Better Living Through Design

Hairglasses

katie — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:16:15 +0000

Do you know what a katyusha is? Wikipedia says it’s a Russian wartime song, a rocket launcher (named after the song), and also a Russian pro cycling team. What wikipedia doesn’t say is that it’s also the frilly headband that maids wear, which makes a heck of a lot more sense as inspiration for these Hairglasses. Still confused? It’s a headband that looks like sunglasses. See more photos at Sam Hecht’s Industrial Facility website.

flexible polypropylene material
Designed by Sam Hecht (Industrial Facility) for iiii

Inspiration: Stair Materials

katie — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:22:42 +0000

I’ve had these two images in my inspiration folder for a while now. The mirrored stairs shown on the left is from photographer Polly Wrenford’s portfolio, but I didn’t have much luck with referencing the one on the right. If you have info, please let me know.

Departures Rug

katie — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:15:19 +0000

If you’re continually hopping about from one destination to another, maybe this rug is for you. Even if you’re not a jetsetter, the cursive white writing on the black background makes for an interesting focal point.

100% New Zealand wool
Designer: HZL by Henzel

$990.00-$4,285.00

For another handwritten (and uber-lovely) rug option, see Manuscrit Rug by Joaquim Ruiz Millet.

VKB TV dinner tray

katie — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:36:10 +0000

TV dinner trays aren’t exactly known for their elegance, of course, but this tray might change that. Coated in a non-slip finish, it helps keep your plate and glass from sliding around, and it’s easy to stack and store. Available in white, black, and willow wood, it also has a distinct elevated appearance from your regular plastic tray variety, which might just help your TV-watching dinner experience be a bit more… well, civilized.

Designer: Ontwerpbureau 3.11
Manufacturer: Royal VKB

Rope Buoy Ottoman

katie — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:06:16 +0000

Now, take a moment here. Given all the popularity of knitted poufs lately, namely the Flocks Pouf and other such delightful ottomans, this rope buoy ottoman is a steal of a deal. Sure, it’s ‘nautical’, and made out of jute rope, but I photoshopped the lifebuoy out of the picture just to help you see how it’s essentially a wonderful little textural piece. It could be a smart addition to a room that needs a little ‘oomph’ as far as character.

Coir filled, covered in jute.
14″D x 18″H

036 Tone Cabinet

katie — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:05:54 +0000

If you don’t know much about parquetry except in relation to flooring, well, you’re in for a treat. Parquetry is the technique of applying wood to make decorative or geometrical patterns on things, so while you might have seen it all over the place as far as floors, maybe seeing it applied to a modern cabinet deserves a second glance. This cabinet utilizes the traditional techniques of parquetry on furniture, and, as Leif.designpark states, “is an attempt at producing furniture using effectively materials and skills established in the Japanese culture.” Sounds good to me.

Available in solid American Black walnut, American Cherry and Chestnut.
Manufacturer: De La Espada
Designed by Leif.designpark
Dimensions: 72 5/6″ W x 17 5/7″ D x 29 1/2″ H

Handi Sleeve

katie — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:37:14 +0000

No need for those cardboard sleeves with these colorful handles. Of course, you’d have to carry it around with you, but hey, who said being eco-conscious was easy? And maybe having an actual handle will help you get a better grip to avoid mishaps/spillage.

Copeland Light

katie — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:05:37 +0000

This is pretty affordable compared to some of the other task lights out there. Two sizes are available (Compact or Standard) and you can mount it on a regular base or table clamp (panel, slatwall, or grommet mount also available).

Black or Silver.
Manufacturer: Knoll
Designer: Stephan Copeland

Kilindi – Zanzibar

mark — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:28:36 +0000

I’ve always loved the idea of going to Zanzibar. Just off the coast off Tanzania, both these countries have always sounded so exotic.

My image of Zanzibar has always been rough and ready though and perhaps not for the faint-hearted but with this new property even the most dainty of travellers can find a home here.

Located on the island’s North Shore, each of the 15 pavilions has an upstairs and a downstairs, a plunge pool and views of the Indian Ocean. Ecologically sound too, the domed rooves collect rainwater to irrigate their own vegetable patch, a lot of the property runs off solar power and there is a waste water recycling plant.

Doubles from £600

Fatboy Sale (Gilt Groupe)

katie — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:24:56 +0000

Some of Fatboy’s bean bags are on sale over at Gilt. Majority of it is kid-sized, but there’s a couple of adult sized bags (in a sand and camouflage color), and the ottoman sized ones could work anywhere. FYI, the sale is through Gilt Groupe’s invite-only site (items sell out pretty quick).

Point Bean Bag, $89.00 reg, $45.00 on sale
Original Bean Bag, $229.00 reg, $125.00 on sale
Avenue First Parc Bean Bag, $249.00 reg, $115.00 on sale
Junior Bean Bag, $149.00 reg, $80.00 sale
Island bean bag, $229.00 reg, $120.00 sale