Architects Ignacio de la Vega and Pilar Cano-Lasso created Tini Living around five years ago. Tini Living is a prefab company that’s come up with five models of ADUs in an effort to provide their customers with as much transparency as possible. “We wanted to create something simple and elegant, but we also wanted clients to know exactly what they were getting the cost, and the timing from the very first meeting,” said de la Vega. And, what makes their ADUs even more unique and fabulous is that they can be completed in 100 days!
Tini Living offers a range of ADUs to meet the diverse needs of their diverse customers. They provide an entire range of standalone, prefab modules and an extra small version called the Tini XS which starts at $38,000. The Tini XS is one of their popular models, and it is perfectly suited for two people. It includes a kitchen, bed frame, full bathroom, and a hot and cold air pump within 180 square feet.
They start off with a design phase, in which the clients can make their own personalized changes and small adaptations to the module of their choice. Once the plan is finalized, they aim to complete the construction of the ADU within 150 days, and delivery within 30 days. By keeping construction and delivery time to a minimum, Tini Living aims to offer its clients flexibility and provide reduced economic burdens as compared to traditional homes.
In terms of pricing, Tini Living maintains a transparent attitude, where they offer the client as much information as possible before the process begins. They have created a unique customization tool, which allows them to alter and adapt their different models to the personal needs and requirements of their clients. The company also partners up with local architecture and engineering firms, to ease and smoothen up the entire process, and to provide a cohesive and coordinated process. They also work with a third party to ensure that all the local requirements and regulations are met and followed at the site.
Architecture has recently been making leaps and bounds, as conventional design rules have been broken and architects are on a mission to create innovative and ingenious dwellings that will transform modern housing. And recently, Nurgissa Architects unveiled their concept of the Modern Kazakh Yurt – a transformable dwelling that is heavily inspired by traditional nomadic homes and design. These modern yurts are intended to be small compact dwellings that are reminiscent of the quintessential yurts we may have come across.
Occupying a 25 sqm perimeter, the yurt has been designed with strategy and precision to create a layout that can house bedrooms and workspaces, as well as a centralized section for kitchen and toilet facilities. The compact yurt accommodates all the amenities you could need to live a comfortable life. The yurt heavily focuses on transformable furniture, such as beds and chairs, to ensure that the internal space is optimized and utilized efficiently.
The exterior of the yurt features plywood panel segments with a flexible polymer film that is equipped with organic semiconductors that generate electricity. A square meter of the polymer film creates 1kW/hour. Additional electricity is provided by telescopic components, which offer 5.3 kW. The generated electricity is stored away in batteries, which are in turn used to power household appliances. The telescopic elements give the home its classic yurt-like aesthetic, and can easily adjust to steppe areas, using segment extension and shifting. This allows for the creation of an open or enclosed living space, depending on the weather conditions.
An autonomous biological system is integrated to deal with wastewater treatment, which reduces the negative impact on the environment and supports environmental sustainability. Other eco-friendly measures were also taken by the design team, such as the integration of eco-friendly materials like glued plywood with a basalt fiber heat-protective layer for wall segments. This measure enables the modern yurt to harmoniously merge with its surrounding environment, creating an experience that is seamless and in tune with nature, while utilizing traditional nomadic ideologies to counter modern ecological issues. Currently, the Modern Kazakh Yurt is a conceptual design, but hopefully, we see it as a real tangible structure or a collection of real tangible structures soon.
If you’re someone who loves traveling and indulges in it as a full-fledged affair, then you know how important it is to have the right set of travel accessories with you. And the accessory decision that you need to pay the most attention to first and foremost is – the correct choice of suitcase. A suitcase forms the foundation of your travel gear, and you base everything else around it. And, the travel brand Mono is pretty great at designing excellent suitcases. The name Monos is inspired by the Japanese concept of ‘Mono no aware’, and it is centered around the feelings one has regarding the fleeting and delicate nature of a particular moment.
Monos’ luggage is designed to be fun, whimsical, and yet functional. They have a diverse range of suitcases including the Monos x Magnolia Bakery collaboration with the popular NYC-based Magnolia Bakery. The pieces in the collection are cupcake-inspired and with a colorful and whimsical aesthetic that instantly makes you want to grab them. They also have a sophisticated Terrazzo which is a limited edition and involves a hard shell luggage option that looks very much like Terrazzo. They have other limited edition pieces as well such as – Terracotta, Sage Green, Purple Icing, and Banana Pudding.
The Monos’ carry-on and check-in bags feature aerospace-grade, water-resistant polycarbonate hard shells that are equipped with 360° spinner wheels. The inside of every case is lined with an anti-microbial lining which is built from 100% recycled polyester, and is further adorned with ultra-microfiber vegan leather detailings. The suitcases are amped with TSA-approved combination locks, dual Y-shaped compression straps, and dividers, accentuated with YKK reverse coil zippers, and a flexible telescopic handle with four different height settings.
And to make things even more interesting, Monos also has the Carry-On Pro, and Carry-On Pro Plus models which essentially upgraded hard cases with an additional built-in and fold-out compartment that is a great space to store your laptop. You can also use this space to accommodate a tablet, jacket, sweater, or travel shoes – while providing you with easy access to pull them out whenever needed.
Tiny homes are one of the most popular home styles in 2023, and I’m pretty sure they’re going to make their way well into 2024. They had started off as a fun and cute trend, but now they’re a space-saving and environment-conscious housing option that is economical as well. They reduce the load on Mother Earth and are a simple and minimal alternative to the imposing and materialistic homes that are not preferred by everyone. And an excellent tiny home that I recently uncovered is the Beach by Raglan Tiny Homes
Designed by New Zealand’s Raglan Tiny Homes, the recently completed Beach tiny home features a compact and cozy interior that instantly welcomes you in. The tiny house is non-towable and equipped with a welcoming indoor-outdoor lifestyle and aesthetic, which is accentuated by a part-enclosed deck area. The main section of the home has a width of 2.5m, with the covered deck adding another 2.9m, which covers a total width of 5.4m. The length of the home is 6m.
The exterior of the home is finished in Douglas fir, giving it a warm and minimal aesthetic. Although the layout of the home isn’t very typical and seems more like a beachfront getaway villa, it is in fact intended to be used as a full-time dwelling. An outdoor shower has been outfitted ahead of the entrance, which is teamed up with a small outdoor bathtub, that is concealed under a hatch in the floor. This functions as a quaint outdoor bath for some much-needed pampering sessions.
As you enter the Beach via sliding glass doors, you are welcomed by a combined living room/bedroom space that is equipped with a sofa, and a bed, as well as some storage store. However, this is the only space in the home, there are no other rooms or even a loft, which can be a bit limiting. The tiny home is equipped with a wood-burning stove, shelving, a diesel-powered heating system, and an off-the-grid solar panel setup. You can add an additional studio area if needed.
Have you joined team stools over chairs yet? Well, if you haven’t then it is high time that you should! 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, a great stool design to add to your home would be the +52 stool!
Based in Brussels, Studio Plastique conducted extensive research on current timber designs and manufacturing and transformed that knowledge into a wooden step stool. Dubbed +52 stool, the furniture piece isn’t simply considered as furniture, the studio sees it as a ‘scenario’, via which the scope and potential of undervalued wood types as sustainable alternatives to the typical wood types can be explored and looked deeper into.
The +52 stool is produced using a variety of non-commercial woods such as elm, koto, willow, acacia, and birch which changes the weight, color, and texture of the stool. The stool was created by Studio Plastique as a solution to the overexploitation of forests that occurs currently in the wood production industry. The stool aims to tackle the complete lack of awareness surrounding lesser-known wood species that aren’t used in the design world.
“With +52 we would like to contribute to an alternative perspective on wood scenarios,” said the studio. “Through our collaborations with stakeholders in the field, we aim to highlight these problematics on the one hand, and on the other propose diversified scenarios.”
The +52 stool is manufactured in varying thicknesses to provide it with structural stability irrespective of the kind of wood it is made from, in turn, offering strength and functionality no matter what. The stool makes for an excellent fit for both casual spaces, as well as more formal spaces since it is a versatile and durable furniture piece that can merge harmoniously with contemporary spaces. The aesthetic of the stool is modern and minimal, and it would complement other furniture pieces well, without creating a stark contrast.
Wood has been the material of choice for furniture designers for ages galore. And no wonder! There’s something about wood that instantly adds a sense of zen and calm to any living space it is placed into. It puts your mind at ease while managing to radiate a feeling of warmth and tranquility. It’s a minimal material that holds a strong personality without any additional frills and tassels. I truly believe a well-crafted piece of wooden furniture can add a magical touch to even the simplest of living spaces. Minimal, clean, and almost always soothing, beautifully designed wooden furniture helps add the ultimate finishing touch to a room. And, one such furniture design is ‘Tokyo’ by Teixeira Design Studio.
I’m sure you’ve come across Teixeira’s designs on Instagram. They’re always minimal, well-designed, and highly functional. They instantly catch your eye with their sheer simplicity yet excellent utility. And Tokyo is no exception. Tokyo is an ingenious multifunctional design that merges a shoe rack and a bench. It artfully combines two furniture pieces into one individual furniture piece, providing dual functionality while occupying less space.
What makes Tokyo unique and special is its side leg, which gently and seamlessly curves, subtly embracing the cushion to create a top tray for daily essentials. This functions as a neat spot to store your souvenirs and other knick knacks. The furniture piece also features a bottom shelf which also serves as a nifty storage space. You can display and store whichever items you please. There is sufficient space to hold all your shoes and serve as a full shoe rack as well, or as a hybrid solution that accommodates your shoes as well as your books and bags.
While designing and creating Tokyo, the designer felt that the form and geometry of the furniture piece reminded him of Japanese architecture, and hence he named it Tokyo. All in all, Tokyo is a minimal and well-designed furniture piece with dual functionality that makes it a great addition to modern homes and contemporary living spaces.
Lighting designs are no longer boring little pieces that simply illuminate your home, without adding any oomph to it. They’re not simply typically designed objects but are in fact well-designed lighting fixtures that add some sparkle and personality to your home while lighting it up. I mean, of course, they need to be functional and practical, but they also need to have some aesthetic and visual appeal. And a unique lighting design that I would recommend for your home is the Chapeaux Light!
Designed by the late Rodolfo Dordoni, the Chapeaux Table Lamp is deemed worthy to be part of a magic show. Produced by Foscarini, the Chapeaux Table Lamp is an enchanting and captivating lighting fixture that will grab your attention with its unique design that is built using three main parts. One of the focal features of the lamp is the transparent pyrex body which is accentuated with a cylindrical steam that widens up at both ends. The bottom section supports and stabilizes the lamp while the top embraces the hat diffuser. Once the lamp is switched on, the entire body is highlighted with pretty subtle reflections.
The second element of the lamp which is also pretty interesting is the floating light source. The floating light source was specially created by Foscarini, ensuring that it subtly conceals all the technical bits, while also providing the lamp with a simple and m minimal form. The lamp also includes a freely placed hat, which lends the design its name. The hat is placed without interlocks, and putting all these components together, it almost seems as if the lamp disappears mysteriously while also grabbing your attention.
The Chapeaux Lamp is available in three varied configurations. The most minimal design is the Chapeaux M, which features a hat reflector in metal, making it a great fit for workspaces. The Chapeaux V features coated blown glass which produces warm ambient lighting. The third configuration is the Chapeaux P which includes a bone china hat that filters light, providing the design with a subtle and delicate illumination.
When it comes to setting up our living space, we often focus on the furniture we place in it or the interior decor style we opt for. But what truly makes or breaks a space, and adds a charming spark to it, is the home decor accents we adorn it with. Home decor accents are the diverse range of decorative items that are utilized to elevate the aesthetic appeal of a space and personalize the interior of a home. The right set of home decor accents can help you set the correct tone and theme for your home. But besides being decorative, we believe these designs should be functional as well – the best of both worlds! Hence, we’ve curated a collection of functional and aesthetically pleasing home decor accents that we feel will make an excellent addition to your living space.
1. CD Jacket Player
You can now relive your favorite moments with CDs while appreciating their accompanying album art no matter where you are with the CD Jacket Player. It not only accommodates classic audio CDs but also elevates their aesthetic appeal by harmoniously integrating their jackets.
The CD Jacket Player not only boasts the CD jacket art but can also be wall-mounted allowing it to function as a decorative element in your home. It allows you to display your favorite album art, while also enhancing the visual appeal of your living space, and adding some personal style to it.
What we like
Adds some personality and style to your living space, especially a boon for music fanatics
What we dislike
Since it is a CD player, this limits its appeal and functionality in a world where digital music streaming reigns supreme
2. Bookish Bookmark
You can now enjoy hands-free reading with the Bookish Bookmark which allows you to keep your book open without having to utilize awkward and embarrassing workarounds, like pushing down both sides of the book with something heavy and ugly.
The Bookish Bookmark is perfect for those to want to display their favorite books as an element. It features a transparent design and can keep your book open, adding a visually interest piece to a bookshelf or table. The bookmark can transform your favorite book into a decorative piece, as well as a functional item.
What we like
Allows you to display your favorite book in a visually pleasing manner
What we dislike
It might be too large for small books, and disliked by those who prefer discreet bookmarks
3. Harmony Flame Lamp Fireplace
This stunning brass lamp lets you enjoy a beautiful and safe fire indoors, as it uses eco-friendly bioethanol to spread illumination and warmth in your home. It is built using the same technique that is utilized to craft musical instruments.
The unique brass fireplace is designed to enhance the mood of indoor spaces. The flames and reflective surfaces play with light and shadows, creating an appealing decorative piece that is ideal for your patio or dining table. The fireplace uses odorless and smokeless fuel and has a compact size making it a perfect fit for your home.
What we like
Allows you to enjoy a safe and pretty fire inside the comfort of your home
What we dislike
The lamp utilizes bioethanol which is eco-friendly, but will need to be purchased and refilled, creating a fuel dependency
The fuel capacity and compact size of the lamp may not support extended use, which some people need for longer-lasting illumination
4. Statement Floral Bud Vase
You can now display the natural beauty of a flower and steam with this pretty and unique metal flower vase. This flower vase can disappear into the background, and it allows for a more thoughtful and careful approach to flower arrangement, which celebrates floral beauty in simplicity.
The minimalist design of the unique metal flower case allows it to artfully merge into the background. The vase is also quite carefully weighted to avoid any toppling, and is designed to showcase the flower, and put the complete focus on it.
What we like
Available in silver and pink gold, so you can pick your preferred color
Highlights the natural beauty of the flower
What we dislike
The vase is quite small, so this limits the type and number of flowers it can hold, not the best option for those who prefer large flower arrangements
Can get easily knocked over, owing to its small size
5. Invisible Shoehorn
The Invisible Shoehorn will save your back and your socks as it will seamlessly disappear into the background when it’s not being used. It features a long stainless steel body that prevents snags and tears in socks and stockings.
What makes this shoehorn so unique is that it disappears into the background when it is not being used. The shoehorn features a transparent stand, and the two team up to create an intriguing and attractive decoration for your home. It has both practical use and decorative appeal, allowing it to have dual functionality.
What we like
Functional product with decorative appeal
Merges into the background when not in use
What we dislike
Hefty price tag which may not be preferred by some users
6. Jewelvase Mirror Stand
This pretty little mirror doubles up as an accessory stand or vase, which not only allows you to peer at your face but also enhances anything that is placed in front of it. It features a simple and elegant design that allows it to stand out, which also provides functionality.
The Jewelvase Mirror Stand features dual functionality, which essentially means it serves as a mirror and a vase or accessory stand. The innovative piece is functional, which also elevates the aesthetic appeal of any space it is placed in. It is built using bioplastic material which contains rice husks, which adds to its decorative qualities. It is a multifunctional and elegantly designed piece that serves as an excellent home decor accent.
What we like
The perfect mix of dual functionality and good looks
Elevates any desk, table, or furniture piece it is placed on
What we dislike
Since it functions as a mirror and vase, this dual functionality could hinder and compromise its effectiveness in either role
7. Anywhere-Use Lamp
Dubbed the Anywhere-Use Lamp, this minimalist and portable table lamp looks just like a mushroom that you can pop up almost anywhere. It features a modular design and uses regular AA batteries, allowing you to carry it and use it wherever you like.
What makes this lamp so unique is that you can utilize it to create the right mood anywhere. It uses six high-color rendering LEDs to produce a soft and warm light, that can set up the perfect mood in any space. It is excellent for mood lighting and has an aesthetic appeal that aligns perfectly with the objectives of home decor accents.
What we like
Creates the ideal mood and ambience anywhere irrespective of the location
Elevates the visual and sensory appeal of living space
What we dislike
It is built using iron with powder coating, which does not provide the premium feel that most users prefer for their home decor items
8. Key Holder Wakka
You can now build the habit of putting your keys in the right place with the Key Holder Wakka. It features a stylish key ring and an elegant wooden base which come together to create a stunning home accent that makes storing away your key an enjoyable action.
The keyholder utilizes a powerful neodymium magnet that keeps the keyring in place, and a brisk tapping sound is created at separation. You can pick between iron, brass, or stainless steel in material choices with Silver/Maple and Silver/Walnut options which contribute to its decorative qualities.
What we like
Makes putting your key in place a fun and enjoyable activity that you don’t avoid
What we dislike
The neodymium magnet cannot hold heavier sets of keys effectivity, which limits its utility
9. Modular Flower Tubes
The Modular Flower Tubes are an amazing alternative to the beautiful but boring vases we’ve grown so accustomed to. This unique metal and wood container offers liberating creativity to its users. You can create your own arrangement of flowers according to your personal taste and preference.
The vase features thin copper pipes that can be arranged in diverse positions, creating beautiful floral displays. It allows users to develop unique patinas over time, which builds the aesthetic sense of the vase. The wooden base is a sturdy element that provides stability to the design. It is an ideal home decor accent since it combines both functionality and visual appeal.
What we like
Gives users creative freedom, and allows them to create their own arrangements
What we dislike
The unique patinas that develop over the tubes do add character, but will also need to be maintained and may not be liked by everyone
10. Precision Sakura Metal Puzzle
You can now provide your brain with a satisfying challenge using this beautiful all-metal puzzle. The puzzle takes on the shape of Japan’s most iconic flowers with intriguing pieces that look so similar you’ll be wondering where they go and where to put them.
Once this metal puzzle has been assembled it takes on the shape of Japan’s iconic sakura flowers. The puzzle is built from mirror-finish stainless steel with pieces that fit completely and seamlessly together. This, in turn, creates a visually pleasing decorative piece. Once completed, the puzzle forms an artistic and stylish home decor accent that can elevate any ordinary desk or shelf.
What we like
Allows you to build a puzzle and interact with a fun game, while also functioning as a beautiful home accent
What we dislike
The puzzle could be difficult to put together, which may not be preferred by users who are seeking a relaxing experience
Owning a second fridge has become a pretty popular and common trend, that has slowly made its way to homes in the past few years. However, fridges tend to be pretty large and occupy a substantial amount of space wherever they’re placed, hence accommodating them in smaller homes and apartments ends up being an issue. But this is where the Super Smart Fridge comes in. Designed by Rocco co-founders Alyse Borkan and Sam Naparstek, the Super Smart Fridge is a compact and stylish refrigerator that looks more like a piece of furniture than a kitchen appliance.
The Super Smart Fridge is a mix between a small fridge and a dedicated wine fridge. The good-looking fridge features a modern and contemporary design, which includes a smart exterior paired with a fluted glass door. The modern exterior is further accentuated by the compact and small size of the fridge which allows it to seamlessly merge with the rest of the home decor and furniture in the room. This makes the Super Smart Fridge an ideal fit for not only your kitchen but also your living room or bedroom.
Measuring 16 inches in depth, the compact fridge is designed to be subtly pushed against a wall, allowing the fridge to further blend in with the furniture and the space surrounding it. If you look at the Super Smart Fridge, it looks more like a bar cart than a kitchen appliance! It is built using a powder-coated steel frame which is available in a wide range of colors, so you can pick the color that perfectly suits your aesthetic and home. The fridge features walls that are 3x thicker than anything available on the market today and boasts the same compressor as the Sub-Zero.
The Super Smart Fridge functions efficiently and smoothly in any living space, without causing any kind of excessive noise. It is covered by a 10-year warranty and has a unique technological feature that enables you to connect the fridge to your phone, via an internal camera system called Sight System. This allows users to glance into their fridge to see if anything needs to be restocked or purchased – pretty cool, eh?!
If you’re hunting for a cool cabin to get away and relax in, then you’ve reached the right spot. Cabins are my favorite kind of vacation and for good reason. They allow you to unwind, rest, and get away from the hectic city life. They’re an excellent option to escape to! They’re the perfect safe haven nestled in the midst of nature, providing you a break from your everyday hectic life. And, Nokken has introduced the NKN-18 – a cutting-edge and revolutionary 18 sqm that provides versatility in the form of customizable options and accessories.
The NKN-18 Cabin by Nokken is created for various configurations and features co-branded bespoke designs. The cabin is designed to be a plug-and-play solution that can meet the diverse needs and requirements of people. The exterior of the NKN-18 Cabin is quite functional and adaptable and meant to survive extreme climatic conditions. It is a robust and durable design that features timber cladding, insulated wall build-up, triple-glazed aluclad panels, and a smart lock keyless entry.
The minimal and good-looking Nokken cabin is available in stained larch and other finishes, which allows it to seamlessly blend with its surroundings. It boasts a harmonious Nordic styling which allows for smooth integration with the nature around it. The Nokken cabin is much like a Swiss army knife, as it not only boasts a contemporary and elegant aesthetic, while also providing essential features. The interiors of the NKN-18 cabin are seamless and modern, including the bathrooms which are sleek and timeless, reminiscent of the bathrooms you find in boutique hotels. The bathrooms function as spaces of sanctuary in the home, allowing you to relax and unwind. The NKN-18 cabin is designed to be a peaceful retreat that is ideal for both personal and business use.
The Nokken NKN-18 cabin is available in a diverse range of colorways and setups, so you can pick the setup that perfectly matches your personal taste and preference. There is a perfect fit for every user out there – one that suits the modern requirements of everyone.
