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As promised, here are the Block Shop Rugs. Made of 100% Indian cotton, dyed and woven by hand, each rug features a simple, graphic design that’s sure to liven up any lonely room. Dhurries, if you’re not familiar, are flat woven rugs designed for heavy use. While they don’t have a thicker pile like other rugs, they are lightweight, durable, and reversible. Now, to choose a favorite… it’d have to be the Walter or the Temple, I think.
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Yes, you could rely on your smartphone for the weather forecast, but wouldn’t it be more fun to read an an aneroid-capsule barometer, bimetallic dial thermometer, and mechanical coil hygrometer, all from your desktop or kitchen counter? Those three tools are all in this Compact Weather Station, which measures in at 5″ diameter and 1.5″ depth. You’ll be able to read just what to expect from the climate, indoors and out, and look like an old school smartypants (in the best possible way) whilst doing so.
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A lovely cutting board, is it not? And it’s got an accompanying Canot Kitchen Brush especially suited to “scrape, scrub, clean and cut” those fruits and vegetables that are oh-so-good for that body of yours. Maybe with both the cutting board and brush you’ll be more inclined to fit those fruits and veggies into your daily meal planning. It’s worth a shot.
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We can all agree that $400 is a lot of money to spend on a hair dryer. Not everyone is going to plonk down four big ones just for shinier, smoother hair that dries in half the time. Actually, if you have short hair, there’s really no reason to read any further. However, if you’ve got longer hair, well, here’s a personal review.
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Would you like an extra special table mortar to grind your spices? This one by Mark Braun is
inspired by archetypical millstones. The circular design shows off the marble (five different color options, fyi) while the satisfying heft of the material will crush those herbs and spices to the perfect consistency at the dinner table. No need to hide it away, as it looks perfectly fine sitting out on the table or countertop.
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Similar to the Golden Section Finder, this little pocket sized gazing device helps you break images into the Rule of Thirds (first written down by John Thomas Smith in 1797, fyi). This ratio is found all over the place- in photography, art, advertisements, etc.- and once you start looking for it, there’s no doubt you’ll find it. It might also encourage you to “create compelling compositions” of your own in photographs or other artworks by placing your subjects just off center.
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If you’re going to have a step stool, you might as well make it this one. Why? Well, it’s made of molded steel- that’s what gives the split-legged design its sleekness and strength- and it’s very minimalist. So minimalist, in fact, you could even leave it out all the time as a resting spot for books or a special plant. You’d not say the same for any other step stool you find at the local hardware store, would you?
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At first glance, you’ll most likely wish Muuto’s Grain Pendant was a bit bigger than ~8″ in diameter. However, once you see a few lined up over a kitchen island or a large grouping over a table, you’ll be glad that it’s not too large, as the size is perfect for multiples. Get up close and personal, and you’ll see the shade is made from a mix of bamboo fibers and polypropylene, which gives it a subtle texture and warmth. Now on sale.
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These hand blown soda-lime glasses are worth a second look. Maybe it’s the jade green tint that catches our eye for its hint at the past, or maybe it’s the angled silhouette with a heavier base that suggests a comfortable hold. Maybe it’s all those subtle cues combined that say they’re special. There’s plenty of other colors as well (nightshade, smoke, clear aqua, haze, and honey) and three different sizes to suit your beverage of choice (cocktail, wine, and pint).
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Uh, Tangram Erasers? Of course we need a set. Do you know the history of the Tangram? Do you have fond memories of making shapes with one when you were younger? Maybe you could see if your brain still has the skills to hammer out a few puzzles with these erasers, knowing they could always do some erasing if you fail to have fun with the puzzle part.
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The Ada Sconce is a versatile little light, for its shade is made of two adjustable reflectors on friction hinges. This means you can move the shades around in many different ways to direct the light exactly where you wish. Fans of Charlotte Perriand might recognize a little of her CP-1 Sconce in this design, as this light was inspired by that exact design. And, another nice tidbit: the Ada sconce is named for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which dictates that sconces in hallways must not protrude from the wall more than 4”.
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Well, what do we have here? It’s a very simple pendant that uses the light bulb as support for the shades. Aluminum disks diffract the light and trick your eye with reflections of its environment. Does it remind you a little of the Grain Pendant by Brendan Ravenhill? It’s the same sort of idea, and a little more affordable at that.
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Another weird watering can? Of course! And, even better, this one could also be a carafe, if you should so desire, as one spout is for plants and the other for pouring drinks. Use the long spout as a handle when filling your glass, or, alternatively, grasp the 1 1/4 liter body to water plants. This double function will let you donate any other watering cans and carafes that are cluttering up your cabinets while also delighting in your ability to find such well-designed containers. Go ahead, pat yourself on the back.
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Surely you’ve been served a cup of tea or coffee (or dessert) in one of Silodesign’s Glass Cups? Well, you can replicate the finery that’s associated with that heat resistant, double-walled glass vessel, right at home. There’s various sizes for all sorts of drinks and desserts, and, in addition to the Classic Glass Cup, there’s also the Original Glass Cup with no handle.
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Okay, child development specialists, is it better for a kid to have a rocking horse that looks like a horse, or a minimalist version with just a handle for a head? (Technically, it’s a rocker, not a rocking horse, but my traditional sensibilities keep looking for a horse’s head or tail.) Will their imagination grow in leaps and bounds with the lack of exterior input? In any case, it’s nice to see such a considered, spare interpretation of a toy.
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