Seoul-based studio AOA architects designed ‘Hoji Gangneung’ – a series of distinctive and unique-looking concrete dwellings that are connected via a raised and circular path. Nestled in the South Korean countryside, in Gangwon-do, the Hoji Gangneung is made up of a family house for the owner, as well as three guesthouses, and a communal building. The property highlights how innovatively community living can be elevated and planned.
Designer: AOA Architects
One of the four homes is called the Round House, and it has quite an interesting semi-circular end. Another one of the houses has an octagonal shape and a central courtyard. The other two homes and the communal building feature rectangular floor plans, and have different roof shapes. The communal building is equipped with a mono-pitch roof, and one of the rectangular houses has an adorable but ordinary gable roof. The last home on the site is called the Long House, and it features a gable roof with a raised central section and a lovely skylight, which forms an elongated light well. “Every building has its own shape, size, and character, allowing guests to enjoy each space distinctly through shadow play,” said AOA Architects principal Jaewon Suh.
While designing the various buildings, AOA Architects were inspired by countryside structures like warehouses and cabins. They wanted to create a space that is influenced by its surroundings, while also creating something new and innovative “The main concept and goal of the design is to build something familiar and also unfamiliar in a rural area,” said Suh. “For some, the Octagonal House looks like a nomadic tent and feels like an octagonal pavilion, the Long House looks like a milk carton or a grain warehouse, and the Round House looks like a slender piece of wood or a face with a hat, but these associations do not matter.”
All the buildings have been built from textured concrete, and are topped by corrugated metal roofs. The communal building has an exposed concrete structure, and massive glass doors that occupy one wall, which lead to the concrete walkway and offer expansive views of the various houses.
Designers Nat Martin and Sean Hammett created a unique and innovative light in a desire for more mood-boosting daylight in the sullen English winters. Dubbed the Sunday Light, this small but powerful overhead LED is suspended beneath a reflective panel. The panel is created to diffuse light in a manner similar to Earth’s atmosphere, allowing the light to evenly disperse across the room. It was designed to bring the sensation and feeling of a sunny day to your home, irrespective of the weather outside.
Designer: Nat Martin and Sean Hammett
The Sunday light is much like a SAD lamp designed to handle seasonal affective disorder. The light promises to deliver sun-like light and to successfully uplift mood, energy, and alertness. But unlike a SAD lamp, the Sunday light is intended to be pleasant to sit beneath, emitting a light that is natural and diffused without any kind of harshness.
Martin decided to create the Sunday light when he was forced to return to the UK from the US border, after spending excessive time in LA. When he returned home, he missed the warm sunny days of LA and teamed up with Hammett to create something that could fight against this lack of sunlight. “I love sunshine. Everyone to some extent needs sunlight. Some people are more affected by it than others but bright sunlight makes everyone feel better,” said Martin.
The intention behind the Sunday light was to create something that feels like a “beautiful sunny day”. The LED is supposed to be “insanely bright”, has a strength of 30,000 lumens, and delivers 10,000 lux, which is 300 times the amount of light that would hit a person standing below a typical ceiling light. He says that light this strong might sound uncomfortable and disturbing, but is in fact quite warm and comforting. The Sunday light has a CRI value of 93 which means even though it is cool in color temperature, it has a rather natural and pleasant feel to it. Also, the light is quite indirect and is placed within a metal arm.
Canada’s Acorn Tiny Homes recently launched an innovative tiny home design that is expanding the concept of small living. Dubbed the True North Retreat, this thoughtfully designed home can squeeze up to seven people and will feature all the amenities and comfort you can expect from a tiny home. But it does have one exciting addition – a barbecue area that can be accessed from the outside.
Based on a quadruple-axle trailer, and measuring 38ft in length, the True North Retreat has an increased width of 10.6 ft, which means it will need a permit to be towed on a public road. The tiny home is finished in faux stone and metal siding, and roofing, with interesting green wall sections. The dedicated BBQ station can be accessed from the outside through a section of operable facade, and this will accommodate the gas barbecue itself, as well as a sink, fridge, and cabinetry.
You can enter the home through a standard door or glazed sliding doors. The interiors measure 546 square feet, and it houses a living room at the center, equipped with a sofa, mini-split air-conditioning system, and a coffee table. The living room seems quite spacious and comfortable, owing to the extra width. It will also feature generous glazing which allows natural light to stream in throughout the day. The kitchen is located adjacent to the living room. It has an interesting U-shape and will accommodate a quartz countertop, a fridge/freezer, an oven, a sink, a breakfast bar, and custom cabinetry.
The bathroom is located on the other side of the living room, and it includes a toilet, sink, shower, washer, and dryer. The master bedroom is situated in the raised section of the trailer and can be accessed via stairs. It has plenty of headroom to stand straight, which isn’t commonly seen in tiny homes. It also includes a double bed with integrated storage space, glazing, and wardrobe space. The home also includes two secondary bedrooms, although they are the typical loft-like spaces with low ceilings you see in traditional tiny homes. The bedrooms can be equipped with double beds or can be utilized for storage.
I love spending time and canoodling with my cats, but as much as I love being around them, cats are pretty quick-witted creatures, and they require constant entertainment and stimulation, which often times can be pretty difficult to keep up with. If you’re pretty much in the same precarious situation as me and are always looking for new ways to keep your pet entertained, productive, and happy, then this collection of pet products promises to come to your rescue! From a modular pet-friendly sofa to a pet-friendly console – these product designs will take good care of your pet, and keep them active and content. You can take a little breather, while they wrestle around with these newfound fun products! These are the cat-friendly products you need in your home!
1. CONNECT Tree
Dubbed the CONNECT Tree, this sophisticated and functional cat tree is a literal haven for the kitties. Designed by Vazken Karageozian, the tree was inspired by the needs and requirements of his two cats – Gray and Ella. The CONNET Collection takes a modular and innovative approach to constructing and designing a cat tree.
Why is it noteworthy?
The cat tree is designed to be a multi-level system that can be customized using attachable accessories. It creates a cozy, comfy, and fun recreational activity for your cats, allowing them to engage in unique activities besides scratching and climbing your couch. The tree is the centerpiece of the multi-accessory system.
What we like
Supported by elements such as a scratching pad, cushion, tray platform, and hanging toy
Great replacement for cheaply-made cat furniture
What we dislike
No option for customization in material and color
2. Quarter Sofa
Called the Quarter Sofa, this modular and pet-friendly sofa is made using wood and fabrics, including various circular and square modules. The various modules can be assembled and disassembled and moved around to build different configurations. It’s a furniture design that meets the needs of both humans and cats!
Why is it noteworthy?
The innovative configurations you can make using the modules serve as a cat playground. They can jump around, and move enabling them to play together, even if you have multiple cats.
What we like
The various modules can be arranged to accommodate different numbers of people
The empty spaces can be used to store and display items such as books, magazines, and tidbits
What we dislike
If your cat poops or pees in the hollow spaces, it could be difficult to clean them up, or even reach those corners
3. The Mocats Multifunctional Cat Furniture
The Mocats Multifunctional Cat Furniture allows indoor cats to experience the outside world, without stepping out of their home. The cat furniture is shaped like a city skyline, and it is quite adaptable and modular, providing cats with their own apartments, buildings, and roofs to explore.
Why is it noteworthy?
This modular and interesting design lets you build the sort of toy that will perfectly fit your home. It features undulating rooftops, which add a nice touch to your home, and interior design, while also functioning as a unique piece of furniture for your cat to explore, and pass time in.
What we like
Functions as an adaptable space that meets the ever-changing needs of cats
Assembling the modules also creates a bonding experience between cats and their owners
What we dislike
4. Tesla Cybertruck Corrugated Cat House
On the Chinese version of the Tesla website, you may come across a $13 Tesla Cybertruck Corrugated Cat House, and this little invention certainly took the internet by storm. It got everyone wondering if Tesla has really decided to get into the pet product industry, and is the Cat House just the start of a whole new onslaught of pet products?!
Why is it noteworthy?
The unique-looking cat tray is inspired by the angular shape of Tesla’s electric pickup truck. It measures 56x41x25cm and has a futuristic shape, unlike typical cat trays on the market. It is embedded with thick corrugated paper, and it is designed to be a multifunctional product.
What we like
Serves as a multifunctional space for your cat
It can support up to 15kgs, so it accommodates cats of different breeds and sizes
What we dislike
Essentially it is a simple cardboard box, there’s nothing really cyber/techy about it
The real utility of the tray is still unknown, and people can’t decipher whether it is a cat bed or litter box
5. Cat Box
This adorable little box-shaped shelter looks like a shipping container home for cats! It is made using stiff paper boards, building lightweight yet durable boxes for kitties to play in, rest in, paw at, or engage with. It is made using sustainable materials, and the boxes stack up one on top of the other, creating the ultimate haven for cats.
Why is it noteworthy?
The shelter has multiple entry points to elevated vantage points, as well as a hanging toy to keep the kitties entertained. What makes the Cat Box unique, is the use of honeycomb board – a sturdy material that merges a core and honeycomb structure between plywood layers. Using a honeycomb board is an environmentally friendly decision, which also takes into consideration the well-being of our pets.
What we like
Features elevated viewpoints in vertical spaces which is quite important for cats
What we dislike
There doesn’t seem to be any scope for customization
6. Triangle Toy
Dubbed the Triangle Toy, this unique pet toy entertains your furry friends, while also doubling up as a work of art. This one-of-a-kind pet toy isn’t just about play, it’s also about providing a visual experience that is inspired by the beauty of nature.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Triangle Toy shows how pet products can be made super creative. It functions as a canvas for the motifs of clouds, the sun, and the mountains. The huge mountains are represented by the triangular structure, while the gentle flow of the clouds is shown by the rolling ball.
What we like
Seems more like an objet d’art that seamlessly integrates into any space, than a pet toy
What we dislike
It’s a concept, so we don’t know how well it will translate into an actual product
7. Choo Choo Console
Named the Choo Choo, this console is a rather unique and innovative creation in the arena of pet-friendly furniture. The Choo Cho console is a dedicated space built from natural materials like wood and cane webbing, and it attempts to build a solid connection between cats and humans.
Why is it noteworthy?
When you look at the console, you are reminded of a bullet train, and it has a contemporary vibe to it that also represents a sense of speed and efficiency. The Choo Choo console perfectly encapsulates the concept of high-speed transportation with the utility of a pet-friendly design.
What we like
Features a discreet compartment that hides a litter box for your cat
Perfectly marries aesthetics with functionality and practicality
What we dislike
Space-consuming design that will occupy a substantial amount of space in your home
The interior section of the console looks tough to reach and clean
8. Snowhouse Sofa
The Snowhouse Sofa perfectly captures the pretty image of snow falling daintily and leaving an impression on whatever it falls upon. The Snowhouse Sofa is what a wooden sofa would look like if it experienced some snowfall! And, what makes the furniture design even more unique is that it perfectly caters to the needs of humans and pets.
Why is it noteworthy?
The wooden sofa is covered with cushy white cushions that give the idyllic impression of fallen snow. The edges of the Snowhouse Sofa are rounded, which adds a depth of softness to the furniture piece, while the ends are hollow with empty spaces inside for your pets to lounge about in.
What we like
The empty spaces on top function as passages for your cats, where they can play or rest
What we dislike
It’s currently a concept, so we don’t know how the actual product will turn out to be
The empty spaces seem difficult to reach and clean
9. Lift Stool
Dubbed the Lift Stool, this furniture design has a stunning translucent texture that will completely mesmerize you. It also has two lifted ends that truly make the entire design, and as you peep into the two lifted ends you can see empty space for your cats! It is truly unlike any stool I’ve ever come across.
Why is it noteworthy?
The stool is hollow from within, which makes it an excellent lounging spot for your cat. If your cat doesn’t want to sit inside, you can slide in your favorite books and other souvenirs, allowing you to store them away, concealing them from curious eyes.
What we like
Features a second little entrance/exit at the back of the stool, so your pet has an exit strategy in place if they want to sneakily away
What we dislike
It could be difficult to get your pet out if they decide to hide before visits to the vet or at feeding times
10. Travel Habitat Carrier
Called the Travel Habitat Carrier, this adorable cat shelter is like a mini RV for your pet. You can carry it around on your back wherever you go, letting your pet chill and relax with you, as you move about and complete your tasks.
Why is it noteworthy?
The carrier doubles up in size when taken off your shoulders, making it a unique and expandable product. It can transform into a large and spacious home for your cat with an integrated litter box, ample ventilation, and a space for a kibble and water bowl.
What we like
Functions as a modular tent for your furry friend, allowing them to move around comfortable
Has a clear window for viewing and breathable meshed walls that provide comfort to your pet while being transported
What we dislike
Pets of larger sizes may feel uncomfortable in this design, better suited for smaller cats
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and I’m sure you’re hurting for some last-minute gifts for the lovely lady in your life. And if you’re looking for some excellent gift recommendations then you’ve reached the right spot. Gifting is a thoughtful and delicate affair, and picking out the perfect present can be a task. Hence, we’ve curation a collection of thoughtful, well-designed, practical yet pretty products that will make for exceptional gifts! These minimal yet high-value products will add immense utility to your partner’s everyday life, while also managing to look pleasing. From a Jewel Vase Mirror Stand to a cute Japanese Lantern Candle – this minimal and modest designs make for amazing gifts.
1. Jewel Vase Mirror Stand
This pretty multifaceted mirror lets you capture the essence of nature and the beauty of your accessories. It is a smart product designed to function as an accessory stand and a vase. It transcends conventional use and functions as a unique dual-functional product.
Why is it noteworthy?
The product provides a reflective canvas that enhances anything placed before it, whether it is a flower or your prized trinkets. The act of filling the vase becomes a moment of zen-like peace and relaxation, making everyday mundane activities art-like.
Multipurpose design that doubles up as an accessory stand or vase
Built from bioplastic materials
What we dislike
You need to do additional cleaning to maintain the mirror’s reflective quality
2. Japanese Lantern Candle
This pretty little Japanese candle is the perfect gift for the woman in your life! It is inspired by a traditional ‘chouchin’ lantern, and has a unique shape, making it a welcome addition to your bedroom and bathroom, especially on those days when someone needs a good pampering session.
This lantern candle is a revamped and modern version of an iconic Japanese design. It has a minimal design that allows it to harmoniously merge with any contemporary living space, while also radiating a soft and relaxing glow. It is handcrafted by artisans in Kurashiki, Japan, and is an excellent specimen of great craftsmanship.
What we like
The wax is non-melting which offers wonderful clarity on the candle
What we dislike
Since the lantern is a fire hazard, it must be used cautiously around children and pets
3. Rin Harmony Incense Holder
Gift the Rin Harmony Incense Holder, and let the special lady of your life enjoy the smoky and relaxing aroma of her favorite incense sticks wherever she goes. It is made from natural walnut wood, and functions as an amazing storage space for the incense sticks, as well as a base for burning incense.
The brass plate serves as a safe space to store the lit stick, while a matching cover lets you snuff out the flame, while also ensuring the ashes don’t fly around.
What we like
Minimalist and dual-functional design
It is the perfect companion for meditation and calming exercises
What we dislike
4. Bookish Bookmark
If you want to leave your book open and keep reading it while grabbing a snack or a drink, then the Bookish Bookmark is the perfect product for you. It is an unconventional and rather unique acrylic bookmark that quite interestingly also looks like a book!
One look at the Bookish Bookmark, and you know it’s no typical bookmark. It is designed to sit on your book, while you keep it open so that you can sip on your tea or munch on your favorite snack, while you continue to read. Not only does it keep the book open, but it also maintains its natural curved form.
What we like
Doesn’t force the book to lie flat and damage its binding in the process, ruining its shape
You can use it to multitask, you can read while even sewing or cooking
What we dislike
It won’t lay completely flat on your desk if you place it there unused
5. Smart Tea Pot
While the Bookish Bookmark holds your book in place, you can also brew yourself a cup of tea with the Smart Tea Pot! This connected teapot lets you use the power of technology to make the perfect brew. You can create an amazing brew based on the type of tea you want, your mood, and your needs.
The Smart Tea Pot is integrated with advanced brewing adjustments that are influenced by the tea requirement, type, and mood of the user. It features a “Golden Drop” rotating infuser, which is the perfect specimen of Japanese minimalism, and it combines technology with simplicity.
What we like
Compact size and clean minimal aesthetics allow it to merge with the kitchen and dining area of any home
What we dislike
The Tea Pot utilizes technology for brewing customization, so it can be complicated for those who prefer traditional, simple tea-making processes
6. Bath Bot
Designed by Lush, the Bath Bot is designed to be your very own “digital bath bomb”, that will provide you with a “custom light, sound, and color experience” every time you take a bath.
Why is it noteworthy?
It’s the same size and shape as their bath bombs but is a water-proof speaker that you can put in the bathtub with you or on the sink near your shower if you don’t have a bathtub.
What we like
It offers a 180-degree sound show so you can play your favorite music audiobook or podcast while enjoying a bath
What we dislike
It’s only available in white and black, it would be fun to have more color options to choose from and gift
7. Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser
The battery-free aroma diffuser is all you need to take a relaxing breath, and it won’t harm the environment at all. You can harness the power of a single candle with this minimalist aroma diffuser which uses science and simple physics.
The diffuser doesn’t need any batteries, or external power sources to function. It depends on the heat of a single candle to spread lovely calming scents around. It is crafted using sustainable materials and hence embodies a minimalist and eco-friendly ethos.
What we like
Features a compact and comfortable size, making it easy to use
Encourages an eco-friendly and sustainable ethos
What we dislike
It is difficult to adjust the intensity of the aroma since there are no electric controls, which is an inconvenience
8. Breez Desktop Hand Warmer
Named the Breez desktop hand warmer, this little device makes texting in the cold super easy and efficient. The desktop hand warmer makes using your keyboard a breeze!
Why is it noteworthy?
Designed to keep your fingers warm and toasty, the Breez desktop hand warmer lets you clack away on your keyboard without feeling cold. It features a horizontal form that uniformly warms your hand as you type.
What we like
The hand warmer covers the entire keyboard making sure there are no cold zones or spots
What we dislike
There aren’t any color options, besides pastel blue, so there is not a lot of variety
9. Rotating Nail Clipper
Meet the Rotating Nail Clipper, this protects your wrist from twisting and hurting whenever you cut your nails. It is the perfect little clip to cut your nails without forcing you to bend or twist your wrist to get the correct angle.
The rotating nail clipper features a unique practical design that completely removes the need to twist or bend your wrist while cutting your nails, allowing it to function as an ergonomic and unique tool. It is built from high carbon stainless steel and anodized aluminum alloy and features a minimalist design ethos.
What we like
Sleek design that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical
Available in maroon and silver color options
What we dislike
Higher price tag as compared to typical clippers
10. Grovemade-Note Taking Kit
Called the Grovemade Note-Taking Kit, this innovative and efficient kit is a great gift to the working woman in your life. It helps them efficiently capture and process notes, boosting their daily productivity, and ensuring the process feels free-flowing and simple.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Note-Taking Kit includes a refillable notepad with dot grid paper, a solid metallic base, and a display rail to store notes and devices, while also providing a vertical organize to keep your notes stored away nicely.
What we like
Provides a neat workdesk, that helps you complete the important tasks at hand, and elevate productivity
What we dislike
Occupies a substantial amount of real estate on your desk, not well-suited for smaller desks
Called the Stable Stack tiny home, this unique tiny cabin/hotel room by Dutch studio Overtreders W is a unique and unconventional one. In a world, where tiny homes seem to be following a certain pattern, and catering to a particular niche now, the Stable Stack cabin is refreshing and unusual. The studio used borrowed materials to build the entire structure, securing it together with straps, which entails that the building can be dismantled when needed, with the materials being returned to the owners in a good state.
Stable Stack was commissioned to the studio by Veen Huis Hotel in the Netherlands, and it is one of the seven innovative cabins available for guests to book for a night. The cabin is 2 x 2 meters, while its roof is 4 x 7 meters. It doesn’t have a proper concrete foundation but is elevated above the ground on a concrete pillar.
“Being largely unfamiliar with the area, we roamed through Veenhuizen in search of materials for a potential structure,” explained the firm. “Soon enough, we could conclude that Veenhuizen is fertile ground for more than just its soil. Within an hour, we had gathered enough construction materials, and this first excursion resulted in Stable Stack, a structure made with locally harvested materials.”
The studio borrowed wood for carpenter Peter Kroes, while the roof tiles were taken from the yard of the Riedstra farm. All the building materials were fastened with tie-down straps, to ensure they could be returned in one piece to the owners. The borrowed materials can return their value and be given back without any change. The colored tie-down straps used to fasten the materials, have a decorative purpose as well, adding pops of color to the structure.
The interior of the cabin is quite simple and subtle, and it contains only one room. The room includes shutters that control the natural light, as well as stairs that lead to a double bed. The cabin doesn’t have any electricity or a bathroom, which seems to be quite inconvenient, however, we presume guests will be able to utilize the hotel’s facilities. The Stable Stack cabin isn’t designed to be a full-time abode, and it is constructed for novelty purposes, and to highlight how simple materials can do a lot when given to the correct people.
If you’re looking for some gift recommendations for your loved ones then they’ve reached the right spot. If you’re searching for something minimal, functional, simple and yet brimming with high utility, then you’re truly in luck, because we’ve curated the ultimate gift guide for you. We’ve put together ten subtle yet high-value products that are designed to elevate everyday life. They offer immense value without drawing excessive attention or occupying too much space. From a portable CD cover player to a pretty Japanese Lantern Candle – these minimal designs are the perfect gifts for the loved ones in your life!
1. Japanese Lantern Candle
This stunning Japanese lantern candle is inspired by a traditional Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern. It features a pretty and unique shape and is a welcome addition to your bedroom and bathroom, especially for those days when you need some much-needed me-time and pampering.
This lantern candle offers a unique and modern take on an iconic Japanese design. It has a minimal design that lets it artfully merge with any contemporary living space, while also emitting a soft and relaxing glow. It is handcrafted by artisans in Kurashiki, Japan, and is an example of excellent craftsmanship.
What we like
The wax is non-melting which offers a beautiful clarity on the candle
What we dislike
The lantern is a fire hazard, so must be used and placed around children and pets with care
2. Portable CD Cover Player
Say hello to the Portable CD Cover Player – a minimalist CD player with an attractive retro design that perfectly combines a distinctive listening experience with the impact and beauty of visual art. When you use the Portable CD Cover Player, you don’t need to put your CD jacket or sleeve aside, you can slip it into the specially-designed pocket.
This unique CD player equates to displaying digital album art, but you also get to display the fact that you own the physical original CD. You get to showcase your physical CD minimally and elegantly, without pulling excessive attention.
What we like
Features a portable design with a 40mm full-range speaker and woofer unit
Provides 7-8 hours of powerful audio experience
What we dislike
It does not support syncing music or playlists with any digital medium
3. Battery-free Aroma Diffuser
The battery-free aroma diffusers let you take a relaxing breath to unwind without causing any harm to the environment. Using this battery-free diffuser you can harness the power of a single candle by utilizing simple science and physics
The diffuser doesn’t need batteries or external power sources to operate. It relies on the heat of a single candle to spread calming aromatic scents. It uses sustainable materials, featuring a minimalist and eco-friendly ethos.
What we like
Crafted from recyclable materials
Works perfectly with all kinds of essential oils
What we dislike
Since the diffuser lacks electric controls, it is tough to adjust the intensity of the aroma, which can be quite inconvenient
4. Aroma Fragrance Pin
Perfumes have been a standard gift for all classes and across all the years for a reason – there is something about a good-smelling person that instantly attracts and creates some chemistry with your partner. The problem is, aerosols fade away and we have an alternative that is unique and innovative as compared to re-spraying yourself with a bottle throughout the day – meet the Aroma Fragrance Pin! Each pin is a tiny holder that can hold a bit of cotton dabbed with your favourite essential oil. The result – a strong yet subtle fragrance that envelops you as you go through the day.
The pin forms your individual fragrance bubble that follows you and is easily topped up. This is especially useful for those with sensitive noses that get affected/are distressed with the aerosol particles in a traditional perfume application style. The aluminum build gives a well-crafted look to the design, which will make it stand out as you choose your fashion style.
What we like
Easy to disguise the pin as a fashionable button-like accessory – with a variety of colours allowing you to mix and match with your today’s style
Since refilling only needs an aroma oil, it requires lesser cargo space in your purse/grooming kit.
What we dislike
The staying power of the aroma depends on the quality of your aromatic oil, which would require some trial and error as you set up a routine.
5. ASMR Zen Ball
This little ball is called the ASMR Zen Ball, and it fuses natural and engineered elements to create a nifty product that offers a calming, relaxing, and sensory experience to its users.
The ball is built from genuine volcanic stone and matte aluminum alloy, which allows it to double up as a fidget toy, providing an interactive experience, where users can connect and engage with the natural energy of the earth.
What we like
Doubles up as a fidget toy, while also offering utility for sensory stimulation and aromatherapy when paired up with essential oils
What we dislike
Besides sensory benefits, the Zen Ball has no practical application on a desk
6. Iron Frying Plate
Dubbed the Iron Frying Plate, this one-of-a-kind kitchen design can be used to serve your food or as a frying pan with a removable handle. You can cook up a delicious storm on it, and then serve the food in it.
The Iron Frying Plate is a unique and super cool design that combines both a frying pan and a serving plate. The plate is made using durable materials, and it serves as a functional yet elegant solution for both cooking and serving. It also supports direct-from-the-pan serving.
What we like
The plate is a dual-functional product, as the wooden handle can be attached and detached as needed
What we dislike
As the frying pan is made from iron, it is heavier than traditional frying pans and can be difficult to store and handle in smaller kitchens
7. Cut & Slice Scissors
Dubbed the Cut & Slice Scissors, this smart and sleek writing accessory features a sliding mechanism that pushes one of the blades ahead, creating a box cutter and giving you that easy edge and smooth cutting experience. No more struggling or using 2 different equipments to open just one package that you receive. Whether you’re gifting yourself, your partner, or having a galentine, this gift is the gift that will be a part of all their future gift-opening experiences!
The easy-to-use sliding mechanism makes the cutter functionality useful and safe to store when not needed. Also, using the scissors handle as a blade handle gives it a unique ergonomic twist that makes this piece stand apart in the crowd.
What we like
The scissor has a mesmerising form, with drop-shaped handles coated in a beautiful transparent resin.
The blades are coated with fluorine to keep the sticky residue from building up that we see with prolonged usage.
Crafted in the swordsmith town of Seki in Japan, the scissor carries the same attention to detail and expertise these designers bring to their knives
What we dislike
There is no easy replacement of the blade that would be useful in case of a fall/bluntness to the scissor tip.
8. The Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set
Called the Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set, this relaxation-inducing design recreates the smell and experience of a memorable and mesmerizing outdoor fire.
The mini hardwood for the set is collected from branches that were meant to be thrown away, and they emit a comforting smoky smell when burnt on the little stainless steel oven. All you need to do is add a few drops of the essential oils extracted from Mt. Hakusan trees, and you have a wonderful authentic outdoor scent.
What we like
By adding a piece of solid wood, the diffuser can double up as a cooking or heating stool
What we dislike
The tiny wood pieces can do the most minimal of all cooking
9. Rin Harmony Incense Holder
You can now enjoy the smoky and relaxing aroma of your favorite incense sticks anywhere you go with this pretty little wood and metal holder! It is crafted from natural walnut wood, and functions as a storage space for your incense sticks, as well as a base for burning incense.
The brass plate functions as a safe space to store the lit stick, while a matching cover allows you to snuff out the flame, while preventing the ashes from flying around.
What we like
Simple, minimalist, and dual-functional design
A perfect companion for meditation and calming exercises
What we dislike
There is only space for one incense at a time, no way to automatically restart or have more incense sticks burning for a longer experience.
10. 0.25 oz Aero Spork
This lightweight metal spork weighs only 0.25oz, and it is intricately and meticulously crafted to ensure that your hands are relatively weight-free during lunch break. The spork is so light, that you can hardly feel it, and your hand won’t feel strained at all.
But you shouldn’t assume that the spork is fragile, simply because it is lightweight. It features a special anodized aluminum exoskeleton, and it is tough as nails while letting you scoop up and pierce through food. It is strong and durable while maintaining a simple, minimal, and portable frame.
What we like
Ergonomic design that lets your fingers rest comfortably
The perfect blend of unique and practical design, and minimal aesthetics
What we dislike
The spork’s unique design and aesthetics may not appeal to everyone and can be considered odd
Valentine’s Day is coming soon, and if you’re someone who believes in making your own gifts for your partner, then it’s your lucky day! We’ve put together a dedicated list of craft supplies that will make gift making the easiest bit of Valentine’s Day. These handy tools and supplies will help you work effortlessly, creating the perfect little present for your partner. They’ll make the technical process of arts and crafts into a fun, efficient, and smooth experience. From lovely dual-tipped pens that create pretty patterns to sleek scissors made with lustrous Japanese steel – these are the ultimate craft supplies you need to make the ultimate V-Day gift.
1. Scissors W/ Base
Called the Scissors w/ Base, these innovative scissors feature a magnetic base making the design a unique and cutting-edge one, letting you completely reshape and rejuvenate your workspace organization.
The scissors’ magnet base is a complete game-changer, giving them a permanent VIP spot on your desk. They are made with lustrous Japanese steel and are an excellent tool to assemble a DIY gift for your partner on Valentine’s Day. Besides being handy tools, they’re also pretty cool desk decor.
What we like
The magnetic base provides your scissors with a dedicated spot
It features a built-in box cutter, which is a unique forward-thinking detail we love
What we dislike
They’re quite aesthetically pleasing and unique, but cannot replace the heavy-duty scissors you need for tougher tasks
2. Levitating Pen 3.0
Called the Levitating Pen, this good-looking writing accessory is a sleek pen with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge which makes it easy and sturdy to hold, creating a smooth writing experience. Aesthetically, it brings to mind a spacecraft or something we would find in the Marvel universe, floating around in the galaxy, similar to how the pen floats at a 60-degree angle when resting in it’s specially designed stand.
The Levitating Pen can be positioned in its holder which is magnetized and can be kept floating in that position. You need to give the pen a simple twist, which makes it spin for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with it.
What we like
The pen is easy and sturdy to hold
The act of spinning the pen can be a fun stress-buster
What we dislike
The pen can easily roll off when placed on a curved surface
3. CraftMaster EDC Utility Knife
Given the number of ASMR videos we have seen on Instagram that shows a person cutting everything from soap to foam, we know the value a good cutter has in our everyday life. Especially when creating crafts, a good cutter is a solid friend that will help you navigate those tight curves – which is exactly what this CraftMaster EDC Utility Knife does! It also comes with a scale on the side to make it easy to measure as you go when you lose your 10th ruler again.
The metal exterior is hefty, giving a solid holding grip that makes it easy to hold. The scale sports both metric and imperial markings so you can follow those DIY instructions with ease.
What we like
Merges a scale with the cutter, becoming an all-in-one package
It is only 8mm thick, balancing the healthy grip with a slim design for easy travel
What we dislike
While excellent for standard envelopes, it is not versatile enough for those bulkier packages or intricate mail
4. ClampTape
Dubbed the ClampTape, this innovative and amusing tape dispenser by Peleg Dispenser ensures you always have some tape handy. It features a clothespin-inspire design that clamps onto the tabletop surface, providing you with an instant tape dispenser.
Why is it noteworthy?
The ClampTape is another ingenious design by Peleg Design, which combines emotional design with problem-solving abilities. It is cute and convenient, and is made from bent sheet metal, with a rubber/polymer sleeve wrapped around the clamping jaws, so it doesn’t cause any damage to your table.
What we like
The ClampTape comes with its own roll of tape
Gives a fun twist to an ordinary stationery item
What we dislike
The clamp may not open wide enough to hold onto all table or horizontal surfaces.
5. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil
Called the Everlasting All-Metal Pencil, this Wacom stylus has a tip that never needs to be sharpened or replaced. It is a unique pencil that let’s you focus entirely on your creative process, allowing you to build a beautiful DIY Valentine’s Day gift, instead of being bothered by the lead.
The pencil has an octagonal shaft which is made using aluminum, and it features a special alloy core. It does not leave heavy grooves on the paper, and instead it draws like a pencil, without the tip wearing down after dozens of marks.
What we like
Has a metal core instead of clay or charcoal, so the pencil wears down very slowly and with time
What we dislike
Isn’t the best option for those who use smudging techniques, as it doesn’t smudge or smear the way normal graphite does
6. Japanese Memo Block
Called the Japanese Memo Block, this little stationery item is designed to function as a temporary shelter for your itinerant thoughts. It’s great to pen down your intimate and affectionate thoughts or to write an adorable love letter for your partner on Valentine’s Day.
A blank sheet of paper is often the most freeing and welcoming item, as you are able to record your fleeting thoughts, flashes of inspiration, or even the sudden tasks that have been handed to you. The Japanese Memo Block has no marking, grids, or lines, it is white or in color, letting you focus on your thoughts and tasks.
What we like
The pure white/black surface allows the mind to focus on important thoughts and put them down on paper
Made using high-quality Japanese paper which is revered by many stationery connoisseurs
What we dislike
At first glance, it seems like an ordinary notepad and seems to have no special USP
7. Colored Curve Pens
Called the Colored Curve Pens, these unique dual-tipped pens by Aechy are a far cry from your typical dual-tipped pens. One end of the pen lets you lay down pretty patterns such as waves, heart roses, flowers, dashes and dots.
Why is it noteworthy?
It basically functions as a stamp-like roller that can you use for journalling, doodling, drawing, scraping, or to make a lovely Valentine’s Day gift or card for your better half. The dual-tip markers are available in eight different colors and five-mark line types.
What we like
Helps the artistically challenged with drawing and doodling
40% more ink than the brand’s regular pens
What we dislike
You can’t choose a specific color for a specific pattern so you’ll have to use the options that they have available
8. Japanese Drawing Pad
Japanese paper is a material that has always been loved by designers and artists for its quality. And if you want to get your hands on some of this beautiful paper, then you need to try the Japanese Drawing Pad. You can use it to create a lovely DIY gift this Valentine’s Day for your partner!
It is a premium-quality pad that lets you jot down your thoughts and passions without the stress of accidentally damaging the durable paper fibers. It creates a smooth, engaging, and relaxing writing experience.
What we like
It is microperforated, making the paper easy to tear
Available in various sizes and colors, so you can pick the kind that meets your stationery and drawing needs
What we dislike
At first glance, it seems like an ordinary pad with nothing special to offer, as its high quality can only be experienced, not seen
9. Ruler_C
Called the Ruler_C, this conceptual design minimizes how much contact the ruler makes with the paper or surface beneath, resulting in an unusual form that makes it quite pleasant to look at as well.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Ruler_C’s body curves up on one side, instead of being flat, creating one long edge, while the short edges are in contact with the drawing surface. This reduces the amount of damage the ruler causes, while also elevating the tool’s usability.
What we like
This gives the ruler an interesting shape that immediately calls attention without being loud and obnoxious
What we dislike
It’s a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it would translate into a real product
10. Gravity Pen
Called the Gravity Pen, this all-black pen puts the center of gravity closer to your fingers, making it quite an easy pen to hold, and make agile strokes with. It allows you to have a larger grip than the barrel, giving more area for a super comfy hold.
Why is it noteworthy?
The faceted form of that grip also makes it easier to grip the pen, allowing for a more stable grip as well. It’s the ultimate ergonomic pen design, thanks to a smart application of physics and minimalist design principles.
What we like
Ergonomic design which makes the pen quite easy to hold and use
Durable and lightweight body
What we dislike
Not available in different color options, hence there is a limited choice while purchasing it
Renowned architectural firm MAD Architects recently unveiled an impressive new train station in Southeast China. The entire project revolved around rebuilding a 100-year-old train station, and completely recreating it brick-by-brick, and it now functions as a massive modern transport hub that is partially sunken underground.
Dubbed the Jiaxing Train Station or the Train Station in the Forest, the original station was constructed in 1907, and then later destroyed and rebuilt in 1937. In 1995 it went through another redesign, and in 2019 it was deemed far too small for modern requirements, and MAD was commissioned to give it a total makeover. The station was a key transport link in the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in 1921, and MAD drew inspiration from this. What’s interesting is that they recreated the original train station, after inferring with experts, and taking loads of old photos and documents into consideration, they successfully created a replica. 21,000 bricks made from mud, and pulled from a nearby lake were used to build the structure, and most of it is underground.
“MAD envisioned a new station that would be both more humane and efficient than its predecessor,” explained the Chinese studio. “The overall design of the interior maintains a dialogue with the recreated 1907 station through a glass facade that clearly expresses the height difference of the two structures from the entrance.
The building’s entry, and exit platforms, major transport and commercial functions, as well as waiting halls, are now underground, which goes against the traditional design concept. The railway station now accommodates three platforms, and six lines, with two arrival and departure lines on each of the upstream and downstream main lines. By 2025, the station will be able to accommodate 5.28 million people/year, with an hourly capacity of 2500 people.
Since the structure is sunken, MAD was able to play around with the landscape, and they planted almost 1500 new trees, while rearranging the site to mimic rolling green hills. It is also connected to a park and a central lawn which will serve as an outdoor venue for concerts and art festivals. Sustainability was also incorporated into the train station, as solar panels were installed, which reduced the draw on the power grid. Generous glazing was used to maximize natural light.
French firm Baluchon is known for its elegant, well-designed, and functional tiny homes that look super adorable on the outside while managing to be ingenious and efficient on the inside. And their latest model dubbed Bonzai is no exception! In a world where tiny homes are reigning supreme, the Bonzai is a smartly designed and lovely-looking little entrant. And trust me, this tiny home is quite little, even by tiny home standards. Measuring only 4.5 meters, the Bonzai tiny home is equipped with Japanese-inspired styling both internally and externally. Its compact and diminutive size also signifies that it is quite portable, and a space-saving structure.
Based on a double-axle trailer, the Bonzai tiny home is finished in a warm red cedar, accentuated by an aluminum roof, and spruce inside. The insulation for the home is a mixture of linen, hemp, and cotton, and there’s also a handy ladder attached to the exterior to offer quick access to the compact-sized rooftop deck. If you’re still unable to grasp the tininess of Bonzai, then you may like to know that it is half the length of a conventional North American tiny house, for example, the Raven – check it out for some perspective!
The entry point of the home is into the bathroom which is quite simple and amped with basic amenities such as a toilet and a shower. Adjacent to the bathroom is the kitchen, which is also quite compact, and equipped with a sink, a two-burner stove unit, and a fridge. Although, it is commendable that the kitchen has more storage space than anticipated for a small kitchen such as this. It also contains a pantry drawer and a pull-out table. The tiny home includes only one other room which can be entered via a shoji-style sliding door, and this room functions as a multipurpose living room and includes a generous amount of storage such as underfloor drawers and overhead lockers.
The room also includes a drop-down dining table, a wood-burning stove, and some shelving. A unique feature of the home is a home cinema setup with a soundbar, projector, and pull-down screen that makes a great space for some cozy movie nights. Sadly, there is no bedroom in the Bonzai, and nor does it accommodate a bed. This can be quite inconvenient. However, the owner rolls out a futon on the floor when he’s ready for bed.
