Cool Hunting

Karl Zahn's Phrena Lamp by Artecnica

2010-02-28T15:38:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not, this beautiful lamp is actually a flat-pack light that unfurls into a multi-faceted orb. The design of this Tyvek lamp is based on the “simplicity of opening a book, the pages of this light work together to create perfect symmetry.” Adding a modern glow and warmth to any environment, you'll be sure to find the perfect spot for this lamp in your home. Best of all, it is extremely affordable, only

$78 USD, from Artecnica.

Monocle x Porter City Bag

2010-02-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

Porter bags from Japan are some of the best and most functional urban bags you can get. They strike the perfect balance of form and function for any city trek. This collaboration with Monocle results in a great bag you can take with you anywhere, with pockets for your cell phone, wallet, sunglasses, and anything else you might need. With plenty of well designed storage areas that keep all your valuables close by, this bag even includes a foldaway tote for spontaneous shopping finds and groceries.

£155, from Monocle.

Ikea BJURÖN Wooden Plant Pot

2010-02-26T19:29:00.002-05:00

Bring a bit of a natural and warm style to your home with the Ikea wooden plant pots. Made of solid acacia wood, these pots also have a classic modern cube form, resulting in a transitional accessory that is both rustic and sleek. Best of all, they come at a great price point which works out well, as they would look great in repetition.

$8.99 CAD, at IKEA.

Alessi Blank Wall Clock

2010-02-25T09:00:00.001-05:00

Designed by Marti Guixe for Alessi's spring line, this whimsical wall clock comes with a pen, so you can write, draw and erase whatever you want easily according to your perception of time and graphics. Who says you can't make time?

$155 USD, available from UnicaHome in early April.

Alessi Blow Up Citrus Basket (now also in Bamboo)

2010-02-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Alessi's famous 'Blow Up' series of bowls, baskets, and magazine racks have been a staple in many designer interiors. Until now, the series designed by Fratelli Campana in 2003 has been made of mirrored stainless steel sticks with a diameter of 5 mm, welded together, forming a striking, modern and shiny display. New for 2010, the series has been reimagined in bamboo, creating a natural look with an eco-friendly material, offering flexibility while keeping all of the modern and sexy appeal as its original. Available as a table, centerpiece, fruit basket, and magazine rack.

$112, at UnicaHome.

Matte Aluminum Designer Desk Accessories

2010-02-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Looking for the perfect desk accessories to complement your sexy Mac computer? The Desk Set Professional is the essential set of aluminum desk accessories designed to match your iMac and MacBook Pro right down to the finish. These carefully crafted desk accessories are constructed of 3/16" thick anodized aluminum and will add a level of substance to your desk space that no other desk accessory can.

$219 USD, from Deskology.

Sony Cyber-shot Digital Camera DSC-TX5

2010-02-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

Sure, there are a lot of slim, sleek digital cameras out there. But sexy, and tough? That's what makes the Sony DSC-TX5 digital camera unique - It combines a sleek, waterproof (to 10ft) design with high technology. It also offers stunning low-light performance with the ability to capture amazing panoramic images in Intelligent Sweep Panorama mode. Featuring 10.2 megapixels with a 3" touch screen LCD display, you will never miss a shot with the ability to shoot 10 frames per second.

$349.99 USD, available at Sony.

Griffin+Chilewich iPhone Case

2010-02-21T15:28:00.003-05:00

I love a good collaboration, and this one from Griffin and Chilewich is a great match. It is the first offering in a collection of accessories featuring Chilewich signature woven vinyl, which is commonly known for floor mats and tabletop placemats. In this offering, designer Sandy Chilewich collaborated with Griffin Technology to develop Elan Form Chilewich for iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G. Beautiful, textural, and protective for your iPhone - what more could you ask for?

$44.94 CAD, available at the Apple Store.

Senz Umbrella

2009-11-15T16:44:00.005-05:00

Let's face it. Every umbrella you've had is never strong enough in those unexpected downpours -- and that's when you need it the most. If you're tired of umbrellas that always flip and are unable to withstand the winds, you need to look at the Senz. This umbrella is aerodynamically designed to counteract the forces of the wind. So the harder the wind blows, the harder it pushes back. Smart, huh?

$59 USD for the full size, and $54 USD for the mini at Generate.

litl Webbook Computer

2009-11-15T12:50:00.003-05:00

The 'litl' sure is little, but has big impact and even better function. Taking the typical netbook and bringing it to a new level, the litl sports a great design, featuring an amazing 178 viewing angle and the ability to fold over into 'easel' mode. This mode allows you to flip through full-screen built in channels, including weather, Facebook, ESPN and more. With it's wheel dial control, HDMI television connection, and remote, it even becomes your portable media center. With great looks and features, this litl webbook will be hard to pass up.

$699 USD, from litl.

Cole Haan Zoom Flywire Shoes

2009-06-01T09:03:00.000-05:00

These are the perfect shoes for traveling. Lightweight and outfitter with Nike Air technology, you can depend on them for comfort when you are walking around all day. The sleek design and modern details are found in a combination of leather and highly breathable textile fabric. In addition to the cushioning and support that these shoes provide, the best part is the modern profile and versatile style which takes you easily from your day trek to the classy night life, without having to change your shoes.

$168 USD, from Cole Haan.

Filson Tote Bags

2009-05-31T09:12:00.002-05:00

Filson Bags, around since 1897, are one of the most rugged and highest quality bags you can find out there. Originally designed for hunters, you know you can count on the durability and functionality of them. This tote bag is the perfect weekend bag or even day bag for a casual outing or even just a trip to the grocery store.

With clean lines and functional pockets, you can have style without sacrificing practicality.

$99 or $129.50 (with a zippered top) USD, at Filson.

Folding Bird House

2009-05-30T10:12:00.003-05:00

Does your garden or patio need to be spruced up? Add a modern touch of style with this contemporary flat-packed bird feeder that will be sure to give your outdoor space a nice focal point. Keep it filled, and watch the birds come!

$50 USD, at the MoMA Store

Louis Vuitton Damier Geant Canvas Albatros Bag

2008-12-21T17:53:00.003-05:00

This re-designed version of the popular Louis Vuitton Albatros bag still comes in the classic Damier Geant canvas pattern, but has a slightly taller and narrower, but structured style than the original design. This gives it a more modern look for the urban man, with just the right balance between formal and casual, making the bag as versatile as ever. Both lightweight and durable, the Louis Vuitton Albatros can be carried over the shoulder or by hand, and the size is perfect for both weekend getaways or even for everyday at work or school. It is available in both Black and Earth.

$1330 USD, at Louis Vuitton.

Marvelous Key Rack

2008-11-24T10:33:00.005-05:00

Give your entryway some style with this marvelous key rack designed by Tomke Biallas and Grisella Kreiterling. It's simple, but sophisticated in looks. Best of all, it is made of oak and treated with natural oil so it is completely sustainable. Grab one of these, and hang your keys up in style.

$40 USD, from Charles & Marie.

Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite Jorn Bag

2008-11-23T00:05:00.001-05:00

Louis Vuitton's famous Danier pattern has undergone a masculine remix, resulting in the Damier Graphite line. The "Jorn" makes for an excellent city bag, and works just as well doing double duty as an office bag/briefcase. Use the shoulder strap on weekends, and use the carry handles on your working days. This bag is both classic and elegant, and is just the right size for almost everything.

$1480 USD, at eLuxury.

Vers 2X Sound System for iPod

2008-11-22T21:55:00.005-05:00

Looking for an iPod speaker system that will actually fit in with your decor? Look no further than the Vers 2X, which is available in a stunning range of beautiful woods, including Cherry, Natural Walnut, Dark Walnut and Bamboo. Aside from its stunning looks and small footprint though, it will fill your room with rich natural sound. Each system is unique, and takes over a week to build ensuring that you get quality, accurate sound reproduction.

$200, from Vers.

Gus Modern Chunk Dining Table

2008-11-21T19:38:00.004-05:00

This dining table with simple lines is beautiful in form and material. The attraction lies in its clean lines which makes it modern, yet will easily fit into any decor due to the warm natural tones and grain of its quarter-sawn oak top and chunky legs. A classic design gives it a strong and powerful profile, without being overbearing.

$1395 CAD, at StyleGarage.

Herman Miller Sense Desk & Table System

2008-11-15T12:46:00.003-05:00

Whether you need a desk for your office, home, or home office, this modular desk series from Herman Miller will suit your needs. Available in a variety of finishes and colours, you're sure to find a combination that works with your decor. In fact, the options are so well selected that even if you have no design asthetic, any combination you pick will look professional. The Sense series is simple to assemble and works in multiple configurations to fit a large open plan space, as well as a small nook in a city condo. Have fun with the options, and personalize the desk to suit your specific needs.

Sense by Herman Miller.

"more." iPhone 3G case

2008-11-14T20:46:00.003-05:00

So you've got your iPhone 3G. Make sure you protect it, but make sure the case looks just as good as the iPhone itself. If you're bored of the typical silicone cases, or fabric sleeves, check out this unique case from "more." The "twine" series is a leather case, patterned to look like carbon fiber. Keep your iPhone scratch-free in style. It doesn't get more unique than this.

$39.90 USD, from more.

Artemide Castore Table Lamp

2008-11-09T08:30:00.003-05:00

Designed by Michele de Lucchi & Huub Ubbens, this table lamp has the perfect form that will fit any decor, from classic mid-century modern spaces, to uber sleek open concept minimalist lofts. Although it comes with a price point that is higher than most everyday furniture stores, its versatility makes the piece more than worth it, as you can bring it with you to every new place you move and I guarantee it will find a natural home there. You can never go wrong with Artemide, which makes it one of the most popular designer choices when it comes to lighting. It comes with a dimmer built in to the base, allowing you to optimize the lighting for any mood.

Starting at $264 CAD, from GabrielRoss.

Vitra Slow Chair & Ottoman

2008-11-08T09:17:00.004-05:00

Every home needs a nice lounger you can relax, read, watch TV, or just fall asleep in. Problem is, if you live in the city, you might be in a condo and space as we all know is at a premium, and after your sofa goes in, there's barely room for anything else. Vitra has a great piece, the slow chair & ottoman. It's still large enough for one to lounge in, but gives the illusion of lightness by being upholstered in a translucent fabric sling, rather than the thick cushions of traditional chairs. Not only does the mesh-like fabric extremely strong and durable, it will conform to your body and offer ergonomic support.

$4238 USD, from HiveModern.

AK47 Paper Gun Kit

2008-11-06T00:40:00.004-05:00

Looking for a gift for the guy that has everything? Well chances are, he doesn't have this. This is a new art project created by the designer Martin Postler. "He has freed the AK-47 from its terrible capacity to injure and kill by deconstructing it into a paper model construction set. When putting the detailed model together, the builder is automatically confronted with the Kalashnikov and its significance – both historical and personal."

I couldn't have said it better myself. Ultimately, this AK-47 remains a piece of paper, and thankfully at that.

$35 USD, from Charles&Marie.

55DSL Remix Contest

2008-11-06T00:32:00.004-05:00

For all you artists and creative types out there, this contest is for you. 55DSL is one of the biggest names in urban streetwear, and that are taking it back to the streets by hosting this unique contest to remix their logo. The challenge is to "take the iconic 55DSL Shield logo and spin it into a remix that reflects 55DSL’s culture and spirit, its origins and its future". The grand prize is 1,055€ in addition to getting the remixed logo design produced by 55DSL. This is a great opportunity to get international recognition and attention to your portfolio, and oh -- the extra cash doesn't hurt either.

Check it out at 55DSL Logo Remix Challenge.

Zirh Warrior Collection Shower Gels

2008-11-02T21:49:00.004-05:00

The Warrior Collection is the latest series of shower gels by the men’s skin care company Zirh. Choose from the five amazing scents, inspired by historical warriors and leaders, including Alexander, Ulysses, Charlemagne and Julius Caesar. The gels and scents are made from ingredients local to regions where each of them reigned. With such great names, and great packaging to match, shower gel has never been better.

$22.50 USD, from ZIRH.