Labt is “a glasshouse next to a workshop specializing in customized furniture.” Recently, Jan en Randoald, a graphic design partnership based out of Ghent designed this modular system that is reminiscent of their graphic design work.  Some pieces are printed,  some finished or painted, and others left natural.  I think what I like about this is the imperfect roughness, that only improves with wear.  I can think of several places in our home a mixed bag storage tower would be useful, and this would fit perfectly.  The idea of storage towers is something I hadn’t really considered…until now!

Designed by Cecilie Manz and Republic of Fritz Hansen,  the Minuscule chair was launched yesterday.  With no creative rules or boundaries, the conversation centered mainly around the material.   The shell of the seat is upholstered in a light weight and durable textile and with a perfect leather detail along the edge.  The upholstery of the outer shell is available in two tones of grey.  According to the Republic’s website, grey is fascinates Cecilie Manz because it is the only color that is able to absorb all other colors.   The inner shell is upholstered in colors ranging from rust orange and ocher, to a dark ultramarine blue.  Shown in some of these pictures is the coordinating lounge table made from Oregon Pine or a white laminate, and with a matching base.   I think this new design will be an instant classic, and I am very excited to hear how this design performs under different uses.  And of course, if the Republic wants to send me one, I would only be too happy to test one myself!

Now that spring has sprung…sort of (the weather is a little behind in the beautiful Pacific Northwest), it’s time to rescue our alternate modes of travel from the dark, dusty corners of garages and get them ready for better weather.   I love these bicycle storage solutions recently reviewed in Dwell.  To read more about each one, and how well it works (not to mention how much one of these might set you back) visit Dwell’s product reviews page.  I would love to hear about your ideas for bicycle storage, so hit me up in the comments or by email.  And get out there and ride!

Via Dwell

The Offi Mag Table.  I love this table/bench/desk.  As everyone who reads this blog knows, I love things that are practical, and are good for more than one thing. The Mag Table is good for several things.  Designed by Eric Pfeiffer for Offi & Company, this unassuming piece of furniture can be used as a side table + magazine holder, bench, or laptop perch. I assume (I might be wrong) the latter was more of an afterthought.  This might be the perfect bedside table…but who wants to put this somewhere no one can see it?

continue reading this post…

I LOVE these Hex Shingles by Portland Cement Company.  Featured recently by Dwell, they are a perfect modernization of the classic shingle.  Actually they made me wonder, why aren’t there more shingle styles?  Houndstooth anyone?  I am not so sure I would want an entire house shingled in these, but maybe an accent area, or some feature walls.  Maybe a roof. a whole house though would need to either have a larger scale, or belong to a hive of bees. Does anyone out there have experience with concrete shingles?  I would love to know how they perform.   Send me an email, or comment on this post.

Via Dwell

All of us are guilty for using our phone right before settling into bed to check an email, or look at facebook one last time.   And if you’re like me, your phone may even already double as your bed side alarm.   Made of sustainably harvested new-growth beech wood, this alarm dock makes a pretty great looking addition to any night stand.   Available in three nostalgic finishes, it’s amazing how well the aesthetic of the iphone fits with the iconic vintage look of the dock.   The clock app is available for free whether or not you purchase the dock, but why have one without the other?  Your iPhone or iPod’s dock connector can be pulled through it, allowing your device to recharge while docked. Fits iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4 and 4S (if your cord/charger set is from an older model, it may not fit the Alarm Dock).  Visit Areaware to learn more, and watch a small video.

Pros:  Made from sustainably harvested materials, no calling in late because of a power outage, and effectively unplugging your alarm clock and taking it with you when you leave will help reduce your daily power usage (slightly).

Cons:  $40.00 USD might be a touch over priced, however it does come with a nice free alarm clock app…  Also doesn’t work with older model iphone.

Via Areaware