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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)

 
 

Pie Chart Patchwork

Does anyone have a baby I can borrow? Just for two minutes? That way I can buy this Pie Chart Patchwork, set the baby down on it, and say, “Hey, little person, how happy are you on this wonderful, rainbow, lambswool thingamajig?” After the baby smiles (because of course he/she would, sitting on a thing of wonder such as this), I would return him/her, because then my purchase would be entirely justified. I don’t know what I would do with it after that (a throw on a sofa, perhaps?) but I’ll think of something.
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Purchase Information:

Price: £262.50
Available from: Donna Wilson

Verte Carafe

You know what makes this a better-than-average carafe? Take a look at the spout: that’s a patented “two lip system” which ensures that any and all drips return to the bottle. That’s right, no drips. Water, wine, juice… you name it, and this carafe will transport it safely from your fridge to a drinking vessel with no mess. The hand-blown glass container fits perfectly into the fridge door for convenience.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $65.00
Available from: noro shop

Tool The Mathematician

Finally! These desk tools from Tom Dixon are now available online, and they’re just the kind of thing you want even if you don’t necessarily need them, or maybe that’s just me. Choose the whole set (Tool The Mathematician– includes a Ruler, Protractor, Set Square and Paper Clips for $130) or purchase the items separately (Tool The Golden Rule, $20, Tool The Copycat, $80, and Tool The Clip, $16). All pieces are cut from sheet brass.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $130.00
Available from: YLiving

2×4 Pendant

Is it magic that keeps this pendant in place? No, it’s not, but you can pretend if you want. This light fixture appears to be floating, thanks to a mono filament suspension, giving you a very minimal (and magical) look to your room. A frosted glass lens hides an LED strip on the underside, which keeps the 2×4 pristine with its simple, whitewashed finish.

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Purchase Information:

Price: $280.00
Available from: Alex Allen Studio

Aluminum Lunch Box

Why do you need an aluminum lunch box? Who knows. Maybe you’re a little clumsy, and tend to drop your lunch bag repeatedly to the point where your sandwich, fruit, and/or chips are no longer recognizable. And that’s no fun, is it? With an aluminum lunch box you’d be hard pressed to do any damage, unless there’s a car or other heavy machinery involved in your daily commute, in which case I wish you the very best of luck. Too bad this box doesn’t have a handle, though, as that would make it a little easier to carry around, don’t you think?
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Purchase Information:

Price: $25.00
Available from: Kikkerland

Friday Links

  • Eames Elephant DIY
  • Split the bill with an easy bill-splitting app: Tab
  • I can’t decide if this is a brilliant or bad idea: The Balcony BBQ (via Good Stuff Happened Today)
  • Ode To The Laser Cutter: Things To Make When No One Is Watching
  • Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Science Sermon
  • What happens when you teach young people to code?
  • Temperature chart for the last 11,000 years
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    Not as many links this week due to a civic service requirement (a.k.a. jury duty). Have a nice weekend.

    Knoll Annual Sale

    Yeah, I know, you don’t normally see sale alerts here on BLTD, but this is Knoll we’re talking about. Saarinen tables, Platner chairs, Bertoia barstools, plus many more classic design pieces are all 15% off until October 1st. And, as 15% off a price tag of thousands of dollars is nothing to scoff at, you’d best take a moment to look and see if there’s something you can’t live without.

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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $15% off!
    Available from: DWR

    Roll / Rule

    Hold your hand up if you want an etched acrylic ruler. My hand is raised, how about yours? Designed by Paul Cocksedge, these rulers are sculptural pieces with millimeter accuracy, and they’re intended for functional use, mind you, so don’t just admire it from across the room. Choose between the classic square or the round barrel. Also, do I need to hit you over the head with the obvious fact that either of these would make an excellent gift? No? I didn’t think so.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $130.00
    Available from: The Glass House

    I Love You Mug

    How do you say ‘I love you’ in a different way? With a knife, a bloody heart, and a horseshoe, preferably in picture form upon an enamel mug, of course. Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari (of Toilet Paper magazine fame) are responsible for this drinking vessel, and it seems to strike the perfect balance between creepy-weird and very practical, as it won’t break and, perhaps more importantly, if you take it to work, it’s unlikely anyone will accidentally grab it thinking that it’s just some generic coffee mug for his or her own use. Take a look at the rest of the collection over at MoMA Store.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $20.00
    Available from: MoMA Store

    Miles Desk Lamp

    Brass has made a comeback, and this little number from Schoolhouse Electric certainly catches the eye for its perfect, petite size that’s ideal for smaller desktops or side tables. With vintage style and an aged black patinaed arm, it offers an ambient light that would quietly compliment a refined interior.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $275.00
    Available from: Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.

    Source: Svpply

    What is it?

    What’s this metal mesh thing? I’ll give you a hint: it’s not intended for use as clothing or body armor- though I suppose in a pinch you could try and use it as such if someone comes at you with a rusty sword- instead think of it more as armor for a surface. Do you know? Answer below.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: £10.00
    Available from: Jasper Morrison

    Window Wall Hanging

    Think of all the windows in your home, then think of the one with the worst view. Change that view for one with trees, light, and plants in the window, for the bargain price of $120. How’s that possible? Well, buy this Window Wall Hanging by Michigan-based photographer Debbie Carlos, and you’ll have a nice scene instead of whichever one gives you a headache. Here’s the deal, though, don’t go hanging it everywhere, because that will spoil the effect. Pick just one window and keep it special.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $119.00
    Available from: CB2

    Ivey Magazine Holder

    If you’ve not changed over to digital subscriptions, you know that piles of magazines can be a little messy at times. There’s also always the fear that someone will come along and change the stack to a stepped fan spread (a la doctor’s office), and that would just be the worst. thing. ever. So, head off that particular horror by considering this Ivey Magazine Holder by Hugo Passos. It has three internal dividers to allow for easy browsing, and will keep your periodicals pristine and orderly.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: £210.00
    Available from: Hugo Passos

    ProTravel Carry-on

    You know what’s so special about this backpack? It’s pared down to the absolute essentials- that’s important to those of us that prefer a minimal look- and there’s a few thoughtful design details that makes packing and unpacking a breeze. Sounds good, right? There’s also a feature that hides away the backpack straps for a more professional look so you can go straight from the airport to business meetings. See Minaal’s video below, or visit Kickstarter to learn more and/or back the project.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $229.00
    Available from: Kickstarter

    Spacebox Wall Mounted Storage Table

    If you have a small space, you need a few tricks up your sleeves to maximize every square foot. Count this Spacebox Wall Mounted Storage Table as a smart option for a small worktop. Use it for your laptop (or breakfast), and then when you’re done, fold the top down to free up extra floor space. The open-front compartments are ideal for displaying your favorite items and books, and will give a little personality to the otherwise blank white frame. Think of it for the kitchen, hallway, or kid’s room.
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    Purchase Information:

    Price: $448.80
    Available from: YLiving