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Articles Written by Katie

Katie

About Katie: Katie has been a product and textile designer, an art restoration specialist, and an interior designer/merchandiser. Her interests are focused on finding well designed items that improve daily life as well as reading fiction and making stuff. (View Profile)

 
 

Step Stool by Federico Gregorutti

Don’t worry, I’m still on the quest for the perfect barstool- something simple and modern, yet not too terribly expensive*. The Step Stool by Federico Gregorutti might suit your needs, as it fits the requirements and has a handful of bright colors to choose from, though the blue/black option is my favorite (as usual).
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Purchase Information:

Price: $448.00
Available from: MATTER

Cinqpoints Badges

Less is more. Form follows function. Shout your beliefs from the rooftops or maybe just quietly wear a badge so those with similar tastes will know they’re not alone. Maybe you’ll even make a few more friends that believe in the Bauhaus or modern architecture. Wouldn’t that be nice?
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Purchase Information:

Price: $6.00
Available from: Ode to Things

Ostrich Travel Pillow

You might need this Ostrich Travel Pillow. Actually, let me rephrase that. You NEED THIS TRAVEL PILLOW. Sure, it looks a little neck-bracey, but it’s going to change your life. Use it as a combined eye mask and head pillow during your commute or on a long journey, or, hell, even while you’re at your desk. Naps can improve mood, alertness and performance, after all. The super soft cover contains lots of silicone micro-beads that support your head, block light, and muffle sound. Perfect. Amazing. Life-changing. And I’m only half-way kidding about the last one.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $36.00 - 40.00
Available from: MoMA Store

Mini Cloud Cork Board

Do you remember when the BLTD logo had a cloud? If so, you might understand the soft spot I have for cloud-related merchandise. This set of 4 Mini Cloud Cork Boards would easily fit into a kid’s room, home office, or anywhere that has a casual decor vibe. It’d be a good spot to keep special photos, notes, and other pinnable things.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $20.00
Available from: Walker Shop

Cube Collection from Tom Dixon

Strategic placement of these office tools will signal to the world that you mean business, as the heavy cube-like tools don’t mess around. They’re functional, of course, but they’re also “stripped of superfluous details.” Pretty serious, huh? But they’re also copper plated, which bounces light around for fun reflections, so let’s say they’re serious and fun.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $85.00
Available from: Dwell Store

Lindsay Stead Collection Quilts

Modern interpretations of traditional quilt patterns are just one of those things that hit the perfect note between old and new, though sometimes the colors are a little too bright or the design just a tad too busy. You’ll be happy to know the Collection Quilts by Lindsay Stead are quietly modern and refrain from any garish colors or designs. Each quilt is of heirloom quality, as they are hand quilted by a group of women in rural Ontario. Pick your favorite design knowing it’ll keep you warm on chilly nights while adding a good dose of handmade charm to your home.
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Purchase Information:

Price: CAD1,400.00
Available from: Lindsay Stead

Ivy Muse Plant Stands

Plant stands! These will show off your prized plants perfectly well. Made by Ivy Muse in Melbourne, Australia, each stand is made from powder coated steel for a sleek finish. Given the variety of sizes, your pots are bound to fit, so start planning which of your green friends need a little extra height boost for optimal placement (and possibly more sunlight).
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Purchase Information:

Price: $130.00
Available from: Forage Modern Workshop

Utility Mirror Pocket by Good Thing

Just how are you going to look at that cow lick or bald spot at the back of your head without contorting crazily in the bathroom mirror at work? By having a handy pocket mirror, of course. Good Thing has shrunk down its Utility Mirror to a pocket sized version so that no matter where you are, you can easily and inconspicuously check out any trouble areas. Alternatively, you could just believe me when I sincerely say you’re perfect just the way you are.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $24.00
Available from: Good Thing

Friday Links

First World Problem Pills. 100% peppermint and “100% of the profit goes to Aids Fonds’ aim to provide HIV medication to people who can’t afford it.”

-Get the BLTD app already! Available (for free) on iTunes.

-There’s a Cabin Porn book and you didn’t tell me?!

-Kinda cute? Nuclear Plant, Concrete Flower Pot

-Yes! Naoto Fukasawa designs minimal kitchen appliances for Muji

Trying To Keep Your Data Safe? You’re Probably Doing It Wrong

Crazy (good) floor at Taschen’s store in Milan

-Origami tents! Origanid (via Petit & Small)

balloon in glorious slow motion (wait until the end, it’s worth it)

Have an excellent weekend.

Half Cube Vinyl Rack

Is this a decent stand for your vinyls or what? It’s not the fanciest, but it sure does look cool, and at $170 it’s not too bad of a price for keeping your favorites close by. I know, I know, you’re hesitant to purchase from the retailer as you’re not a tween, but you’ve got to keep your records organized somehow, and like I said, it’s a decent stand. You could even keep a few larger art books in it perhaps?
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Purchase Information:

Price: $169.00
Available from: Urban Outfitters

Litho Hammocks

American flags and hammocks go together like peanut butter and jelly as far as I’m concerned. So, when an American flag hammock has an easy-to-setup strap system that allows for hanging in less than 30 seconds, I’m going to sit up and pay attention.

Litho Hammocks utilize Cam Buckles and two 11 ft. straps to make installation a breeze. The extra long straps allow you to put the hammock almost anywhere. No tree damage either, as the webbing won’t cut into bark like other ropes. Do you like your own existing hammock, but it could be easier to set up? Not to worry, there’s the option for a simple conversion kit as well.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $30.00 - 85.00
Available from: Kickstarter

Pepe Marble Table Mirror

Does your mirror frame your face as it should? Because this Pepe Marble Table Mirror by Studiopepe will certainly elevate your daily visage to a sophisticated level. Maybe you’re skeptical, but how in the world could you look bad in this marble and brass table mirror? I just don’t think it’s possible. Perfect for applying makeup (or for inspecting your pores and nose hair, as we all do from time to time).
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Purchase Information:

Price: $550.00
Available from: The Future Perfect

What is it?

Okay, time to play the game again, what the heck is this thing? I’ll give you the dimensions: 9.75″h x 10.25″w x 8.5″d. Any ideas?
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Purchase Information:

Price: $72.00
Available from: Luminaire

Archetype Magnetic Building Blocks

Magnetic building blocks, anyone? Pretend you’re an architect with very colorful aspirations as you play with these magnetic cardboard pieces. Place them on the fridge or on any other magnetic surface to remind your brain to take a quick break. Who knows, maybe rearranging the pieces into odd shapes and patterns will inspire you to think differently. Oh, and do I need to point out this could be a fun-yet-simple gift idea?
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Purchase Information:

Price: $20.00
Available from: Yes

Dash Wall-Mounted Shelving

If you’ve ever wrestled with floating shelves, you know that finding studs or installing anchors is usually a huge pain in the ass. The Dash Wall-Mounted Shelving by Darin Montgomery (of Urbancase) promises easy mounting via a smart system that requires no stud mounting locations. Really, no studs. Each thin shelf holds up to 40 pounds, so you could confidently stack some books or set a couple of speakers on there without worrying about the whole thing tumbling down.
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Purchase Information:

Price: $140.00
Available from: A+R Store