Named the Sea Chord, and designed by Modern Tiny Living, this fully featured tiny home is compact, and perfect for a vacation home or as a full-time residence. It is amped with a space-saving interior, accentuated by plenty of storage space. The tiny home has the capability to run on or off the grid. It features a length of 22 feet, making it longer than most European models, but still small for a North American tiny home. A double-axle trailer serves as the base and the home is clad in engineered wood, and topped with a steel roof. It also includes an outdoor shower and an exterior storage box.
The interior of the home is finished in maple plywood, and it includes a lot of glazing and a skylight. This allows the home to be pretty light-filled, especially the living room. The living room is equipped with a custom sofa that can be converted into a bed, and a retractable dining/work table that can be pulled out from a kitchen unit. The kitchen contains an oven, induction stove, fridge/freezer, steel sink, and stacked washer and dryer. There is also plenty of cabinetry and steel worktops. A breakfast bar-style dining area has been incorporated for two, it serves as an additional workspace too.
The bathroom is located on the opposite end of the home to the living room, and you can access it via a sliding door. The space includes a shower, composting toilet, and a small vanity sink. The tiny home only includes one bedroom, which can be accessed via a storage-integrated staircase. This is a typical tiny house-style loft space with a low ceiling, a double bed, and storage space.
The Sea Chord can be powered by a standard RV-style hookup or from the solar panels that have been installed on the roof, and then further connected to a battery array in the exterior storage box. We are unaware of the pricing on the tiny home for now.
If you’re someone who enjoys scrapbooking or cardmaking in their free time, then you’ve landed in the right space. There is something truly therapeutic in creating something, and then maintaining it. And maintaining a scrapbook or journal, or creating a card for a loved one is always fun, wholesome, and productive. To assist you in your scrapbooking endeavors, we’ve curated a collection of functional and exciting stationery items, that are not only essentials but a joy to use. From a Pen Fan with 8 sketch pen flat-heads to a photo printer that transforms images for your smartphone into cute little stickers – these must-have designs are excellent for those who love scrapbooking, journalling, and putting their creative juices to good use!
1. Pen Fan
Dubbed the Pen Fan, this one-of-a-kind stationery product is a cross between a Pantone shade card, and a stationery set. It is equipped with 8 flat-head sketch pens and is packaged in a compact and portable form that you can carry anywhere with you with ease. The different choice of pens makes the product a great fit for scrapbooking or cardmaking.
Why is it noteworthy?
The flat pens are all connected, and they form an adorable little Japanese-fan-style layout that beautifully displays all 8 colors. You can easily pick and choose from them. The flat pens are detachable, and you can easily snap them on and off, building a palette that perfectly caters to your needs.
What we like
Portable set that you can carry with you
The pens cannot be easily misplaced or lost
What we dislike
It only includes 8 color options, which can be a bit limiting if you prefer a wide variety of colors
2. Memories Log Book
We usually tend to discard business and shop cards or throw them away into a forgotten drawer. But what if we carefully gather them in a minimalist and profound log book, that lets us pen down our thoughts and memories about the people and events we experienced, allowing us to create little stories that let us travel back in time?
Named the Memories Log Book, this unique little book lets you transform every business card, shop card, or photo into a wonderful and memorable experience to look back at. You simply need to fit the two corners of a card into the slit, and it will stay securely in place, without the need for adhesives or pockets.
What we like
It can accommodate business cards, shop cards, and even small Instax photos
Includes blank canvases to note down your reflections on the person or event
What we dislike
Only fits one specific size of cars or photos
3. Craftmaster EDC Utility Knife
Called the Craftmaster EDC Utility Knife, this minimal and clean EDC knife resembles an everyday paper cutter. It is equipped with an all-metal body and a textured knob which lets you easily deploy and lock the blade. The knife’s handle is pretty grippy and weighted, so holding it is an easy task.
The knife is amped with a simple, subtle, and sophisticated aesthetic and a CNC-machined handle. It also features an enclosed blade which is machined to perfection. The blade is enclosed, so it glides with smoothness, and no hassle at all, providing a seamless and harmonious experience.
What we like
Equipped with a 45° slant to help you open boxes with ease
Features a metal scale, making it a multifunctional design
What we dislike
It has a magnetic back, which can attract small metal bits
4. ColorPik Pen
Meet the ColorPik Pen – a super 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 write beautifully as well as draw.
What we like
Combines 16 million colors into one nifty pen
Features re-fillable smart cartridges
What we dislike
Some users say the pen doesn’t produce the color accurately
The app isn’t very easy to use
5. Scissors w/ Base
These unique scissors are called the Scissors w/ Base, and they feature a magnetic basic, making the product a really cutting-edge one. The scissors have an innovative design that lets you renovate your workspace organization, ensuring your scissors don’t lie around, simply creating clutter.
The scissors have a magnetic base which makes it a complete game-changer. They are made from lustrous Japanese steel, and serve as a handy little tool, while also making for a good-looking addition to your work desk.
What we like
The magnetic base can be utilized as a dedicated spot for your scissors
Features a built-in cutter, which is quite an innovative forward-thinking detail we appreciate
What we dislike
You cannot use them for difficult tasks
6. Penxo
Say hello to Penxo – the most minimalist pencil out there! Penxo is designed with complete simplicity, and it features a last-lead release mechanism. The designer spent countless hours refining the Penxo, adding some modernity while maintaining its traditional form. It is a 2mm lead holder pencil, milled from a single block of aluminum.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Penxo has a simple design, cutting out springs, buttons, and other mechanical parts found in mechanical pencils. It has a center gap which serves as a lead trigger release, and an indicator window for lead color, markings, and usage.
What we like
Has the fastest lead release compared to any other lead pencil
What we dislike
It can only hold one piece of lead
It is a bit difficult to deploy the lead
7. Potto
Called Potto, this conceptual design is a toy camera that prints out different kinds of photos for you. It doesn’t print out your typical pictures for you, instead, it delivers an outline of the image you clicked or sent to the camera. It provides a line drawing you can keep as it, or color, creating a creative and colorful element for your scrapbook.
Why is it noteworthy?
The camera helps you indulge in some coloring, making your scrapbook or journal even more elaborate. It is a product both kids and adults can use and appreciate, as coloring is something people of all age groups enjoy.
What we like
Has a display screen, so you can see the images before clicking them
What we dislike
Uses thermal paper which eventually fades over time, so it’s not very long-lasting
8. Passion Planner
This is the Passion Planner – the one space for all your thoughts. It includes an appointment calendar, goal-setting guide, journal, sketchbook, gratitude log & personal and work-to-do lists – all in one notebook. It is a paper planned and designed with your passions and personal goals in mind, helping you strike a balance between functionality, personal reflection, and goal setting.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Passion Planner has a beautiful handcrafted design which makes it great to carry almost anywhere. It measures 5.5′ x 8.5′, and is printed on premium quality, recycled, and bleed-resistant paper.
What we like
Features a durable and low profile soft faux leather cover with an elastic enclosure strap
What we dislike
The visioning place is a little small
The design of the planner is a bit boring
9. 30° Ruler
Called the 30° Ruler, this innovative ruler features a simple elevation. The slope on the ruler’s face is lifted by 30°, which makes it easier to use, and also expands its utility. The slope allows you to read measurements from a glance without needing to lean over to use the device. You switch from a tilted neck to a tilted ruler, while your back is straight and your eyes are on the target.
Why is it noteworthy?
Since the ruler is elevated, you can also easily grab it, without the need to drag it towards the edge of the table or dig your nails underneath it. The angled nature makes the ruler pretty safe for cutting too.
What we like
Features large fonts and clear indications
You can read the measurements from a distance
What we dislike
Users may take some time to adjust to the ruler’s new form
10. Canon IVY 2 Mini Photo Printer
Named Canon IVY 2 mini photo printer, this unique little device lets you capture and cherish your memories in a fun way. You can transform the images from your smartphone into personalized photo stickers without using any ink. The photo printer has a compact form, and it fits easily into your pocket, so you can carry it anywhere with you.
Why is it noteworthy?
The photo printer uses ink-free technology, so it maintains a vibrant print quality without the extra mess or cost of traditional ink. You can connect it to compatible smartphones via Bluetooth 5.0 for quick and easy printing.
What we like
It easily recharges within 45 minutes
You can modify photos using the free Canon Mini Print App
Designed by Truform Tiny Homes, the Kootenay Inventory is a tiny home with a well-designed and space-saving layout that is amped with loads of storage space. The home also features a bunch of lovely amenities, all packed into a length of 33 feet. The Kootenay Inventory is an updated and upgraded version of the original Kootenay home designed in 2017. It is founded on a triple-axle trailer and is powered by a standard RV-style hookup.
You can enter the home via a fold-down deck area and a front door that leads to a well-stocked kitchen. The kitchen is equipped with a three-burner propane-powered stove, a dishwasher, an oven, a fridge/freezer, a sink, a washer/dryer, and some cabinetry. The home also has a breakfast bar or office area that can be rotated sideways to offer more seating space. The living room is closely located, and it includes integrated storage, as well as a fireplace with a mantel. The bathroom is equipped with a chunky concrete sink, a flushing toilet, and a shower.
The Kootenay Inventory model includes two bedrooms. The master bedroom can be entered through the living room via a sliding door, and it has plenty of headroom to stand upright. The bedroom only has plenty of storage space, located under the double bed, as well as in the wardrobes.
The second bedroom of the Kootenay is more like a typical loft-style space. You can access it via a storage-integrated staircase, and it features a low ceiling and plenty of storage space, as well as room for a double bed. This bedroom is situated on the opposite side of the downstairs bedroom, creating an ample amount of space between the two. The Kootenay Inventory is priced at US$174,900.
In recent years, Japanese design philosophy and principles have been discovered by the rest of us, and since then they have slowly but surely taken over the world. There’s something about products with a Japanese touch that instantly makes you feel at ease. They have a sense of warmth and tranquility to them, one that spreads in the space that they’re placed into. There’s something so efficient, functional, and yet unique about Japanese-influenced stationery, in particular. And we’ve got you covered with a collection of innovative Japanese-inspired stationery! These beautifully designed products are all you need to introduce some Japanese zen and peace to your workdesk.
1. Kintsugi Plain Notebook
This stunning notebook draws inspiration from the Japanese art of Kintsugi, which involves repairing or fixing cracks in pottery with gold lacquer. It has a simple yet beautiful design cover, which embodies a deeper meaning. It encourages users to reflect, think, and write creatively, allowing them to leave imperfect little marks on the paper.
The Kintsugi Plain Notebook urges you to note down your happy memories or creative ideas with total freedom. The notebook is built from sustainable bagasse paper, and it embodies your inner healing, as well as the healing of the planet.
What we like
Perfectly represents the beauty and essence of Japanese culture
The black cover showcases lovely branch-like golden lines
What we dislike
It is only available in a plain paper version and doesn’t have a lined variant
2. Forest Crayons
Forest Crayons is a project that utilizes the pigments extracted from different recycled forest trees, and then merges them with other sustainable ingredients to create crayons. Each crayon has a different shade, influenced by the species of recycled tree, and the way it was grown. For magnolia, they’ve created a light green color, while there is a deep turquoise for fungus-stained wood.
Why is it noteworthy?
The different pigments are combined with wood, rice wax, and rice oil. The Forest Crayons set includes ten colors: Bayberry, Bogwood, Cedar, Chinaberry, Cybress, Hazenoki, Katsura, Kaizuka, Magnolia, and Zelkova.
What we like
Designed to “breathe new life into Japanese wood”, creating an appreciation for the country’s forests
What we dislike
Unsure how dark and long-lasting the colors will be
3. Inseparable Notebook Pen
Named the Inseparable Note Book Pen, this stationery design is the ultimate companion to your notebook. It perfectly combines with your notebook, helping you note your thoughts, ideas, and memories. It has a subtle and minimal design, a comfortable grip, and a harmonious ink flow, allowing it to be more than just a writing tool.
The pen is sophisticated and yet simple. It is a natural and harmonious extension of the book and has a sleek form which makes it great for effortless writing. The pen is an embodiment of the timeless and classic aesthetic everyone adores.
What we like
Creates a smooth and seamless writing experience for you
Has a compact form that easily gets attached to your notebook
What we dislike
It is placed outside the notebook, allowing it to get stained faster
4. Bento Jot
Say hello to the Bento Jot! This modern stationery set is designed to support you on your creative journey. The set is inspired by a Bento Box, and it includes 12 writing tools. The 3-layer bento box design is unique and appealing! It includes 3 layers – the Øver layer, the Mid layer, and the Base layer. All the layers include tools for handwritten notes.
Why is it noteworthy?
The 12 tools were designed specially for the Bento Jot. The tools have been built from premium materials, creating a satisfying tactile feel. The Mid-layer even includes a lovely vegan leather carrying case!
What we like
It has a Japandi-inspired emotive design
What we dislike
The entire box could be inconvenient to carry around
5. Japanese Memo Block
Named the Japanese Memo Block, this compact design is the perfect place to write down your creative and exciting thoughts, so that none of them escape you. It has an easy-to-carry form, so you can take it almost anywhere with you, ensuring you never lose any of the wonderful ideas that come into your mind.
With the Japanese paper Memo Block, you can note down your priceless thoughts the minute they get into your head. You can jot them down before you get distracted all over again. It has quite a small footprint, so you can easily carry it wherever you go.
What we like
Features a pure black/white surface which is a great space for your creative thoughts
Made from high-quality Japanese paper
What we dislike
Aesthetically it does look like an ordinary notepad with nothing special
6. Quick Access Pencil Sharpener Stand
Meet the Quick Access Pencil Sharpener Stand – it lets you eliminate dull pencils, as this sharpener is present whenever you need it, and it holds your pencil for you too. The design is disc-shaped, and works as a pencil sharpener and a pencil stand, making it the ideal stationery product.
It is equipped with a brass mechanism that prevents the wooden cover from opening by mistake and spilling the shavings within. It keeps your favorite pencil always sharp and within reach.
What we dislike
Functions as a sharpener and a sophisticated pen stand
Features a specially angled sharpener which makes the pencil last longer
What we dislike
The product doesn’t look very portable to carry around
7. Japanese NIKKEN Samurai Scissors
These are the Japanese NIKKEN Samurai Scissors! The handcrafted scissors are inspired by the motifs of famous Japanese samurai swords of the past. They are a special series of scissors that adopt the design and form of different popular Japanese swords. These swords were used by different heroes and legends during the Sengoku Jidai or Warring States Era(1467-1568) in English or the Bakumatsu period at the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Samurai scissors adopt the different motifs of the sheath designs, swords, and the house seals of different warriors. The scissors have been handcrafted by craftsmen, and they are made one by one.
What we like
Compact products that are made in Japan
What we dislike
They can only be used to cut paper, not strong enough to cut anything else
8. Sushi Eraser
Designed by Iwako, these adorable erasers are a must-have for sushi lovers! The erasers are available in all kinds of sushi – from Salmon Egg sushi to Cuttlefish sushi and even Nigiri Shrimp sushi. The resemblance to actual sushi pieces is uncanny, and each element of the erase is a puzzle piece and can be taken apart and then put together.
Why is it noteworthy?
The erasers bring Japanese culture and sushi fever to your boring desk, and they’re also perfect for stocking stuffers, decorations, and fun little games. The erasers are eco-friendly and made in Japan. They’ve been put together by hand!
What we like
Economically priced
Represent all the different varieties of sushi, with loads of choices available
What we dislike
We are unsure how efficient the erasers will be at erasing, they do look more decorative than functional
9. ONEBOX
Named the ONEBOX, this little woodworking design merges different tools into a fascinating interlocking Jenga-like stationery box. The box utilizes the same traditional mortise and tenon joining technique that was used to construct massive buildings in ancient times. Once the ONEBOX has been put together, it looks like any regular wooden box!
Why is it noteworthy?
When you pull the pieces of the box apart, you realize that each piece is a stationery tool or a fidget toy. The multi-part storage box is built from poplar, beech, or black walnut wood, showcasing a warm and wooden aesthetic. The various wooden pieces can be converted into a container for your stationery as a phone stand or even an adjustable ruler!
What we like
The pieces feature flawless tenon and mortise joints
Serves as much more than just an ordinary stationery box
What we dislike
You have to ensure you don’t lose a piece, or else you’ll have trouble putting the box together again
10. Japanese NIKKEN Samurai Letter Opener
Another important addition to a desk is a letter opener, and we just discovered a Samurai-style letter opener for you! The Japanese NIKKEN Samurai Letter Opener is inspired by the iconic Japanese Samurai Katana, and it is a compact and functional stationery piece for your work desk, especially if you’re a lover of Japanese culture.
Why is it noteworthy?
The letter opener adopts the essence of the old legendary swords of famous leaders from history. Each sword is built by specialist masters of their craft, delivering a quality that is truly unmatched and special.
What we like
Handcrafted with a perfected edge
What we dislike
It can only be used to open a letter, it isn’t as sharp as a knife
Do you own an Apple Watch? Cause I do, and it is honestly one of the handiest devices I own. Today, the Apple Watch is considered one of the most popular smartwatches globally, and it’s not a surprising fact when you consider the number of people you see walking or jogging on the street with their Apple Watch smartly strapped around their wrists. And, if you’re someone who absolutely cannot do without their Apple Watch, then this collection of innovative and nifty accessories is for you. From the smallest Apple Watch smart charger to a wristband for weight-lifting – these super cool accessories are a must-have for Apple Watch lovers.
1. RSTR Case
Dubbed the RSTR Case, this lovely transparent crystalline case is designed for your Apple Watch. Golden Concept created it, and it transforms your watch into a stunning shimmering jewel to wear and show off on your wrist. The case is available in four colors, and it utilizes 50 meticulously engineered parts. Made from stainless steel, the home and action buttons are quite large, making them pretty accessible.
2. Nomad 65W Power Adapter Apple Watch Edition
Named the Nomad 65W Power Adapter Apple Watch Edition, this unique power brick was designed for Apple’s smartwatch, and it charges it quite innovatively. The upper section of the brick serves as a wireless charger that can power your Apple Watch and AirPods with cases that support wireless charging. The charger supports fast charging for the Apple Watch Series 7 and later, ensuring you can begin to use your devices in no time.
3. tinyPod
The tinyPod is an innovative little product that covers your Apple Watch in a case, making it look exactly like the iPod. The tinyPod is designed to be a perfect replica of the iPod, transforming your Apple Watch into the iPod’s screen perfectly. You can easily control the smartwatch using an authentic click wheel, although we aren’t sure how it works. But this is a significant detail to consider, as you cannot access the watch’s digital crown in this innovative new form.
4. WITHit Titanium Band
Dubbed the WITHit Titanium Band, this lightweight and customizable band is designed for your Apple Watch. It is made from grade 2 titanium, making it strong, surpassing stainless steel by 30%. At the same time, the watch is also 45% lighter, and it includes easily removable links that don’t need any tools. You can experience a tailored, seamless, and hassle-free fit every time!
5. PROTECHT Wrist Wraps
Say hello to the PROTECHT Wrist Wraps – these are great for lifters with smartwatches. They are designed to provide unparalleled wrist support, and they have been built to seamlessly integrate around your smartwatch. They provide superior wrist support while lifting heavy weights and help lifters track their workout progress. The wrist wraps have a pretty innovative design which provides a secure fit around the smartwatch.
6. Twelve South TimePorter Apple Watch Band Valet
Designed by Twelve South, this TimePorter Apple Watch band valet organizes and displays your favorite bands. It is stylish, and showcases your collection of Apple Watch bands, so you can easily pick the one that matches your outfit. You can easily install and remove it via the included 3M Command Strips. You can place it on walls, closet doors, or even your bedside furniture.
7. The WITHit Stainless Steel D-Link Bracelet
Named the WITHit Stainless Steel D-Link Bracelet, this functional yet elegant bracelet combines the utility of your smartwatch with the sophistication of fine jewelry. It features a beautiful design, which is accentuated by premium electroplated stainless steel with custom lugs and a buckle that transforms your smartwatch into a stylish fashion statement. The buckle is strong and sturdy, keeping your watch safely attached at all times.
8. Maco GO 2
The Maco GO 2 is an innovative Apple Watch charger that eliminates the need for a charging cable completely. It features a simple square shape with the USB-C plug poking out of a corner instead of the middle. This may seem like an insignificant change, but it elevates and improves the experience quite a bit. This allows you to plug the charger anywhere and also ensures the charger won’t be fighting for space with other peripherals plugged into your laptop’s USB-C ports.
9. OtterBox 2-in-1 Power Bank
You can now easily charge your Apple Watch on the go with the OtterBox 2-in-1 Power Bank with Apple Watch Charger. You can easily set it up anywhere, it can even stand on its end. The 3,000 mAh power bank is equipped with magnets to hold your Apple Watch firmly during charging. You can also convert the watch to Nightstand mode while it is being charged, allowing it to also function as a trust alarm clock. You can also charge another device simultaneously via the included cable.
10. ErgonBand
Meet the ErgonBand, an ergonomic Apple Watch accessory that may look a little funny, but it is quite useful. The band is designed to be a strap, and it resembles those thumb or hand braces typically used by athletes for protection. You can strap the watch into place using clips that have standard lugs and can be placed below the joint of your thumb. This particular location was chosen as you can see the screen without twisting your wrist.
Meet the Bunkie on a Hill, a modern cabin perched on top of a hill in Muskoka, Ontario – as its name implies. The Bunkie is a contemporary and updated version of the classic forest cabin. It was created by Toronto-based Dubbeldam Architecture + Design, and it is part of a collection of buildings tucked away in four family properties. Bunkie is the smallest, and although it has a humble and compact size, it is an excellent example of how an abode can be functional and intricately linked to its surroundings.
Bunkie occupies around 1000 sq ft (95 sq m), and it is a modern reinterpretation of the typical A-frame cabins. A-frame cabins are quite popular, and Bunkie adds a twist to them with its split roof design and two intersecting gables. The unique architectural element offers space for incorporating panoramic geometric windows which provide beautiful views of the surrounding treetops, and the lake below. The sharp angles and the mesmerizing sloping roof lines allow natural light to steadily stream into the home.
Bunkie is amped with two impressive facades – one is a tall and glazed wall that provides lovely views of the lake, while the other is more solid and faces the forest. This facade provides protection from the elements and some much-needed privacy. You can enter the cabin from the west side, through a walkway covered by a cedar screen, which resembles the tree trunks of the forest. Only FSC-rated wood was used to construct Bunkie on the Hill, and it features an exterior of wood siding and natural cedar soffits. The wooden elements naturally blend with the surrounding forest. The cabin is also equipped with thickened exterior walls, a minimal heating system, and triple-glazed windows which give it an R-value of over 40, and make it quite energy-efficient.
The interior of the cabin is extremely well-planned and carefully designed. It offers maximum functionality with impressive utility of space. Smart storage solutions have been incorporated throughout the house. The ground floor showcases a big open-plan living and dining area, as well as a minimal and subtle kitchen. Double-height framed windows expansively open up to a massive timber outdoor terrace. The primary bedroom is located at the back of the cabin, and it includes windows that offer surreal views of the surrounding forest. The cabin also contains an upper loft, which serves as an additional sleeping area. This space also integrates a built-in desk, so it can be used as a home office too. You can glance at the living room and the lake from this loft room.
This year we got a chance to experience the London Design Festival! Currently, in its 22nd edition, the festival takes place on 14-22 September in London. It celebrates London as a design capital of the world while presenting a series of exhibitions and installations that explore design through different mediums such as light, materials, sounds, and more. Designers and creators from around the world showcased dynamic and fluid installations such as ‘Light in Motion’, where light was explored, or the Materials Matter fair where the importance of materials, and how they impact us was focused upon. We’ve picked out the Top 5 installations and designs from the London Design Festival that we loved experiencing. We hope you love them too!
1. Light In Motion by Acrylicize
This stunning inaugural exhibition by Acrylicize is called ‘Light in Motion’ and it is running at the London Design Festival this year. It celebrates the fluid and dynamic interplay of light and form, diving deep into its bond with space, time, and movement. Twelve artists, designers, and engineers showcased their work, manipulating light to adopt a sculptural form, allowing it to move across walls and rejuvenate spaces. The displayed works are an effort to bring focus on the quality of light, and how it can be moved and perceived. “Each practitioner has approached light and motion from a unique perspective and with a different relationship to time. Yet there is a sense of continuity between the works,” said the curators.
The installation ‘10,000 Tiny Suns’ by Generative Optics experiments with light as a medium and subject. It includes an intricate and impressive assembly of compound lenses, interconnected through a fibrous framework, which ushers and manipulates the path of light. It is made using advanced 3D-printed lenses, caustics, and algorithms. Designed by Relative Distance, a London-based studio, Phase is a long-form timepiece that showcases the details of the moon’s surface, via an artful use of light and glass. The surreal installation replicates natural moonlight, forming a unique and immersive experience.
2. Design You Can Feel by ASUS
ASUS’s Design You Can Feel Exhibition is open to the public till 22nd September, and it is one to check out. Centered around the material ‘Ceraluminim’, which was used by ASUS to develop its Zenbook laptops, the exhibit explores not only this material but also intricate topics such as craftsmanship and artificial intelligence. Ceralumin boasts a light and durable tactility, merging the qualities of both aluminum and ceramics, making it a one-of-a-kind material with a surreal nature-inspired aesthetic. Six product and industrial design studios were selected to express the various qualities of Ceralumin through furniture, lighting, and installation design.
British designer Giles Miller built a stunning floor-to-ceiling sensory installation comprising 1800 pieces. Thick timber petals were positioned astonishingly and artfully, allowing them to rotate, and resulting in seamless rhythmic patterns. South Korean design studio Niceworkshop created the Aluminum Formwork (AL-FORM) series – a collection of solid seating and tables built from old skyscraper formwork. The collection’s lounge chair was ceramized by ASUS, making it one of the first products to feature Ceralumin, besides the Zenbook laptops.
3. SPECTRUM by 2LG Studio
Jordan Cluroe and Russell Whitehead teamed up to form the 2LG studio, and this year they’re completing 10 years of collaboration. To celebrate their years of creation and innovation together, they partnered up with the London-based hotel Hart Shoreditch to present the immersive exhibition ‘SPECTRUM’. Through Spectrum they are creating a sensory journey within the hotel, setting up a series of vibrant and colorful interventions. They are “exploring human and personal connections to color, evoking memories and inviting conversations.”
The hotel is based on a theme of ‘joyful minimalism’, and various products have been reimagined intriguingly and colorfully. The creations include a reincarnation of a rug by Floor Story in the form of a large-scale moiré using AI filters in a rainbow spectrum. Other pieces involve an eight-minute soundscape written with the composer Quentin LaChapele and a wraparound video piece by digital artist Lucy Hardcastle.
4. Material Matters
50 acclaimed brands, designers, makers, and organizations have contributed to creating the Material Matters fair on the iconic Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf on London’s Southbank. The fair attempts to celebrate the significance of materials, and the myriad ways in which they shape and affect our lives. It includes five floors flooded with products, installations, curated exhibitor spaces, and an extensive talks program too. It dwells deeply into how the design world can address problems regarding the circular economy, and how material intelligence makes a difference to our lives.
The FIBER FUTURES exhibition showcases eight different approaches to alternative resource streams, innovative spinning techniques, and bio-manufacturing, as well as opening up new pathways for real change. It is led by Adidas AG and RWTH Aachen University. The Locally Grown installation is an interactive one, and it explores hair as a new material, highlighting its great potential. Led by Studio Sanne Visser, this project focuses on the development of human hair as a super-scale regenerative material.
5. Pavilions of Wonder by Nina Tolstrup
Nina Tolstrup designed and set up three immersive pavilions on the Strand as a part of the London Design Festival. The impressive structures are inspired by Barbie Dreamhouses and Palm Springs’ mid-century modern architecture. She teamed up with Barbie creators Mattel and the tourism agency Visit Greater Palm Springs to bring the installation to life. Named the Pavilions of Wonder, the pavilions are a tribute to the whimsical and vibrant design of Barbie’s Dreamhouse, while nudging at the desert modernism of Palm Spring’s architectural style.
The Playful Pauses Pavilion is inspired by the Palm Springs City Hall and Tramway Gas Station. The gas station was taken as a source of inspiration for previous Barbie Dreamhouses as well. It features a simple metal grid, and a pointed roof, accentuated by kaleidoscopic circles which have been crafted from painted drainage tubes. The Design Stories Pavilion is made from CNC-cut plywood connected by a metal scaffold grid system that can be disassembled when needed. The structure merges the design philosophy of straight swimming pools with the geometric signage typically seen in Palm Springs.
Say hello to the Golde House – this is probably the most exclusive tiny home in the world. It features a stunning mirrored gold glass finish and a luxurious interior that truly impresses. And it even has a price tag that impresses, the home is priced at US$250,000. Designed by the Estonian designer ÖÖD, the home features a simple rectangular form and has an exquisite finish of golden-shimmery glass which was commissioned specially for it. The rear of the home also features some wooden cladding.
The home features a length of 25 ft (7.9 m), and 10 ft (3.3 m). It occupies a floor space of 283 sq ft (26.3 sq m), and most of this space is taken by a big multipurpose room which is light-filled and quite airy. The glass ensures that light streams in through the entirety of the day, creating a space that feels warm and blissful. The home also incorporates certain high-end additions like oak paneling, underfloor heating, and gold-covering fittings and flourishes. The multipurpose room includes some seating and a coffee table, while the kitchen is placed to its right. The kitchen is pretty compact, and it features a gold-colored sink, fridge, and some cabinetry. The other end of the seating section holds the bedroom, which includes a double bed and a large storage unit.
The Golden Home also includes a bathroom which can be entered from the kitchen. The bathroom incorporates a wall-mounted flushing toilet, sink, shower, and some storage space. The shower provides lovely views of the outside but is protected from curious eyes on account of the mirrored glass finish.
The Golden House is powered by a standard RV-style hookup, but it can be updated with a full off-the-grid setup including solar panels. The house has limited production, and only 79 units will be created. 30 units are destined to be sold in Europe and the United States, while the remaining units are headed for the Middle East and elsewhere.
Designed by the online marketplace Tiny House Listings, the Mondo is the latest model created in-house. It is equipped with a cozy, spacious, and open interior accentuated by a downstairs bedroom and loads of storage space. The tiny home is an excellent fit for a couple on a mission to downsize but still live comfortably. It is based on a quad-axle trailer and features a length of 32 ft (9.75 m), which is the average size for typical North American tiny homes. It also features an increased width of 10 ft (3 m) instead of the typical 8.5 ft (2.6 m). This ensures that the interior is apartment-like and more spacious as compared to conventional tiny homes. A few extra inches can truly add a whole new level of comfort to a tiny home, however, this will require the home to have a permit to travel on a public road.
The home occupies around 320 sq ft (30 sq m), and you can enter it through a glass door. The glass door leads you into the living room, which contains a sofa, a pair of small tables, an entertainment center, and generous glazing. The kitchen is closely located, and it includes a microwave, propane-powered stove, sink, fridge/freezer, and ample amount of cabinetry. There is also space to accommodate more appliances. The bathroom is adjacent to the kitchen, and it is equipped with a flushing toilet, vanity sink, and shower.
The bedroom is located on the ground floor, and it can be entered through the kitchen. The bedroom seems quite roomy and spacious, and it incorporates a double bed as well as some storage space. It also includes a stacked washing machine and a dryer. Since the bedroom is located on the ground floor, there is plenty of headroom to stand upright.
A loft area has been placed above the living room, and this space can be used as an additional bedroom or a storage space, depending on the local regulations – since most areas need tiny house loft bedrooms to be equipped with egress windows. This space can be accessed via a removable ladder.
This unique micro-apartment is probably one of the smallest apartments in the world, and it is named the Cabanon. The Cabanon measures around 74 square feet and is tremendously small, However, the home is equipped with a pretty clever layout and folding furniture, which allows users to make the most of such a small space. The home is much more equipped than you would expect and even manages to house a bath and a spa area. The name is inspired by a cabin of the same name, which is owned by the famous architect Le Corbusier. The home is designed by Beatriz Ramo of STAR strategies + architecture and Bernd Upmeyer of BOARD (Bureau of Architecture Research and Design), and they will make it their second home.
The little apartment is built in a former attic space in a 1950s residential building located in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The room was initially used for storage, and if you compare it to a tiny home, you’ll find the tiny home quite spacious. The apartment has a height of 9.1 feet, a width of 6.5 feet, and a length of 11.9 feet. The entire space has been sectioned into four areas. The bedroom is elevated and can be accessed via a removable ladder, which is stored away on the bathroom door. The bathroom is equipped with a toilet and rain shower and is connected to a spa area, amped with two infrared saunas and a whirlpool bath.
The living room and kitchen are one section, and it includes a big storage unit that conceals a sink, fridge, table, and cooking facilities. The pictures give us a better look into how this space is designed. The Cabanon is a truly innovative design, however, the designers don’t see it as a viable plan for future housing, but it is a great example of how small spaces can be better utilized. The apartment focuses on cost-cutting initiatives while making the most of a lack of sufficient space.
