More proof that today's kids have cooler stuff than I did growing up.

From play blocks fashioned to look like a giant swiss cheese to a ‘smell tunnel’ designed to delight the senses, each item of furniture bursts with colour and vitality. Perfect for domestic, public and educational settings, PLAY+SOFT embodies one simple idea: children have a right to beauty.

Each piece is made from our patented ecosoftx® fabric - an eco-friendly material that contains no PVC or rubber latex. As well as being soft to the touch it is also fireproof, wipe-clean and extremely durable. PLAY+SOFT is a unique collaborative project, drawing on the experience of experts in education, textile development, product design and manufacturing.

Prices range from £25 ($50) to £1600 ($3200) excluding transport (and approximately £30/$60 to £2000/$4000 including transport), Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

These mirrors seem to be pretty special- take a look at the incredible texture and materials. Christian Astuguevieille (pronounced ah-stewg-v'YAY) designed them especially for CoutureLab and after googling him and glimpsing just a tiny peek at his abode and various art objects, I can understand the mystique and appeal surrounding the man behind the name. Also, check out his crazy rope chair, called Moisart...not for the timid decorator/designer/collector.

Mirave Mirror:

The bunched, synthetic lavender of this mirror is dipped in black acrylic paint creating a dense textured frame to the convex glass. The frame is backed in black wood and signed by the artist...Characteristics between individual pieces may vary as each mirror is handmade.

Size: Small 22 x 22 cm
$3,000 approx, Buy it here.

Mirol Mirror:

The domes and spheres which frame this mirror are constructed from braided cotton, the same material that is used to make synthetic flowers. The back of the mirror is lined with muslin and marked with the Christian Astuguevieille atelier stamp...Characteristics between individual pieces may vary as each mirror is handmade.

Rectangular mirror mounted with a saffron red braided cotton frame
Size: Small 29 x 24 cm
$1,251 (approx), Buy it here.

The NYtimes also has an article on Astuguevieille as well.

[posted by katie]

This innovative bed frame shape allows a quick transition between a single size bed, a full size bed or two beds. (Get it? Simple, Double or Doux). It's very cool but it will set you back around $3,500.00 and it needs to be shipped from Switzerland.

[posted by kris]

This could provide endless amusement...

"A frame that you can truly make your own. Comes with an 80 page sketch pad and photo opening. Notes, doodles, comments...just have fun with it then rip it off and repeat."

$16.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Perfectly simple solar-powered calculator by Naoto Fukasawa.

No matter how complex your calculations may be, the Electric Calculator M was designed to make things a bit more simple. With easy to read numbers, a slightly elevated display section, and uniform color on both body and keys, any elements of complexity have been scaled back as much as possible. The idea of doing work has suddenly become a bit more attractive...

[posted by kris]

If you're not so fond of telling the time military-style, this clock will do the math for you.

Tell it the way they do on the other side of the pond. Track time 00:00 to 24:00 in concentric black double digits squared on white. Black aluminum hands, white wood composite frame. Glass lens protects. One AA battery (not included).

19.75" sq.
$59.95, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

This sushi set certainly evokes a lily pond; I like how the forms are handled simply and how they manage to be fun in an understated, elegant way.

It is important to remember that the objects presented here, just like the ones in the Chin Family, characters or flowers and fruits, each performing the roles of domestic household objects, are made partly in hand-decorated plastic and partly in fine bone china, also hand-decorated. The magic of Giovannoni’s design lies in the fact that these objects recall the grace of 18th century ceramic trinkets, while at the same time being utterly contemporary...

Sushi set composed of: plate and chopsticks in melamine, small plate for soy sauce and chopsticks holder in fine bone china. Hand-decorated.
$94.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

This would look excellent anywhere you need more space for coats or clothes, and given that it is now on sale for $150 instead of $275, you'd have to be crazy (or broke) to pass it up.

Great for small spaces and instant additional storage, this coat rack can be leaned against any wall for an eye-catching, efficient, and easily transportable solution for hanging coats and clothes. Simple assembly required; easily disassembles for storage. Made of brushed aluminum and walnut.

Size: Assembled: 59.5h x 31.5w x 12"d
$275.00 $149.95 Sale, $134.95 Members, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

Here's an interesting coffee table with a couple of nooks and crannies to stack your books and magazines in/on.

Beginning with a rigid angular form traditionally found in Chinese home door frames and screens, Tsai has cleverly combined artistic sensibility an space saving awareness. As a functional piece,the interior of the ZigZag Table creates a series of shelves that can be used to hold any number of objects.

Available in olive green, red, or white
16"h x 45"l x 26"d
by Tsai Design Studio
$2,400.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]

This delicate leaf patterned cup is available in black leaf on a white background or white leaf on a black background, so you can pick whatever floats your boat.

"The Leaf Cup is a remarkable piece because of its artist quality pattern. The silhouette edge is finely detailed, as if actual leaves were placed around the cup. This porcelain cup is finished in a matte back glaze."

Material: Porcelain
2" dia. x 3.5"H
Designed by: Masahiro Mori
Produced by: Design Mori, Japan
Black Leaf or White Leaf
$18.00, Buy it here.

[posted by katie]