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Now, I know lots of people look for decent hooks, so here’s one. It could go anywhere you wanted- kitchen, bathroom, closet. Multifunctional is always a good thing.

Color/Material: Stainless Steel
Size: 1.97″ Diameter x 1.18″ Deep

I think if I had a bar, I’d buy these barstools. Sure, they’re a bit pricey, but look at the shape! And read about the technique (from retromodern):

“The Gubi Stool is the very first industrial product based on an innovative technique of moulding 3-D veneer – a process invented in Germany by Dr. Achim Möller and developed by the Reholz GmbH Company. With all edges turned away from the human body, a soft organically shaped shell is formed, creating the characteristic “body” of the chair that comforts you and invites you to touch it.”

The Gubi stool is available in an oak or walnut shell with a seat laminated in dark brown or black leather. Frame is chromed steel.

Counter height (25.5″) and bar height (29.5″) are available; Bar height with walnut shells and dark brown leather are stocked while other configurations take about 8 weeks.

Perfect for the office or kitchen, this 2 1/2 x 28 inch colorful metal strip comes with 12 tiny but powerful magnets to hold photos, notes and/or recipies without damaging the item in question.

Available in red, sky blue, apple green, black, soft white and orange.

Wall mounting hardware included.

This is my new favorite pillow. 100% linen (super-soft) with hidden zipper for easy removal/cleaning.

Available in Celedon or Magenta.

18″x18″

“Wallstraps?” you wonder, why in the world would you want one of those? Well, wall straps can be used to hold things right against the wall, like magazines and mail or books or soft toys or fussy children. Not really children, of course, that was merely a joke. You can adjust the tension (and tightness of hold) by the placement of the two end screws. I can only assume it’d make an excellent slingshot as well, if you were so inclined. (From Droog Design)

29″ x 1.5″ x 1/2″ thick, silicon rubber

Before I went to Japan I had big plans of taking home useful items that have been designed well and that are unavailable in the US. That’s essentially what shopping in another country is about: taking home something that you can’t find anywhere else. Well, when I got to Japan it seemed like everything fit that description. It’s like going to the pound and wanting to take home every animal and you realize it just won’t be possible.

Anyway, I saw this in Tokyo, and due to sensory overload I didn’t take this, or any of it’s brothers and sisters home with me.

Regret is expensive.

This is a really nice option for storage- stackable boxes lend a versatility that any standard bookcase just can’t beat. The undulating front gives an interesting visual effect, especially when multiples are used (as shown here). Made of polished ABS plastic.

Available in black, red, or white. (piece is stocked in black or red; white is a special order with delivery at 8 weeks from order)

designer: Giovannoni, Stefano
each box measures 20.5″ x 20.5″ x 11″ deep; usuable area within the box measures 15″ x 15″

(This item’s link and price was updated 11/19/09.)

This reminds me of something out of ‘Wierd Science’ (that’s a good thing I think).

From Uncommon Goods:
“With its Bakelite black box, toggle switch, mirror top, dimmer knob (a factory replacement for a Fender Telecaster guitar) and bulbs that evoke the vacuum tubes of high-end amplifiers, this lamp was designed as a tribute to high-end audio amplifiers. Illuminate your home with the minimalist design and retro style of this creation from scientist-turned-artist Nik Willmore.”

Made in New York City.
Uses nine standard 25W bulbs, included.

6.5″H x 7″W

Lamp shades that change pictures when you turn the lights on. A sweet bucolic scene of animals in a field suddenly turns creepy when illuminated and hunters appear. There are eight total scenes to choose from: sea, zoo, snails, birds eye, skeletons, bugs, bank robbery and hunters.

(no longer available)

I thought this little copper sphere was noteworthy- with such a nice turquoise porcelain interior with the words “anything” and “everything” inscribed, you can put anything in them like jewelry, coins, keepsakes, etc. The bowls even come in a purlpe gift box, so if you need something special for your special someone, think about giving something that can hold almost everything.

3″ W x 2.5″ H

Holy Cow! It’s a soapgun! I don’t believe I’ve come across anything so spectacular (in soaps) before. I’m sure some people would be a little worried to pick up a “bullet” to wash their hands, but really, that’s the fun of it.

You get one “gun” soap and three “bullet” guest soaps.

These are cute. Think of all the stuff you could put in them (paperclips, small accessories, etc.). You can also take it with you when traveling, since it can be packaged flat with snap together assembly. AND, best of all, it’s recycled leather with wool felt.

10″ x 10″
when assembled

This item is no longer available from the original retailer, Ply Design.

Who doesn’t enjoy a martini now and then? And who wouldn’t mind a glass that is a bit easier to handle and therefore escape any sloshing that usually occurs? The colors are quite fun and give some elegance to the sturdy shape.

Sold as a set of four.

Nice little bentwood desk at a reasonable price.

“The perfect desk for intimate spaces. A simple gesture inspired by nature is the essence of the Wave Desk. A single plane of molded plywood folds over to form a new kind of working surface: kinetic, multi-faceted, yet simple and intimate. Designed with the laptop user in mind, with an elevated surface for your mobile phone and other desktop items. The Wave Desk was designed to surf the daily tide.”

The Nut Sconce by Ray Power (is that a stage name?) uses thin woof veneer (in either natural cherry or white ash) over a formed polyester shape which allows both direct and indirect lighting.

The Sconce easily installs vertically or horizontally. Bulb (not included): Incandescent 40W/120V/E26/A19. Made in Spain