Tucked away in the beautiful native bush of Eastbourne, Wellington, New Zealand is the Karka Tower, an architectural structure that embodies the innovation and evolution of the architecture world. The compact and distinctive structure is designed by Arête Architects and Makers Fabrication and is intended to be an intelligent solution to the difficult terrain, and the client’s brief. The client wanted an additional dwelling on a challenging and steep site, next to his main home. To meet the owner’s requirement, the studio designed a tiny tower-like structure that functions as an annex to the pre-existing home.
The studio wanted to maximize the tower’s interior space, as well as its footprint, hence they stacked various modular volumes on top of each other. The volumes are prefabricated off-site from eucalypt rainscreen timber, and then moved to the site. Since it is difficult to access the site, the tower was transported in three parts, using a helicopter. Each volume weighed up to 2425 lb, and the fact that they were airlifted helped to reduce potential environmental impacts.
The Karaka Tower is nestled on a dense forest hillside, and it effortlessly blends with its surroundings, while providing stunning views of Te Whanganui-a-Tara. The tower occupies 97 square feet, and it contains a supplementary bedroom and an art studio. The structure’s interiors remind you of a treehouse accentuated with exposed macrocarpa timber framing. The tiny tower also features a panoramic open-air rooftop terrace, which provides access to uninterrupted views across treetops.
The Karaka Tower has an impressive thermal performance that is optimized for year-round comfort and energy efficiency. It features a comprehensive waterproofing system that is developed with Viking Roofspec, which provides airtightness and thermal insulation. The various modules have a double TPO membrane and a batten system for quick weatherproofing.
Designed by Belgian furniture brand Extremis, this modular outdoor dining system is named Panigiri, and it is designed to accommodate a whole bunch of people to sit comfortably in a range of seating options. The Panigiri dining system is designed by the Extremis founder Dirk Wynants, and it features a long table with either an attached bench seating or open space for chairs.
Since spring is almost here, the Panigiri dining system is excellent for your yards. It features various benches which are divided so that each seating spot can be easily and efficiently accessed, without having to clamber over it. There is also an option of an add-on called the Bring Your Own Seat (BYOS), and it can be easily hooked onto the benches to build a supportive, comfy, and chair-like sitting experience with a backrest.
The dining system is named after the Greek words “pan” and “giri” which means “all” and “gathering”. The seating solution was designed to encourage and facilitate communal dining, where family members and loved ones can gather to share a lovely meal. The table can be customized to any desired length, capable of seating any number of people.
The dining system is available in three iterations – the Panigiri picnic, Panigiri Table, and Panigiri Combo. The Panigiri Picnic has a picnic-table-style setup with bench seating, while the Table features no built-in seating, and can be used with supplementary chairs. The Combo merges the elements of both these styles and formats. The furniture is made from steel and ash wood and is designed for longevity. Extremis utilized the excess wood from other collections to build the dining system, in turn minimizing the environmental impact they create. The dining system is perfect for lovely spring picnics or Sunday brunches with your friends or families, although it isn’t very tiny, and would need some space in your yard, you could customize it to get the length that perfectly works for you and your backyard.
It doesn’t matter where you’re working, whether at home or in a commercial life, both these scenarios involve a desk! A desk is probably one of the most important pieces of furniture in our modern lives, only because we spend the majority of our day on it. You may be typing away to glory, munching away on a snack, or simply fidgeting with a random object – you do end up spending hours on your desk. And hence, your desk must be neat, tidy, and uncluttered. Not only will this improve your work routine and productivity, but it will also help you maintain a clearer and more streamlined mindset. And, I’ve discovered that adding limited, quality, and innovative products to my desk setup can help me in achieving these goals! And we’ve curated a collection of smart and well-designed desk gear to help you achieve peak productivity. Happy working!
1. POD
This little minimalist timer is designed to help you enjoy the benefits of a Pomodoro timer, without having to depend on a clunky analog timer, especially one that will end up looking like an awkward little tomato on your desk. It has a simple and compact form that will occupy minimum space on your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
Called POD, this innovative tool merges the feeling of an analog timer with the convenience and utility of an electronic device in a minimalist, simple, and appealing form. You can start the countdown by pushing the puck down like a button.
What we like
It is minimally distracting and uses only flashing lights rather than vibrations or sounds to get your attention
What we dislike
You need to replace the battery which can seem a bit annoying and tedious
Quite tiny, so you can easily misplace it
2. Pen Fan
Named the Pen Fan, this unique stationery design is a must-have for your desk. It is intended to be a cross between a Pantone shade card, and a stationery set. It holds 8 different flat-head sketch pens in a set that is compact, neat, and easy-to-carry along everywhere with you.
Why is it noteworthy?
The various pens of the Pen Fan are interconnected, which forms an adorable Japanese-fan-style layout that beautifully showcases all 8 colors, allowing you to pick and choose from them. The pens are detachable, so you can quite easily snap them on and off, building a palette that caters to you.
What we like
Easy-to-carry and portable set
Eliminates the risk of misplacing the pens
What we dislike
There are only 8 colors to pick from, which can be limiting. There could have been more color options
3. Serenity Pen Stand
Dubbed the Serenity Pen Stand, this minimalist design features a metallic hint that is designed to hold your pen upright, keeping it ready for you to use. And since pens are quite easy to use, this pen stand makes sure you never lose track of your prized pen, and that it is always in your sight.
The Serenity Pen Stand makes sure that you will always have easy access to your pen, protecting it, and ensuring you never lose it. It is made using aluminum and copper and makes for a well-balanced cylinder, that will add a burst of color and personality to your work desk.
What we like
Has a heavy copper bottom, that will lower the center of gravity, providing it with a stable form
Has a sleek minimal design that is easy to set up and carry
What we dislike
It is quite small in size and can be easily misplaced
Not a lot of color options to pick from
4. World Clock
If you often find yourself lagging, and unable to complete tasks in the required time, then you may want to consider this unique clock design to keep a check on the time. Called the World Clock, this isn’t your typical desk clock, and it features a dodecagonal shape, with only one hand and a minimalist face.
The World Clock has an innovative design and form, as it not only gives you the correct info about your country but also some fun extra details on the time in other parts of the world. With one glance, you can tell the hour, while a closer look will tell you which quarter of the hour it is.
What we like
Features 12 sides that have individual markings for a city that represent a particular timezone
What we dislike
The World Clock has only 12 set time zones, so you may miss out on some other time zones
5. Planet Pins
Called the Planet Pins, this colorful and quirky little creation is hand-painted planet pins that look like the solar system. It includes eight extraterrestrial shapes, each one hand-painted and stored in a compact polished acrylic display case. The pins were hand-painted in Tokyo.
Why is it noteworthy?
The pins include Mercury in metallic silver, Venus in metallic gold, Earth in painted blue and green, Jupiter in yellow, dark orange, and translucent orange, Mars in red, Saturn in yellow with a metallic silver ring, Uranus in a metallic blue with a metallic silver ring, and Neptune in blue and a lovely white.
What we like
Delivered in serial-numbered display cases, so when not in use, you can store them in the boxes and display them
What we dislike
The pins are quite tiny, so you can easily misplace them if they’re not handled with care
6. Precision Sakura Metal Puzzle
Named the Precision Metal Sakura Puzzle, this little puzzle will give your brain the satisfying yet challenging game it needs. It is shaped after Japan’s most iconic flowers, and the pieces look so similar, that you’ll be wondering where to put them and how to place them together!
As you assemble the metal puzzle, it will take on the shape of Japan’s iconic sakura flowers. The little puzzle is made from mirror-finish stainless steel with tiny pieces that seamlessly and perfectly fit together, challenging your mind, and putting your brain to the test.
What we like
Compact, no-frills design that you can carry anywhere with you
What we dislike
It can be challenging to put together, so it is not the best option for users who want a relaxing puzzle-making experience
7. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter
Called the Effortless Standing Letter Cutter, this little tool is one of the essentials you need on your work desk. It is a simple tool that can boost your daily productivity, and help you maintain an organized desk, as it doubles up as a paperweight as well!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Effortless Standing Letter Cutter reimagines a standard office cool, and cuts through your paper efficiently and effectively, while also doubling up as a chick paperweight, that ensures your desk is neat, clean, and tidy. It is the ultimate solution for boosting productivity!
Functions as a paperweight as well, ensuring less clutter on your desk
What we dislike
Not versatile enough to deal with bulkier packages or intricate mail
8. Blocco Calculator
The Blocco Calculator is a functional and aesthetic calculator, unlike other ordinary calculators on the market. The calculator perfectly merges precision and beauty in a sincere and minimalist form, functioning as a visually attractive addition to your desk. It occupies minimum space on your desk while doing its job.
Why is it noteworthy?
The calculator features an ergonomic and universal design which is great for both left-handed and right-handed users. It has an angular chamfered surface that ensures effortless and quick typing while elevating the calculator’s visual appeal.
What we like
The calculator projects calculations onto the paper
Aesthetic and good-looking design
What we dislike
The usage is limited, as the calculator needs a flat surface to project the equations out clearly
9. Everlasting All Metal Pencil
The Everlasting All-Metal Pencil is a much-needed addition to your desk! It lets you bid farewell to the eternal cycle of pencil sharpening and dealing with mechanical leads. It allows you to harness your creative ideas, and let them flow freely without any hindrance.
The special pencil has been crafted with a special alloy core and features an aluminum body that doesn’t need any sharpening. It leaves marks without wearing down the core, making it quite a practical and durable writing instrument.
What we like
Easily erased by regular erasers
Provides a smooth and seamless writing experience
What we dislike
The pencil doesn’t provide the same grip and comfort as traditional wooden pencils
10. ForeverPen
Named the ForeverPen, this unique pen is made from Ti + Ag, and it sits neatly on your desk! It is said to be the world’s smallest inkless pen and doesn’t need refilling ever. You can even write underwater with it, or open boxes – it isn’t an ordinary everyday pen.
Why is it noteworthy?
The ForeverPen is made from a specialist Silver composite, and you can combine it with the material of your choice. It measures only one inch in length and can jot down all your notes, while also letting you slide open packages and boxes.
What we like
Easy-to-carry and portable design
Functions as much more than just a simple pen
What we dislike
It is not the best option for users with big hands, as they may find it tough to hold
Designed by Timbercraft Tiny Homes, the spacious Denali tiny home first became accessible to the public in 2017, with time it got upgraded to the Denali XL, and now the firm has officially launched the Denali XL Bunkhouse. The Denali XL Bunkhouse as its name signifies is a spacious and majestic tiny home that can sleep from two to six people, providing an abundant amount of space for a small family, and some guests as well. It is supported on a quad-axle trailer, and it measures 41.4 feet long, with a width of 9.8 feet.
Since the width is long, the tiny home cannot be towed on the road without any kind of permit. It is one of the largest tiny homes on the market, and it isn’t something you’d be comfortable towing around often. The exterior of the home is clad in board-and-batten siding, and it has been topped with a standing-seam metal roof. The exterior has a quintessential cottage style which can be seen in the home’s interiors too, namely in the rustic shiplap walls, wood floors, tongue, and groove ceiling.
A pair of pretty French doors offer access to the home, there is one in the living room and one in the kitchen. They open up the tiny home to the outdoors. The kitchen is quite spacious and well-stocked for a tiny home, and it even includes a cozy breakfast bar for two people, as well as a propane-powered four-burner stove, an oven, dishwasher, custom cabinetry, and a fridge/freezer. The hallway of the home contains a large pantry area as well. The living room has generous glazing, including the French doors, and has quite a spacious vibe.
The tiny home’s bathroom includes a full-size bathtub and shower, as well as a flushing toilet and vanity sink. It also has a stacked washing machine and dryer installed. Opposite the living room is the master bedroom, and since it is on the ground floor, it has loads of headroom to stand straight. The bedroom also includes a king-sized bed with integrated storage space and a closet.
A good chair is immensely valuable to a home setup, and our butt. We spend the better half of our day lounging on chairs, whether we’re working in our office, enjoying a delicious meal, or simply sitting and reading our favorite book. We cannot underestimate the power of a chair in our lives, and also the power it holds in bringing together a particular room. This piece of furniture needs to tick off a lot of checkboxes – it needs to be comfortable, and ergonomic, and should also perfectly suit our living or working space. And, a seating design you could consider is the Pumpkin Chair! French designer Pierre Paulin designed his iconic Pumpkin chair in the 1970s, and it has now been re-released by the furniture company Ligne Roset!
The Pumpkin chair was created in 1971 for French President Georges Pompido’s private apartment in the Elysée Palace. He wanted an untraditional furniture design that would refresh the country’s design industry. Paulin designed the chair to feature a rounded shape, constructed by molded strips of wood wrapped in foam.
The chair’s chonky form brings to mind the image of a pumpkin, and the chair became a focal point of the President’s home. However, the originals of the chair are rarely found now, and Ligne Roset has been reproducing a new version since 2008. The company has maintained the chair’s organic and round shape, which provides the “ultimate lounging experience”.
“Easy on the eye with its round contours and expressive personality, it beckons one to sink into it and linger,” said Ligne Roset. The Pumpkin chair has an extraordinarily cozy aura to it, and it instantly invites you in, urging you to take a seat and let the stresses of your day fade away. It is designed to provide a much-needed break from your hectic workday. The Pumpkin series also includes a loveseat, sofa, ottoman, and swiveling armchair. The furniture design can be upholstered in fabric or leather, with colored wool to accompany it, creating a playful and whimsical seating solution.
Everywhere you look whether on Instagram, YouTube or Facebook, people are jet-setting about freely. My travel bucket is currently brimming with places I need to visit. But as any experienced traveler will definitely tell you, before you set off on your next adventure, you need to put together a collection of handy, reliable, and well-designed travel accessories. Great travel accessories are essential, they have your back in the most sudden and spontaneous of situations, providing you with aid and relief when you least expect it. And, we’ve put together a bunch of innovative and functional travel-friendly products that you need to pack in your suitcase for your next trip! From a sushi-themed suitcase to a wireless speaker/power bank– these products are the must-haves you need for your next holiday.
1. Audio 1
Braun is known for its functional, durable, and timeless products that never seem to fall short. And this wireless speaker power bank concept called the Audio 1, takes inspiration from Braun’s evergreen legacy, borrowing the brand’s principles and presenting them in a beautiful fusion of modern technology and retro design.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Audio 1 has two sides – one dedicated to the speaker functionality, and the other one for the integrated power bank and controls. This elevates the user’s experience, while also signifying Braun’s design theme of limiting clutter, and creating a clean, neat, and organized appearance.
What we like
Ensures a hassle-free experience and eliminates the need for multiple cables
What we dislike
No LCD display to show critical battery information
2. Nothing Power Bank
Called the Nothing power bank, this little gadget is the perfect companion for your travel adventures. It has transparent aesthetics that beautifully showcase the innards’ glory and beauty. The interior elements are illuminated by small warm-toned LEDS, which give the little accessory a Cyberpunkish look inside and out.
Why is it noteworthy?
This power bank is a perfect match for Nothing as it is quite functional, and has a no-frills nature. Although there are many options in the market, this transparent power bank would be an excellent addition to Nothing’s ever-growing ecosystem of product lines.
What we like
The power bank complements the Nothing Phone (2)
Features sleek transparent aesthetics
What we dislike
It’s a concept, so we’re not sure how well it would translate into a tangible product
3. DOTS
Named DOTS, this portable coffee machine is a perfect fit for an automated vehicle, but it can be utilized for other on-the-go scenarios as well. The DOTS can be used for those long and tiring car journeys, where you need to get somewhere fast, but cannot stop for a quick coffee break.
Why is it noteworthy?
The coffee machine has a removable button, so you can adapt it however you want, depending on your need for it. It uses coffee capsules instead of the usual brewing method, making the coffee machine easier to use.
What we like
Features a control or lever that lets you adjust the intensity of the extraction method
What we dislike
It has a lid to place a straw on it, but sipping hot coffee with a straw seems weird and uncomfortable
4. Aroma Fragrance Pin
When you’re traveling around, you’re bound to get hot and sweaty, and if you want to maintain a lovely aroma around you at all times, then you may want to get your hands on the Aroma Fragrance pin. This tiny pin is a little holder that can hold cotton dabbed with your essential oil of choice. This allows a strong yet subtle fragrance to envelope you throughout the day.
The Aroma Fragrance pin forms an individual fragrance bubble for you, which follows you around everywhere. You can top it up, once the smell begins to fade away, and is an excellent option for those with sensitive noses who may get affected by the aerosol particles in typical perfumes.
What we like
The pin looks like a fashionable button-style accessory and has color options to choose from
What we dislike
The aroma will last depending on the quality of the aromatic oil, so you will need to partake in some trial and error till you find a long-lasting fit
5. Monos Luggage
Monos’ luggage collection is designed to be whimsical, fun, and yet super functional. They have a diverse and fun range of suitcases including the Monos x Magnolia Bakery collaboration with the iconic NYC-based Magnolia Bakery. They also have a sophisticated Terrazzo which is a limited edition and involves a hard shell luggage option that looks very much like Terrazzo.
Why is it noteworthy?
The carry-on and check-in bags have aerospace-grade, water-resistant polycarbonate hard shells that feature 360° spinner wheels. The inside of every case is lined with an anti-microbial lining made from 100% recycled polyester, which is further adorned with ultra-microfiber vegan leather detailing.
What we like
Equipped with TSA-approved combination locks, dual Y-shaped compression straps, and dividers, accentuated with YKK reverse coil zippers, and a flexible telescopic handle
What we dislike
A bit on the pricey side
6. AirPods/AirPods Pro Neck Strap
This AirPods/AirPods Pro Neck Strap is great for listening to tunes on your next journey. It features a woven necklace that is designed for globetrotters who own AirPods. You can forget about the days you spend rummaging through your backpack or the panic of misplacing an earbud in busy airports.
The chic and functional accessory keeps your AirPods safely around your neck at all times, perfectly merging fashion with practicality. It has a patented One-Click Magnetic Lock that keeps your earbuds secure and safe, whether you’re boarding a flight, or roaming around a new city.
What we like
Eliminates the chance of losing your AirPods
Keeps your AirPods within reach and easily accessible
What we dislike
It could expose your AirPods to damage, dirt, and the weather elements
7. Sushi Suitcases
These adorable suitcases are inspired by sushi! They were created keeping in mind the dual tones of nigiri, with an element of ‘white rice’ topped up by a colorful ingrediant. Merging luggage with sushi doesn’t seem so odd, when you imagine these containers on airport conveyor belts and how similar they look to sushi on food conveyor belts in Japan!
Why is it noteworthy?
The luggage come in three popular types of sushi – yellow egg “tamago” design, brown eel “unagi”, and orange salmon “sake”, giving you the choice between three adorable, functional and whimsical suitcase designs.
What we like
Features a strap with an area for writing your information
What we dislike
Isnt a groundbreaking new design, and is more focused on aesthetics than functionality
8. G5 Clothes Steamer
Designed by Nesugar, the G5 clothes steamer is much like the G2 and G3. It packs the reliable and durable functions of the predecessors, while also merging new functions that are functional and innovative. It is ultra portable, and the perfect companion for your travel adventures.
Why is it noteworthy?
The clothes steamer doesn’t need any water addition for a week or so, and doesn’t compromise the daily ironing needs. This is because it has larger panels, and three-layer heating bodies which support an efficient vaporization and better steam volume.
What we like
Equipped with a new feature to prevent high-temperature water splashes
What we dislike
It’s a concept, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product
9. Carry On Shampoo
The Carry On is a ingenious yet super simple solution that lets you carry a dedicated travel mini-bottle, and it comes along with your existing at-home shampoo bottle! It has a compact design that comes conveniently packaged with your regular bottle of shampoo. You can carry the mini bottle with you on your travels, and refill it when you’re running low!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Carry On is an economy-sized 1 liter, and it comes with its own handle built into the bottle’s design. But when you buy it off the shelf, the handle has a carry bottle that perfectly fits into it like a jigsaw puzzle. The smaller one is 50ml, and can get you through a week-long holiday.
What we like
Lets you use your favorite shampoo, instead of the substandard ones you get in hotel
What we dislike
The carry on bottle is quite small, so there is a chance of easily losing or misplacing it
10. Taco Device
This little taco device is inspired by the metaphor or pun “Let’s taco ’bout it”, and slowly evolved into something that is inspired by the shape of a taco, and is designed to help you connect with people from different countries and regions. It looks like a taco and can be used by both the speaker and listener!
Why is it noteworthy?
Looking like a little taco, the device can be utilized by both the speaker and listener. It is like those two-way cup devices you may have used when you were younger, but this time it is equipped with digital technology!
What we like
Makes communicating more fun and functional
What we dislike
The shape is good for holding and gripping, but not great at catching sound correctly
Oslo Works designed and perched a little wooden sauna over the rocky shore of Nesodden peninsula, Norway. The sauna is elevated over the shore, and finished with wooden shingles, creating a rustic yet charming persona. It is designed for the local community and named the Hotspot. It is only a short ferry ride from Oslo and is intended to be an adaptable, easy-to-maintain, and eco-friendly structure. Lately, communal saunas have been increasing in the area, as local communities are joining forces to fund and build them, and the Hotspot is another new addition!
“A sauna is best enjoyed together,” said the studio. “This may be the reason why sauna community culture has been rising in Scandinavia over the last few years. People are putting their forces together in order to finance, build, and share hothouse all along the shore.”
The Hotspot sauna has been segregated into two sections through a narrow open passage, which will lead visitors to the water and the bathing ladder. The main hot room is located on the left-hand side, while the storage and changing facilities are located on the right. The hot room is heated by a little woodburning stove, and visitors can take a dip in the ice-cold water, before meeting up in this room. The room has access to stunning views of Oslo’s skyline. Oslo Works picked a material palette that camouflages the home with its surroundings when viewed from the mainland.
The main room has a rounded back wall that is covered in burnt and oiled pine shingles, which allows the cabin to merge with “pine trees and grey granite shore rocks”, as said by the studio. The building is also built using wood, with massive timber modules forming the frame. This helps to reduce the embodied carbon of the site.
Since the Hotspot features a modular form, it was quite easy to transport and construct on the site, which is difficult to reach. On the site, the sauna is elevated on metal stilts. The sauna’s modularity also supports future flexibility and leaves scope for adaptations such as the inclusion of a roof terrace, and additional shower rooms.
Spanish designer and architect Patricia Urquiola is known for her eye-catching creations which are usually characterized by stained-glass panels or entire interior redesigns. She heavily focuses on modern style accentuated with feminine accents and intriguing elements. She is also known for her strong support of female designers. “Where women differ from males is in their flexibility, adaptability, and ability to multitask,” Urquiola said to Elle Decor in 2010. “We must be capable of surviving and even those two qualities—flexibility and adaptability—are extremely important to me in design.” And, she recently updated her Lowland Sofa for the Italian brand Moroso, giving it the name Loveland.
Patricia Urqouila upgraded her Lowland sofa for the Italian brand Moroso, imparting it with a softer composition, and adorning it with a new name – Loveland. The three-seater sofa design adapts the previous design which was created in 2000. It features lower-positioned armrests, and a rounded backrest shape, which gives the sofa a gentler and more pebble-like appearance.
“The new design choices enhance the architectural qualities of the series while maintaining the sophisticated rationalist mood of this sofa, as a stand-alone piece or in a composition,” said Moroso. The Loveland sofa features a modernist steel base, which is paired up with warm and contemporary wood, and arranged at interesting sculptural angles.
Lowland was upgraded to Loveland to implement “a different approach to sustainability”. With Loveland, they eliminated developing a whole new product, and instead, they jazzed up a beloved classic to create an eternal and evergreen piece. There isn’t any unnecessary production or any additional waste. Resources are saved and minimized, as a pre-existing furniture piece is transformed and elevated. The Loveland sofa is available with or without armrests and can be upholstered in fabric or leather. You can choose between Honey, Tropical Wood, or Coffee finishes for the sofa’s wooden base.
I honestly don’t approve of the word ‘health freak’ because it seems like a negative term used for those who genuinely and wholeheartedly want to focus on their holistic health and dedicate time and energy to bettering it. Of course, there are always a few people who take dedication to a whole other unhealthy level, but I do believe most of us have good intentions and balanced mindsets when it comes to taking care of our diet and health. I prefer the term ‘health nerd’ for this crowd, and if you’re a health nerd who has decided to not only consume but cook your healthy everyday meals, then you’ve reached the right spot. In an attempt to support your cooking plan and help you eat better, we’ve curated a collection of kitchen appliances that make healthy cooking easy and simple.
1. The Cheat Sheets
These oven-safe, non-stick silicone dividers are called the Cheat Sheets, and they are created to transform and elevate oven cooking. They convert a single baking tray into a multi-compartment cooking surface, which lets you prepare multiple dishes in one go while retaining their distinctive flavor.
Why is it noteworthy?
The innovative Cheat Sheets divide a single sheet pan into a multi-portion culinary canvas, which can hold six small or three large portions. The Cheat Sheets are a great option for preparing family meals or for your weekly meal planning. In fact, if you have multiple Cheat Sheets, you can prepare healthy baked meals with real efficiency and control.
What we like
Lets you cook multiple dishes in one tray simultaneously
It can prepare various portion sizes, which is great for family or individual meals
What we dislike
The sheets are made from silicone which can easily get covered with dust and grease, creating a sticky surface if not used regularly
2. Cookmate
This innovative and handy kitchen appliance is called the Cookmate, and it is designed to be all-in-one. You can use the Cookmate for prep, cooking, and serving. It has a modular design with stackable pieces that let it function as a crock pot, pan, or steam – supporting various healthy cooking techniques.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Cookmate is an induction cooktop that focuses on every aspect of the cooking process. It sees the cooking process as something that progresses from ingredient to table. This allows Cookmate to be universally applicable, allowing you to save energy, effort, and space with other vessels.
What we like
Equipped with an integrated weighing scale
It can be split into 6 parts
What we dislike
It is a concept, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product
3. Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker
If you’re trying to eat healthy, then one of the best and easiest dishes you can prepare is a salad! And if you’re ready to chop up a delicious salad, then you may want to consider this shaker and pourer by OXO. It is a smart modern solution that helps you churn up some yummy dressing without making a major mess in your kitchen.
What we like
The shaker features a wide top that you can unscrew to add and mix up ingredients like vinegar, oil, onions, garlic, and mayonnaise to prepare a delicious dressing. The cup has measurements in milliliters and ounces to support easy and efficient measuring.
What we like
It is a leakproof design, ensuring there are no spills
Besides dressing, you can use it to prepare and serve sauces and marinades
What we dislike
The shaker seems to be a bit fragile and easily breakable, so needs to be handled with care
4. Plate Grater
This extraordinary little grate perfectly merges a plate’s functionality with a grater’s practicality. It is shaped like a round little plate and is designed to be set on the table, rather than being used up in the air. The Plate Grater is excellent for grating fresh garnishing for your meals, or some wasabi for your sushi.
The grater/plate design is known for its dual functionality, as it serves as both an effective grater and a stylish plate. It is not only aesthetically pleasing but is also excellent for grating fresh ingredients at the table, adding a refined gourmet touch to your food.
What we like
You can grate fresh garnishing onto your meals
Adds a gourmet touch to your meals
What we dislike
Users may not be accustomed to its dual purpose, so it may require a period of adjustment
5. 4T7 Smart Chopping Board
Called the 4T7 Smart Chopping Board, this innovative kitchen appliance is designed to simplify every stage of meal prep and help beyond it as well. It is made up of different parts, which come together to form a creative and united product that can help you in your quest for healthy eating.
Why is it noteworthy?
The chopping board is equipped with 4 distinct parts, one of which is a built-in weight scale. The 4T7 also has an accompanying smartphone app that counts calories as you weigh your ingredients. Once the prep work has been completed, the digital display can also function as a kitchen timer.
What we like
The board’s different components are designed to be functional and independent elements as well
Works great for fruits, veggies, and meats
What we dislike
Count calories precisely, which can get users unhealthily addicted to counting calories at all times
6. Playful Palm Grater
Dubbed the Playful Palm Grater, this playful and amusing little product is created to add some functional fun to your kitchen and dining experience. It will fit snugly into the palm of your hand, grating some fresh garnishings into your food, and adding a gourmet touch to your everyday meals.
The Playful Palm Grater is a charming little product that resembles a curled piece of paper. It is made from a single aluminum alloy plate and is available in vibrant color options, so you can pick the one that best suits your kitchen/dining space.
What we like
Has a unique and minimal form that offers a firm grip
Transforms the simple act of grating into something convenient, fun, and playful
What we dislike
It has a pretty small size, so you can’t use it to grate large amounts of food
7. Electric Chopsticks
These electric chopsticks are an interesting project by Kirin Holdings and the Miyashita Laboratory (Meiji University Dr. Homei Miyashita Laboratory of the Department of Frontier Media Science, School of Interdisciplinary Mathematical Sciences). It includes a chopstick device that is equipped with an electrical stimulation waveform that can customize and adjust the taste of low-sodium food.
Why is it noteworthy?
These innovative chopsticks are designed to make low-sodium food tasty, you can enjoy food with low-sodium content, allowing you to take better care of your health. These chopsticks are an excellent option for those who need to go on a low-sodium diet.
What we like
Adds a sense of saltiness to low-sodium food
Uses a weak electrical current to transmit sodium ions from the food to your mouth
What we dislike
It’s still in the prototype stage, not an actual product yet, so we don’t know how it will turn out to be
8. Joseph Joseph Salad Bowl & Servers Set
We’ve found another great tool, if you’re trodding down the path of healthy eating, and want to prepare some quick and tasty salads. Joseph Joseph and Element Studio teamed up to create this minimal and smart salad bowl and servers set. It is a space-saving design, that seamlessly merges both products into one nifty product, creating a clever combination of functionality and form.
Why is it noteworthy?
The bowl and servers set are excellent for preparing some salad, while also occupying minimal space on your dining table or kitchen drawers. They offer an exciting take on an ordinary salad bowl, and a rather mundane servers set. They make preparing and serving salads an interesting and fun experience.
What we like
Ingeniously merges two products into one
Space-saving design that will occupy minimum space in your kitchen and dinner table
What we dislike
There seem to be no diverse options in colors and sizes, limited choice
9. Fresh Fridge
Meet the Fresh Fridge by Tati Feruccio. It is designed to help you eat more mindfully, and ditch the latest trendy diets, for something that is sustainable and manageable. The smart refrigerator analyzes the user’s eating and health habits to portion and plan out healthy meals from them throughout the day. It features a digital interface, right above the fridge.
Why is it noteworthy?
The innovative digital interface displays cooking recipes and interesting facts. It is like a personal cooking show for the multiple meals throughout the day! There is also a space for meal preparation that makes following recipes from the screen super easy and simple.
What we like
Supports and encourages mindful eating over following trendy and unsustainable fad diets
Features an integrated digital interface
What we dislike
We don’t know how precisely the fridge will analyze portions, and how well would they work for users
10. STEAMIE
Named STEAMIE, this kitchen appliance reintroduces steam into mainstream cooking! It can cook food without diluting or compromising on the flavor, providing you with healthy food, that is not only rich in nutrients but also pretty delicious. It is a tabletop appliance that will present you with food that is nutritious and delicious.
Why is it noteworthy?
STEAMIE is equipped with a built-in scale that lets you measure your food before you cook it. It also features a bamboo-wood lid that functions as a cutting board for food prep. You can watch your food being prepared via the frosted-acrylic food bowl, while an intuitive display lets you input and check prep times.
What we like
Utilizes a unique turbo convection method to rapidly steam-cook the food
What we dislike
Bulky and heavy form that will occupy substantial space on your kitchen counter or dining table
Called the Pisgah Park Model, this tiny home is unique, and a far cry from the typical tiny homes on the market. It offers an intriguing take on typical tiny house designs. The home is designed in such a manner, that the living and sleeping areas are placed on either side of a central porch, which creates a sense of distinction and separation between the two, allowing the home to have an indoor-outdoor style.
Designed by Wind River Tiny Homes, the Pisgah Park Model is designed for park living and isn’t intended for regular towing. It is founded on a quad-axle trailer and is finished in an engineered siding board and batten. It features a length of 45 feet and a width of 12 feet, which provides the home with a house-like interior, unlike most smaller tiny homes.
You can enter the tiny home via the porch. This space is intended to be a designated general hangout area and is an ingenious way to separate the two areas of the home. This home is not the best option for cold places but could be a great option for milder climates. The living room is located on one side of the porch, and it is quite free-flowing and open. The spacious porch has a high ceiling and generous glazing, while the interior is quite comfy and light-filled. The room includes a sofa, a kitchen with a fridge/freezer, a radiant electric cooktop, cabinetry, and a dishwasher.
The other side of the porch accommodates the master bedroom. The bedroom is located downstairs, so visitors and residents can stand upright in it. It also includes loads of storage and cabinetry, allowing it to function as a home office or an entertainment unit. The bathroom is located close by, and it contains a shower, vanity sink, and flushing toilet. The tiny home also includes a second bedroom upstairs, and it can be accessed via a ladder. It has a low ceiling and a double bed, much like most loft-style bedrooms in typical tiny homes.
