‘hey, I could do that.’ Stikwood is just like its name- you stick the wood onto whatever surface you want. It’s got a peel-and-stick backing that makes it easy to attach, whether on a wall, ceiling, or furniture. How exactly does it work? Here’s the installation instructions. And, if you’re still not intrigued, here are a few images for inspiration (note: below images aren’t Stikwood products, just wood wall inspiration).
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Purchase Information:

Price: $8.00 - 12.00 /sq. ft.
Available from: Stikwood

LapTilt Table-Desk

While this isn’t new (we originally featured it in 2010), it’s still a pretty smart option if you’re leashed to your laptop. The Lap Tilt transforms from an occasional table into a small laptop desk with a simple tilt of the base. If you use your laptop in your living area for work- or, more specifically, whilst lounging on our sofas updating/perusing social networking sites- then this table would come in handy on many occasions. When not in use, the table automatically reverts back to an upright position.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $910.00
Available from: YLiving

IDV Cruiser Swinging Love Seat

I do hope you had a nice holiday weekend. Did you make it outside to enjoy the weather in the park or your backyard? If you’re nodding your head to the backyard bit of the last question, here’s another one for you: are you lucky enough to have a little patio area where a hanging swing might fit? I haven’t seen many options for a simple, metal swing until happening upon this IDV Cruiser Swinging Love Seat. And, it appears to be a good option for an outdoor swing as it’s made with a powder-coated aluminum frame, seat, and back. The double braided 3/8″ nylon rope is in keeping with the modern vibe and adds a small jolt of contrast to the pacific, marigold, mint or fog color options.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $920.00
Available from: Ilan Dei Venice

Backpocket Phone Wallet

We’ve discussed minimalist wallets before, and this Backpocket Phone Wallet should join the list. The silicone sleeve sticks on to the back of your phone or phone case for a secure spot to store some cash and/or credit cards. It appears to work better than a thick rubber band (raise your hand if you’ve tried that before) and it’s almost as cheap. Well, okay, it’s almost as cheap as a bag of heavy duty rubber bands.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $4.99
Available from: Perpetual Kid

Magnet Tacks, Set of 3

Sometimes the simplest innovations have the biggest impact. Imagine the possibilities for storing your favorite (magnetic) things with these magnet tacks. Don’t worry, they’re strong enough for keys, pens, etc. You’d double the function of any bulletin board, for sure, or maybe scatter a few around on a regular wall to float odd-but-necessary things en masse.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $20.00
Available from: Emmo Home

Memorial Day Weekend

Here’s hoping you’ll make the most of the holiday weekend, and fingers crossed that the weather participates with any out-of-doors plans. If you’re fond of grilling in the open air, be sure to check out the Mon Oncle Barbecue by RS Barcelona, shown above and below. It’s portable (note the briefcase carrying handle) and provides a large surface for all your foodstuffs. Might be a good choice for future patio/picnic/beach excursions. We’ll return with normal posts next Tuesday.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $375.00
Available from: 2Modern

Airvase Message Card

What’s better than a handwritten card? A handwritten vase. Huh? Well, rather, a handwritten message on an Airvase. Designed by Torafu Architects, each Airvase arrives as a flat, brightly colored paper disk that you shape into a bowl or vase. This gift card version has the option of adding your own note so that the recipient may sculpt your message into a 3D form, perhaps to be enjoyed long after the initial message arrived.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $9.00
Available from: Cooper Hewitt Shop

3.14 White Bookcase

Well, looky here, this 3.14 White Bookcase ticks off the right boxes. Hight-gloss white? That’ll fit into almost any interior scheme. Can it float in a room? Yep, it could act as a room divider. Would you be able to line a couple up for a big bookcase wall? Yes, indeed. Anti-tip hardware? You betcha. What about levelers for wonky floors? Yep, and, it’s just under the $500 price point.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $499.00
Available from: CB2

Touchscreen Mist Cleaner

Your devices’ screens are gross. Who knows what bacteria and ‘schmutz’ are lurking upon their smudgy surfaces? If you had one of these AM Touchscreen Mist Cleaners, you could clean them right up. Spray the mist, and then use the microfiber cloth-clad bar to wipe off all the smudges. Ta-da! A clean screen. Yes, you could buy or make your own alcohol-free cleaner, and sure, you have plenty of microfiber cloths, but the fact that AM has combined both into one handy package means it’ll be easier to keep things pristine. Designed and made by AM, where unfortunately most of the cleaning items/tools seem to be sold out.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $13.00
Available from: MoMA Store

Copper Photo Bar Picture Hanger

What ever will you do with all the photographs from your Impossible Instant Lab? You’ll put them on this Copper Photo Bar Picture Hanger, that’s what. Yield Design Co. made this picture hanger so that it’s easy to switch out photos and prints; 6 magnets keep items secure when on display. There’s also vertical option available to preorder directly from Yield Design Co.: Photo Ladder, $54 (shown below).
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Purchase Information:

Price: $28.00
Available from: Dwell

Hay Pool Towels

You guessed it, Scholten and Baijings are back again, this time with towels to make sure your design sensibility is not offended while you’re poolside. After all, you wouldn’t want to be caught lounging/swimming without a fun, color blocked, 100% cotton towel made by one of our favorite dynamic duos, would you? No? I didn’t think so.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $34.00
Available from: DWR

Impossible Instant Lab

Just one more thing today from the Kickstarter at MoMA collection, I promise. The Impossible Instant Lab is now available, and you’ve got better self restraint than most of us if you can resist the temptation of having your own photo lab at your fingertips. Here’s how it works: select a picture from your device using the Instant Lab iOS App, place it on the Instant Lab, and wait a few moments. You’ll see an analog photo appear and develop, just like the Polaroids from way back when. High five to the Impossible Lab for making this project a reality.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $199.00
Available from: MoMA Store

Lisboa Chairs

Stackable polypropylene chairs might seem more appropriate for restaurant/cafe settings, but they can work just as well for your home, especially if you need a durable seating option that works indoors or out. The Lisboa chair is lightweight and can be stacked up to six high for storage, in either the side or armchair version. And, good news, DWR’s Annual Outdoor Sale means you’ll save 15% through May 27th. Note to parents: if a chair is suitable for contract use, chances are it will withstand your kids’ shenanigans.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $102.00 - 119.00
Available from: DWR