Chopsticks are a 4000-year-old eating implement that has remained untouched. And, for almost four centuries, the quaint town of Obama in Fukui Prefecture, Japan has manufactured beautiful lacquered chopsticks. The lacquered chopsticks are considered the hardest and the most beautiful of the Japanese lacquer chopsticks, and they’ve been named ‘Wakasa-nuri’. Nendo teamed up with Hashikuru Matsukan – a manufacturer who has continued the Obama legacy. Nendo gave a contemporary and innovative twist to the age-old chopsticks!
Called the Rassen or spiral chopsticks, these unique chopsticks merge fun and functionality to create a product that is quintessentially Japanese, yet quite contemporary. The Rassen chopsticks can be joined together to create one convenient single unit, and they can be detached or separated whenever you need to use them! Rather than having two separate pieces of tableware, you have a single unit in the shape of an elongated cone. When you pull both the chopsticks apart, you notice an interesting twist in their wooden handles.
The entire experience of bringing the chopsticks together and then separating them becomes a fun and amusing experience. It feels like you’re playing with a jigsaw puzzle! Using the chopsticks to eat your meals, brings joy and a certain sense of playfulness to your everyday ordinary meals. Putting them back together is really quite swift and easy too, and it eliminates the fear of losing one of them.
While designing the Rassen chopsticks Nendo had the intention of giving people a small ‘!’ moment. We often find many small ‘!’ moments in our day, and these tend to make our days brighter and richer. Nendo wanted to contribute and add a ‘!’ moment in people’s lives with their lovely chopsticks. These chopsticks are handmade by artisans, and Nendo also utilized a multi-axis CNC miller to build the unusual yet useful utensils.
Open AD, a Latvian architecture studio created the Ziedlejas Spa and Wellness resort in Sigulda. The property includes a series of Corten steel and glass cabins arranged on a sloping site with views of a pretty pond. The spa is intended to be a modern and contemporary reimagination of the local sauna culture. It includes two independent steam rooms and three cabins.
The three cabins are intended for overnight stays, and they’ve been placed at the top of the sloping site. The Glass Sauna is tucked away at the base of the sloping area, almost digging into the hill, with access to views of the pond. There is another sauna called the Smoke Room, and it is located in a wooded area close by. The Smoke Room is built using charred logs and features a weathered steel roof, that is inspired by the structure of traditional sauna buildings. The Glass Sauna has a charred wood cladding and features the use of Corten Steel in its parapet. Two chimneys also rise from the building, while a massive window offers views of the pond from the wood-lined steam rooms.
The various structures of the property are connected with pathways and stone steps, creating a space that is cohesive and interlinked. “Each structure is both an independent unit and an intrinsic part of the overall composition…the journey from sauna room to pond is short, and the Glass Sauna is accessible for persons with reduced mobility,” said the studio.
The cabins were created to be minimal and clutter-free. They are subtle and welcoming, with foldaway beds, and tables that rise from the floor. There is also an additional sleeping section on the mezzanine floor above. The glazed sections of the cabins accommodate the living spaces, allowing visitors to have direct access to views of the surrounding landscape. The bathrooms are placed in the Corten-clad sections to offer privacy.
“Ziedlejas welcomes guests all year round, so the solutions need to perform both visually and functionally in a range of conditions such as snowy winters, golden autumn, luscious green summers, and the grey in-between moments,” concluded the studio.
Gone are the days when lighting designs were boring and typically designed objects that did nothing but add light to a living space. A well-designed lighting fixture should not only have the ability to illuminate any living space but also add that extra oomph factor! I mean, of course, we need them to see in the dark, but as highly functional as they should be, a lighting fixture also needs to be aesthetically pleasing, adding an attractive and visually soothing element to your home or office space. And if it manages to be portable – then well it’s everything you could ask for. From a Japanese lantern candle to a collapsible lighting design – these unique lighting designs are what you need to elevate your living or working space!
1. Japanese Lantern Candle
Inspired by a traditional Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern, this Japanese lantern candle features a billowy pillar shape and emits an ambient and ethereal-looking glow. This lantern is a lighting design that can add some peace and calm to your hectic workday and is also easily moveable from one place to another.
The lantern candle is a modern and contemporary take on an iconic Japanese design. It has a minimalist design that is portable, allowing you to carry it with you. It creates a relaxing glow and is a handcrafted piece by artisans in Kurashiki, Japan. It is a prime specimen of accurate and meticulous craftsmanship.
What we like
The candle’s wax is non-melting, which provides a beautiful clarity on the candle
What we dislike
The lantern can be a fire hazard, so you need to place it carefully around pets and children
2. The Tomori Lantern Kit
The Tomori Lantern Kit is an innovative kit that lets you build your own lantern, and then put it aside once you’re done using it! It doesn’t function as a ready-made lantern, and once it collapses, it doesn’t occupy much space. You can also snugly fit a conventional flashlight inside it!
A foldable cardboard piece functions as the base of the kit, as a flashlight holder, and as a stable structure for the lamp. The kit features an LED flashlight that you can use when it is not fitted inside the lantern. But the cardboard base can also accommodate any other cylindrical flashlight that is less than 30mm in diameter and 160mm in length.
What we like
The whole kit can be folded down into a flat A4-sized package which is ideal for stashing and packing away
A fun experience to put together and create your lantern
What we dislike
The lantern cannot withstand rain
3. Gingko Smart Diffuser Lamp
Called the Gingko Smart Diffuser Lamp, this quaint-looking lamp has a monolithic form that holds a fragrance diffuser in its upper half, and a well-designed ergonomic lamp in its lower half. The lamp works well for desks, but can also be used as a portable design to be carried anywhere with you.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Gingko Smart Diffuser Lamp is made from a combination of wood, copper, and frosted acrylic glass, providing it with an earthy and warm appearance which is one of the signature features of all Gingko’s products.
What we like
A portable and dual-functional device that you can carry with you with ease
What we dislike
Some people may not prefer wood as their material of choice for diffusers
4. Harmony Flame Fireplace
Coined the Harmony Flame Fireplace, this stunning brass lamp lets you enjoy a pretty and safe fire indoors. It uses eco-friendly bioethanol to spread light and warmth throughout your home. The technique used to build musical instruments was used to build the fireplace.
The Harmony Flame Fireplace is created to uplift and enhance the mood of indoor spaces. The reflective surfaces of the fireplaces, and the vivid flames play around with shadows and light to form a decorative piece that is aesthetically appealing for your dining table or your patio!
What we like
You can enjoy a warm, pretty, and safe fire inside your home
What we dislike
The lamp is powered using bioethanol which is eco-friendly, but needs to be purchased again for refilling, which in turn creates a fuel dependency
The lamp’s fuel capacity and compact size do not support long-term extended use
5. Anywhere-Use Lamp
The Anywhere-Use Lamp is a minimalist portable table lamp that is a relief in a world populated with harsh lighting and big glaring screens. The lamp offers a touch of tranquility and elegance when placed in a living space. It has a mushroom-inspired head emitting a soft and warm ambient glow.
The lamp is powered by four AA batteries, and it has a modular modular that delivers amazing atmospheric enhancement wherever you decide to place it. The lamp features six high-color rendering LEDS, which radiates a soothing luminescence, transforming any space into an oasis of peace.
What we like
Feature 4 brightness level
Easy to disassemble, store in a bag, and carry anywhere with you
What we dislike
The lamp is not water-resistant
It utilizes four AA batteries
6. Madco Table Lamp
Dubbed the Madco Table Lamp, and designed by Italian designer Elisa Ossino for the Japanese brand Ambientec, this lamp is a subtle, minimalist, and delicate recreation of festive Japanese lanterns. They aim to bring Japanese culture to your home in a convenient and portable form.
Why is it noteworthy?
The lamp is designed to be portable, and it can be recharged using a UBC-C. The designer says that you should take the lamp outside, as it is waterproof, and will create a pretty and intriguing interplay with plants. It can be hung from its handle as well!
What we like
Features a portable and flexible form
Adds a pop of color and Japanese culture to your living space
What we dislike
The lamp seems to be a bit fragile and easily breakable, must be handled with care
7. Iyer’s Lamp Design
Designed by Shail Iyer, this sleek lamp design is an experiment on modern minimalism, to create a lighting fixture that is simple yet multifunctional. Iyer tried to present his take on modern minimalism, which entails taking up minimum space while doing maximum work – and this lighting design is the final result.
Why is it noteworthy?
The portable desk lamp looks much like a modern lamp light lantern, and it features a multi-shaped silhouette. The body has a large cylindrical shape, with a sturdy bottom for stability. What makes the lamp interesting is that it can be hung from a hook, or even rested on top of a flat surface.
What we like
Compact, easy-to-carry form
Multifunctional design that can be hooked or placed on a flat surface
What we dislike
It’s a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product
8. Stella
Called Stella, this exquisite-looking lighting design was created as a part of the 2023 New Collection lighting products by COG Design Studio x Bonakia. The ethereal-esque lighting design was built through a mix of multiple techniques – repetition and transforming, and by employing various geometric shapes.
Why is it noteworthy?
It features an interesting triangular intaglio shape and is built using acrylic material. The goal behind the design was to observe the sensibility of light when it is transmitted to a detailed intaglio pattern.
What we like
Stella radiates an ambient and seductive glow
Portable design that can be placed wherever you like
What we dislike
The lamp should be carefully cleaned and maintained, as it looks quite fragile
You should move the lamp around with caution, as it could fall and break
9. Z-Lamp
Dubbed the Z-lamp, this innovative lamp has a collapsible feature that makes it easy to carry around. It features a ridged silicone shade that lets the lamp expand or contract, letting you control the lamp’s overall brightness as well. It is equipped with a collapsible silicon clad that sits over the LED base.
Why is it noteworthy?
Once you expand the entire silicone cover, it functions as a large diffuser, that scatters more light in all directions. Once you compact it, the diffuser’s size reduces and dims the LED’s intensity. The lamp is simple, smart, and engaging!
What we like
Unique collapsible feature that converts it into an easy-to-carry design
What we dislike
10. Float
Called Float, this cute battery-powered design can create ambient restaurant lighting wherever you like. Designed by the Italian brand Axolight, this lighting design is a versatile product that can be placed on a desk, used as a lamp, or even fixed on a wall.
Why is it noteworthy?
Float has a minimal shape and form, that allows it to easily merge with both indoor and outdoor spaces – whether it is a home or a restaurant patio. You could also place the lighting design over an empty bottle, and create your own pretend-restaurant experience.
What we like
Battery lasts for 9 hours, you can use it wirelessly as well
Features a 5-step touch dimmer, allowing you to adjust the lighting
Named Tellico, this is truly one of the biggest home on wheels I’ve seen. Measuring 45 feet, this massive family home is designed to be a spacious and free-flowing residence with an apartment-like interior. The home is accompanied by an impressively-sized porch on the outside. Designed by Wind River Tiny Homes as a Park Model, the Tellico isn’t intended to be towed around a lot, and since it has a width of 12 feet, it will need a permit to be allowed transportation on a US Road.
The Tellico is finished in engineered wood siding and can be entered via a 10-foot-long porch. The interior of the home measures almost 400 square feet, of which a major portion is occupied by an open-plan living room. The living room takes up a lot of space in the home, with a sofa and small coffee table placed near the door. A mini-split air-conditioning unit has been placed atop the door and works in tandem with a ceiling fan to maintain a pleasant and comfy temperature in the house.
As you walk deeper into the home, you are greeted by a kitchen that contains a fridge/freezer, cooktop, built-in dishwasher, oven with a hood vent, space for a microwave, as well as some cabinetry. There is also a coffee nook, as well as a separate washer and dryer. A compact hallway connects the kitchen to the bathroom, which is equipped with a shower, flushing toilet, vanity sink, as well as some storage space. The home features two bedrooms, with the main bedroom located downstairs, near the bathroom. This room is spacious with plenty of headroom, allowing residents to walk upright. The room accommodates a double bed, wardrobes, and integrated storage space.
The hallway is followed by a staircase that leads you to the secondary loft room. The second bedroom has a double bed, but a low ceiling, although the firm claims that the ceiling is higher than most other models, so the room should be more comfortable compared to most tiny homes.
If you are a lover of pop culture, and your personal space is adorned with Pokémon, Star Wars, Marvel, or Mario-themed products and devices, then, well you’re at the right spot. There’s something about pop culture designs that spreads a sense of joy and amusement through you, adding a whimsical quirkiness to even the most mundane of spaces. And, we’ve curated a collection of fun yet functional pop culture designs that cover some of your favorite movies, characters, and shows! From AI-generated Star Wars timepieces to furry Sonic The Hedgehog-themed controllers – this list of adorable and playful products has something for all pop culture lovers out there!
1. Star Wars Timepieces
Designed by our Editor-In-Chief Sarang Sheth, these imaginary timepieces are inspired by various characters from the Star Wars Saga. Every year, the 4th of May is celebrated as Star Wars Day, and these watches were created on Midjourney’s AI art generator as an ode to this day. The first one is an homage to the Storm Trooper with its slightly cloudy transparency and ceramic surfaces, while another one has a Darth Vader theme featuring the iconic Sith lord’s helmet.
Why is it noteworthy?
All the timepieces were created using Midjourney’s latest versions 5 and 5.1, functioning as accurate and impressive homages to the Star Wars series. All the pieces perfectly represent certain characters and their trademark characteristics – ranging from Darth Vader and his helmet to Yoda with his green skin and brown cloak
What we like
There are various kinds of timepieces ranging from a wrist watch to pocket watch and even a table clock
What we dislike
They’re conceptual AI-generated designs, so we don’t know how well they will translate into tangible products
2. Brooklyn 99 LEGO Build
One of my all-time favorite shows is Brooklyn 99, and LEGO creator Ben Fankhauser has built an adorable build featuring the entire 99th precinct, amped with all the rooms and characters from the show. The detailed set includes almost everything from the bullpen to the captain’s office and even the printer room!
Why is it noteworthy?
The entire set was built with great attention to detail, and the most precise aspect of the precinct’s floor was recreated. Some secret details were added as well! Fankhauser says the set is full of Easter eggs! Holt’s office even has his pet corgi – Cheddar.
What we like
Accurate representation with hidden details for added excitement
What we dislike
The iconic briefing/meeting room is not included in the build
3. SmartAir Minions Routers
The SmartAir Minions Routers were one of the key highlights at CES 2024 for us. We didn’t go searching for them, but when we did come across them, we were completely floored, because at first glance they look like plush little toys, but only a further investigation reveals that they’re adorable WiFi routers!
Why is it noteworthy?
The WiFi routers are available in two models, and they resemble two main characters – short and cute Bob, and tall and goofy Kevin. The Bob-shaped router offers dual-band WiFi connectivity, while the taller Kevin provides triple-band internet – 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz.
What we like
The routers provide an excellent blend of wide coverage and high speeds
They eliminate dead zones, providing WiFi connectivity to every corner of your home
What we dislike
Kids may mistake them for toys and play with them, bringing down your home network
4. Squid Game Security Camera
Inspired by the dark South Korean series Squid Game, this security camera is the perfect addition to the home for every pop culture lover! It is designed after the workers who monitor the activities of the players on CCTV monitor. These creepy creatures can now be placed in your home, keeping your living space and you, safe and secure.
Why is it noteworthy?
The rotating lens of the camera is positioned where the eye would be, offering 180-degree views of the surroundings, ensuring complete security. The camera has a unique feature to ensure no hacking attempts can be made – it has a privacy mask that physically blocks the FOV when the camera is not being used.
What we like
Has its own light illumination that can be adjusted by the user
What we dislike
It is a conceptual design, so we’re unsure how well it would translate into a tangible one
The relevancy of the Squid Game theme may be in question, so may not resonate with users
5. Dune: Part 2 Xbox Controller
Microsoft unveiled a Dune edition controller in collaboration with Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures to promote the release of the movie. The unique controller has a levitating feature, which essentially means that the controller rests on a stand that floats, although we’re unsure how this is achieved, but we guess magnets were used.
Why is it noteworthy?
The controller features a custom finish accentuated by the movie logo and symbols. The controller is also partnered up with a Dune-themed Ornithopter Stand which offers a whole feel. It has an alluring and vibrant feel, making it a true collector’s item.
What we like
Gives off the impression that it is floating
What we dislike
It is a one-off collector’s piece, so need to get your hands on it quickly
6. Samsung Eco-Friends Collection
Samsung has patterned up with a South Korean accessory maker to create the Eco-Friends collection. The line is quite eco-friendly, in comparison to the usual plastic-based accessories that you find in the market. They’re designed for the new Samsung devices like the Galaxy S23 line, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, and the Galaxy Watch 5.
Why is it noteworthy?
The accessories are made from 40% Post Consumer Materials. These materials usually include recycled plastic and vegan leather. The designs feature popular characters and shows like Star Wars, Hello Kitty, Spongebob, The Simpsons, and Pokémon. There are also some fun designs by younger artists.
What we like
Eco-friendly alternative to the plastic-based accessories found today
What we dislike
Only limited to Samsung’s newer models
7. Elemental Coffee Machine
Meet the Elemental Coffee Machine – a unique coffee machine that combines the elements of Star Trek and Apple! The innovative coffee machine has a sleek silhouette featuring an espresso group head with an intuitive modern touch interface. The form of the machine is quite clean and minimalist, making it super easy to use.
Why is it noteworthy?
The coffee machine’s UI is a tribute to ‘okudagrams’ – a nickname given to the interactive displays found on control panels in 23rd and 24th-century starships as seen in Star Trek. The panel was added here to eliminate the long time it takes for filter coffee to brew, while also creating a fun experience.
What we like
Has a MacBook reference in the compartment as it looks much neater
What we dislike
Users may find the control panel unnecessary and may find it difficult to adjust to the machine’s form
8. Smart Minion Projector
This adorable Smart Minion Projector takes an otherwise mundane gadget to a whole new level. The geometric cylinder merges the elements of IP with the functionality of the product, while the yellow is the bright pop of color needed to transform the projector into complete Minion mode!
Why is it noteworthy?
The projector features a single camera, automatic focusing motor, and TOF feature face recognition which ensures the picture is clear at all times. A smart eye protection function can be added as well, making the project truly updated, and well-equipped to meet your movie-watching needs.
What we like
Compact and cute upgrade to the typical projector
What we dislike
9. Starfield Xbox Controller & Headset
Last year at the Xbox Games Showcases 2023, Microsoft launched the Starfield Xbox controller and Starfield headphones to promote its sci-fi RPG dubbed Starfield. The controller is inspired by the ship’s controls as seen in the game and amped with transparent pad triggers and bronze rumble motors. The headset also has similar accents.
Why is it noteworthy?
The devices have a retro aesthetic which is defined as NASA-Punk in the DNA. The designs are quite clean, with the controller’s side and back grips resembling the panels of the spaceship. The gamepad can be easily used for various devices like Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Windows PC, Android, and iOS.
What we like
Futuristic retro appeal combined with excellent functionality
What we dislike
The controller doesn’t come equipped with a rechargeable battery
10. Sonic The Hedgehog Xbox Controllers
A collaboration between Microsoft and Paramount Studios led to a Sonic the Hedgehog Xbox controller and the Xbox Series S which is embossed in a black hue with the big iconic golden ring around the vent. Sonic and Knuckles have been featured on the front, and the controllers are also super cute!
Why is it noteworthy?
The controllers are furry! They are covered by a layer of furry-colored hair, one is blue like Sonic’s hair, while the other is red, mimicking Knuckles’ fur, creating unique controllers, and honestly unlike anything we’ve seen on the market.
What we like
A must-have design for the Sonic fans
Innovative take on controllers
What we dislike
Not meant for people whose palms get sweaty easily
Dubbed the Eucalyptus, this thoughtfully designed tiny home is one of Baluchon’s latest tiny homes. It is based on a double-axle trailer and features a length of 22 feet, which is almost 3.2 feet longer than Baluchon’s typical models. Most tiny homes today feature storage-integrated staircases and loft-style bedrooms with low ceilings, Baluchon has instead designed a home with everything tucked away into one level, which makes everything accessible, but also means that everything had to be snugly fit together.
Since the Eucalyptus does not have a loft-style bedroom, this allows the home to have some extra length in comparison to most of Baluchon’s models. But it is still not considered extremely long. The compact little home is clad in red cedar, and has a spruce frame, with insulation made from linen, hemp, and recycled cotton. As you enter the home via double glass doors, you are welcomed into the kitchen, which forms a major section of the center of the home. The kitchen includes an oven, a propane-powered two-burner stove, a small fridge, a sink, and custom cabinetry. A dining table is also located close to the kitchen, and it can be moved aside to free up floor space when needed.
The bathroom is placed next to the kitchen, and you can enter it via a sliding wooden door. The bathroom contains a shower, toilet, and storage units to hold clothing. It also features a large operable window, allowing fresh air into the space. The other side of the house holds the living room, which accommodates shelving, an electric radiator, and a sofa bed, allowing the space to also double up as a bedroom. The living room is also adorned with blackout blinds, which offer privacy.
The Eucalyptus was built for an owner in Normandy, Northern France, and it was designed to function as his main home. We’re unaware of the tiny home’s exact pricing, however, Baluchon homes usually start around US$84,000, so you could take that as a ballpark figure.
Sharing a meal with someone is truly an enriching and bonding experience. And, you always feel the need to create an enjoyable and comfortable environment for your dinner partner – especially if you’re hosting the dinner! The correct set of cutlery and tableware is exceptionally important to create a wonderful ambiance for a meal. They have the potential to completely transform your dining experience, taking away attention even from the food! Designers have been getting extremely creative when it comes to cutlery. Hence, we’ve curated a collection of innovative and exciting tableware designs that are sure to be the highlight of your next dinner party!
1. Hida-Cedar Bowls
These beautiful wooden bowls are designed by Higashi Shunkei, and are made using cedarwood sourced from the forest in Takayama. The bowls are sustainable, eco-friendly, renewable, and also quite gorgeous. The lovely bowls would make a wonderful addition to your dinner table for your next dinner party!
Why is it noteworthy?
Named the Hida-Cedar bowls, these pretty bowls are spun, finished, and lacquered within Higashi Shunkei’s workshop, and display a stunning dark finish with light-colored bands reminiscent of a tiger’s strip skin.
What we like
The bowls perfectly merge aesthetics and sustainability
Each bowl features a unique and distinctive distorted pattern
What we dislike
There don’t seem to be a lot of options to choose from in terms of color and size
2. Iron Frying Plate
The Iron Frying Plate is truly an ingenious creation. It is an innovative kitchen design that not only serves your food but also functions as a frying pan with a removable handle. The Iron Frying Plate is a new and refreshing way to combine cooking and eating, creating an enriching dining experience.
The Iron Frying Plate is pretty unique since it merges both a frying pan and a serving plate. The kitchen tool is made from durable materials and is intended to be a functional and elegant solution to cooking and serving. It facilitates direct-from-the-pan serving and brings a whole new cooking method to the table.
What we like
Multifunctional and easy-to-use design
The wooden handle can be attached and detached
What we dislike
Heavier and tougher to handle than traditional frying pans, since it is made from iron.
Tough to store in small kitchens
3. Sustainable Cutlery Set
The Sustainable Cutlery Set is a sustainable and guilt-free cutlery set made using Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymers or GFRP. The utensils are light and durable and presented in reusable and recyclable packaging. They’re made to last a long time, so you don’t have to worry about their usability and longevity.
The cutlery set has a lot of mechanical strength, so the knife and fork won’t fall apart when your steak is tougher than you like it. The various components of the set can be split in half, so they’re easy to carry around. The parts are also easy to screw and unscrew, while also maintaining a sturdy connection.
What we like
Sustainable cutlery set that is also built to last
Easy to carry around wherever you go
What we dislike
Handles might be too thin for large hands
4. Electric Chopsticks
This 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) includes a chopstick device that features an electrical stimulation waveform that works to adjust and customize 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
Creates a sense of saltiness in low-sodium food
Utilizes a weak electrical current in transmitting sodium ions from the food to the mouth
What we dislike
It’s still in the prototype stage, not an actual product yet
5. Oku Knife
Scottish artist and metal worker Kathleen Reilly designed the ‘Oku Knife’. Inspired by Japanese table settings, the Oku knife features a rather intriguing handle that is folded 90 degrees from its blade. The design was informed by chopstick resets.
Why is it noteworthy?
Oku features a unique folded shape that lets the handle be placed on a surface, with the blade sitting perpendicularly away from that particular surface. You can even rest the knife’s blade along the edge of a cutting board or plate.
What we like
The knife can be hooked onto the rim of a plate, creating intimacy between the two objects whilst improving cleanliness and maintaining stability
What we dislike
The design may seem pointless or unnecessary to some people
6. Mount Fuji Cutlery Rest
These Itadaki cutlery rests offer a lavish metal accessory that combines both simple forms and intricate engravings. These stunning rests function as luxurious tableware accents, while also serving as testaments to fine craftsmanship. The cutlery rest’s unique form is inspired by the country’s most iconic summit – Mt. Fuji.
This Japanese-inspired cutlery rest isn’t just a flat block of metal, it slopes upwards toward the middle, creating a flat stump at the peak. This brings to mind the image of Mt.Fuji. The curves of the rest are ideal for holding forks, knives, chopsticks, or spoons.
What we like
The cutlery rests also represent Japan’s seasons that yield cherry blossoms
Designed to be an homage to Japanese craftsmanship
What we dislike
Can only accommodate two (2) utensils
7. Plate Grater
The Plate Grater is a revolutionary piece of tableware as it merges a plate’s functionality with a grater’s practicality. This innovative product lets you grate fresh ingredients directly onto your plate, adding a fresh and unique touch to every meal, as you can elevate ordinary dishes with an assortment of garnishes on the dining table.
This unique tableware is distinctive because of its dual functionality, which lets it function as a stylish plate and an effective grater. Not only is the tool visually appealing, but it is also useful for grating fresh ingredients on the table, adding a fine gourmet touch to your meals.
What we like
Lets you grate fresh garnishes and ingredients directly onto dishes
Adds a gourmet touch to ordinary meals
What we dislike
Users who aren’t accustomed to the grater’s dual purpose may need a certain period of adjustment
8. Joseph Joseph Salad Bowl & Servers Set
Joseph Joseph and Element Studio collaborated to create this thoughtfully designed and minimal salad bowl and servers set. It’s an intelligent space-saving design since both products can be merged into one convenient product, seamlessly integrating functionality and form.
Why is it noteworthy?
It occupies a tiny amount of space on your dinner table or kitchen drawers, and it is also quite aesthetically pleasing. It adds a twist and exciting change to an ordinary salad bowl, and mundane servers set. It makes preparing and serving salads a fun affair.
What we like
Combines two products into one
Space-saving design
What we dislike
There seem to be no options in colors and sizes
9. Walnut Shell Tableware
When you mix walnut shells, pine resin, and Canauva Powder you get NOS, which creates new CMFs with a wide range of colors, patterns, and light transmissions, as it includes grinding large volumes of walnut shells into varied sizes. This is used to create utensils!
Why is it noteworthy?
Pine resin is utilized to bind the NOS, and once the shell of the walnut is removed from the kernel, it is thrown away as waste. This waste was transformed into plates by designer SooA Choi. The unique plates are eco-friendly and sustainable.
What we like
Eco-friendly design that makes for a great alternative to ceramics
What we dislike
Since the plates aren’t very visually appealing, they won’t make a pretty addition to your dining table
10. Veark Carving Knife
Designed by Veark, the CK20 Chef Knife is inspired by the manufacturing process of workshop tools. It is made using the drop-forge method, which converts the humble knife into an expert culinary tool. The knife is designed to give your mundane meal an exciting upgrade.
Why is it noteworthy?
Each Chef Knife is forged from a single piece of stainless steel and then hand-finished to provide the knife with a razor-sharp edge. The knife is reliable, well-balanced, and reliable with a sturdy wrench-inspired grip that lets your thumb naturally rest in its groove for maximum stability and maneuverability.
What we like
The knife is quit easy to maintain and clean
Versatile and innovative product that is excellent for slicing fruits, veggies, meats, and herb
What we dislike
Instead of a wooden handle, it has a steel one, which may not be comfy for everyone to use
Cup noodles are a popular and quite common meal in Japan, although they are not limited to Japan anymore. They’ve become a quick and fun meal for people all over the world, and I’m no exception. I love a cup of hot and spicy noodles that are ready in a matter of five minutes – I mean how cool and convenient is that?! The right way to eat noodles from a cup is with the help of chopsticks and a spoon, that really is the best way to enjoy some noods! But of course, that is the tough way, and most people prefer forks. But, the typical fork that accompanies cup noodles is often un-ergonomic and really uncomfortable to eat with! The angle just doesn’t sit right, and it is difficult to scoop noodles and veggies with it. This is where Nissin teamed up with Nendo to create an obsessively ergonomic fork quite simply dubbed ‘The Fork’.
The Fork was designed after taking into consideration hours of user observation, to create a piece of cutlery that makes your noodle-eating experience smooth and hassle-free. The fork features a 128-degree arch at the neck which is perfect for scooping up noodles. The arch effectively limits the strain of lifting your elbow when scarfing down noodles. The left and right sections of the head have rounded edges, that perfectly fit against the walls of the cup, making it easier to lift up and consume the noodles.
The neck of the fork is marked with a shallow dip that is great for scooping up veggies and toppings, so you don’t miss out on them! There are little bumps between the various slots to ensure the noodles don’t slip off, while a small clip holds down the lid, as you wait for the hot water to prepare your instant noodles. What makes the Fork even more interesting and useful is that it comes in two variants – one for lefties, and one for righties! Nendo and Nissin really thought of everything. The left-hand version comes in a bold red color, while the right-hand version is available in white.
Ever been typing away on your workdesk, only to find your mind flitting away to some far-off memory, as boredom and melancholy slowly creep through your system? Spending 8 hours on your desk can become quite tedious, and sometimes boosting your mood and upping your productivity can seem nearly impossible. But this is where a tiny thing like an adorable stationery design on your desk can truly come in handy. Cute little stationery items carefully dispersed on your desk can add little sparks of joy to your otherwise mundane day. They can bring a smile to your face, no matter how dreary your day feels. And one such lovely design is the Planet Pins by Duncan Shotton.
These colorful quirky little creations are hand-painted planet pins inspired by the solar system. This adorable stationery set includes eight extraterrestrial shapes, each one hand-painted in Tokyo and then presented in a compact polished acrylic display case. Accompanying the main case, are little moon pins, with realistic astronomical craters on their surface. The moons are concrete cast.
The adorable 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. The pins are beautifully delivered in serial-numbered display cases, so even when they aren’t in use, you can store them neatly in boxes, leaving them out to showcase.
For lovers of outer space and astronomy, the Planet Pins will make for a wonderful addition to their desk or home office, allowing them to integrate their love for the astral spheres into their daily lives and routines. The accompanying moon pins are a bonus, creating a full-fledged and complete solar system for you. Besides featuring little craters, the moons also have a tiny arrangement, representing the iconic “the man on the moon” image. The US flag has also been printed on a card insert, and placed behind each pin, making it a part of the famous setting.
If you’re currently in school or university, then you know how important the right set of stationery designs is. You need to have a collection of stationery designs that provide you with value and make your everyday tasks easy to complete with efficiency. These are the objects that are gonna help you get through your day, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. It’s imperative to have a collection that lets you work easily, efficiently, and effectively. From an everlasting all-metal pencil to minimal Japanese drawing pads – these are the modern stationery designs you need to meet your modern stationery needs at school.
1. Pen Fan
Called the Pen Fan, this nifty and unique stationery design is a must-have school supply. It is designed to be a cross between a Pantone shade card, and a stationery set, accommodating 8 different flat-head sketch pens in a nifty, compact, and pretty easy-to-carry set.
Why is it noteworthy?
The various flat pens are interconnected, creating a cute little Japanese-fan-style layout that proudly showcases all 8 colors, letting you pick and choose from them. The pens are detachable, and you can easily snap on and off the pens, to create a palette that caters to you.
What we like
Easy-to-carry portable set
Reduces the risk of losing any of the pens
What we dislike
There are only 8 colors to pick from, which can be limiting. There could have been more color options
2. Everlasting Metal Pencil
If you’re looking for a pencil to carry to school, you could consider the Everlasting Metal Pencil. It is a Wacom-like style with a tip that doesn’t need to be sharpened or replaced. It is a unique and one-of-a-kind pen that lets you focus on the task at hand – whether it is writing, drawing, sketching, etc.
The pencil’s octagonal shaft is built from aluminum, and it has a special alloy core. This may make you feel that it might just leave heavy grooves on your paper, but it draws like a real pencil, without the tip getting worn down, even after dozens of marks. It’s a great tool for school, where you constantly need to be scrolling or sketching something away.
What we like
Features a metal core, not a clay or charcoal one, so it wears away quite slowly, and might even outlive you
What we dislike
If you’re someone who uses smudging techniques at school, this pencil isn’t recommended, as it doesn’t smear or smudge like normal graphite
3. Japanese Drawing Pad
If you’re a true stationery connoisseur, then you are well aware of the value and beauty of Japanese paper. It’s a wonderful material that has been revered by artists and designers for its quality. And if you want to take some lovely Japanese paper to school with you, then you could get your hands on the Japanese Drawing Pad.
The Japanese Drawing Pad is a premium-quality pad that freely lets you jot down your thoughts, and sketch out your innovative ideas without the worry of accidentally damaging the durable paper fibers. The Drawing Pad is a catalyst for the explosion and outpouring of your exciting and vivid ideas. It creates a smooth, cohesive, and engaging writing/sketching experience for you.
What we like
The Drawing Pad is microperforated, making the sheets of paper easy to tear and separate from the pad
It is available in different sizes and colors, letting you pick the pad that meets your stationery needs
What we dislike
The aesthetics of the pad are quite simple, and it seems like an ordinary pad with no USP. But its high quality and value can only be experienced, not simply seen
4. Bowl Sharpener
Designed by Jiachun LV, this adorable Bowl Sharpener is shaped like a cute little soup bowl. The base of the bowl includes a sharper opening, through which you can slip in the pencil, and sharpen it. As you sharpen the pencil, the pencil shavings and residue are collected in the bowl, creating an interesting visual.
Why is it noteworthy?
If you sharpen colored pencils in the bowl, then the multicolored shavings create a beautiful visual. Since all the shavings and residue are collected in the bowl, it is quite easy to throw them away, and they don’t fall or scatter anywhere, causing a little mess.
What we like
Collects the shavings in one place, and no shavings go astray
Minimalist form and pastel color options add an adorable touch to your desk
What we dislike
It is larger than typical sharpeners and isn’t an easy design to carry around
5. Gravity Pen
Called the Gravity Pen, this unique pen is the perfect sidekick to carry to school with you. It places the center of gravity closer to your fingers, creating a cohesive writing experience for you, where the pen is easy to hold and easy to make agile strokes with. It has a larger grip than the barrel, creating more space for a comfortable hold.
The grip has a faceted form, making the pen easy to hold, while providing a more stable grip. The Gravity Pen has a super ergonomic design since it was designed using the smart application of physics and minimalist design principles. It is a no-fuss and no-nonsense stationery design!
What we like
Ergonomic design that is easy to hold with a sturdy grip
A durable and lightweight body that is easy to carry around
What we dislike
There isn’t a variety of color options to choose from, limited choice of product
6. Serenity Pen Stand
A pen is one of the essentials we need to carry when we’re at school. However, a pen can be quite easy to lose, and if you’re always losing track of your prized pen, then you could procure the Serenity Pen Stand. It is a minimal design with a metallic hint designed to hold your pen upright, keeping it ready for you to use!
The Serenity pen stand ensures you always have easy access to your pen, safeguarding it, and ensuring you never lose it. Made using aluminum and copper, it forms a well-balanced cylinder, that adds a pop of subtle color and character to your study desk.
What we like
Features a heavy copper bottom that lowers the center of gravity, offering it a stable form
Sleek minimal design that is easy to carry and set up
What we dislike
The pen stand is quite small in size and could be easily misplaced if not handled carefully
There isn’t availability in different color options, you are limited
7. ForeverPen
Dubbed the ForeverPen, this pen is made of Ti + Ag, and it sits neatly on your keys! It resolves the issue of you needing a pen and never being able to find one. It is said to be the world’s smallest inkless pen, and it never needs refilling. In fact, it is not just a simple pen, you can even write underwater with it, or open boxes!
Why is it noteworthy?
The pen is made from specialist Silver composite, combined with the choice of material you choose. It is only one inch in length, but strong enough to jot down all your notes, while also letting you slide open packages and boxes, and prying open lids.
What we like
Portable and easy-to-carry design
Multifunctional tool that can be used as much more than just a pen
What we dislike
Not well-suited for users with big hands, can be difficult for them to hold and use it
Since it is quite tiny, you can easily lose or misplace it
8. The Horizon Helvetica®
If you’ve come across the Horizon Helvetica®, then you know that it is an artist-oriented piece of EDC that is designed to be an interesting alternative to conventional stationery kits. It is said to be one of the most creative-oriented EDC multitools on the market!
Why is it noteworthy?
It has a credit-card-shaped form that lets you sketch and doodle, form grids and circles for drawings, measure distances, and angles, and even feature a dedicated measuring scale for pixels and picas! It is also an excellent tool for graphic and interface designers who can utilize it to create UI sketch prototypes on paper.
What we like
Using the tool you can sketch, ideate, plan, and measure anywhere
Portable and easy-to-carry design
What we dislike
It is only available in metal, there are no other material options
9. ColorPik Pen
Meet the ColorPik Pen – a super cool and extraordinary pen that accommodates 16 million colors! With the ColorPik Pen, you don’t need to buy different pens, you can simply use it and have fun with an unlimited number of colors. You simply need to scan the item whose color you want to imitate, and then doodle with it.
Why is it noteworthy?
The ColorPik Pen uses a smart color, that is light fast, and water resistant, and can’t just be weathered away. You can control the texture and dimension for writing by selecting any of the multiple tips, allowing you to beautifully and write as well as draw.
What we like
Combines 16 million colors into one nifty pen
Features re-fillable smart cartridges
What we dislike
10. World Clock
Do you ever find yourself lagging in school, not able to complete your tasks in the expected duration?! Well, this is where this unique clock design comes in, but with a twist. The World Clock isn’t your typical desk clock, and has a dodecagonal shape, with only one hand on its clean minimalist face.
The design and form of the World Clock is intentional, as it gives you the right information about your country, but also some additional and fun details on the time in other parts of the world. One quick look and you can instantly tell the hour, while a closer inspection will tell you which quarter of the hour it is.
What we like
The 12 sides of the clock have individual markings for a city that represents a particular timezone
