Dubbed the Grafton House, and located in LA’s Echo Park neighborhood, this wood-clad residence beautifully incorporates Scandinavian modernism and the bohemian experimentalism that is usually seen on the LA Eastside. The home was built by Sweden-born architect Fredrik Nilsson for his family. It is perched on a sloped site and equipped with views of the surrounding hills, and a stunning city skyline.
Designer: Fredrik Nilsson
The property was purchased by architect Fredrik Nilsson of the local firm Studio Nilsson and his wife a couple of years ago to create a space for a growing family. The property occupies 2400 square feet and was accompanied by an old 400 square feet cottage. Although the cottage is aging, and the property is quite humble, the couple decided to build a homely and warm sanctuary there. “The aim was to expand the feeling of space and tranquillity while remaining squarely in the middle of a noisy, walkable part of the city, where the buzz of police helicopters is not uncommon on a daily basis,” Nilsson said.
The home is inspired by Nilsson’s Swedish roots, as well as his wife’s Indian heritage. He said he wanted to build “a small-footprint, urban treehouse – one inspired by Scandinavian modernism and his Indian-American wife’s desire for warmth and color”. Currently, the old cottage is no more and instead is replaced by a two-story, 1850 square feet house. The facade of the home is clad in raw cedar, with windows and openings that allow daylight to stream into the home while also providing privacy. The upper floor subtly cantilevers over the ground floor, creating a shaded entryway. “Opening the entry gate, guests comment that they feel they have entered a fairyland sanctuary,” said Nilsson.
As you enter the home, you are welcomed by a reverse floor plan marked with private areas on the ground floor. The public spaces are housed on the upper storey. The upper floor also includes an office that can be used as a guest bedroom as well. The views surrounding the home are pretty serene as well, including distant vistas and glances of the nearby trees around the home.
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, a super cool lighting design for your home would be the Poke Wall Light by Daniel Emma for Jam.
Launched by Australian craft organization JamFactory, the Jam is a collection of furniture, lighting, and objects, which includes a stunning blown-glass Poke wall light. The wall light is designed by the Adelaide-based studio Daniel Emma. The Jam collection is described as being “uniquely Australian”, and the Poke light is “innovative and playful” by the JamFactory. The collection is designed to add a “pop of fun and color” to the walls of your home.
The Poke wall light is built using glass blown in JamFactory’s glass studio in Adelaide, Australia. The wall light is equipped with an organically shaped sphere and is available in rosy Apricot or greyish Tourmaline color, with a small cylindrical roster diffuser protruding in the center. The spheres are given a wobbly shape, each with its own unique form since the glass is blown freely. The lamps are used together in a group, creating a charming space, in a hallway or dining space, or on the sides of your bed.
The Poke wall light is available in a clear or frosted finish, with a simple minimalist form that is perfect for both classic and contemporary interiors. You can pick the finish that perfectly matches your living space, to add an ethereal and elegant lighting element to your home. You could also add other designs from the Jam collection, to create a living space that perfectly represents your personal taste.
Dubbed Casa Galeria, this 6458 square feet structure is designed as a gallery concept that functions as a unique space that accommodates their collection of art. Designed by BLOCO Architects, the home features an innovative roof structure supported by five large inverted beams. The beams span the entirety of the 12-meter-wid roof, in turn creating “the gallery”, or the central and main space of the house. The gallery is a multifunctional area with a living room, dining room, balcony, kitchen, and garage.
The exterior of the house showcases a pattern called Bárbara, which is named after the owner. It includes an array of blue and white tiles, which provide an intriguing contrast to the clean white walls. Whereas, the bathroom tiles are more fun and loud colors such as green, yellow, and orange, with a similar design pattern as the interiors.
The design of the Casa Galeria isn’t simply about functionality and art preservation, it also focuses on the layout of the house. The living spaces are divided by two open linear gardens that add green and biophilic elements to the home. The first garden is located between the solar protection wall and the windows of the central living area. It is located closer to the street, while the second one divides the social space from the bedroom hall.
The interiors of the Casa Galeria are designed by BLOCO Architects and shine a light on the family’s stunning art collection. Neutral materials and colors were opted for, creating a surreal backdrop that elevates the artwork, building a grander impression. Custom tile panels were designed by the Brazilian artist João Henrique, which provides an additional layer of uniqueness and beauty to the space. In an effort to protect the art pieces from the strong Brazilian sun, the architects created a large wall, which is raised from the floor, and supported by pillars. This protects the space while permitting soft natural light to enter through the open garden, creating a peaceful environment. The house also features a brushed gray granite floor in all the rooms, offering a calming and neutral tone to it.
Camping isn’t everyone’s forte, but once you get a taste of it, you always feel like indulging in it, especially when the weekend is around the corner. I love dedicating my weekends to camping! Just a few days away from my hectic life, and this hectic world, in a bubble of my own, where all my worries are nowhere to be seen. Although camping does have a few downsides too – I mean, you have to get down and dirty, live life on the road, and tackle the moodiness of the elements. In such a scenario, having a set of trustworthy and handy camping products can make a world of difference! Having the right products by your side can make your life much easier during those crucial moments. From a foldable firepit to a flashlight duo with multiple modes– we’ve curated some fun and functional camping designs for you, that promise to make your outdoor adventures smoother and easier.
1. Space Acacia
This innovative modern camping system is called the Space Acacia, and it features a spacious weatherproof tent, a comfy air floor, and a temperature-adjusting canopy to provide protection from the rain and cold.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Acacia tent is chock-full of innovative features, each contributing to its occupants’ comfort and safety. The unconventional hexagonal shape not only provides more space but better stability as well, able to withstand level 8 winds. At the same time, its Oxford 300D material will keep you protected from downpours of up to 2,000mm.
What we like
Takes only 20 minutes to set up
Features PU2000 waterproof coating and a maximum capacity of 4,000lbs
What we dislike
Hefty price tag
2. The ROMR Elite2 Pro Camping Tent
The ROMR Elite2 Pro Camping Tent is an ultra-lightweight shelter that offers durable and reliable protection, regardless of the season you’re experiencing. It is also super easy to use and convenient from every angle.
Why is it noteworthy?
It uses the cutting-edge Dyneema composite material famed for its tear resistance, all-weather reliability, and lightweight fabric. Paired with water-repellent YKK zippers, the tent can protect you and your camping partner from all kinds of environments in any season.
What we like
Restructured as a folding soft-shell tent resembling the size and shape of a hitch-mounted cargo box
What we dislike
There is no option for customization
3. The All-In-One-Grill
Meet the All-In-One-Grill designed to help you with all kinds of cooking ranging from frying to smoking to stewing and grilling. This is the ultimate grill you’ve been looking for!
Why is it noteworthy?
Made by a small family-owned Japanese factory that specializes in sheet metal fabrication, the All-in-One Grill is carefully designed to maximize the limited amount of space available, like small grooves on the grill’s frame that keep the skewers in place. The wooden base that protects tables from the grill’s hot bottom also acts as a lid when the griller has to be stowed away.
What we like
Let’s you cook in seven different ways
Simplifies outdoor cooking
What we dislike
Hardcore grillers may not prefer this design, and would prefer more traditional designs
4. Mouro Lamp
Designed by Patricia Perez for Case Furniture, the Mouro Lamp is a pretty minimalist lamp defined by simple geometric shapes. The playful and portable Mouro Lamp is named after a lighthouse in Perez’s hometown.
Why is it noteworthy?
The lamp is made up of a disc-shaped LED light and a rectangular frame that holds it, while also doubling up as a handle. It has a unique yet simple structure and form that make it super easy to use and carry around.
What we like
Can be rotated 360 degrees
Provides directional illumination
What we dislike
Looks a bit fragile and is easily breakable
5. FireBase
Dubbed the FireBase, this foldable firepit is made using five metal parts that can be slotted into each other like puzzle pieces, saving you from fussing or focusing too much on the equipment, and allowing you to spend more time on preparing the food.
Why is it noteworthy?
The metal bonfire stand embraces a minimalist design where every part and cutout serves a purpose. In addition to the slots for inserting metal pieces like trivets and side plates, there are also holes in the middle that facilitate airflow.
What we like
Minimal and easy to carry form
Easy to disassemble the contraption for more convenient cleaning and carrying
What we dislike
The basic structure of the firepit allows for minimal cooking and no additional cooking techniques, which could be an issue for people who like cooking multiple dishes
6. The Orbe Lamp
French designer Nelson Fossey from Index Office collaborated with Lexon to create the Orbe lamp. Winner of the 2023 Red Dot Design award, the Orbe is a portable torchiere lamp that is designed to illuminate spaces wherever and whenever needed.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Orbe Lamp is inspired by childhood memories of playing the cup-and-ball game and features a detachable magnetic head with an interesting 2-part design that can be easily attached and detached.
What we like
You can easily carry the lamp with you anywhere, and its rotatable head emits a peak output of 100 lumens of light
What we dislike
Not sure if it durable enough to handle the outdoors
7. HOTO Flashlight DUO
Meet the HOTO Flashlight DUO, which is ideal for all camping scenarios. The flashlight is incorporated and integrated with various modes and inclusions to expand the flashlight’s functionality.
Why is it noteworthy?
There’s a retractable magnetic hook, strap, and magnetic base to make sure you are covered for any kind of usability. This gives the user the freedom to go hands-free and focus on the task at hand. You can either stick it to a hanging space or magnetically hook on onto any metal object.
What we like
The simple interface honed by a knob and button makes possible 13 different light combinations
What we dislike
Hefty price tag
8. Rux
Dubbed Rux, this gear container is simple, flexible, and modular. It allows you to hold all your stuff and is also soft-sided allowing you to fold and pack it up when not in use.
Why is it noteworthy?
It has several components that you can easily put together and comes with additional accessories that you can add to it to organize all your gear. It can be a good companion for fishing trips, camping adventures, cross-country road trips, and various events where you need gearboxes.
What we like
Features an easy-access fold
Built using compressed Eva foam
What we dislike
It does seem a bit big and bulky to be carrying around everywhere, could have a more portable design
9. Tentsla
The innovative Tentsla is a tent that fits perfectly into the boot of your Tesla and opens up into a full-fledged tent that can be used alongside the Tesla’s Camp Mode.
Why is it noteworthy?
Designed to turn your EV into the ultimate camping experience, the Tentsla comes with all the bells and whistles, including a multi-use weather-resistant canopy, mosquito netting, and a pump to help you set up your Tentsla in minutes.
What we like
Features a multi-canopy design that blocks out the sun and keeps it cool
The mushroom table lamp is so minimalist that you will see neither cords nor buttons on its pristine surface. Pressing anywhere on the edge of the lamp’s top turns it on and cycles through its different brightness settings before it turns off again.
What we like
Each press has a soft and comfortable clicking feel to it, so you can get addicted to and enjoy the gesture
What we dislike
Compared to traditional camping light, the diffused light of this lamp may not be bright enough
Building intricate little LEGO structures was one of my favorite hobbies as a kid. I would love sitting and spending hours building the adorable little builds. I’m sure most of us have nostalgic and heartwarming memories associated with LEGO blocks from our childhood, as well as the not-so-heartwarming ones of stepping on them with our feet and feeling an insane amount of pain shoot up our legs. Despite these wonderful childhood memories, LEGO is no longer considered child’s play! Master builders, artists, and LEGO enthusiasts all over the world are creating impressive LEGO builds that’ll blow your minds away. They are a result of their hours of dedication, attention to detail, hard work, and creativity. And we’ve put together some mindblowing LEGO builds that recently took our breath away! From a LEGO T-Rex to a LEGO Popcorn Machine – these LEGO builds are gonna get LEGO lovers drooling over them.
1. LEGO Popcorn Machine
Designed by Dimexart, this Popcorn Machine is built entirely from LEGO. It is reminiscent of the iconic popcorn machines you usually see in movie theaters. It features a glorious retro-style theme and is created using 955 pieces. In fact, even the popcorn is built using LEGO bricks!
2. LEGO Miller’s Planet Scene
LEGO builder Minibrick Productions recreated the iconic Miller’s Planet scene from the Interstellar movie with this tiny LEGO-based recreation that includes the ranger aircraft, astronauts Cooper and Brad, and the shapeshifting robots TARS and CASE. McConaughey and Hathaway come outfitted in their space suits, while TARS and CASE, the two robots feature repositionable arms that enable them to walk like humans.
3. The LEGO® Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: T. rex Skull
The LEGO® Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: T. rex Skull (76964) is one of the first Jurassic World sets intended for museum-like display. It is a 577-piece set that includes a T. Rex skull with an opening jaw, and a stand to proudly display it. The build also includes an info plaque, an amber piece at the back, and a fossilized footprint.
4. LEGO Snow Globe
LEGO-builder BrickAbe designed a functioning snow globe! However, what makes the snow globe even more special is that it features YouTube’s most well-known fictional character – the anime girl from the LoFi Girl YouTube channel, who is known for her endless streams of beautiful downtempo music.
5. The LEGO Art space poster “The Moon: Earth’s Companion”
The LEGO Art space poster “The Moon: Earth’s Companion” is a celebration of the beauty and glory of the moon and is built using 2360 bricks, it features realistic craters and terrains and is built with an immense amount of attention to detail. The brick-built Moon is a unique fan-made creation that perfectly captures the essence of the moon.
6. LEGO Piranha Plant
Dubbed the Piranha Plant, this LEGO build by Super Mario Landscape is a super cute desk accessory for all the Mario fans and lovers out there. The plant is made using 540 bricks, and stands tall at 9 inches, featuring an adjustable head, positionable leaves, a moveable jaw, and two golden coins that can be dropped into the plant’s pipe.
7. LEGO NIKE Air Jordan 11
LEGO Hungarian builder, Tamás Borján took his love for sneakers to a whole ‘nother level with the NIKE Air Jordan 11 LEGO build. Built using the beloved plastic building blocks, the Jordans feature a unique spin by Tamás. They are a perfect symbol of style and basketball prowess!
8. LEGO Magic Maze
Meet the Magic Maze! This immersive game is a complete treat for LEGO enthusiasts as it provides hours of fun. It basically involves guiding a marble around the challenging playing field. You need to skillfully tilt the seat, and navigate past the treacherous holes and obstacles. It’s a true test of dexterity and strategy, making it a perfect addition to your collection.
9. LEGO Tower Chess
This Tower Chess by Ferbrick1 basically disguises a board game as home decor! The build is cleverly designed and is morphed into a unique castle tower that stores chess pieces in built-in racks. The board also wraps around to form the tower’s brick facade, hiding the entire chess set underneath it.
10. LEGO FedEx Truck
LEGO fan David Clavijo designed FedEx’s iconic truck using LEGO bricks in celebration of FedEx’s 50th anniversary. The company boasts an inspiring workforce of over 500,000 employees, a fleet of 700+ aircraft, and 200,000 vehicles. This unique build pays tribute to the company!
If you need a break from your hectic city life and want to unwind in a cozy little cabin, then we’ve found the perfect little retreat for you. I personally love cabins and think they’re the best type of vacation out there. Cabins are peaceful and tranquil, and an excellent option to help you dump your city life and woes, and simply unwind in the beauty of nature. If you’re looking for your next cabin retreat, then you may want to consider Hytta in Lípa nad Dřevnicí, Czech Republic.
Designers: Dominik Ilichman and Adam Hofman
Designed by Dominik Ilichman and Adam Hofman, the Hytta cabin is a serene cabin inspired by Scandinavian design and minimalism. The quaint cabin is designed to provide a calm and distraction-free environment, offering you a much-needed break from your hectic everyday life. Hytta is tucked away on the outskirts of a pine forest, which makes for an excellent location. It is designed to be a place where residents can nurture their thoughts, and dig deeper into their creative ideas without the disruptions and distractions of everyday life. Hytta is an antidote to these situations and serves as a tranquil retreat for relaxation and contemplation.
The cabin features a double-height living area, a quality workspace, a cozy bedroom, and sleeping nooks. The house is also complemented by a Finnish sauna with a cold immersion tub. It is pretty minimalist in nature and is heavily inspired by Scandinavian minimalism, which basically eradicates all unnecessary elements that can distract someone. Hytta perfectly merges modern functionality and convenience with minimalism by providing top-notch amenities. It features a spacious terrace, as well as windows on all sides, which builds a serene indoor-outdoor connection, and allows nature to intersperse with the space.
Since the cabin is nestled on a slope at the forest’s edge, it gives it an element of isolation, allowing it to be protected from the hustle and bustle of city life, while providing privacy as well. The cabin is inspired by the form of a hunting cabin, which provides it with a unique and distinctive shape, and allows it to stand out.
We often underestimate the importance of a great chair. When in reality, we really shouldn’t. We spend the majority of our day sitting on chairs, whether we’re working in our home office, enjoying a meal, or simply sitting and reading a book for leisure! Hence, this piece of furniture needs to be not only comfortable but ergonomic and aesthetic as well. And we’ve curated a collection of chair designs that meet all these criteria! From a chair with scissor-like legs to a traditional outdoor chair with a makeover – these innovative chair designs are not only a boon to your back and help you maintain a healthy posture, but are also super comfy to sink into and will perfectly match the interiors of your modern homes.
1. The Peach Easy Chair
Created by Annabella Hevesi, the Peach Easy Chair is a visually interesting chair that features an innovative mechanical joint solution that allows the foam to be shaped in a totally new and refreshing manner!
Why is it noteworthy?
The joint enables the foam to be shaped without cutting or casting – the first method creates a lot of waste, and the second method is quite expensive. Instead, a new ‘tufting’ technique was employed to distort the foam and create the shell out of the chair.
What we like
Provides a mechanical connection between components, eliminating the need for glue
What we dislike
The chair offers a slouched posture, which may not be ergonomic for the user, especially for longer durations
2. The Net Lounge Chair
Designed by Raffaello Galiotto for Nardi, the Net Lounge Chair is designed to be a modern alternative to the traditional outdoor armchair. The chair is made using monochrome recyclable fiberglass polypropylene resins with UV additives.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Net Lounge features a deep round seat, with an interesting wave-like form that encloses your body and forms a comfortable envelope while you read, nap, or watch a pretty sunset.
What we like
Holds towel clips that allow you to keep your towel in place
What we dislike
The aesthetics of the chair are a bit boring and unassuming
3. Noho Move
Design studio Formway teamed up with the brand Noho to create the ergonomically sound dining chair called the Noho Move.
Why is it noteworthy?
Both the brands collaborated to create a chair that can support and facilitate hours of sitting. “Our brief was to bring ergonomic performance to the dining room — that isn’t really something anyone has done before,” said Formway design lead Paul Stevenson.
What we like
Designed to support a wide range of movements such as stretching, fidgeting, and shifting
What we dislike
There is no option for customization
4. UMI Armchair
The UMI Armchair is designed by Rotislav Sorokovoy for the Ukraine-based furniture design company WOO, and it could be easily mistaken for a sculpture.
Why is it noteworthy?
The large and chonky furniture piece has a soft sculptural aesthetic to it and is designed to allow the user to interact with it, much like children do. The shape and texture of the armchair have been designed to welcome and invite people in and encourage them to engage with it.
What we like
Desiged to help you relax, read, and meditate, allowing you to peacefully unwind after a long day at work
What we dislike
Space-consuming and bulky design
5. Grid Chair
This simple well-designed chair is called the Grid Chair by SUNRIU Design, and it incorporates a few thoughtful details that truly set it apart. It incorporates flat elements to create storage spaces.
Why is it noteworthy?
The aim behind the chair is to tackle the issue of accidentally knocking over your coffee, or a glass of water while sitting on a chair or couch. The Grid Chair is made up of four planks of wood arranged in an interesting grid-like manner. The various lines of the chair harmoniously work together to create a neat grid that creates extended flat surfaces on either side of the chair.
What we like
The extended surfaces serve as storage spaces to hold your coffee, books, and other knick-knacks
What we dislike
Space-consuming and bulky design
The wooden edges of the extended surfaces could hurt young children and babies
6. Havana Lounge Chair
Designed by LAB15 for the Danish brand Eilersen, this Havana lounge chair is a cozy and chonky seat inspired by the Cuban chairs of the Art Deco period.
Why is it noteworthy?
The comfy and super-rounded seat features a pebble-like pouffe in its center which forms the main body of the chair. The bulbous pouffe can be accentuated with single or double arms and an optional backrest. The Havana chair is built of organic shapes, giving it a rather cozy and cushy feel.
What we like
Upholstered in a large range of solid-colored, textured, or patterned fabrics or in leather
What we dislike
Space-consuming and bulky design, not suited for homes with space constraints
7. Nebula Lounge Wood Chair
Designed by Italian design studio E-ggs for furniture brand Miniforms, the Nebula lounge wood chair is a versatile and unique chair that is available in a choice of three different bases.
Why is it noteworthy?
Much like the aluminum base, the wooden base features a tilt-and-return mechanism that allows the chair to dynamically respond to shifting sittings positions, while also providing the warmth and subtleness of wood to the chair.
What we like
Optimum option for homes with a generous amount of space
What we dislike
Not recommended for homes with smaller real estate, as it may promote cramping issues
8. Kainchee
The name Kainchee is a unique one for a chair. Kainchee quite literally means scissors in the Hindi language. And if you look closely, you can understand why the designer dubbed his design Kainchee.
Why is it noteworthy?
The chair does look like two pairs of scissors, from the bottom half at least. The star feature of the chair is its intertwining and geometrically intriguing form. A band of walnut wood forms the seat of the chair, while subtly interlocking with the ash wood to form the legs of the chair. The interlocking walnut and ash wood legs bring to mind the image of two scissors!
What we like
Unique design with utility + functionality
Invites users to have seats, and engage with others in a social setting, in turn enriching their social life
What we dislike
It’s a concept!
9. Sand Chair
The Sand Chair was designed by product designer and architect Koichi Futatsumata, and it was launched as a part of Tendo Makko’s Japanese Modern/80 Project celebrating the 80th anniversary of the furniture brand.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Sand Chair is the epitome of contemporary Japanese design, and it has a unique flexible build, that allows it to be converted into multiple seating options. It isn’t actually named after the sand found on beaches, it is named after the ‘sandwiched’ components that come together to create this harmonious chair.
What we like
Available in a variety of configurations – without backrests, armrests, or even bench versions
What we dislike
At first glance, it seems like a simple + basic chair
10. Big Chair
The Big Chair is designed to be a playful and amusing furniture design, that functions as a whimsical element in your home.
Why is it noteworthy?
It has an expansive and inviting seat that is intended for one person but can seat two people. The Big Chair was created by BNF founder Ben Newman, and he says that the over-the-top, and exaggerated elements of the chair are inspired by the ’80s maximalism and the Memphis design movement.
What we like
Quirky over-the-top elements that set it apart from traditional & mundane chairs
What we dislike
As its name signifies, it is a bulky + space-consuming design
We often underestimate the importance of a great sofa. When in reality, we really shouldn’t. We spend the majority of our day sitting on sofas, whether we’re watching some TV, enjoying a meal, or simply sitting and reading a book for leisure! Hence, this piece of furniture needs to be not only comfortable but ergonomic and aesthetic as well. And we’ve curated a collection of chair designs that meet all these criteria! An excellent sofa should not only be super comfy to sink into, but should also perfectly match the interiors of your modern homes, and one such sofa design is the Valencia Modular Sofa.
The Valencia modular sofa is designed by the British brand Morgan, and is intended to be a light and aesthetically pleasing design. It is designed to be an alternative to typical modular sofas. It is a classic of the brand’s catalogue and made up of individual seating units that are meant to be placed together. You can pick from the option of a full, three-quarter or half backrest.
“The combined backrest outlines create a rhythmic sequence of rise and fall, with sofas coming together to form distinctive ‘V’-shaped silhouettes,” said Morgan. The backrests of the Valencia modular sofa are tapered at each end to reduce some of the weight from the volumes, providing the sofa with a clean and flowing form that brings to mind the image of rolling hills in a landscape.
The tapered timber legs add an impressive effect to which echo the gentle angles at the top of the sofa, providing the seating with a look of lightness. The Valencia collection has won the Design Guild Mark award in 2017, which recognizes excellence in British design. The collection will include a daybed, as well as a side and coffee tables, which would make for an excellent addition to your modern living spaces.
Nestled in Nova Lima in Minas Gerais is Tetro Arquictectura’s Laguna House. The four-bedroom Brazilian house is amped with a stunning view of a lake, with mountains in the backdrop. It is a sleek and modern abode that perfectly utilizes the views and contours of the property it is located on.
The beautiful Brazilian home is designed by architects Carlos Maia, Débora Mendes, and Igor Macedo, and is elevated on a rectangular core, and supported by a group of tall slender pillars. The lower level is sunken and it holds the three ensuite guest bedrooms, a covered terrace, an outdoor kitchen, and a dining area. While the main living spaces are located above it, with a rectangular concrete slab roof towering over them. The main living spaces correspond with a big square courtyard, and the master bedroom subtly cantilevers over the garden. It also holds a massive and impressive walk-in wardrobe. The kitchen, utility room, and staff accommodation are located in the same row as the bedrooms below. An external covered walkway provides access to them.
The minimalist home includes the main entrance which is built of a series of concrete steps that smoothly follow the contour of the land, leading you up to a covered porch, positioned along a courtyard garden. As you enter through the main entrance, you are welcomed into the main living space, which has an area for seating and dining as well as a kitchen. The home also includes a covered balcony with sliding glass doors that lead to it.
The entire home has a raw yet contemporary feel to it. Raw concrete is teamed up with natural stone and vertical hardwood slats for privacy and sun screening to create an inviting and warm space. Aluminum framed floor-to-ceiling windows mark the entirety of the space. The concrete roof is projecting and helps not only to reduce solar gain but also ensures that the sunlight reaches the interiors only during late afternoon. The home is simple but thoughtfully designed with the private spaces located on the main floor, while the guest bedrooms are kept on the lower level.
What really makes a desk stand out to me is the collection of stationery items placed on top of it (and also the manner in which they are placed). The true value and efficiency of your desk lie in the smart assortment of designs you adorn it with – these are after all the objects that are gonna help you get through your workday, and directly or indirectly affect your productivity. It’s imperative to have a collection that really lets you work easily, efficiently, and effectively. But what’s even more integral than that is to have them organized and tidy, so they don’t clutter up your desk, and in turn hamper your productivity. This is where smart holders and containers come into the equation, as they ensure your stationery is stored efficiently but is also easily accessible!
1. Grovemade’s Hardwood Cups and Planters
Made the hard old school way in Grovemade’s Portland OR factory, the cups, planters, and dishes are carved from solid maple or walnut. These containers are functional and utilitarian but also quite good-looking.
Why is it noteworthy?
The detailed pieces are hand-sanded and finished with a clear vegetable-based oil which highlights the natural warmth, elegance, and sheer beauty of the wood. The collection basically consists of cups, dishes, and planters in a variety of different woods. The cups are tall containers that are ideal for holding your pens, pencils, scissors, markers, etc.
What we like
Come in various metal and material options, so you can pick and choose
What we dislike
Aesthetics are a bit unassuming and boring
2. The KNOB.
The KNOB. is a minimal and sleek pen tray with soft rounded edges, that adds an iota of personality and character to your desk. It is designed by Changho Lee and gives a refreshing yet simple twist to the regular pen tray.
Why is it noteworthy?
Despite its simple good looks, the KNOB. pen tray has quite a unique functionality. The pen tray was inspired by the knobs you find on a gas burner. Lee borrowed the design language of gas burner knobs, and replicated it in his tray creating a piece of stationery with intriguing-looking ‘control buttons’ or ‘knobs’.
What we like
The knobs or multiport radar allow you to adjust the internal space of the pen tray
What we dislike
Does not have a chance to accommodate unusually shaped objects
3. Scissors w/ Base
Why is it noteworthy?
In a world where tech tidies our desks, who knew scissors would steal the limelight? The Scissors w/Base aren’t just cutting-edge (pun intended); they’re reshaping workspace organization. That magnetic base? It’s the game-changer, giving these shears a permanent VIP spot on your desk—no more lost-in-the-abyss moments. Crafted with lustrous Japanese steel, they’re not just tools but desk decor that screams ‘next-gen chic’. And that bonus boxcutter feature? Consider it a nifty Easter egg in this age of multifunctional design.
That magnetic base is genius—ensuring your scissors have a dedicated spot
In the world of multifunctional gadgets, having a built-in box cutter is the kind of forward-thinking detail we appreciate
What we dislike
As much as they’re aesthetically pleasing, they will not replace the heavy-duty scissors you need for tougher tasks
4. UFO Desk Pen Holder
The UFO Desk Pen Holder is an innovative pen holder that is completely out of this world. It holds your pen, while suspending it in mid-air, giving the impression that aliens are going to kidnap your pen. The pen stands straight and upright in the holder.
Why is it noteworthy?
The top of the pen holder is your stereotypical alien spaceship in the shape of a flying saucer. You could put the USS Enterprise or a Star Destroyer, too, but its irregular shape would break the illusion and remove a bit of the eerie atmosphere surrounding this design.
What we like
Adds an element of fun to your workdesk
The saucer provides illumination
What we dislike
As a single pen holder, it takes up a lot of space on the desk
5. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter
Why is it noteworthy?
In the realm of desk organization, where every inch counts, this letter cutter reimagines a standard office tool. Beyond its efficient slicing, its ability to serve as a chic paperweight means less clutter and more style for your workspace. It’s not just about opening mail—it’s about elevating and decluttering your entire desk aesthetic.
The precision cut ensures there are no messy scraps left behind, making post-mail cleanup a breeze
By doubling as a paperweight, it ensures fewer items are scattered across your workspace, helping maintain a clean, organized desk
What we dislike
While fantastic for standard envelopes, it is not versatile enough for those bulkier packages or intricate mail
6. Grovemade Note-Taking Kit
The Grovemade Note-Taking Kit is the perfect product to effortlessly, efficiently capture, process, and store your notes.
Why is it noteworthy?
Grovemade’s Note-Taking Kit is essentially a refillable notepad with dot grid paper and a solid metal base, accompanied by a display rail to hold and accommodate your notes and devices, as well as a vertical organizer that will store your notes until you’re ready to use them – this keeps your workspace neat and tidy in the meantime.
What we like
Ensures that your workdesk is neat and tidy, helping you complete your important tasks first
What we dislike
Will consume a substantial amount of precious real estate on your desk
7. Quick-Access Organizer
Why is it noteworthy?
In a world buzzing with smart gadgets and digital reminders, something as fundamental as losing keys can feel archaic. This organizer isn’t just a storage solution; it’s a desk revolution. By using magnetic wizardry, it guarantees that your essentials have a designated, easily accessible home, marrying form and function in a way that shouts 21st-century design philosophy.
The rotating mechanism takes the guesswork out of storage. Drop your items, and they’re securely in place, ready for their next use
Not just a lid, but a tray? It’s this kind of dual functionality that truly maximizes space, and we’re all about efficient design
Even your Everyday Carry tools find a home, ensuring everything you need is in one spot
What we dislike
While spacious, those with a larger array of items will find it limiting
There’s always a concern about magnets around certain electronic devices or cards. You would need to be selective about what you store
8. Forest Tidy
This seat of minimal and solid containers is called the Forest Tidy and it is carved from rosewood. The set aims to bring a whole new level of organization to your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
By splitting your workspace belongings into different categories, the Forest Tidy organizational kit gives you space for stationery, tech, EDC, cables, and even a dedicated stand for your monitor along with a stowaway space for your keyboard and mouse.
What we like
Available variety of shapes and sizes, tailor-made to your tabletop belongings
Features a dedicated phone stand that lets you dock your phone either in portrait or landscape
What we dislike
Unfortunately, the phone stand doesn’t come with a channel for a cable pass-through, which means it won’t function as a charging stand
9. Cyl
Cyl is an innovative desk organizer concept that utilizes the age-old stacking trick to free up horizontal space on your deck by using the unused vertical space that is often forgotten.
Why is it noteworthy?
This desk organizer concept doesn’t discriminate or put limits on what you can put inside. More importantly, you can easily see what’s inside and quickly get them without having to unstack the ones above. In theory, you can stack the containers as high as you can, presuming gravity doesn’t cause them to topple over.
What we like
You can easily see what’s inside and quickly get them without having to unstack the ones above
Organizers come in different sizes
What we dislike
No option to close the organizer when not in use
10. Hanging Desk Organizer
Why is it noteworthy?
In today’s ever-evolving workspaces, redefining how we utilize space is essential. This edge-hanging organizer doesn’t just challenge the norms; it entirely disrupts them. Leveraging often overlooked spaces, it offers a solution that’s as innovative as it is effective, allowing users to reclaim their desktop real estate for productivity while ensuring essentials are always within arm’s reach.
