Sled coffee table and rug.

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:32:36 +0100

We've featured quite a collection of fun rugs by now, but there's always room for one more. This one comes courtesy of one of our favorite blogs. The sled coffee table and matching sled track rug is too cute to miss. It's designed by Duffy London and it's available at Hidden Art at GBP 645:- (about USD 1,054:-). Love hurts.

Your pictures on a big screen.

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:32:48 +0100

Here's an idea I kinda like. Send these people your best shot or a picture with your fondest memory or a picture of the girl (or boy) in your life and they'll print it on a shower curtain. Personally, I'm not the photo cup or t-shirt person, but I could consider something like the ivy one in the top row. Or the elephant, but I thing the photographer might want some royalty on that one. Order yours here, they are USD 149:- for a narrow stall curtain and USD 199:- for a full bath size.

Tiled towel hook.

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:32:14 +0100

It's called White Rhinoceros. How appropriate. It's supposed to be a new concept, but as I write this I have feeling in the back of my head that I have seen something like it. I can't remember when or where, but eventually it will probably come back to me. It usually does. Anyway, this concept for a built in ceramic towl hook is designed by Vadim Kibardin.

Dad's salad tools from Atypyk.

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:16:55 +0200

Some time ago, I posted a picture of the "dad's door-handles" and the "toolkit cutlery" because they made me smile. Here's the follow-up just found at the French Atypyk design studio website. At least I think it's a design studio. Maybe it's just one crazy guy coming up with all the stuff. Never mind. These wooden spanners are meant to be salad "tools" and they are a cool combo of hardware and softer stuff - the salad. Don't know if they are for sale or just a concept, but I like them just the same. And oh, while you're at it, you just might have at look at the screwdriver lollie, too.

The FBI needs a design make-over (and a manual).

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:16:05 +0200

I was reading this article in the New Scientist about FBI resources for the inaugural ceremony in DC when something totally out of the scope of the story strucj me. The FBI apparently does not have a corporate identity program. It should have. Among the pictures of different FBI vehicles I spotted these four that does not look like the are on the same team. I had no idea that FBI design was this out of control. Pictures after the jump.

Dad's workshop door handle.

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:18:28 +0200

This door handle goes on daddy's workshop door. Make no mistake. And at a measly 8:99 on Garage Toys you could afford to put one on the inside, too. Available in 7 inch and 12 inch length, and in black or satin chrome finish. Plastic. Merry Christmas to all our gear-head friends out there, you know who you are.

Cardboard box bedding set.

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:18:25 +0200

This is cool, no? Quilt cover and pillow cases that look like the folded cardboard boxes homeless people often use for bedding. The name is Le Clochard Quilt Cover Project and it's produced by SZN, the foundation for homeless young people in the Netherlands. This project hopes to help young homeless people in the Netherlands by using the proceeds from the sales to fund housing projects and supporting young people in finding work or continuing their education. The quilt cover comes in several sizes and prices range from about USD 73:- to USD 117:-. A set of two pillow cases is about USD 22:-.

Drip table.

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:19:18 +0200

This table is not something that will be produced for the mass market. So far it’s only a concept, and the ultra-thin paint droplet legs will be pretty hard to manufacture with the support required. Possibly available in the future from John Nouanesing. No mention of price, though. Maybe just as well.

Speaker speaker.

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:19:04 +0200

I don't usually cover electronics here; there's not that much electronics design around that appeals to me. Today I have spotted an exepiton, however. Here's a speaker design concept that speaks to me (sorry). I do think it's double meaning is fun and fresh. Design Sherwood Forlee.

Demelza Hill's plastic fine dining kit.

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:50:38 +0200

In Demelza's own words: "Snap and Dine is a single use three-course table setting that integrates disposable cutlery with traditional silverware. The portable lunch setting expands the possibilities of eating outdoors in style whilst reinforcing the correct use of cutlery, which has been lost over time." So true. And so much fun. More on Demelza Hill's website.

Paperclip and safety pin cufflinks.

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:50:23 +0200

Paperclip and safety pin cufflinks.
These whimsical cufflinks are shaped like everyday objects and are made of stainless-steel coated brass. Available from MoMa at USD 45:- a pair. Don't you just love them?

Who tall are you?

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:15:19 +0200

There's absolutely no information on the site that I can read (it's all in Japanese), but I get the idea. And I like it. The Who tall are you mirror would be a conversation piece in any surrounding, but it would be perfect in a restaurant or bar restroom, for both sexes. Imagine having a whizz and then comparing your height to that of Clint Eastwood or Johnny Depp?

Feel the noise.

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:14:59 +0200

For anyone with even the faintest faiblesse for high octane fuel, hot tarmac and burning rubber this new photo book is a must have. It explores the Swedish drag racing and hot rod scene (yes, folks, there is such a thing) with lots of color racing photographs plus an additional b/w picture essay of the enthusiast's life off track. I have never been a great drag racing fan (although I have done a bit of circuit car racing in my life) but I like cars and always enjoy good photography and design. Looking at the pictures in this book you can almost smell the burning rubber, nitro fuel and hear the roar of high powered engines. Pick one up from Enthusiast Books (USD 29:95), or if you're anywhere near Stockholm, Sweden, from MarGie Bookshop (SEK 195:-), Roslagsgatan 14.

Oscilloscope clothes hanger.

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 11:51:34 +0200

It's really called "garderobe klotho" but that is all I can understand of the Japanese(?) website wherei found it. But. I like it just the same. It would look nice just inside the front door.

The Muji flashlight.

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 11:51:12 +0200

The name MUJI is derived from the Japanese phrase "mujirushi ryohin", meaning "no brand goods." MUJI products are environmentally friendly and beautifully simple. This aluminum flashlight has a bright LED and is simple to operate by pressing the soft-touch button on the end to turn it on and off. Three AA batteries required (not included). USD 35:-.

Absolut Mango.

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:55:28 +0100

This was new. Supposed to have been launched through travel retail in February, but we sure did not see it in any of the airports we passed, so there's no taste test yet. Bottle design by Ergonomidesign. Check out their other cool work, like the ergonomic bike grips we posted on Smart Stuff a while back.

TV is not a piece of art? Make it so.

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:55:15 +0100

Swedish designer Axel Bjurström presented TV Easel at the Greenhouse young designers showcase at the Stockholm Furniture Fair last week. The design is one of three TV furniture concepts developed by Bjurström for home electronics brand Panasonic. We were trveling and unfortunately not able to attend, but we want to show this idea anyway. It's thatcool. The easel is optimized for TV-sizes between 32-47 inches.

Coolest play car yet.

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 07:08:05 +0100

I suppose a tiny Koenigsegg would have been cool, too, but this ford hot rod stole my heart. I just wish they had been around back when I was small enough to fit into one. I would have been relentless and driven my parents crazy asking for one. USD 239:-.

Waste basket and/or recycling bin.

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 07:07:58 +0100

Just stumbled upon their site today, and I immediately fell in love with this waste basket or recycling bin design. I would love to have one sitting next to my desk right now. A4/A5. Design Gabriella Gustafson and Mattias Ståhlbom.

Waterdrops bath mat.

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 07:07:42 +0100

Promised to help prevent slipping and to give a decent foot massage. All that and looking cool too. Only USD 49:- on Generate.

Glow-worm light.

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:08:51 +0100

Actually it's called Glühwürmchen, which is German for (I suppose) little glow-worm. There are several different designs sharing the same thechnical idea; attaching directly to the wall socket. I would love one of these, but unfortunately all our wall power outlets are way down at floor level. This opne is EUR 89:- (approx. USD 128:-) plus shipping. Design Stiletto Studios.

The Pfligersdorffer coffee cup.

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:08:41 +0100

Cool, innovative, strange. And what a smart way of thinking outside of the box when it comes to coffee cups. I wish I'd come up with this one myself. Julie Pfligersdorffer did. Perfect for that single espresso. EUR 72:- (USD 101:-) for two at Industreal.

Floating bedside table and drawer.

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:08:56 +0100

Designed by Markus Boge and Patrick Frey, it doubles as filing-tray, odds-and-ends box or night table in bedroom, corridor, living- or work-room. A solid metal mount is fixed to the wall, and the drawer is simply slid on to it: slightly raised, its front side does duty as a handle. It comes in 2 sizes and 4 colours. EUR 75:90 at Manufactum.

Fried egg rug.

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:08:08 +0100

Apparently it was a hit at the Milan furniture fair. Designer Valentina Audrito seem to have a thing for eggs. The rug will join our collection of fun rugs. See these entries for more rugs: Tire-track rug, Tiger rug, cardboard box doormat, bear rug, pawprint rug, bear doormat, rug with integrated pillow, rabbit pawprint rug, british stamp rug, and the unfortunate yeti. Enjoy!

Cake pan with pre-sized slices.

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:08:01 +0100

How do you like your slice of cake? Big? Small? Thin? Everyone can have their piece just the right size with this pre sectioned cake pan from the playful Ding 3000 design firm. A bit like the French fun-and-crazy crew at Atypyk, Ding 3000 churns out crazy, funny, useful ideas one after the other. Compared to the exactness in the Swiss prescision cake tray we posted on Plain Crazy a while back, this would actually be fun to own and use.

Truly awesome tattoo.

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:07:48 +0100

I have no idea who this guy is, nor do I know of anyone else with a tattoo this seroius. As far as I'm concerned this is a masterpiece. It must have taken innumerable painful hours under the needle to accomplish something like this. It there's a tattoo competition, this work should win a prize.

The re-born Fiat 500.

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:07:30 +0100

The Fiat 500 was the car that put Italy on wheels and back on track after the devastation of WWII. The tiny vehicle was cheap to buy, cheap to run, and although it's actually even smaller than you'd think from looking at the pictures, large Italian families piled in to go see relatives, have picnics, and perhaps go to the beach. Italian cities was swarming with them. Now, just like the original Cinquecento helped resurrect Italy, Fiat is hoping that the new incarnation will put the Fiat company back on track for the 21 century. Fiat says their goal is to produce cars with better quality than the Japanese by 2010. We'll see about that, but so far I think it's looking good. I like how they have blended their retro elements with contemporary car design, both inside and out (silver car is 500 Mk II). It's at least as nice as the Mini, and I just hope that Fiat will be able to their quality promises, because BMW is a truly formidable competitor.

Maybe it would get me into too much trouble.

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 15:21:01 +0200

I like the idea. But I have to ask myself. (#1) Do I think shopping center security guards have a sense of humor? (#2) Would this bag get me into trouble? (#3) Would I take it on the plane to L.A.? (#4) Would I end up on the no-fly list for this? It's at least a possible "yes" on #2, #3 and #4, and a definite "no" on #1. So I guess I won't get one. I'm a coward, I know. If you want one it's USD 11:99 on the Perpetual Kid webshop. Good luck, and don't say I didn't warn you.

Construction kit style party place settings.

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 15:20:56 +0200

Anyone who spent their childhood and early teens trying to put together construction kit planes, tanks and boats must love this idea. I know I do. Snap apart the knife, fork, spoon, plate, chopsticks, toothpick, and napkin ring, and let the party begin. They come in four colors. From Fred & friends and available at, among other places, I Want One of Those for GBP 9:95 and Spoon Sisters for USD 14:- for a set of four.

The Paulistano chair.

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:11:22 +0200

Designed in 1957 by Paolo Mendes da Rocha, among other honours Winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize 2006, the Paulistano chair is a Brazilian classic. It is mentioned among other iconic design classics as the works of Alvar Aalto, Mies van der Rohe and others. Beautiful. I have never seen it until to-day. God, do I have a lot to learn... It's GBP 775:- (approx. USD 1,540:-) a piece on Bodie & Fou.

Vote for us!

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:11:18 +0200

Cool Finds is nominated in the Blogger's Choice Awards in the "Best Pop Culture Blog" category. Please vote for us!

Conversation piece.

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:11:04 +0200

The "Tete-a-Tete" Rocker two-seater outdoor/indoor rocking chair. Cool. By Laurie Beckerman. It would look great on the balcony. [Via the always interesting...]

Just like an old pants' hanger. But with a mirror.

Sun, 03 Jun 2007 19:29:29 +0200

The obvious comment is of course "why not". And that it would go so very nicely with the naked light-bulb in the ceiling and the noisy bedsprings in a really cheap motel. Designed by Cheong and Nogtev, in 1998 it's USD 35:- on the Moma Store. [Via the ever interesting...]

Anonymizing glasses.

Sun, 03 Jun 2007 19:29:16 +0200

Dubbed Flickrblockrs, these glasses will instantly put one of those anonymizing black rectangles across your face whenever you feel you don't want to have your face plastered all over the internets. When you spot a camera, just whip these puppies on and presto! It is unclear, however, if the Flickrblockrs allow you to see through them or if they render you totally blind while wearing them. From Flickblockrs for USD 9:99.

Limited edition "Sophia" retro phone on Design Boom.

Sat, 12 May 2007 18:48:09 +0200

This will sound like an ad, but I couldn't help myself. If I had the cash I wouldn't tell anyone, but buy them all for myself. The beautiful retro phone inspired by the the twenties and thirties, designed by Hulger UK, is for sale on Designboom's new web shop. And there's only ten of them. The phones use bluetooth technology to connect to your mobile, PC or Mac and they are fully compatible with Skype. Whats the catch? Well, alas, they start at USD 239:-. That's 2,390:- for the lot, so what's your credit status like?

Perhaps for Swedes only. The Bilar USB memory stick.

Sat, 12 May 2007 18:47:48 +0200

We had an e-mail from Johan Ellingsen suggesting this novel USB stick his company has produced for Swedish candy company Ahlgrens Bilar for us to post on Smart Stuff. Even though we don't think it's really smart enough for Smart Stuff, we do think it's cool enough for Cool Finds. The Ahlgrens Bilar brand is a much beloved soft marshmallow-like candy in the shape of small cars that has been produced and sold i Sweden since the early fifties. This USB 2.0 , 128 MB memory stick was produced (we think) as a give-away for employees and business partners. For a Swede with a sweet tooth this would be a tasty item, indeed.

Tire-track rug.

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:55:48 +0200

As any reasonably frequent reader of these ramblings (I actually believe there are a few) know I have a soft spot for rugs. At least for the unusual and fun ones. The oriental kind leaves me indifferent, I'm afraid. Here's yet another installment in the never ending series of rugs I'd like to own. The tire-track rug from Amazed, i.e. artists Madeleine and Dudley Edwards.

The English butler alarm clock featuring Stephen Fry.

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:55:35 +0200

Not long ago we had an e-mail to Smart Stuff from Simon Carr, the inventor of the alarm clock above. After considering its features we decided to publish it here on Cool Finds, instead. With all due respect to Mr. Carr, we don't really think it's Smart Stuff stuff. But. We do think its wake up messages recorded by Stephen Fry are very, very funny indeed. Mr. Fry, being a long time favourite, has recorded fifty messages for the clock, and a few of them are available for play-back on the site. Try the one above for a quick sample. The Voco clock is GBP 25:95 (approx. USD 50:-) on the Voco website.

The Serra lounger by Felipe Zanardi.

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 21:39:46 +0100

Among all the e-mail to Cool Finds the past week, there was one from Felipe Zanardi, a young designer out of Sao Paolo, Brazil, asking if I'd care to have a look at his stuff. Among all his cool stuff I particularly liked this; the Serra lounger. At almost three meters across, it surely needs a big room, but in the right environment I think it'd look just great. If you don't have the space, then imagine it in the company library or coffee room... The prototype (at least that's what I suppose it is) is covered with plastic grass, but I think I'd opt to have it done in soft carpeting if had the room for a piece like this.

Toolkit cutlery.

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 21:39:41 +0100

I have to admit I am a bit of a gear head. At least as far as driving goes. I'm not a great mechanic; but I like to watch those who are. I might not be such a great driver either, but I have a few races In cars) under my belt and the Nomex suit to prove it. That's probably why I fell for this cutlery kit. The tip was mailed in by by Berne P. and meant for Smart Stuff, but we could not agree on the smartness aspect, so I chose to share it here instead. I think it is a really cool find. It even has a professional looking plastic toolbox! It is available on Aerostich, it comes in two sizes (kid's and adult) and it is USD 20:- for the small one and USD 24:- for the full size one.

Interlocking bookcase system.

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:54:49 +0100

Danish designers Copenhagen-i showed this rather ingenious shelving system called Shelwing at the Stockholm Furniture Fair. The tin shelves and legs interlock making it possible to build a bookcase several stories high without much effort. Back at the office, I had a few moments to browse their promotional CD, and found two other designs I would like to share:

The Mamba rug/magazine holder is made of aluminum and covered with a wool rug. Available in gray, green and red, and this beautiful stainless steel table that would sit just right in the garden if I had one.

An astronaut's pictures...

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:54:45 +0100

This, and the pictures after the link, are supposedly taken by Swedish (oh, yes) astronaut Christer Fuglesang during his time on the space shuttle and the ISS recently. Some of the the pictures i can believe are taken from the altitude of the ISS, but these wonderful shots of the night lit Earth seem to have been taken at a much greater distance from the Earth than the ISS orbit. I may be wrong, I'm far from an astronomer, but the pictures are so awesome I wanted to post them anyway.

Follow the links to larger (and heavier) shots of The North Pole | Africa | Asia | Australia | Europe and North America.

The cactus coat stand.

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:54:41 +0100

I made the rounds at the 2007 Stockholm Furniture Fair this weekend, and although there was not all that much new (to me) and exciting stuff, I found some gems that I want to share with you over the next few days. Today's fair find is the Wild Bill coat hanger from Tveit & Tornøe, a k a Norwegian design duo Atle Tveit and Lars Tornøe. The Wild Bill coat stand is still a concept, but if enough of us show our interest, it could very well be produced. I think it deserves to be. What do you think?

Take a walk on the wild side.

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:54:38 +0100

Now this may seem a bit tacky, but I could not resist, especially since I've posted so many defferent rugs before (see links below). The tiger rug is 100 percent artificial, and no tigers were killed or hurt in the process of its manufacture. From Melta.se webshop for SEK 599:- (approx. USD 85:-).

Cardboard box doormat, bear rug, pawprint rug, bear doormat, rug with integrated pillow, rabbit pawprint rug, british stamp rug, and the unfortunate yeti
.

If children would have designed your dining set.

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:54:33 +0100

I cant help it. I love these chairs and the table. I found them on Lucy Merchant's website today. They are called "Mommy's Chair" and since there's no story provided on the site, I can't help but think that they were drawn by children and produced for the fun of it. Made from recycled steel and powder coated, they can be used both indoors and outdoors.

His and hers ball and chain handcuff key rings.

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:54:29 +0100

I got this in an e-mail from the people on Firebox and even though I'm very much aware they just want to peddle their merch, these key rings just were too much fun to pass up. A perfect gift for that certain Valentine. GBP 7:95 (almost USD 16:-) on Firebox. I have already ordered mine, but cheeez, postage and shipping really hurt at GBP 20:- (that's almost 40:- US Dollars for a 16 buck product!).

Non-permanent barcode tattoo for the 90's nostalgic.

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:54:25 +0100

These temporary tattoos were designed by barcode artist Scott Blake and are sold in sixpacks with six different barcodes and phrases; SLAVE, HUMAN, TATTOO, PRODUCT, FOR SALE and SCAN ME. Just pick your fav to make a 24 hour statement, 'cause that's about how long they'll last. USD 5:- at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Cool Finds