Another anniversary stool? Sure, let’s have it. Alvar Aalto’s three legged Stool 60 turns 80 this year, and we’ve already seen a few other versions that piqued our collective interest. Nao Tamura’s version is decorated with the growth rings of a tree, 80 rings to be exact, and the size of the rings are never the same. Unfortunately, it appears that no US retailer carries it. Sad for those of us here in the US, not so sad for those of you on the UK side of the world.

The silver rings are silkscreen printed on a lacquered surface.

Manufacturer: Artek
Design: Alvar Aalto, Nao Tamura

Size: Width 38 cm, height 44 cm
Material: Lacquered birch, silk-screen print
Color: Black

So, with the nice weather here it might be time to add a few plants around your home. And, sure, your local plant nursery probably has plenty of decent pots and planters, but wouldn’t it be nice to have something a little better than decent? Perhaps something that hits the modern/minimal spot?

Take a look at Loll’s containers and tell me if they’re not better than these guys. Each planter is made from the recycled and recyclable poly material just like Loll’s furniture, and will withstand the test of time in whatever kind of weather. You’ll get slow drainage thanks to the joinery, or you can easily drill holes in the bottom if need be. A little assembly is required, as each piece is flat-packed for shipping.

rectangle 8 gallon, $160.00

Left: skinny 24 gallon, $319.00
Right: mondo single (14 gallon), $199.00

rectangle 5 gallon, $119.00

See the full collection at Loll Designs.

Another tea strainer. Aren’t you excited? I know how important it is to you, that perfect (elusive?) cup of tea, and Kinto has yet another option to consider. This stick-shaped tea strainer has a slidable side that allows you to scoop tea leaves directly without the use of a spoon. Slide the side back down to cover, and then place in your cup with hot water. The slidable part is easy to remove completely for cleaning.

Designed by TENT
Manufactured by Kinto
Colours: Black, White

Strainer – W 5.1″ D 1.4″ H .6″
Stand – W 2″ D 1.3″ H 1.2″

An earlier iteration of this stool by Justin Gologorsky had a foam covering and was more than twice the current price, so I’d say this updated version is worth a look or two. The Tilt Stool has a gentle curve to its base, allowing you to keep your core muscles engaged by rocking back and forth. Turn it on its side and it becomes a stable seat or side table. It’s made of plastic, so don’t limit yourself to indoors- think patio or poolside.

-Made in the USA.
-Durable and lightweight

Designer: Justin Gologorsky (it looks like you can purchase the stool directly from Justin, fyi.)
Materials: HDPE Plastic
Dimensions: 18″H x 21″D x 15″W

So, does the ubiquity of the Sapien Bookcase have you down? Are you sick of seeing it in some of the modern interiors magazines, and you want to spend at least $2,500 more on something a bit more out of reach, maybe by a successful designer? After all, those piles of cash aren’t going to spend themselves.

Seriously though, this chunky book stand by Mr. Tom Dixon is mightily impressive. At first glance, you might make the same mistake that I did and assume this towering monolith is made of wood, but no, it’s brass. Big, bold brass. And it will hold all your books with a solid sense of weight, giving the feel of a very nice ‘accessory’ that plays off of other materials in the room – just like a heavy metal bracelet on the wrist of a stylishly outfitted man or woman.

Designer: Tom Dixon
Materials: Brass
Dimensions: W 17.2″ x D 11.8″ x H 78.7″

There’s also this other version, shown on right, $2,500.

A rinsing bowl that has a strainer is different from just a strainer, right? Right. This bowl has a strainer ‘side’ that folds out to catch your pasta/fruit/veggies, so you can rinse and then strain out the water all in one bowl. Sort of smart, isn’t it? Also available in red and green/avocado.

Designers: Helen T. Miller / Jordan Murphy

For a limited time (through 5/28/13) you can save a little on the Shaker-style Salt Dining Set (regularly priced at $991.00 – $1,031.00). How much is a little? Well, it’s on sale for $799.00, so you do the math and STOP EATING OFF CARDBOARD BOXES like a college student. Please. Four chairs, one table, in black or white.

Designer: Tom Kelley

-Compact size and manageable weight.
-Ships flat to save on packing materials; simple assembly required.
-Made in the Czech Republic.

Table: H 30″ W 31.5″ D 31.5″
Chair: H 33.25″ W 16″ D 15.75″ Seat H 17.75″

Materials: Solid beech wood legs; MDF tabletop with beech veneer; water-based paint.

You recycle everything, you minimize car travel, you try very hard to buy local foods, so why the hell are you still using plastic bags for food storage? Maybe you could take one tiny extra step and get some reusable food storage already (duh).

The Abeego material is a hemp and cotton fabric infused with a blend of beeswax, tree resin and jojoba oil that keeps food fresh. What? Huh? How? Keep your pants on, and listen. When at room temperature, the cloth is slightly adhesive and malleable, and when it’s cool, it stiffens and holds the form you create. The natural coating is fluid and air resistant, and you just hand-wash in cold water to clean. There are a couple of drawbacks, though: no dishwasher or microwave use, and you might be accused of being a hippie. (Kidding about the last bit, of course.)

Available sizes: Flats, Snack, Wrap, Giant, Custom (web only).

See more at Abeego.

Messy eaters, rejoice, for OYOY has some nicely patterned silicone placemats to protect your tabletop from yourself (and/or kids) and guests who tend to spill and splatter. And, with four different options, you might just be tempted to get several patterns and mix them all up, for the patterns are made of varying sizes of lovely graphic triangle print: light grey with white triangles, rose silicone with black/grey triangles, grey/black silicone with a cool grey star print, or oceanblue with a graphic cool grey star print.

from Danish brand OYOY; primary designer is Lotte Fynboe.
Punched out circle in the corner.
Comes in a set of 2 pcs.

Material: 100% Silicone, Size: w 17.5x h 13.25″

It’s friday! Go have a great weekend.