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10 Best Minimal Design Gifts to Easily Improve Your Mom’s Life This Mother’s Day

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Mother’s Day falls on 12th May, and it really is an incredible day, as we get a chance to celebrate our superhero moms! Although that is something we should do every day. But Mother’s Day is the day we get to pamper our moms and shower them with love, and also hopefully make their lives a little bit easier. If you’re looking to gift your mom with some thoughtful and wonderful presents, then we’ve got your back. We’ve curated a collection of minimal, elegant, and functional products that will easily fit into your Mom’s everyday life and make it a little easier this Mother’s Day!

1. Japanese Lantern Candle

Inspired by the traditional Japanese ‘chouchin’ lantern, this pretty Japanese lantern has an adorable pillar shape. It is essential for self-care sessions that your mother can indulge in this Mother’s Day, giving her a chance to unwind, letting the worries and stresses of life fade away for a bit. And the best part, you can continue using the lantern body even after the candle inside is used up, giving a warm glow whenever they light it up.

Click Here to Buy Now: $69

Why is it noteworthy?

This pretty little candle offers a contemporary take on an age-old iconic Japanese lantern design. It gives a relaxing glow and has a minimalist and simple design ethos which lets it complement any living space. The candle is made by handcrafted artisans in Kurashiki, Japan.

What we like

  • The outer wax of the candle is harder and comes with a patented tech that keeps it from melting easily, and crafting a clear body on the candle

What we dislike

  • You need to be careful while using it around children and pets as an open flame is always a fire hazard

2. Pop-Up Book Vase

Convert your desk into a fairy tale scene using this lovely pop-up book vase. This new and elegant item can be opened to unveil a series of 3D vase cutouts, each cutout designed to present your floral arrangements in an enchanting and ever-changing manner. One design, multiple outputs – quite like our multi-tasking mom’s, isn’t it? The vase also folds back into a book and can be stored away easily, making it a must buy for every space – big or small.

Click Here to Buy Now: $39

Why is it noteworthy?

The book vase perfectly combines the timeless charm of a storybook with the utility of a flower vase, in turn forming a unique item that will bring some color and character to your desk, table, or wherever you place it. They’re the perfect Mother’s Day gift for your mother, letting her display her favorite flowers in style!

What we like

  • Provides a unique and playful approach to showcasing flowers
  • You can easily change the presentation

What we dislike

  • It doesn’t have the durability of traditional vases
  • Not a great option for heavy or water-filled arrangement

3. Jewelry Display Clock

Women and their jewelry are always inseparable – everyone I know of has that one iconic jewelry that they wear either everyday or keep it close by for any special occasion they have. In my opinion, jewelry is a women’s special talisman and I can bet our Mom’s have that one piece they want to keep safely in a proper home for that piece. This is where the Jewelry Clock comes in – allowing you to safely story your rings, bangles, necklace or even display your earrings as a pendulum by keeping the clock in your space. The design gives you time + a unique way to stay in touch with your personal belongings, giving you a chance to stop and stare before the day begins.

Click Here to Buy Now: $49.00

Why is it noteworthy?

The delicate tongs can be used by you to prepare lunch boxes or to even eat some sushi. There is really no wrong way to hold the tongs, and they’re designed to last a lifetime. The tongs possess a special metal processing which ensures that the jet black color doesn’t easily scratch off.

What we like

  • Minimal design with a quartz movement for precision.
  • Made from bioplastic that contains a large amount of rice husks

What we dislike

  • The jewelry storing space is minimal, not allowing you store more than 3-4 pieces with ease.

4. Legacy Precision Nail File

Designed by Yoshida Yasuri, the Legacy Precision Nail File is made in Japan using meticulous craftsmanship. The file is manufactured through an intricate three-stage sharpening process, making sure it is not dull, but nor does it have sharp edges like typical factory-made nail files. It makes for a wonderful grooming little gift for your Mom that is minimal enough to keep it handy and stay with her through the ages. After all, who but Mom’s can appreciate the quality of a heritage product that is crafted with an eye for details.

Click Here to Buy Now: $29

Why is it noteworthy?

The thick stainless steel plate is shaped in all directions six times, on both sides of the nail file, to ensure it is fine, durable, and smooth.

What we like

  • Guarantees lifelong durability
  • Comes along with a handmade leather sheath to safely store when not in use

What we dislike

  • The intricate craftsmanship and quality materials make these files a significant investment compared to standard alternatives.
  • It does not have an entire nail care kit to go along with this.

5. Painless Key Ring

The Painless Key Ring lets you bid farewell to traditional key rings with its revolutionary wave spring key ring. It has a unique design that is inspired by the mechanisms used in the aerospace and automotive industries, providing you with a smooth and hassle-free solution to manage your keys. Especially as a Mom whose responsibilities are almost proportional to the number of eyes she carries, this key ring stores the keys easily, gives great access all while protecting her nails!

Click Here to Buy Now: $25

Why is it noteworthy?

This unique key ring organizes your keys using a high-tech and durable design that lets you secure your keys in an easily accessible manner. It has a lightweight and compact form which ensures your keys are always well organized and safe.

What we like

  • Uses a wave spring technology for easy removal and addition of keys
  • Cuts down the common struggle with tight or deformed key rings

What we dislike

  • It is pricier than typical key rings due to its advanced design
  • The individual key rings don’t have a colour grading or any system to distinguish between the keys it holds.

6. Moon Rock Clock

If your mom loves all things space, then you can gift her the Moon Rock Clock. This simple yet unique-looking clock brings outer space to your home. It is crafted from specially polished stainless steel and has a circular shape that manages to capture the mystique and beauty of the moon with numbers that float around the edges and all in a minimal package that blends into any existing space.

Click Here to Buy Now: $325

Why is it noteworthy?

The numbers on the clock wane and wax just like the moon, creating a beautiful effect. The clock gives a gentle reminder to live life freely and with the spirit of adventure, in the same way, the rocket ship makes its way around the moon. This minimalist clock has a mesmerizing moon travel-inspired ethos.

What we like

  • The printed numbers seem to float and merge into the surface of the moon
  • The tiny rocket incorporated in the clock’s second hand is a beautiful, whimsical touch

What we dislike

  • The seemingly floating numbers may make it difficult to read when the clock is wall mounted

7. Jewelvase Mirror Stand

Dubbed the Jewelvase Mirror Stand, this lovely little minimal mirror doubles up as an accessory stand or vase. It makes for a fantastic Mother’s Day gift for your mom! It features an elegant and simple design that adds loads of character to your dresser, or any surface where you place it – giving you a chance to observe yourself, share a floral design in the vase or keep your knick knack safe – all in one tiny minimal package!

Click Here to Buy Now: $59

Why is it noteworthy?

It has dual functionality, which allows it to serve as both a mirror and a vase/accessory stand. The stand is made from a bioplastic material, which includes rice husks. The mirror stand has a pretty decorative quality to it, and it functions as a stylish yet functional home decor accent.

What we like

  • Elevates any dresser, table, desk, or furniture piece it is placed on

What we dislike

  • The design cannot be folded/minimised and stored when not in use.

8. Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser

Called the Battery-Free Aroma Diffuser, this tiny product brings fresh air into your home, letting you take deep breaths and relax without causing any kind of harm to the environment. This unique diffuser harnesses the power of a single candle through the medium of simple physics and science. If de-stressing after a long day is the key to your Mom’s routine, this diffuser elevates the ritual, with every step of switching it on becoming a part of the wellness routine that is sure to bring joy.

Click Here to Buy Now: $249

Why is it noteworthy?

The diffuser is battery-free, and it doesn’t need any external power sources to operate. It is crafted from sustainable materials, giving it a pretty eco-friendly ethos.

What we like

  • Made from recyclable materials
  • Compatible with various kinds of essential oil

What we dislike

  • Lacks electric controls, so it can be tough to adjust the intensity of the aroma

9. Rin Harmony Incense Holder

Called the Rin Harmony Incense Holder, this thoughtful little design allows you to enjoy the smokey and relaxing aroma of your chosen incense stick. It is the perfect Mother’s Day gift, letting your mom relax and calm down after a long day. It is made from natural walnut wood and has a storage space for the incense sticks as well.

Click Here to Buy Now: $199

Why is it noteworthy?

The brass plate functions as a safe space to hold the lit stick, and a matching cover lets you snuff out the flame, while also making sure that the ashes don’t fly around.

What we like

  • Unique dual-functional design with a minimalist form that amplifies any setting.

What we dislike

  • Only allows one incense to be lit at a time, making the reach of the aroma limited

10. Bookish Bookmark

Called the Bookish Bookmark, this beautiful, minimal product allows readers to enjoy a hands-free reading session, letting them keep their books open without having to use any awkward workarounds. With the Bookish Bookmark, you don’t need to put down the book with something heavy and ugly. The transparent design is perfect for anyone who loves to read books or follow cook books – always have your last read page ready to access and stay there in case of people meddling in your reading time!

Click Here to Buy Now: $65

Why is it noteworthy?

The bookmark is an excellent choice for those who want to display their favorite books as an element in their home. The bookmark has a clean transparent design, and it lets you keep your book open while adding a visually interesting element to your desk or bookshelf.

What we like

  • The bookmark allows you to display your favorite books in an aesthetic and neat manner

What we dislike

  • It might be too large for small books, and disliked by those who prefer discreet bookmarks

The post 10 Best Minimal Design Gifts to Easily Improve Your Mom’s Life This Mother’s Day first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top Ten Wallpaper Installation Mistakes To Avoid

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Wallpaper serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, it not only creates a focal point but also adds color, texture, and pattern to the room décor. When designing any space, wallpapers are a popular and versatile way to decorate and add value to the interiors but avoiding errors is key. Therefore, it is important to measure accurately, handle the wallpaper carefully, and allow proper drying time for flawless results. Classic patterns like stripes or florals suit traditional settings, while geometric or abstract designs lend a modern touch. With a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, wallpaper can suit any style and can simultaneously conceal the imperfections on the walls.

Image courtesy of: bialasiewicz

During the installation of wallpaper, make sure to handle the wallpaper carefully to avoid any form of damage. Note that mishandling can lead to tears, creases, or other unsightly damage. Use clean, dry hands and gently unroll and unfold the wallpaper. Be cautious of liquids near the wallpaper and avoid excessive stretching or pulling to maintain pattern integrity.

Image courtesy of: pro_creator

Here are several common mistakes that occur during wallpaper installation.

Mistake No. 1: Avoid Papering Over Old Wallpaper

Image courtesy of: olgar23

It is crucial to remove the old wallpaper before any new application. Moisture from the new wallpaper’s backing could reactivate the adhesive of the original, resulting in bubbling those damages both layers. To avoid this, rent a chemical or power steamer to strip away the existing wallpaper, readily available at local hardware, paint, and home improvement stores.

Mistake No. 2: Not Choosing the Right Wallpaper Material

Image courtesy of: pro_creator

Image courtesy of: KarinaBost

Each wallpaper type has its ideal setting, as not all wallpapers are suitable for every location. For example, natural wallpapers like grasscloth are not water-repellent, making them susceptible to damage in high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms or fading in direct sunlight. Additionally, it is important to safeguard wallpaper from heat sources like ranges or fireplaces and research the best wallcovering for each specific environment to prevent damage. The different types of wallpaper materials include metallic, vinyl, paper-backed fabrics like silk and linen, hand-painted wallpaper, and grasscloth wallpaper. Choose the one that is best suited for your home or any other area of application.

Mistake No. 3: Wrong Scale and Print of Design

Image courtesy of: Raul_Mellado

When choosing wallpaper, consider the size of the prints carefully. Small prints work well in small spaces, providing a smart look without overwhelming. Conversely, larger spaces benefit from larger-scale patterns, as small patterns may impart a pixelated look and blend into the background. After the installation of the wallpaper, retaining leftover wallpaper pieces is crucial for repairing any damages that may occur. Make sure to keep the extra pieces for future repairs, as finding exact matches later can be tricky.

Mistake No. 4: Ordering Less Quantity of Wallpaper

Image courtesy of: FollowTheFlowStudio

Accurate measuring and planning before wallpaper installation is crucial for purchasing the right amount. Despite the high cost per foot, there’s a tendency to order only the minimum needed. Underestimating the quantity of wallpaper often leads to delays and potential color mismatches, especially with hand-painted or printed patterns. Prioritize precise measurements of wall dimensions, considering pattern matching and trimming.

Image courtesy of: hemul75

Pro Tip: Another mistake is purchasing wallpaper rolls before measuring the walls, leading to overspending or acquiring insufficient quantities. Therefore, it is important to measure the wall beforehand to ensure the correct size is used and to streamline the process. Note that the more the number of doors and windows, more is the wastage especially if the wallpaper has a patterned design.

Mistake No. 5: Unmatched Seams

Image courtesy of: pro_creator

Misaligned seams are a common wallpaper installation issue, often caused by factors like incorrect adhesive usage or inadequate leveling of the first panel. To avoid this eyesore, prioritize arranging straight, even seams during installation for a polished, professional finish. Additionally, choosing the right wallpaper adhesive is crucial for a smooth installation. Different types of wallpaper require different pastes, so follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Using the appropriate adhesive ensures proper adhesion and prevents issues like peeling or bubbling. It is important to invest time in precise alignment, utilize tools like plumb lines for straight application, and ensure seams are tightly joined for a flawless finish.

Mistake No. 6: Installation on Damaged Walls

Image courtesy of: MandriaPix77

Before installation of wallpaper, inspect the wall for damage or moisture issues and fix any problems beforehand to ensure a durable and flawless installation. Defects like cracks, peeling paint, damp areas, and patching holes need to be addressed and they should be allowed to cure fully before smoothing with sanding if needed. Make sure to rectify sources like leaks or mildew before proceeding with installation. Prioritize surface preparation before wallpaper installation. Don’t overlook cleaning, especially for textured walls, which may require scraping for smoothness.

Mistake No. 7: Assuming Wallpaper Adheres to All Wall Surfaces

Image courtesy of: bialasiewicz

Assuming wallpaper sticks to all wall surfaces is a common mistake. Textured walls like orange peel or popcorn should be avoided or prepared for installation by grinding, sanding, and priming. Note that primer is essential not only before wallpapering but also before painting to prevent wallpaper from peeling off poorly painted walls.

Mistake No. 8: Going the DIY Way

Image courtesy of: ShintarTatsiana

While many mistakes occur during wallpaper installation, it’s not an area to cut corners. Amateur installation can lead to costly errors and premature replacement. Even peel-and-stick wallpaper isn’t foolproof. To avoid DIY mishaps, designers recommend hiring experienced professionals for proper wall preparation, precise measurements, and steady installation. Try to rely on professionals for a flawless result, emphasizing the investment in quantity and expertise required for satisfactory outcomes.

Tip: If opting for a DIY approach, prioritize cleanliness and dust prevention for a seamless installation. Invest in proper equipment and adhere to organized schedules to minimize dust settling, avoiding compromised adhesion. Practice careful handling and ensure clean hands to prevent marks on the wallpaper.

Mistake No. 9: Presence of Air Bubbles

Image courtesy of: DC_Studio

Bubbling in wallpaper, caused by trapped air pockets or poor adhesion, is a common issue. To remove bubbles, locate and cut an opening, inject adhesive, and flatten with a smoothing tool. Prevent bubbling by using high-quality wallpaper, applying it carefully, and using a wallpaper primer for a smooth surface. Promptly addressing bubbles and taking preventive measures can maintain a smooth finish.

Image courtesy of: bialasiewicz

Tip: For smooth wallpaper application and prevention of air bubbles, start smoothing from the center outward, and if bubbles appear after drying, moisten the area and puncture the bubble to release air.

Mistake No. 10: Not Cleaning Wallpaper After Installation

Image courtesy of: Vladdeep

Once the wallpaper is applied, make it a point to promptly inspect and clean any areas with excess paste residue to prevent shiny spots. Use a clean bucket with fresh water and a damp sponge to wipe down the wallpaper immediately after completion. It’s essential to consult the wallpaper label for specific instructions on smoothing and cleaning based on the type of finish.

Image courtesy of: pro_creator

In conclusion, installing wallpaper requires careful attention and time, and rushing the process can lead to errors. Ensure accurate alignment, trimming, and adherence to manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid common mistakes like inadequate wall preparation and mishandling. With precision and quality materials, one can achieve a seamless and attractive result that reflects your taste and style.

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H&M and Pantone bring even more colorful accessories to your table

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When it comes to decorating our homes with furniture and accessories, there are two kinds of people: the minimalist and monochromatic kind or the maximalist and colorful aesthetic. There can also be some sort of cross-over between the two but mostly, that’s the two general kind of homeowners. I am more of the latter as I have a lot of stuff and I want to keep my surroundings colorful and vibrant. This new collaboration between H&M Home and Pantone will definitely appeal for those who are like me.

Designer: H&M Home and Pantone

This is actually the second time that these two brands have collaborated and this time around, the colors just keep on coming. The H&M Home 🖤 Pantone Collection comes in two palettes: Zesty & Fresh and Sweet & Juicy. The collection includes different food serving and food storage items like serving bowls, placemats, footed trays, coasters, salt shakers, etc. Just like the previous collection, you also get different colors of scented candles that come in the pantone palette looking box.

Unlike the previous collection that had more “calm” colors, these two collections are brighter and more vibrant and has more color options for those who want to mix and match or stay with their color of choice. The Sweet & Juicy has spicy red and strong orange colourways, representing excitement and passion and love and anger, respectively. This is the more intense option if that’s your aesthetic. The Zesty & Fresh collection meanwhile has a more refreshing vibe, with the fresh lime bringing balance, joy, and serenity while the bright yellow is more of joy and happiness but also enhances communication and wisdom, as per the color experts.

The collection includes the following dining and kitchen accessories: small and large plates, serving bowls, coasters, placemats, and container jars. The scented candles available are Mandarin Gelato (orange), Pink Grapefruit (red), Lemon Verde (yellow), and Green Basil (green). The collection is now available in selected stores and at their online store. My wallet is thanking me that this is not available where I live.

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A Boeing 737 Was Transformed Into This Luxurious Villa Perched On A Cliffside In Bali

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Dubbed the Private Jet Villa, this extraordinary home is built from the fuselage of a Boeing 737 aircraft and is subtly perched on the edge of a beautiful cliffside in Bali. The Private Jet Villa features an all-new stunning interior that replaced the functional cabin. The interior includes a bedroom with a jacuzzi in the cockpit. Designed by Geometrium Studio, the home is nestled on an exquisite spot 150 m above sea level, above the Nyang Nyang Beach Cliff in Bali, Indonesia. The airplane was originally in service in Indonesia, but after it was decommissioned, it was moved to the site using a truck and crane and then renovated on-site.

Designer: Geometrium Studio

Converting the old Boeing 737 into a majestic home was no easy feat. The home had to be placed on a cliffside, and there was also a lack of space and odd dimensions to deal with. To deal with these issues, the studio installed a new ducted ventilation and air-conditioning system, which conceals the electrical systems and a water supply in the cargo hold. The furniture was specially custom-designed to perfectly fit into the space’s curved walls. The studio mitigated the limited space through the use of natural wood, light tones, and concrete textures.

Rounded shapes and forms were integrated into the interior, which mimicked the tubular shape of the aircraft fuselage. These shapes were seen in the bathroom, and in other interior touches as well. Mirrors were also incorporated into the home to add an illusion of spaciousness and comfort, while natural light was maximized by utilizing original windows.

A floating staircase offers access to the interior. This staircase connected to the living room, dining room, and a big shared kitchen in the center. This section connects to the plane’s two wings, which include terraces, and offer stunning views of the landscape. One of the wings juts over the cliffside. The central section leads to two bedrooms. The first bedroom is located in the cockpit, and it includes a jacuzzi bathtub and a double bed, as well as its en-suite bathroom. The second bedroom is located in the tail section and it has an en-suite bathroom as well.

The post A Boeing 737 Was Transformed Into This Luxurious Villa Perched On A Cliffside In Bali first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sustainable tabletop smoker adds to your dinner aesthetic

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If you’re having a dinner party and you need to smoke some of your food like meats, vegetables, fish, cheese, and nuts, you probably will have to do it outdoors. But if you don’t have space to do actual smoking and you just have your table as your space, then that can be a problem (or you might have to just change your menu). There are options out there for table smokers but not all of them are convenient or emit minimal smoke or worse, they can make your food a bit charred.

Designer: Guillaume Bloget

The Cloche table smoker may be the solution to that particular problem. It uses aromatic plants and wood chips as your smoker so that the food you’re cold smoking will still be able to retain their original flavors but this time with a smoky note added to it. It can also serve as part of your dining table decoration as its beech and stainless steel aesthetic can add to the atmosphere of your meal. You can create a ritual out of arranging the food, lighting the fire, then putting it out and presenting the food for eating.

Using it seems pretty easy on paper. You place the ingredients on the metal part and then put the aromatic plants or pine needles on the hearth. You can use matches or a blowtorch to light your “fireplace” then close the smoker with the beech cover. The fire will be put out once you put the cover on (hopefully). After 30 minutes, you can lift the cover and then start consuming whatever it is you were cold smoking. You will still get some residual smoke but hopefully not to make anyone cough or choke.

Having a table smoker like this can help alleviate the pressure of having an actual smoking grill if you just need to cook a bit of food for your party. But of course this is assuming you’re just having a few guests over since the Cloche table smoker is a bit small. If you’re not using it, it can also just be part of your table decoration or a food container.

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This Smart Light is what you get if a Disco Ball and Smart Bulb had a baby

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If the 20th century had the lava lamp, the 21st century has the GLORB. It’s dynamic, portable, customizable, smart, heck, it’s even waterproof.

A geodesic sphere, where each individual facet is a dedicated LED panel. The GLORB isn’t your average smart home lighting solution. Forget the moon lamps of 2020, the sunset lights of 2021, and those atrocious astronaut-shaped projector lamps that still pass off as ambient lights. The GLORB might just be the most beautifully dynamic ambient smart light ever made.

Designer: Alexander Osika

Click Here to Buy Now: $129 $199 (35% off). Hurry, only 3/630 left! Raised over $381,000.

On the inside, the GLORB’s like any other smart bulb. It changes colors, connects to the internet, is audio-responsive, and has the ability to animate light patterns… But zoom out and you’ll see what makes the GLORB so alluring. Made up of 80 different triangular panels that light up in various colors, the GLORB looks like a disco ball, but instead of working on reflecting light, the GLORB itself comes to life by lighting up in uniquely different ways.

The app works by combining a palette and an animation. Save the combination as a favorite. Favorites can be placed into playlists that you can name for any specific occasion or mood.

The multiple panels allow the GLORB to come to life by breathing light and color. Roughly the size of a football, the faceted light can either be hung from the ceiling or used as a tabletop ambient light. It comes with its own stand, runs on 5V of power (which means you can operate it via a power bank too), and can be controlled by an app, through your smart home network, or even with music. The GLORB boasts compatibility with Alexa, Philips Hue, Homey, and Home Assistant, with future support for Google Home, Apple Home Kit, and even Matter.

You can stream your music directly to the GLORB.

The GLORB makes for a perfect ambient light during movie night, a house party, a backdrop for your vlog or podcast, or even to pair along with your RGB gaming gear. The 80 individual LED panels pulsate light, changing colors or breathing an individual hue to make it look like the lamp is living. Through the app, you can select from a variety of animations and adjust the brightness or pulsating speed. The app also lets you pair multiple GLORBs together so they shine in synchronicity, and an audio-responsive mode allows the GLORB to even respond to music, quite literally mimicking the dynamic appeal of a disco ball.

Each GLORB comes made from a mix of plant-based polymers as well as recyclable plastic. The GLORB comes paired with a dedicated faceted stand that also doubles up as a ceiling mount, letting you either keep the orb on a tabletop surface or hanging as an ambient pendant light. The light works without the stand too, running directly on a power supply or a power bank, and it’s water-resistant too, which means you could take it outdoors to upgrade your camping experience, place it in your garden for an ambient evening, or strategically arrange them around your swimming pool for the most incredible night-time pool party ever. The GLORB is both WiFi and Bluetooth compatible, and will get better with time through free OTA updates.

Click Here to Buy Now: $129 $199 (35% off). Hurry, only 3/630 left! Raised over $381,000.

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Digital nomads can live and work in self-sufficient mobile home

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One of the advantages of people who can work remotely (digital marketers, writers, virtual assistants, etc) is that they can work from literally anywhere. As long as there’s internet and a power source for when their devices run out of juice eventually, these digital nomads have the freedom to set up shop wherever they are and to live in things like mobile homes. We’re seeing a lot of products and concepts targeting this segment and I for one am very interested to see these come to life.

Designer: Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC)

The Mobile Catalyst, nicknamed MOCA, was developed by masteral students from IAAC. Not only is it a perfect space for those that want to work while staying anywhere with a view but it is also an experiment into sustainable and self-sufficient habitat with a digital twist. It is basically a 5.4 meter long, 2.4 meter wide, and 3.6 meter high minimalist space that gives you the basic necessities of living. Its interior is made from dowel-laminated timber produced at the IAAC itself but sustainably harvested of course.

The front part of this mobile home has the basic amenities you would need to live in it like a kitchen, toilet and shower, and electric and water systems. In the middle and the back part is the space that can be turned into an office, a meeting area, a library, a recreation room, or even a space for small events. If you need privacy or partitions and also protection from different weather conditions, there are glass doors and a water-resistant cotton fabric that slides or folds with a pulley. There are also two beds on its “mezzanine” floor and you can reach it through a movable ladder.

And of course since MOCA is designed to be sustainable, you have three light-flexible mono-crystalline solar panels on the roof and LED strips as an interior lining. The house can run on its own for around 24 hours before it needs recharging. Water is also self-sufficient as the system stores, filters, and returns the shower water into reusable water. The entire mobile home is built with digital nomads in mind so they can live, work, and play anywhere they want, as long as the trailer can move and fit in that area.

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Jar blender concept brings both aesthetic and function

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A lot of aspiring product designers get inspiration from existing brands whose aesthetics are very distinct. One famous brand of hair dryers and stylers has made its mark on those interested in product design (and pretty devices) and has served as a basis for concepts. We get a lot of “what if _____ made _____” concepts from aspiring designers and it’s actually pretty interesting to see what they come up with just based on the current product line of these brands.

Designers: Anika Patel, Arya Shewale, Prapti Shah, Pratyasa Samanta, Nandana B. Nair, Pia Walia

A lot of the blenders we see are more functional rather than aesthetic. But who says you can’t have both? This concept for a Jar Blender blends (pun intended) the two as you get a cylindrical form that uses chamfered surfaces to connect to the various parts. Using the industrial and minimalist aesthetic, you have what looks like one of those modern-looking gas lamps. But it is in fact designed to be a functional blender that you can use in your kitchen or even bring with you if you’re traveling.

Aside from the sleek aesthetics, you get key functional elements, at least on paper and in renders. It has things like a liquid level window, lock alignment indicator, and a power switch and in keeping with their visual inspiration, they use rounded rectangles as a key element. And if you’re the type who likes seeing the blender in action, the section around the blade is transparent so you can see how it works in blending the various ingredients you put in it (or if you’re doing a “will it blend?” kind of content). There’s also a perforated mesh at the bottom so the blender gets proper ventilation and air circulation.

The blender also comes with a cap so if you need to carry around the juice or energy shake that you blended, you don’t need a separate bottle for it. The jar is 500ml which should be enough for a drink for one person. It would be interesting to see this aesthetic jar blender come to life.

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One-piece silicone measuring cup concept saves space in your kitchen

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If you do a lot of cooking (by choice or by necessity), you probably have a lot of kitchen tools lying around. But not everyone has a spacious kitchen or cooking area so having instruments and accessories that are space savers can be a big blessing. We’re seeing a lot of pretty simple yet innovative solutions to small ticket kitchen items like silverware, cooking tools, accessories, etc. They might not revolutionize your kitchen but they do provide convenience (and space) which can sometimes make all the difference.

Designer: Hatice Esra SUNGUR

One such product, or at least concept, is for a measuring cup called Boi. If you cook regularly, then you’re in need of different sizes of measuring cups. But sometimes they take up space and if you have a small kitchen or storage, then that can be a problem. This concept solves that by designing a measuring cup that is just technically a one-piece silicone cup. Because of its material, it is flexible so the size can change according to what you need.

The idea for Boi is to use the flexbile material and the slider to adjust the size according to the measurement that you need for your ingredients and your recipe. The maximum capacity of the measuring cup is 250 millimeters and it is 20 centimeters long and 6 centimeters high. There are notches and labels in the cup so you know what size you need, ranging from 1 cup (250 ml), 1/3 cup (80m ml), 1/2 cup (125 ml), 1/4 cup (60 ml), and 1/8 cup (30 ml).

The renders shows the measuring cup to have an orange color but it’s easy to visualize it having other bright colors. This kind of kitchen tool will not only help you save space but can save you water and dish detergent since you’re just washing one item. It’s a pretty simple but interesting solution if you want a more space-saving and convenient tool for your cooking adventures.

The post One-piece silicone measuring cup concept saves space in your kitchen first appeared on Yanko Design.

Glow-in-the-dark petunias could usher in a new trend in indoor gardening

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Indoor gardening and plants gained momentum around 2-3 years ago as people sought ways to cope with boredom and insanity while cooped up at home. Since then, it has become fashionable to raise greens inside homes, whether for food, aesthetics, or both. But as captivating as green living things may look during the day, their aesthetic value drops completely when you can no longer see them at night or in the dark. Of course, you could buy one of those hi-tech planters that have built-in lights, but that costs money not just for the product but also for the electricity it consumes. It would definitely be enchanting and magical if the plants could glow on their own, and that’s exactly the marvel that these glowing petunias are bringing to the table, literally.

Designer: Light Bio

There are some things that naturally glow in the dark, and, no, we’re not just talking fireflies and some iridescent rocks. Bioluminescent plants actually occur more often in nature, except they aren’t exactly the type of plants that you’d proudly display in a pot on your shelf or coffee table. But what if you could have that same magical ability on indoor plants and flowers? You’d probably be the talk of your friends and the town for as long as the plant is alive.

The Firefly Petunia is exactly that, a new and regulation-approved breed of the popular garden flower that, if you haven’t caught on yet, glows in the dark. This isn’t the first attempt to breed a bioluminescent houseplant, but it seems to be on track to being to most successful to date. Unlike previous experiments, this first mixed the genes of a glowing mushroom with a tobacco plant to great success. Of course, you wouldn’t want to grow that inside your home, so it’s a good thing that petunias are a close and, more importantly, compatible cousin.

What makes the Firefly Petunia even more special is that it requires no extra care or steps to make it glow since it’s all part of the plant’s growing process. Simply make sure that it gets enough sunlight during the day, which is something you should be doing anyway, and then watch it light up in the dark of night. The bioluminescence can even be an indicator of the plant’s health, because parts that are growing faster, like flower buds, also glow the brightest. When the plant starts to dim, it’s time to check its condition or prune dead parts.

This glow-in-the-dark flower is just the first step in the company’s grand plan, which includes making the petunias glow in more colors other than plain white. Research is also underway to extend the capabilities outside of this species, so it might only be a matter of time before we see all kinds of plants and flowers glowing in the dark, turning your home into a magical garden every night.

The post Glow-in-the-dark petunias could usher in a new trend in indoor gardening first appeared on Yanko Design.