If you’re looking for a stunning little cabin in the woods to get away to and relax, then you’ve reached the right place. Cabins are by far the best type of vacation I’ve come across. They’re a peaceful and tranquil option to abandon your urban life and woes, and simply unwind in nature. If you’re wondering where to head for your next cabin retreat, you can refer to this collection of beautiful and super cozy cabins we’ve gathered. They’re the perfect safe haven nestled in the midst of nature, providing a break from your everyday hectic life. And we’ve found a pretty awesome cabin for you – meet the Copper Harbor house!
Designed by the US architecture firm Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects, the Copper Harbour house is located on the rugged Keweenaw Peninsula with fantastic views of Lake Superior – which is the largest Great Lake in North America. The quaint cabin features a sturdy shell built from weathering steel, giving it a homely yet rugged feel. The cabin is tucked away in a “very remote destination with an industrial history”.
The cabin is designed to be modern and minimal, a perfect abode for a couple who love mountain biking. The home is meant to withstand the extreme weather conditions of the area. “Set in a very remote destination with an industrial history, Copper Harbor blends into the shoreline while standing out with its unique design,” said Seattle-based Prentiss Balance Wickline Architects. The home occupies 1400 square feet and includes two volumes that are conjoined with a central circulation spine.
Quite interesting, there is a building located behind the cabin which serves as a bike workshop. The cabin and workshop are separated using a patio which functions as an “exterior room protected from the wind”. All three buildings are covered in a rugged exterior shell built from corrugated steel. Since the shell is made using pre-rusted steel, it has an intriguing orangish shade that references the color of the soil. “The solidity of each shell is contrasted with a wall of glass providing light, directing views, and extending the living space out on cantilevered decks toward the water,” concluded the architects.
A beautiful piece of furniture can complete a room. It can be the final piece that makes a space come full circle, building a comfortable and cohesive haven, rather than a random area. Furniture pieces make or break a home, they add to the essence or soul of a home, hence one needs to be extremely picky while choosing a furniture design. The design should be a reflection of you, and what you want your home to be. When you place a piece of furniture in a room, it should instantly integrate with the space, creating a wholesome and organic environment. And, there’s something about unique, stunning, and well-done furniture design that completely wins my heart – for example the Cocoon sofa by Jens Juul Eilersen.
Designed by third-generation designer Jens Juul Eilersen for the Danish brand Eilersen in 2008, the Cocoon sofa is a comfortable and cozy seating design amped with all kinds of cushions to create an immersive nest-like space for users. The sofa was designed to imitate the feeling of retreating into a pupa. Recently, the brand launched three new multicolor variants of the Cocoon sofa, including an exciting Bauhaus edition that is a wonderful interplay of primary colors and geometric forms.
“As I played around with the idea of what it must feel like to be a caterpillar spinning silk, the image of a gigantic toy box arose,” said Jens Juul Eilersen. “A giant toy box with triangular cushions, lumbar cushions, head cushions, armrests, neck cushions – in fact, cushions of all shapes and sizes. It allows you to choose your own level of comfort while also having fun building and sitting on the sofa.”
The Bauhaus edition really caught my eye as it is pretty urban and cool. It combines a bunch of pastel and jewel shades of red, yellow, and blue which makes an interesting and strong reference to the modernist art school. An emphasis is also laid on the diverse shapes and sizes of the cushions. Besides the Bauhas edition, the sofa is also available in Bloom and Blues variants. The Bloom iteration uses shades such as green, pink, and yellow, while the Blues version is inspired by coastlines and calmness.
If you’re a passionate lover of cooking, or you’ve recently kickstarted your cooking journey, and want to accelerate it even further then you’ve reached the right place. Having an efficient and streamlined cooking process is the key to preparing dishes that simply taste excellent! And the number one aid you need in having an effortless process is an arsenal of great kitchen appliances. With the right kitchen tools and appliances, cooking can be an increasingly fun and simplified process. The right products can reduce your prep time in half, make the little cooking tasks much easier, and help you with tedious and complicated techniques. From an AI-powered grill to an aesthetic coffee machine that lets you experience the brewing process – these innovative and exceptional appliances are all you need in your kitchen.
1. xBloom
The xBloom is the Tesla of Coffee Machines, and it is equipped with a unique Autopilot feature that can assist you in the art of making coffee. It is a super sleek and pristine coffee machine that looks right out of a sci-fi future!
Why is it noteworthy?
Designed by ex-Apple employees, the xBloom identifies, grinds, dispenses, brews, and pours your coffee for you! It uses some of the finest beans sourced from the top roasters worldwide, providing you with the finest cup of coffee ever.
What we like
It quite literally feels as if a professional barista made you a cup of coffee
Equipped with the power of NFC technology
What we dislike
The xBloom does not accommodate instant coffee
2. The Column Kitchen
Meet the Column Kitchen by the French designer Inga Sempé. The minimalist and well-designed kitchen is meant to be “warm and different”.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Column Kitchen is a unique and subtle kitchen unit that features rounded-edged surfaces, sides, and handles. The various components of the unit come together to form a column that stretches harmoniously from the top to the bottom of each door.
What we like
Easily gripp-able form
Strong and defined visual identity
What we dislike
Not suited for smaller kitchen spaces
3. Elizabat
Designed by OTOTO, this friendly little bat scissor has arrived just in time for Halloween to add some fun and flavor to your kitchen. It is super easy to grip on the inside as well as the outside.
Why is it noteworthy?
Elizabat (that has to be the cutest name ever) is a pair of culinary scissors that helps you cut, chop, and slice away at veggies and herbs in the kitchen. Its clever blade design also has a bottle opener, while the gap between the handles serves as a nut-cracker.
What we like
The bat’s wings have an ergonomic profile that is befitting for the scissor’s various uses
What we dislike
It’s quite adorable looking, and could be mistaken for a toy, so should be kept away from children
4. Seer Perfecta Grill
This unique AI-powered grill uses an AI system called NeuralFire to identify up to 50 types of food items, allowing it to adjust the time, temperature, and other settings, with respect to the particular item.
Why is it noteworthy?
The user-friendly onboard display keeps you informed about the cooking progress, so you can kick back and relax while the magic happens.
What we like
Utilizes electricity and propane to power the infrared burners on the left and right
What we dislike
Currently, in the development phase, we will have to see how the final product turns out
5. Earthmade Aromacup
Dubbed the Earthmade Aromacup, this travel coffee cup is made using Bamboo-O, an eco-friendly material that is built from bamboo fiber and plant starch. The Aromacup is intended to be a sustainable alternative to silicone or thermal tumblers.
Why is it noteworthy?
More than just the materials and processes, however, the drinkware’s life continues even after it is no longer usable, at least not by humans. It can be easily used as compost material at home, contributing to the healthy growth of plants that, in turn, could nourish our food or clean up the air at the very least.
What we like
Sustainable alternative to silicone or thermal tumblers
What we dislike
The Aromacup does not have vacuum or heat-retaining properties to keep the coffee hot for longer times
6. Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors
These Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors can cut through the pain and hassle of cutting up meat and food to make your food prep an easy breezy process!
Why is it noteworthy?
The kitchen shears have been designed to make cutting meat and different kinds of food simple and effortless. They’re sharp and sharp-looking, and they evoke a sense of power and style.
What we like
Features a specially-designed curved serrated blade that makes cutting meat easy and safe
Designed with an ergonomic structure
What we dislike
Requires a 2 handed approach for any action.
7. Steampunk Espresso Machine
Designed by Ahmet Kemal Daşhan for Steam Espresso, the Steampunk Espresso Machine is a unique espresso machine adorned with brass fittings to invite you to embark on an interesting journey through time.
Why is it noteworthy?
Exposed gears, reminiscent of a bygone era’s mechanical marvels, not only serve their functional purpose but also add a touch of authenticity to the experience. Vintage aesthetics, carefully curated to transport you back in time, create an ambiance that is nothing short of enchanting.
What we like
Helps you embark on a visual journey through time
What we dislike
To add to the industrial aesthetic, a grey-black or more colour options would be appreciated
8. Good Grips Salad Dressing Shaker
Designed by the OXO, the shaker and pourer is the ultimate modern solution to creating some delicious dressing without creating a complete mess in your kitchen.
What we like
The shaker has a wide top that can be swiftly unscrewed to add a variety of ingredients like oil, mayonnaise, vinegar, garlic, onions, mustard, etc. The cup has measurements in both milliliters and ounces to support easy measuring.
What we like
Features a leakproof design
You can also mix, serve, and prepare marinades and sauces
What we dislike
Seems a bit fragile and easily breakable
9. The COit
Designed by LG, the COit is a robot that functions as a hub in your kitchen ecosystems. The innovative robot can be used by novices and professional chefs, functioning as an autonomous device that shifts the focus from videography back to cooking – which is the primary goal of entering a kitchen.
Why is it noteworthy?
The COit features a mountable rail with a circular display that is encircled by a projector, light, camera, and an intelligent grip. All the various modules can be moved freely and independently on the small rail, covering the entire prep area or keeping them away from the fire and vapors.
What we like
The various clip-able modules feature built-in magnets that can be customized in orientation, depending upon your requirements
What we dislike
Food over the globe has such diversity, that trying to standardize the recipe as per one instruction set would impact the diversity of that dish
10. Dancing Grid
The Dancing Grid isn’t just an ordinary wall shelf to show off your kitchenware. It is an innovative and modular design with an inviting appeal. It tastefully uses tiles that make it quite classy and visually attractive.
Why is it noteworthy?
The different tiles have different functions, ranging from shelving to peg boards to blank spaces that providing some “breathing room” for the arrangement.
What we like
Provides storage functionality while also adding a personal touch to your kitchen
What we dislike
Space-consuming design that will occupy a substantial amount of space in your kitchen
I’m at a point in my life where I’m team stools over chairs, and I truly believe stools deserve to be given way more credit than they get. Stools are often overlooked, maybe because they occupy minimum space, and aren’t really overbearing. But these traits are what make stools so great in my opinion! I mean, they’re compact, and a great space-saving furniture option for our modern homes. They are also super portable. And, we’ve put together a collection of stool designs that not only provide a healthy seating experience while promoting a good and stable posture but most of them are created from sustainable materials as well. From a minimal stackable stool with slim wooden legs to a rustic stool made using leftover grain from beer – these well-designed stools are the furniture pieces you need to add to your home.
1. Drum Stool
This minimal, stackable, and sustainable stool is called the Drum Stool! When you first look at the Drum Stool it looks like an adorable little wine cork, but as you dig deeper, you realize it has much more to offer.
Why is it noteworthy?
Teixeira picked materials such as cork and wood to build the stool, instantly rating it high on sustainability. Cork was used to create the seat, while wood was the material for the legs.
What we like
Equipped with round trimmed surfaces, giving it a rather fun and playful shape
The trimmed seat is further supported by slim wooden legs that effortlessly blend with the seat, creating a furniture piece with a cohesive and harmonious personality
What we dislike
We’re not sure how comfy the trimmed cork seat would be to sit on for longer durations of time
2. S1 Stool
Designed by Australian designer Alexander Lotersztain for the furniture brand Derlot, the minimalist and simple S1 stool doubles up as a handy side table!
Why is it noteworthy?
The stool/side table has a simple form that is inspired by an I-beam, which is a structural member with an I-shaped cross-section. The S1 stool is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, owing to its versatile form and universal design.
What we like
Available in three heights to maximize its versatility
What we dislike
Aesthetics are simple and unassuming
3. Lift Stool
One look at the Lift Stool, and you’ll be completely mesmerized by its beautiful translucent texture, and the two lifted ends that seem to define the design. It’s completely unlike any stool I’ve seen, and with good reason.
Why is it noteworthy?
We often see lighting fixtures on walls that have been slightly lifted or exposed on one end to allow the light to flow more freely. These fixtures often lend an air of fascination and mystery to the room they’re placed in, and SUNRIU Design attempted to capture the same sensation.
What we like
Makes for a great lounging spot for your cat
What we dislike
It’s a concept, so we don’t know how the actual product will turn out to be
4. Mosquito Barstool
Say hello to the peculiarly named ‘Mosquito Barstool’! The original Mosquito chair was designed by mid-century designer and architect Niko Kralj and Slovenian brand Rex Kralj has reimagined it as a contemporary wooden bar stool.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Mosquito Bar Stool has the same plywood seat as the 1953 Mosquito Chair, which was one of its distinguished features. This seat has a unique and signature “winged form” that mimics the bodies of the flying insects, hence giving the stool its quirky name.
What we like
Inspired by a 1950s furniture design
What we dislike
The aesthetics may be too traditional and old-fashioned for some
5. The Arc Stool
The Arc Stool is a simple but wonderfully and thoughtfully designed stool that can add manifolds of elegance and personality to your living space.
Why is it noteworthy?
The stool is a typically humble item, however, the Arc Stool attempts to elevate and upgrade this rather mundane furniture piece. It is a signature piece of the inaugural collection by the US studio Juntos.
What we like
The dipped surface adds comfort for the sitter
Extremely easy to pick up and move
What we dislike
No options for customization or personalization
6. Superpop Tables
Designed by Italian designer Paolo Cappello for Miniforms, the Superpop tables feature colorful, terrazzo-like surfaces created from recycled plastic.
Why is it noteworthy?
The tables are super versatile, and what’s even more interesting is that they can be used as coffee tables, side tables, or even stools! They are sustainable, versatile, lightweight, and fun.
What we like
Have a universe appeal and versatile functionality
Bring a festive atmosphere to any space they are placed into
What we dislike
Could be difficult to match them with the interior styles of different homes
7. Mask Stool
Dubbed the Mask Stool, this unique stool is made using spent grain from brewery Carlsberg’s beer production at the Danish film festival 3 Days of Design.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Mask Stool is built using a sustainable design technology that Mater developed. Mater developed this technology alongside the Danish Technological Institute and the University of Copenhagen. The technology merges and mixes fiber-based materials with plastic waste.
What we like
Utilizes an innovative new sustainable technology
What we dislike
The aesthetics of the stool are quite odd-looking, and may not be appreciated by everyone
8. Balanco Stools
Designed during the pandemic, the Balanco stools are inspired by rocks and boulders, and they’re meant for adults and kids to play and engage with.
Why is it noteworthy?
The idea for the Balanco stools came from the Japanese practice of stacking pebbles to create towers. Traditionally, the pebbles mostly consist of rounded forms, designers Lisa Lai and Joel Wong decided that chiseled rock-like shapes would create more visual dynamism while offering a variety of flat surfaces that are ideal for stacking and layering.
What we like
Extremely light
Inspired by rocks and boulders
What we dislike
Made from felt, there is a higher chance of staining this design
9. Tie Stool
The Tie Stool is made up of three bent plywood strips that effortlessly lock into one another, creating a tripod form that is comfortable to sit down on. Besides its unique design, the sheer simplicity of the stool, and the use of minimal materials make the stool quite a beauty.
Why is it noteworthy?
Fabricating the Tie Stool would require a few simple steps. The three plywood strips can, in fact, be split into 6 total parts (you can see the parting lines). The individual parts are formed using high pressure and temperatures that cause the plywood to bend and retain its shape, and cutting/finishing processes are performed on the parts to make them interlock into one another.
What we like
The entire stool can potentially be flat-packed and shipped to customers
It’s stackable
What we dislike
Its compressed design means it needs a tabletop to add more space on the stool
10. The Rook Stool
Designed by Australian designer Ross Gardam, the Rook Stool draws inspiration from chess pieces! Available in three types of solid wood, if you look closely at the stool, you’ll find deft and interesting similarities to the pieces you find on a chess board.
Why is it noteworthy?
The designer drew references from the shapes of decorative wooden chess pieces for the Rook Stool. The stool utilizes simple elements that have been placed at unusual but intriguing angles and intersections to create a sculptural appeal.
What we like
Available in various wood options so you can take your pick
What we dislike
Doesn’t look too comfy to sit on for long durations of time
