Top 10 Sustainable + Elegant Tableware That Deserve A Spot On Your Dining Table

One of the most intimate and bonding experiences you can have is sharing a meal with someone. And, when it’s at your dinner table, the pressure to create an enjoyable and comfortable environment is higher than ever. A component that you can never truly ignore in a dining setup is tableware (the little things truly do count). Having excellent tableware is important. It has the potential to completely transform your dining experience, taking away attention even from the food! And if they happen to be sustainable then they’re a perfect match made in heaven. We’ve curated a collection of innovative and exciting tableware designs that are sure to be the highlight of your next dinner party!

1. Hida-Cedar Bowls

Designed by Higashi Shunkei, these stunning wood bowls were created using cedarwood sourced from the forest in Takayama. They’re sustainable, eco-friendly, and renewable, and not to mention drop-dead gorgeous! They would make a wonderful addition to your dinner table.

Why is it noteworthy?

Called, the Hida-Cedar bowls they are spun, finished, and lacquered within Higashi Shunkei’s workshop, and showcase a beautiful dark finish with light-colored bands, bringing to mind the image of a tiger’s striped skin.

What we like

  • Perfectly incorporates aesthetics and sustainability
  • Each bowl has a unique distorted pattern

What we dislike

  • There don’t seem to be a lot of options in color and size

2. Earth-Friendly Tumbler

PAPLUS is a new kind of thermoplastic resin that mixes biodegradable paper to add durability, heat resistance, and moldability which normal PLA lacks. This unique earth-friendly tumbler is made using this material

Click Here to Buy Now: $25

Why is it noteworthy?

This earth-friendly tumbler uses an environment-friendly material to create a unique texture that is much like the surface of ceramic or wooden cups. Each sip from this tumbler brings forth a wonderful flavor to your tongue, while also creating an engaging sensation to your lips.

What we like

  • Uplifts the simple act of drinking water to a whole new sensory experience for your lips and tongue
  • Equipped with a heat resistance of 120°, allowing you to enjoy piping hot as well as ice-cold drinks

What we dislike

  • The natural color does become uneven and fade from use, which everyone may not like or prefer

3. Walnut Shell Tableware

If you mix walnut shells, pine resin, and Canauva Power you get NOS, which provides new CMFs with a wide range of colors, patterns, and light transmissions, since it involves grinding large volumes of walnut shells into different sizes.

Why is it noteworthy?

Pine resin is used to bind the NOS. Once the shell of the walnut is separated from the kernel, it is discarded as waste. This waste is being transformed into entire plates by designer SooA Choi! The plates are sustainable and eco-friendly!

What we like

  • A sustainable and excellent alternative to ceramics

What we dislike

  • Not the most aesthetically pleasing tableware, so won’t make a visually appealing addition to your dining table

4. Kreis Cup

Dubbed the Kreis Cup – this sustainable, durable, and eco-friendly coffee cup is designed to elevate and enhance your coffee-drinking experience. It is available in a cup and travel-mug style!

Why is it noteworthy?

The cup is heat-resistant and designed to keep your coffee hot for a longer time. It is a much better alternative to plastic mugs and breakable ceramic mugs, it is an excellent biodegradable option!

What we like

  • Made from spent coffee grounds
  • You can smell the faint unmistakable scent of coffee from it, making it a sensory experience for coffee lovers

What we dislike

  • There is currently no scope for personalization, which can be inconvenient for users who want their personal needs to be catered to

5. Wasteware Collection

Viennese designer Barbara Gollackner collaborated with Australian chef and restaurant owner Martin Kilga to create the ‘Wasteware’ collection, a range of tableware made using leftover food! The duo created a collection of bowls, plates, and cutlery using industrial and personal food waste.

Why is it noteworthy?

The tableware items were made using food waste such as pork skin and old bread, both acquired from personal and industrial waste. The waste was dried out and then blended into a smooth paste held together by mycelium.

What we like

  • Provides an effective solution to the issue of food wastage
  • Colorful and vibrant aesthetics, that will add a boost of color and life to your dining table

What we dislike

  • We’re unsure how durable the products are, and what is their lifespan

6. McDonald’s Reusable Tableware

French global design studio Elium Studio teamed up with McDonald’s France to build reusable tableware that can be used in the fast-food chain’s restaurants. The tableware collection is colorful and cute and made using Tritan – a plastic resin that is similar to glass and ceramic.

Why is it noteworthy?

The tableware was integrated with vents, graining, and striations to impart improved functionality and elevate the customer’s dining experience. The project has been in the works for almost two years, and it is truly commendable.

What we like

  • Retains McDonald’s original essence and design philosophy while being more eco-friendly

What we dislike

  • Plastic resin isn’t the most eco-friendly material out there, they could have picked a more sustainable alternative

7. Earth-Friendly Stacking Cup

You can now enjoy your favorite beverage in a stylish and minimal stacking cup that you know is saving the environment! It is made from eco-friendly synthetic materials and has a unique texture.

Click Here to Buy Now: $25

Why is it noteworthy?

The unique texture of the cup is much like ceramic or wood, and it offers a sensory experience to your lips and mouth. It embodies minimal aesthetics and sustainable practice and produces a soul-enriching drinking experience that you’ll never forget.

What we like

  • Made from plant-derived biodegradable resin
  • The material biodegrades into water and carbon dioxide through natural microbial action

What we dislike

  • Aesthetically quite common to other cups on the market, nothing to set it apart

8. Smogware

The Smogware is an elegant minimal porcelain tableware collection that is really quite unique and innovative, and unlike any other tableware designs you may have seen.

Why is it noteworthy?

The designers harvested dust, notably air pollution from Rotterdam, Netherlands, and integrated it into utensils such as plates, cereal bowls, and coffee tables by harmoniously glazing the particles onto the items.

What we like

  • They harvest dust and incorporate it into the tableware, without it looking like dust

What we dislike

  • The backstory of the tableware may make one lose their appetite

9. Calzone

Calzone is a reusable folding plate, inspired by the Italian crescent-shaped turnovers that are a crowd favorite. The colorful and quirky product is perfect for picnics and hikes, because not only can it store food, but it also functions as a plate, making it a versatile multifunctional product.

Why is it noteworthy?

When folded, and closed in half, Calzone functions as a nifty little container, but when opened, it takes on a flat form and can be used as tableware to serve food. It’s the perfect replacement for one-time-use zipper bags and plates! Created from medical-grade silicone, Calzone is safe enough to be placed in the refrigerator, freezer, microwave, and oven.

What we like

  • Multifunctional product that serves as a plate and food container

What we dislike

10. Grass-Fed Bone China

Ceramist Gregg F Moore collaborated with Dan Barber, the chef and co-owner of Blue Hill restaurant to create a line of tableware that is essentially grass-fed bone china. This is china or ceramic created from the bones of grass-fed cows and the cows that Barber raises on his farms.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Blue Hill cows consume grass, instead of following the typical grain-based farm diet. Since they devour grass, they move and roam freely in search of greener pastures. This ensures that their bones are much stronger as compared to the cows found on other conventional farms, leading to stronger, creamier, and more durable ceramics.

What we like

  • The ceramics are stronger and more durable compared to the regular ones

What we dislike

  • Highly priced as compared to other chinas
  • Won’t be appealing to vegans and vegetarians

The post Top 10 Sustainable + Elegant Tableware That Deserve A Spot On Your Dining Table first appeared on Yanko Design.

10 Best LEGO Builds To Try Creating At Home If You’re A True LEGO Fanatic

Creating and building precise and intricate LEGO structures as a child was one of my favorite hobbies. I could spend hours sitting and creating the little builds, and I still hold those memories dear to my heart. 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. But nowadays LEGO is no longer considered child’s play. Master builders and LEGO enthusiasts all over the world have been creating impressive LEGO builds, and we’ve curated a few of our favorites for you!

1. LEGO Popcorn Machine

Built by Dimexart, this charming and adorable LEGO Popcorn Machine is built using LEGO blocks! This build brings to mind the vision of the iconic popcorn machines you usually see in movie theaters. It features a glorious retro-style theme and is made using 955 pieces. Even the popcorn is made from LEGO blocks! How cool is that?

2. LEGO T-Rex Offline Game

There was a time when users who browsed the web on Google Chrome noticed that when they couldn’t connect to the internet, it would display a “You are offline” message with a pixelated dinosaur standing amidst the desert terrain. If you pressed a key, it would kickstart a hidden game – where you could get the dinosaur to dodge obstacles and keep yourself busy. LEGO builder Brick Dangerous transformed this iconic game into a LEGO brick set made using 449 pieces!

3. LEGO Ramen Bowl

Made using LEGO bricks, Micdud’s LEGO Ramen Bowl looks super realistic! “The model was designed, as a fully customizable construction, thanks to a wide selection of ingredients,” says LEGO builder Micdud. It includes all of the basics – a “bamboo” roll-out pad, a beautiful “ceramic” bowl made with subtle and intricate details, as well as chopsticks that are concealed in a decorated “paper” wrapping. It also includes a special chirirenge spoon!

4. LEGO Cherry Blossoms

These lovely LEGO Cherry Blossoms are designed to get you ready for Spring! The LEGO build features two buildable cherry blossom twigs that can you mix and match to create some pretty white and pink blooms. You need to build the flowers with the 438 pieces that come with the set, to build two twigs that measure up to 14 inches.

5. LEGO A-frame Cabin

The A-frame cabin is truly an icon in the architecture world and is one of the most appealing home styles since its inception in the 1950s. LEGO user Norton74 captured the beautiful essence of the A-frame cabin with this adorable and captivating LEGO build. It feels amazingly real and features precise detailing inside, with each corner revealing something new and exciting. P

 6. LEGO Polaroid SX-70 Fold-Flat Instant Camera

Minibricks Productions converted the Polaroid SX-70 fold-flat instant camera from the 1970s into a LEGO build made using 516 bricks. It is partially functional, but you can’t click any real-time photographs with this camera. LEGO converted the submission into a legit brick set that was slated for release on January 1, 2024.

7. The LEGO® Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: T. Rex Skull

The LEGO® Jurassic World Dinosaur Fossils: T. rex Skull (76964) is designed to be the first Jurassic World set intended for museum-like display. The 577-piece set consists of a T. Rex skull with an opening jaw, and a stand to display it. The unique build also comes along with an info plaque, an amber piece at the back, and a fossilized footprint.

8. LEGO PS One

Built by LEGO Builder GoofySwan099, this LEGO-based PS One is a tribute to Sony’s first-ever gaming console. We’re unsure how many bricks this build uses, but it features all the bells and whistles you could imagine, including a memory card and controller inputs on the front, an opening CD tray, and RCA ports on the back.

9. LEGO Mineral Display

The LEGO Mineral Display is truly an interesting build as it converts plastic bricks into precious gemstones. The display relies on the geometric nature to mimic the beauty of the crystals forming under the extreme pressure of the earth’s crust. The crystals are created in a myriad variety of shapes and styles and were created by LEGO builder Dario Del Frate.

10. LEGO Ideas Tabletop Air Hockey Kit

The LEGO Ideas Tabletop Air Hockey kit is designed to perfectly capture the fun and joy of slinging a puck from the left to right, as you try to score a goal while protecting your post! There is no air involved in this unique creation, and it is fan-made by LordFamousTulip100 and got almost 100 votes on the global LEGO forum.

The post 10 Best LEGO Builds To Try Creating At Home If You’re A True LEGO Fanatic first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Products Designed For Top Notch Storage & Organization Of Your Desk

A cluttered desk can really be the worst thing to start your day with! It hampers your productivity and completely bogs down your mind, making it difficult to complete even the simplest of tasks. This is where I find desk organizers and other storage solutions to be ideal.  I’ve found that adding a desk organizer to my desk setup can amp up my productivity immensely! An organizer can transform your desk from an utter mess to a neat and tidy space that will essentially boost your productivity. And, we’ve collected a range of functional, practical, and aesthetically pleasing products that will organize your desk completely, while also storing away all your essentials efficiently.

1. Hanging Desk Organizer

Meet the modular and super innovative hanging desk organizer! Workspaces today tend to be ever-evolving, and quite hectic, hence it is important to utilize and organize our precious space in a correct and efficient manner, and this is where the Hanging Desk Organizer comes in!

Why is it noteworthy?

This unique edge-hanging organizer completely destroys the usual organizational norms. It provides a storage and organization solution that is both innovative and effective, allowing users to utilize their desktop real estate in an efficient and effective manner while ensuring all essentials are within arm’s reach.

Click Here to Buy Now: $169

What we like

  • Hangs off the edge, utilizing a frequently wasted space
  • Features a modular magnetic system that you can control by yourself

What we dislike

  • While sturdy, there is a cap to how much weight it can handle before becoming unstable, which could be a bummer

2. Grovemade’s Hardwood Cups and Planters

These cups, planters, and dishes are made the old-school way and are carved from solid maple or walnut. They are quite functional and utilitarian but aesthetically pleasing.

Why is it noteworthy?

The various pieces are hand-sanded and finished with a clear vegetable-based oil that highlights the natural warmth, elegance, and beauty of the wood. The collection includes cups, dishes and planters in a variety of different woods

What we like

  • Available in a variety of metal and material options, so you can pick and choose the one you want

What we dislike

  • Aesthetics are a bit unassuming and boring, and could have been worked upon a bit

3. The Hexcal Studio Desktop Organizer

Designed by British company Hexcal, the Hexcal Studio desktop organizer is created to be the ultimate desktop organizer and workspace accessory that you really need.

Why is it noteworthy?

It eliminates clutter, conceals wires, and offers shadowless lighting. It helps create a neat, tidy, and destressing workspace, where wires don’t create clutter, and where multiple screens can be installed to build a cohesive work environment.

What we like

  • Provides you with a wire-free desk
  • Equipped with an integrated shadowless light to reduce the strain caused on the eyes due to screen glare and direct lights

What we dislike

  • Bulky design that will occupy precious real estate on your desk

4. Effortless Standing Letter Cutter

When it comes to desk organization, every inch counts and it is essential to organize our desks in the most efficient and effective manner. And one important office tool in the arena of desk organization is a letter cutter, and we’ve found a cool letter cutter for you!

Why is it noteworthy?

This unique letter cutter reimagines a standard office tool. Not only does it efficiently slice through paper, but it also doubles up as a chic paperweight which ensures there is less clutter on your desk and more style. It elevates and declutters your desk aesthetic!

Click Here to Buy Now: $49

What we like

  • Precision cut ensures that no messy scraps are left behind
  • Doubles up as a paperweight, ensuring there is less clutter on your desk

What we dislike

  • While fantastic for standard envelopes, it is not versatile enough for those bulkier packages or intricate mail, which is inconvenient

5. Miklosi’s Organizer

This conceptual cable organizer is designed to untangle your cords and keep them organized something we deal with almost every day. The designer was inspired to create this product when he noticed that his cords usually get tangled up with lozenges! This inspired him to create a cable organizer that is similar to a pack of lozenges.

Why is it noteworthy?

Besides being inspired by lozenges, at first glance, the organizer looks more like LEGO pieces or bricks! You can place 2 cables on top of each other as if they’re placed in the same row, and there are 3 different types of organizers.

What we like

  • Three different versions so you can pick the one that suits your cable and space requirements

What we dislike

  • The organizer seems quite easy to lose and misplace

6. Quick-Access Organizer

In a world where we’re constantly running around, it is easy to lose your essentials, especially your keys. Called the Quick-Access Organizer, this minimal and well-designed organizer is created to perfectly organize all your essentials, without any fear of ever losing them.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Quick-Access Organizer isn’t simply a storage solution, it is a desk revolution. It utilizes magnetic wizardry to ensure that your essentials have an easily accessible space to be stored in. It merges form and functionality, creating an excellent 21st-century design philosophy.
Click Here to Buy Now: $69

What we like

  • Features a rotating mechanism that takes all the guesswork out of storage
  • It is not just a lid, but also a tray, featuring a unique dual functionality

What we dislike

  • Those who possess a larger array of items will find this organizer limiting
  • It can be concerning having magnets around certain electronic devices or cards, hence you need to be selective about what you store

7. Forest Tidy

Dubbed the Forest Tidy, these minimal and solid containers are crafted from rosewood, and they bring a whole new level of organization and neatness to your desk.

Why is it noteworthy?

It segregates your workspace into different categories,  hence giving 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
  • Equipped with a dedicated phone stand that lets you dock your phone either in portrait or landscape

What we dislike

  • Unfortunately, the phone stand doesn’t feature a channel for a cable pass-through, which means it won’t function as a charging stand

8. Cyl

Using the age-old stacking trick, Cyl is a unique desk organizer that frees up all the horizontal space on your desk and uses the vertical space that is often forgotten and ignored.

Why is it noteworthy?

The desk organizer is versatile, so you can place a variety of items within it. You can easily see what’s inside, and quickly retrieve them without having to unstack the ones above.

What we like

  • You can easily see what’s inside and quickly get them without unstacking
  • Organizers come in different sizes

What we dislike

  • No option to close the organizer when not in use

9. Grovemade Note-Taking Kit

Called the Grovemade Note-Taking Kit, this product is designed to help you effortlessly and efficiently capture, process, and store your notes, while ensuring that your notes are neatly placed and organized.

Why is it noteworthy?

This Note-Taking Kit includes a refillable notepad with dot grid paper and a solid metal base, supported by a display rail to hold and accommodate your notes and devices, creating an organized and well-designed working space.

What we like

  • Ensures that your workdesk is neat, helping you complete your important tasks first

What we dislike

  • Will consume a substantial amount of precious real estate on your desk

10. Smol Floppy Disk Organizer for Micro SD Cards

Independent artist Trevor Flowers has designed the “Smol Floppy Disk Organizer for Micro SD Cards”, and it is an adorable and quaint replica of the olden golden days. The little organizer can fit on any desk, owing to its near-microscopic size.

Why is it noteworthy?

This little design is perfect for old-school lovers, who collected a lot of floppy discs and kept their entire disc collection in beige old boxes. This is a fun trip down memory lanes for those who love a blast from the past!

What we like

  • Small compact design that can easily fit anywhere

What we dislike

  • Limited in supply, unsure whether we can get our hands on them
  • The small size may make the product super easy to misplace

The post Top 10 Products Designed For Top Notch Storage & Organization Of Your Desk first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Compact Tools & Appliances That Are The Ultimate Space-Saving Hacks For Your Kitchen

They say big things come in small packages! And I could not agree more. Sometimes the most inconsequential-looking products can be packed with a whole load of utility. And this is certainly true in the case of kitchen appliances and tools. Space constraint is a major issue in our modern-day cramped kitchens, and shoving a whole bunch of bulky and space-consuming kitchen appliances in them is almost impossible! Hence, we’ve curated a collection of compact kitchen designs that do not compromise on functionality, despite their size. These handy kitchen products will occupy minimum space in your kitchen while providing maximum functionality!

1. Hybrid Kitchen Aid

Dubbed the Hybrid Kitchen Aid, this innovative and groundbreaking kitchen appliance is designed to support and boast multiutility while excelling in adaptability, economical use, and storage efficiency.

Why is it noteworthy?

It is an exceptional design that merges the functions of multiple devices into one compact and adaptable machine. The classic French press inspires it and allows you to execute tasks such as blending, grinding, and kneading, creating an all-in-one solution for your kitchen needs.

What we like

  • Features inversion of the motor placement, a deviation from traditional food processors
  • Features a telescopic arm as well

What we dislike

  • It’s a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a real product

2. Jamonero

Meet the Jamonero, the creation of a Barcelona-based design that created a unique solution to accommodate ham stands in your kitchen. The folding ham stand is designed to hold your ham in place while you slice it.

Why is it noteworthy?

When you don’t need Jamonero, you can fold and tuck it away into a drawer to make space for other kitchen accessories. It is an extremely useful kitchen product for when your dining table or kitchen isn’t large enough.

What we like

  • Features an anti-slip feature that keeps the holder and ham in place
  • Quite easy to clean and maintain

What we dislike

  • Certain users may be uncomfortable using wood to hold their meat, and there is no alternative material available for them

3. Iron Frying Plate

This innovative kitchen product is called the Iron Frying Plate, and it’s a multifunctional design that you can use to serve your food or as a frying pan with a removable handle. It is a unique and refreshing new method to combine cooking and eating!

Click Here to Buy Now: $69

Why is it noteworthy?

The Iron Frying Plate is a super cool design as it merges a frying pan and serving plate, offering a functional and elegant solution for cooking and serving. It introduces an ingenious new cooking method, that facilitates direct-from-the-pan serving, allowing you to use one product to fulfill two kitchen needs, and eliminating the requirement for more appliances.

What we like

  • The wooden handle can be attached and detached as and when needed, allowing the product to transform

What we dislike

  • It is made from iron, making it heavier than conventional frying pans, so it can be tough to handle and store

4. Home Garden

Named Home Garden, this herb garden allows you to have access to fresh greens all year round without sacrificing precious real estate in your home or causing a major mess. It has a neat compact form that works great for small urban apartments or big suburban houses.

Why is it noteworthy?

The designer drew inspiration for this design from his own life. “My mom is a real culinary virtuoso and she often complains about the lack of specific greens in the store. And then I got the idea to design a home garden that will be built into the kitchen and will delight with greenery all year round,” he explains.

What we like

  • Equipped with an integrated smart system that monitors the moisture and temperature of plants

What we dislike

  • We’re unsure whether it can be customized and tailored to personal requirements

5. Playful Palm Grater

Named the Playful Palm Grater, this playful little product is designed to add some functionality and fun to your kitchen and dining life and space. It fits perfectly into the palm of your hand!

Click Here to Buy Now: $25

Why is it noteworthy?

Designed to be a charming and functional product, the Playful Palm Grater resembles a curled piece of paper. Made from a single aluminum alloy plate, and it is available in different color options.

What we like

  • Has a unique and minimal form that offers a firm grip
  • Makes a simple act like grating fun and playful, as well as convenient and efficient

What we dislike

  • Since it is quite small in size, it isn’t the best option to grate large amounts of food

6. NinJA’s Kitchen Knives

The NiNJA’s kitchen knives are fashionable and attention-grabbing, owing to their sleek black blades. The color gives them a refined and sophisticated look, providing the knives with a modern and effective upgrade.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99

Why is it noteworthy?

There is almost no other embellishment on the blade other than the discreet “i” logo, removing any potential distraction. Like a ninja hiding in the shadows or a secret agent in a black suit, these knives stealthily move in for the kill, cutting ingredients with precision and grace.

What we like

  • Built from molybdenum vanadium steel, known for its highly durable sharpness
  • Coated with titanium for increased wear resistance

What we dislike

  • Given only one aesthetic option, we don’t have a range of colors/options to match our kitchen

7. Cucinotta

Dubbed Cucinotta, this mini kitchen with large eyes and slender legs is designed by Adriano Design for the Italian kitchen appliances manufacturer Fabita. It is a compact and easily portable design that can snugly fit into any corner of your home.

Why is it noteworthy?

It measures less than half a square meter, and it is equipped with an induction cooktop, hood, and a large utility drawer that can also be used as a fridge. It is powered by a single cord!

What we like

  • Features a wireless charging space for mobile devices
  • Effortlessly merges with any space it is placed into

What we dislike

  • There doesn’t seem to be any option for customization

8. Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors

These sleek, innovative, and good-looking shears are called the Precision Chef Kitchen Scissors, and they let you cut through your food efficiently and swiftly. They make cutting meat and all kinds of food super smooth and effortless.

Click Here to Buy Now: $99

Why is it noteworthy?

The scissors are black, creating an image of power and style while letting them occupy an intimidating and impressive position in your dining table or kitchen. They can easily cut through your steak, pizza, veggies, and more with finesse and functionality.

What we like

  • Feature a specially designed curved serrated blade that makes cutting meat effortless and safe
  • Multifunctional tool that provides precise cutting

What we dislike

  • There are no different color options, it is only available in black, which could be boring for some users

9. Walker Juicer

Dubbed the Walker Juicer, this is a compact juicer without all the bulk. It is a masticating juicer that doesn’t incorporate too much heat or oxygen into the juicing process and is largely preferred over centrifugal juicers when it comes to nutritional value.

Why is it noteworthy?

It incorporates parts of the masticating juicer and places them in its main body to create a compact and space-saving build that doesn’t compromise the juice’s nutritional value.

What we like

  • Can be assembled and disassembled easily
  • Saves space and produces healthful juices

What we dislike

  • Looks a bit difficult to clean and maintain

10. Elizabat

Named the Elizabat, this adorable little bat scissor by OTOTO is designed to add some fun and flavor to your kitchen. The scissor is quite easy to grip on the inside, as well as the outside.

Why is it noteworthy?

This pair of culinary scissors helps you cut, chop, and slice away at veggies and herbs in the kitchen. It features a clever blade design which also serves as a bottle opener, while the gap between the handles serves as a nut-cracker.

What we like

  • Features an ergonomic profile that is quite comfortable to use

What we dislike

  • The scissor looks quite adorable and can be mistaken for a toy, so it needs to be kept away from children

The post Top 10 Compact Tools & Appliances That Are The Ultimate Space-Saving Hacks For Your Kitchen first appeared on Yanko Design.

10 Best Eco-Friendly Designs To Master A Conscious + Clean Lifestyle In 2024

Our unhealthy practices and way of living are truly harmful to the environment and have been slowly leading to its deterioration. And the world has been changing (for the worse) because of this. Hence, it is extremely important to live sustainably and consciously and to take care of the environment in 2024! Integrating sustainability into our day-to-day lives has become crucial. And we can do this in various ways. Designers and creators are coming up with sustainable alternatives for almost everything. Every product that is necessary and utilized by us in our everyday routine has an eco-friendly alternative to it. Replacing our usual mass-produced designs with these greener options will make a huge difference to the environment and Mother Earth. From a Saturn-inspired sustainable lamp to a bicycle seat made from cork– we’ve curated a whole collection of sustainable product designs to help you go green.

1. Briiv Pro

Dubbed the Briiv Pro, this eco-friendly purifier uses nature and technology to cleanse the indoor air in your home. The new Briiv Pro is more powerful than ever and is a ‘mini forest’ that purifies a 16 sq.m. room in about 21 minutes. This is supposed to be 6900% more effective than house plants!

Why is it noteworthy?

The fact that the Briiv Pro is 6900% more effective than house plants is truly amazing for a purifier of this size. Besides being super functional, it also looks gorgeous, unlike the ugly appliances that get passed off as air purifiers these days.

What we like

  • Utilizes a layered trifecta of moss, coconut fiber, and a silk nanofiber matrix with activated carbon
  • Works a whisper-soft noise level
  • Equipped with an AI-based sensor

What we dislike

2. Kreis Cup

Meet the Kreis Cup – a sustainable and durable coffee cup designed to enhance and improve your coffee-drinking experience. The Kreis Cup is available in a cup and travel-mug style!

Why is it noteworthy?

The Kreis Cup is heat resistant and designed to keep your coffee hot longer. It is ultimately biodegradable, and a better alternative than the plastic-based to-go mugs, and breakable ceramic mugs.

What we like

  • Made from spent coffee grounds
  • You can smell the faint unmistakable scent of coffee from it!

What we dislike

  • There is currently no scope for personalization, which can be inconvenient for users

3. FR-1 Bike Saddle

Dubbed the FR-1 Bike Saddle, this innovative bike saddle is made from reconstituted cork and grade 5 titanium. The designers did away with the usual three plastic layers of the bike saddle and replaced it with a single piece of cork.

Why is it noteworthy?

This cork has all the properties of those plastic layers – structural rigidity, weather resistance, and foam comfort. They will also introduce various variants with different grades of cork.

What we like

  • Has the structural perks of plastic, but the sustainability benefits of FR-1 Bike Saddle

What we dislike

  • You need 2 weeks for the cork to soften and break down

4. PLANETCARE 2.0

The PLANETCARE 2.0 is a microfiber filter attachment for your washing machine. 35% of the ocean’s microplastic problem comes from the washing machine since it is mostly a blend of synthetic fibers that mix with the water, and end up in the ocean.

Why is it noteworthy?

The PLANETCARE 2.0 is a handy and practical filter that can be snapped onto the side of your washing machine. It filters all the water the machine drains out after a cycle! It is the water equivalent of you sorting out your trash.

What we like

  • Can be niftily attached to your washing machine
  • It catches all the microplastics from the machine’s drain water

What we dislike

  • You may need to change/adjust the position of the filter to ensure adequate water pressure

5. Dissolving Bottle Shampoo

The Dissolving Bottle shampoo bars are not just practical solutions, but also symbols of commitment to a future that is sustainable and plastic-free. As users lather up and wet the Dissolving Bottle, it slowly diminishes in size until it finally disappears!

Why is it noteworthy?

The Dissolving Bottle is an innovative and unique solution that completely eradicates the need for traditional toiletry containers, providing us with a convenient and eco-friendly solution for daily hygiene routines.

What we like

  • Has the familiar shape of a typical shampoo container, making the transition an easy one

What we dislike

  • Requires careful handling, as exposure to water could result in premature dissolution

6. Packioli

A Turkish designer was able to come up with soap packaging called Packioli that is both hygienic and non-plastic and therefore more eco-friendly. One thing missing from most similar products is convenience and she was able to add it to this as well.

Why is it noteworthy?

She used artichoke leaves and combined them with peapod bioplastics to create packaging that commercial soap brands can use if they want to be more eco-conscious in creating their products.

What we like

  • It not only solves getting rid of plastic for soaps but also helps get rid of artichoke waste, which is around 80% of the actual vegetable

What we dislike

  • The look of the packaging is not similar to what we’re used to, with the labels and other colorful decorations, so may not be preferred by everyone

7. Memory Capsule

Named the Memory Capsule, this unique concept for a design challenge with Samsung looks like a regular USB flash drive on the surface but is in fact made from eco-friendly materials from old electronic devices.

Why is it noteworthy?

The packaging of this USB flash drive is made using recycled pulp, while the entire body of the flash drive is made using metals and plastics recycled from actual smartphones. The cap of the thumb drive is made using recycled polycarbonate which comes from discarded fishing nets.

What we like

  • Let’s you get rid of your old devices in an upcyclable way, while also retaining precious memories from your old device

What we dislike

  • We’re unsure if the data will be saved in the kiosk

8. Earth Rated Products

Canadian dog brand Earth Rated has collaborated with design agency Layer to embark on a journey of rebranding, they’ve created a simple and clean rebranding that focuses on recycling and natural products and have introduced an interesting range of sustainable dog toys.

Why is it noteworthy?

The dog toys feature joyful geometric forms and textured surfaces that invite interaction, building an intuitive user experience for both pets and owners. The toys are made using recycled and recyclable materials, compostable and post-consumer recycled plastics, and natural rubber.

What we like

  • Eco-friendly and fun products for your doggo, providing an intuitive experience for you as well

What we dislike

9. Oakwood MagSafe Collection

The Oakwood MagSafe collection utilizes the Apple MagSafe chargers to provide actual charging function and good-looking aesthetics as well. What they offer, instead, are solid and multi-functional bases that not only keep your iPhone or Apple Watch in place but also add some life to your desk.

Why is it noteworthy?

With a mix of wood and matte aluminum materials, these stands and mounts look handsome on any motif you might have going for your desk, providing eye-catching ornaments without being distracting.

What we like

  • The MagSafe charger they hold can be removed and used as normal
  • Prevents more e-waste in the long run

What we dislike

  • None of the accessories come with an Apple MagSafe charger

10. Saturno Lamp

This unique spherical lamp is heavily inspired by the planet Saturn and its beautiful rings. It borrows ideas from the planet’s morphology to build something fun, unique, and sustainable.

Why is it noteworthy?

The SATURNO lamp is actually made of three disc-shaped parts that connect without the use of any glue or screws. There are cutouts instead that allow the parts to be inserted into each other at perpendicular angles. Two are made from walnut wood, while the third is made from resin, which could be any sustainable kind.

What we like

  • The LEDs can be controlled to showcase different colors and intensities
  • A versatile lighting fixture that gives a glimpse of the heavens right inside your home

What we dislike

  • The lamp won’t stand with its horizontal light mimicking the light scattered by Saturn’s rings unless it is provided with some support

The post 10 Best Eco-Friendly Designs To Master A Conscious + Clean Lifestyle In 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Note-Taking Accessories For Remote Workers To Efficiently Scribble Down Their Ideas

The collection of stationery items placed on a desk is what makes it truly shine! 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. And if you’re someone who works better with taking notes and jotting down your plans and ideas, then this collection of note-taking accessories and designs is for you! From a personal whiteboard that lets you take notes anytime anywhere to a levitating pen – these accessories are a must-have for your desk. Happy writing!

1. The Note

Called the Note, this small desk whiteboard allows you to take down notes with complete ease and efficiency. It isn’t just your everyday note take, it has a couple of cool tricks to make your mundane workday fun!

Why is it noteworthy?

The unique whiteboard can be twisted or flipped over, giving you the space to write down your notes. One side features a dotted grid surface to help with diagrams, while the other side can be plain or you could have the same design on both sides.

What we like

  • Features a multi-purpose vertical screen that can be utilized to view the time, appointments, and calendar

What we dislike

  • The screen doesn’t show videos, a function that may be important in some people’s fields of work

2. Everlasting All-Metal Pencil

Meet the everlasting all-metal pencil, a unique pencil that will end the dreaded cycle of pencil sharpening and dealing with fragile mechanical leads1 This innovative note-taking accessory allows you to keep pace with, and jot down your notes. It lets your creative ideas flow freely and unhindered!

Click Here to Buy Now: $19.95 

Why is it noteworthy?

It is made with a special alloy core that is stored in a sleek aluminum body. It offers to provide a writing experience that is smooth, clean, and hassle-free while providing a sturdy and consistent performance.

What we like

  • Easily erased with regular erases
  • Ensures a smooth and clean writing experience

What we dislike

  • There is no replacement tip for the pencil

3. MagBoard Clipboard

The MagBoard Clipboard is a simple and well-designed solution that allows you to easily attach any paper – blank, dotted, grid in 2 sizes so you always have the fresh paper smell when you attach new stationery. You need to lift the magnetic panel and leave your pen inside for the next time a big idea strikes!

Click Here to Buy Now: $45

Why is it noteworthy?

It is super easy to organize, and efficient to use. It features a Magnet x Lever mechanism that holds your paper through a busy day while you can easily shuffle your notes as you go!

What we like

  • Allows you to attach the clipboard to any metal surface
  • No ring that holds the paper together, so you don’t need to tear paper away when needed

What we dislike

  • The MagBoard Clipboard only holds a maximum of 30 sheets at a time

4. Grovemade’s Note-Taking Kit

This is Grovemade’s newest note-taking kit, and it is designed to be the perfect product to effortlessly capture, process, and store your notes. It is a well-designed and aesthetic kit!

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 in the meantime.

What we like

  • Maintains a clean and tidy work desk, allowing you to complete your important tasks first

What we dislike

  • Will occupy a lot of precious real estate on your desk

5. XNote

This unique and innovative smart notebook is designed to upgrade the experience of harnessing the power of AI to make the best out of your scribbles and sketches and converting them into summaries, appointments, tasks, and even translation that takes your productivity to the next level.

Why is it noteworthy?

The XNote smart notebook makes use of ChatGPT to merge the absolute joy of writing on paper, and the convenience of digital technology in an intuitive, easy, and seamless manner.

What we like

  • Detects invisible patterns so that every stroke is accurately sent and mirrored to the app via Bluetooth

What we dislike

  • Not the best note-taking accessory for those who aren’t comfortable with AI

6. Japanese Paper Memo Block

Dubbed the Japanese paper Memo Block is designed to capture your exciting and itinerant thoughts that may otherwise escape you, if they’re not noted down in the nick of time!

Why is it noteworthy?

This white Japanese paper Memo Block lets you focus on the simple task at hand, allowing you to jot down your thoughts before you get distracted all over again. It has a small footprint, allowing you to put the block of paper anywhere on your desk, in any orientation or position.

What we like

  • Features a pure black surface that challenges the mind to put forward new thoughts on paper
  • Uses high-quality Japanese paper revered by many stationery connoisseurs

What we dislike

  • At first glance, it seems like an ordinary notepad and doesn’t seem to have any USP or specialty

7. The Scripter

The Scripter sits right on your collar like a brooch while giving you quick access to a virtual assistant that lets you easily turn all your narrations and conversations into text transcripts, so you don’t need to struggle between thinking and typing/writing together.

Why is it noteworthy?

It transforms voices into paragraphs of text without the need for a keyboard, or without having to worry about typos. It works brilliantly across 16 languages. It is ideal for linguists, teachers, authors, and scriptwriters.

What we like

  • Designed to be a modern journaling tool, allowing people to focus on thinking, and interacting rather than on social cues

What we dislike

  • It can be inconvenient and uncomfortable to have a device on your collar

8. TP Pen

Coined the TP Pen, this unique writing tool is created to reform the basic everyday writing tool. It is a conceptual design that writes on paper, while also functioning as a marker, ruler, and stand.

Why is it noteworthy?

The unique pen features a “trixagonal” cap that allows it to serve as more than a pen. The shape of the pen is inspired by the New Age geometric pattern called the Flower of Life. This pattern is said to hold answers to the Universe and all living things.

What we like

  • Multifunctional and innovative design that functions as various stationery items

What we dislike

  • It’s a conceptual design, so not sure how it will translate into a real tangible product, and how well it would function

9. Levitating Pen 3.0

The Levitating Pen is a grand writing instrument that is equipped with a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, which makes the pen super easy to hold and use. It provides for a smooth writing experience!

Why is it noteworthy?

You can close the pen’s magnetic cap with a satisfying click and position the pen in its holder that has been magnetized to keep the pen floating in that particular position, allowing you to also interact with the pen!

What we like

  • Quite easy and smooth to hold and write with
  • Spinning the pen in certain intervals can be a stress buster

What we dislike

  • The pen has smooth edges that may cause it to roll off when kept on a curved surface, so you could lose it

10. Wipe

Called Wipe, this one-of-a-kind innovative whiteboard notebook has an eraser, making it super easy to write, erase, and write over and over!

Why is it noteworthy?

Wipe has a small and personal size that’s a little bit smaller than A4 paper. It is portable in size, allowing you to write on it, take a photo to save, or send it to the cloud. It is a fast and simple device that doesn’t need much preparation just like good old paper!

What we like

  • Features a newly developed Mag Force system that combines magnets and rubber bands to create a handle that also functions as a pen holder

What we dislike

  • You’ll need to use a dry-erase or whiteboard pen instead of a permanent marker

The post Top 10 Note-Taking Accessories For Remote Workers To Efficiently Scribble Down Their Ideas first appeared on Yanko Design.

10 Best Stools Designs To Add To Your Home ASAP

I’m at a point in my life where I’m team stools over chairs, and I truly believe stools deserve to be given way more credit than they get. Stools are often overlooked, maybe because they occupy minimum space, and aren’t overbearing. But these traits are what make stools so great in my opinion! I mean, they’re compact, and a great space-saving furniture option for our modern homes. They are also super portable. And, we’ve put together a collection of stool designs that not only provide a healthy seating experience while promoting a good and stable posture but most of them are created from sustainable materials as well. From a minimal stackable stool with slim wooden legs to a portable stool made from electronic waste packaging – these well-designed stools are the furniture pieces you need to add to your home.

1. Drum Stool

Called the Drum Stool, this minimal, stackable, and sustainable stool looks like an adorable little wine cork at first glance! But as you dig deeper, you realize it has much more to offer.

Why is it noteworthy?

Teixeira picked materials such as cork and wood to build the stool, instantly rating it high on sustainability. Cork was used to create the seat, while wood was the leg material.

What we like

  • The stool features a round trimmed surface that offers it a fun and playful shape
  • The trimmed seat is paired up with slim wooden legs, creating a cohesive and harmonious furniture piece

What we dislike

  • We’re not sure how comfy the trimmed cork seat would be to sit on for longer durations of time

2. EDGAR Stool

Dubbed the EDGAR stool, this concept for a portable stool is designed to be something functional while also using a minimum amount of resources in terms of the material used for it, the energy required to create it, and the cost of making it.

Why is it noteworthy?

What makes this stool super cool is that they only spent $0.29 in making the prototype of these stools! The stool is low-cost since it is made from waste from the packaging of electronic appliances and adhesives. It handles one of the biggest waste issues!

What we like

  • Lightweight and easy to carry around

What we dislike

  • Doesn’t seem like the best option if you have a pretty round derriere

3. Stump Recycled Stool

Derlot designed the original Stump stool a while ago, and now they’ve unveiled their latest Stump Recycled which features the same basic structure of the stool but is made from 80% recycled post-industrial plastic LPDE.

Why is it noteworthy?

The new Stump stool features a different design, as the patterns form a terrazzo-like design that offers the stool a textured and colored look. You can pick stools with a kaleidoscope-like finish, which provides a fresh interpretation of how recycled materials can be used to elevate a design.

What we like

  • Provides a new take on how recycled materials can be used

What we dislike

  • Not sure how long you can sit on the stool, since it’s quite small and doesn’t look too comfy

4. The +52 Stool

After extensive research on the current timber designs and manufacturing, Studio Plastique converted all this knowledge into a unique wooden step stool called the +52 stool.

Why is it noteworthy?

This stool isn’t just furniture, it was designed to be a ‘scenario’, which represents the potential of undervalued wood types as sustainable alternatives to typical wood types. It is produced using a variety of non-commercial woods such as elm, koto, willow, acacia, and birch which changes the weight, color, and texture of the stool.

What we like

  • Designed to tackle the complete lack of awareness surrounding lesser-known wood species that aren’t used in the design world

What we dislike

  • Has a raw and rustic look, which isn’t preferred by everyone

5. S1 Stool

Designed by Australian designer Alexander Lotersztain for the furniture brand Derlot, the minimalist and simple S1 stool doubles up as a handy side table!

Why is it noteworthy?

The stool/side table has a simple form that is inspired by an I-beam, which is a structural member with an I-shaped cross-section. The S1 stool is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, owing to its versatile form and universal design.

What we like

  •  Available in three heights to maximize its versatility

What we dislike

  • Aesthetics are simple and unassuming

6. Arc Stool

Called the Arc Stool, this furniture design is simple and thoughtfully designed to add a plethora of elegance and personality to your home.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Arc Stool is designed to elevate and upgrade the mundane stool, and it is a signature piece of the inaugural collection by US Studio Juntos. It attempts to add a much-needed flair to the simple stool design.

What we like

  • Features a dipped surface that provides comfort to the user
  • Portable and easy-to-move design

What we dislike

  • No options for customization or personalization

7. Superpop Tables

Dubbed the Superpop tables, these colorful tables feature terrazzo-like surfaces that have been made from recycled plastic. They were designed by Paolo Cappello for Miniforms.

Why is it noteworthy?

The tables are super versatile, and what’s even more interesting is that they can be used as coffee tables, side tables, or even stools! They are sustainable, versatile, lightweight, and fun.

What we like

  • Versatile functionality with a universal appeal
  • Brings a fun and festive atmosphere wherever they are placed

What we dislike

  • Could be difficult to match them with the interior styles of different homes

8. Balanco Stools

Designed during the pandemic, the Balanco stools are inspired by rocks and boulders, and they’re meant for adults and kids to play and engage with.

Why is it noteworthy?

The idea for the Balanco stools came from the Japanese practice of stacking pebbles to create towers. Traditionally, the pebbles mostly consist of rounded forms, designers Lisa Lai and Joel Wong decided that chiseled rock-like shapes would create more visual dynamism while offering a variety of flat surfaces that are ideal for stacking and layering.

What we like

  • Extremely light
  • Inspired by rocks and boulders

What we dislike

  • Made from felt, there is a higher chance of staining this design

9. The Tie Stool

Dubbed the Tie Stool, this stunning stool is made from three bent plywood that effortlessly locks into one another, creating a unique tripod form that is quite comfy to sit on. It is a simple stool made using minimal materials making the stool quite a beauty.

Why is it noteworthy?

The three plywood strips can be split into 6 total parts, forming individual parts that are built using high pressure, causing the plywood to bend and retain its shape. The cutting processes are performed on the parts allowing them to interlock into one another.

What we like

  • Flat-packed and shipped to customers
  • Features a stackable form

What we dislike

  • Its compressed design means it needs a tabletop to add more space on the stool

10. The Rook Stool

Named the Rook Stool, this unique stool is inspired by chess pieces. It is available in three types of solid wood and has an intriguing similarity to the pieces you find on a chess board.

Why is it noteworthy?

The designer drew references from the shapes of decorative wooden chess pieces for the Rook Stool. The stool utilizes simple elements that have been placed at unusual but intriguing angles and intersections to create a sculptural appeal.

What we like

  • Available in three kinds of wood, so you can choose

What we dislike

  • Doesn’t look too comfy to sit on for long durations of time

The post 10 Best Stools Designs To Add To Your Home ASAP first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Chique Lighting Designs To Illuminate Your Home With Style + Practicality

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. From a ghost-like chandelier to a unique book-mounted reading light– these innovative lighting designs are what you need to elevate your living or working space!

1. Sunne Light

Called the Sunne Light, this innovative solar light is self-powered and it harvests sunlight during the day to ensure your home is lit up throughout the night. The extraordinary sunlight-mimicking lamp collects solar energy, while also powering itself using that energy.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Sunne light features photovoltaic cells that are designed to be hung in front of a window. It is a suspended lighting fixture that collects solar energy through the day and then uses that energy at night to illuminate your home. It has an integrated battery that stores the solar energy it collects.

What we like

  • Collects solar energy and uses it to power itself
  • Remains suspended in air, not occupying any precious real estate in your home

What we dislike

  • Heavy price tag
  • Since the lamp is suspended, it could be difficult to clean and maintain

2. Chapeaux Table Lamp

The stunning Chapeaux Table Lamp is considered worthy to be part of a magic show. It is an enchanting and mesmerizing lighting fixture that will instantly grab your attention owing to its super unique design.

Why is it noteworthy?

One of the focal features of the lamp is the transparent pyrex body which is accentuated with a cylindrical steam that widens up at both ends. The bottom section supports and stabilizes the lamp while the top embraces the hat diffuser. Once the lamp is switched on, the entire body is highlighted with pretty subtle reflections.

What we like

  • Features a floating light source, that subtly conceals all the technical bits

What we dislike

  • Since it is transparent, it needs to be cleaned regularly, to ensure it doesn’t have a dirty/murky appearance

3. Amber Crystal Light

Gingko’s Amber Crystal Light looks like a fortune-telling orb that rests on a wooden base, with intricate designs etched into the center of the glass orb. Once you switch the light on, the art scatters light in different directions, producing a stunning glowing effect that borders on visual magic.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Crystal Light features five different artworks within the crystal orb – dandelion, galaxy, the solar system, Saturn, and a motif of Earth as a globe. The different motifs represent different emotions such as hope, serenity, curiosity, and a genuine love for space, science, and nature.

What we like

  • Offers up to 16 hours of stunning illumination with gorgeous designs

What we dislike

  • The lamp seems quite fragile and breakable, so should be kept away from kids and pets

4. Soft Serve Lamp

The Soft Serve Lamp is an adorable lighting design by Stockholm design studio Crème Atelier, and mimics a “swirly ice cream”. It is available in a range of delicious sorbet colors!

Why is it noteworthy?

The Soft Serve lamp is 3D-printed and is inspired by pastries and desserts, which in my opinion makes a great source of inspiration for lighting designs.

What we like

  • Made to order, which makes the entire production method pretty swift and sustainable according to the agency

What we dislike

  • Seems more decorative than functional to be honest

5. Emotional Lab Light

Dubbed the Emotional Lab Light, this unique and ethereal-looking lighting design was created by interior designer Hania Jneid. Jneid was inspired by chemistry sets, and she drew influence from them to create her eclectic and elaborate floor lamp.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Emotional Lab floor lamp includes a tall and slender metal lamp that provides support to multiple beaker-like glass vessels that illuminate any space they’re placed into with a warm and inviting flow.

What we like

  • Influenced by the designer’s childhood memories of chemistry lab

What we dislike

  • Looks easily breakable and fragile, and not very moveable

6. Skyview

Dubbed Skyview, these lamps can be utilized for light therapy, but they also manage to be quite aesthetically pleasing. They are designed by Bios by “documented scientific research”, which means they can simulate exposure to sunlight in the comfort of your home.

Why is it noteworthy?

The lamps can simulate sunlight even when the sun is not out. They’re also well-designed, allowing them to naturally merge with your home, ensuring they don’t look out of place in your living room, bedroom, or home office.

What we like

  • Can be programmed to adjust to the time of day and the natural light outside

What we dislike

  • Hefty price tag, which may not be accessible to everyone

7. Bowie 2.0

The Bowie 2.0 is a genius reading light that illuminates not only the pages of your book but also your entire room. The light is designed like a leather fashion accessory that can be clipped onto the left and right sides of your book cover.

Why is it noteworthy?

The LEDs are built into the light’s strap, casting a soft and lovely glow that is still strong enough to let you read in the pitch dark. It casts warm LED light on your pages, letting you read with ease, turn pages, and move around without the light causing any discomfort,

What we like

  • Features touch-sensitive brightness settings built in that let you adjust the LED brightness to suit your needs and requirements

What we dislike

8. Ghost Chandelier

As its name suggests, the Ghost Chandelier is ghostly and ghoulish yet quite graceful. It is a simple and alluring lighting design, that instantly captures your attention, and has you completely mesmerized.

Why is it noteworthy?

Created by Kristian Sofus Hansen and Tommy Hyldahl of NORR11 for the Danish design studio, the artistic lighting design intends to cast a myriad range of shapes and patterns in your home. The stunning piece is inspired by minimalist art.

What we like

  • The chandelier looks different from different viewpoints
  • Builds a moody and seductive ambiance in your home

What we dislike

  • Looks difficult to clean and maintain

9. Matin Lamp

Designed by Inga Hempe, the Matin Lamp is a contemporary and modern interpretation of a common lighting fixture that uses a steel wire frame to condense the form to its most basic.

Why is it noteworthy?

Its unique pleated lampshade gives a distinctive character to the product, creating a play of shapes and shadows that contrast with its plain block of color.

What we like

  • The lamp is a harmonious contrast of order and chaos with repeating patterns of flowers, petals, and leaves

What we dislike

  • The lamp may be too quirky and eclectic for some

10. Nebula Desk Lamp

Designed by COG Design Studio, the Nebula Desk Lamp is a basic yet defined form of lighting built via repetition, transformation, and an innovative and unique combination of distinctive geometric shapes.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Nebula Desk Lamp was designed by giving a subtle and formative beauty to flat shapes using three-dimensional changes in direction and bending. This creates a refreshed and interesting form for a lighting design.

What we like

  • The innovative design gives the impression of a nebula in space, which lends the design its name

What we dislike

  • There is no option to change/customize the design as needed

The post Top 10 Chique Lighting Designs To Illuminate Your Home With Style + Practicality first appeared on Yanko Design.

Top 10 Coffee Machines To Help Coffee Lovers Prepare The Ultimate + Best Cup Of Joe

I love coffee, I need it to start my day, or else I simply refuse to start my day! It’s the boost of energy, dose of motivation, and rush of serotonin that I need every morning. And, I’m pretty sure that’s the case for most of us. There is a different satisfaction and pleasure in sipping caffeine that you know is the result of your hard work, something precariously prepared with your personal touch to it. And if you’re someone who’s chasing that feeling, then a unique, innovative, and interactive coffee machine is all you need, and ninety-five percent of the battle is won (the other five percent is you setting aside your laziness and operating the machine)! From a warm and gentle capsule coffee machine to the Tesla of coffee machines – this collection of super cool and easy-to-use coffee machines will start you off on your coffee brewing journey. Cheers!

1. xBloom

Called the Tesla of Coffee Machines, the futuristic xBloom is the first coffee machine with an innovative Autopilot feature that makes preparing coffee super easy and an art. It is a super sleek and pristine coffee machine that looks like it jumped out of a sci-fi movie!

Why is it noteworthy?

Designed by ex-Apple employees, the xBloom identifies, grinds, dispenses, brews, and pours your coffee for you! It uses some of the finest beans sourced from the top roasters worldwide, providing you with the finest cup of coffee ever.

What we like

  • It quite literally feels as if a professional barista made you a cup of coffee, creating an elevated coffee-drinking experience
  • Equipped with the power of NFC technology

What we dislike

  • The xBloom does not accommodate instant coffee, which could be inconvenient for some coffee drinks

2. Brewster

Brewster is a battery-powered coffee machine of the future that satisfies your random coffee cravings with complete convenience and precision, enabling you to enjoy the perfect cup of coffee anytime, anywhere.

Why is it noteworthy?

Brewster is more than just a coffee machine, it is a lifestyle innovation designed for the future. It features a convenient compact design, that makes it super easy to carry around.

What we like

  • Battery-powered design, that doesn’t need to be tethered to a chord
  • Intuitive design that supports a hassle-free coffee-making experience

What we dislike

  • It’s a conceptual design, so we’re not sure how functional and practical it will be as a real product

3. The Drip Pod Youbi

The Drip Pod Youbi is a game-changer, as it is designed to be a portable coffee drip machine that completely revamps the coffee-making experience. The Drip Pod Youbi can be placed anywhere in your home, whether it’s your living room, home office, or outdoor sanctuary.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Drip Pod Youbi is a capsule-type coffee machine that is inspired by a combination of portability and elegance. It features subtle curves within a sturdy square body. It is a sleek and practical machine.

What we like

  • Lightweight design with a large handle that makes it easy to carry around

What we dislike

  • It is a conceptual design, so we don’t know how well it will translate into a tangible product

4. DOTS

DOTS is a portable coffee machine that works specifically for automated vehicles but can be utilized in other on-the-go scenarios as well. The portable coffee machine is an excellent option for those long car journeys!

Why is it noteworthy?

It has a removable bottom to adapt to whatever or wherever you’re using it. It also uses coffee capsules instead of the usual brewing method to make it easier to use.

What we like

  • A control or lever lets you adjust the intensity of the extraction method from the capsule

What we dislike

  • It has a lid to place a straw on it, but sipping hot coffee with a straw seems weird and uncomfortable

5. F1

Dubbed the F1, this portable and sleek wireless coffee grinder works automatically and manually. It features industrial-grade conical burrs, and a motor that provides 100 grind settings, allowing you to prepare fresh coffee when you’re at home or even out camping!

Why is it noteworthy?

Features a built-in fold-out collection tray, and allows you to hot-swap for one-button electric grinding or a hank-crank for a more hands-on grinding experience. The grinder is the size of a small thermos, and can easily fit into bags and suitcases.

What we like

  • Travel-friendly grinder with Scandinavian minimalism

What we dislike

  • You need to remove the motor, before washing it in the dishwasher

6. Coffee Jockey

Commissioned by machine manufacturer Moak, this eye-catching and innovative coffee machine is designed to be brutalist, modernist, and minimal. It is designed by Italian industrial designer Odo Fioravanti.

Why is it noteworthy?

Called the CJ (Coffee Jockey), the coffee machine includes various geometric shapes that have been bundled up together to create a design that is simple and beautiful. It has a soft pastel color which imparts the espresso machine with a classy and refined look.

What we like

  • You can prepare more coffee in one go, by placing two coffee cups in the front and getting two sizable espresso shots out of one process

What we dislike

  • The new coffee blend and capsule system are not shown yet, so we are not sure of its functionality

7. Shelbru’s Carafes

Shelbru’s innovative carafe design makes preparing cold brew a fun, efficient, and simplified process. It enables you to prepare and serve cold coffee in the carafe itself, without the hassle of dealing with filter bags, which tend to drip all over the place.

Why is it noteworthy?

The carafes make enough coffee concentrate for almost 3 jugs of cold brew, owing to its dual-layer metal filtration system that performs the task of a disposable coffee filter without producing any single-use waste.

What we like

  • Creates the easiest, smoothest cold-brew concentrate that you can either pour over ice, into milk

What we dislike

  • The metal filter is a bit loose, and sometimes the coffee seeps out

8. Woolly Capsule Coffee Machine

Called the Woolly capsule coffee machine concept, this unique coffee machine has a soft and approachable aesthetic that is made up of straight lines and a muted color palette.

Why is it noteworthy?

The coffee machine consists of wooden panels and metallic accents that contrast interestingly against the textured plastic surface of the body, creating a unique composition that is appealing to the eyes.

What we like

  • Soft muted aesthetic unlike the typical coffee machines we come across
  • Amped with embedded touch-sensitive buttons on the panel that take interaction to a whole new level

What we dislike

  • A wooden body and coffee-stained fingers may disrupt the aesthetics of the machine

9. BURRUS

The BURRUS coffee grinder is far apart from any other standard grinder you’ve seen. It features both automatic and hand-cranked mechanisms and a circular display on top that allows you to sift through various settings depending on the kind of grind you want and need.

Why is it noteworthy?

The BURRUS coffee grinder is equipped with a magnetically docking wooden collector mug at the bottom and it efficiently gathers all your grounds and transports them to your coffee maker. It also has an integrated precision scale that allows you to measure out every gram of coffee you grind.

What we like

  • Equipped with a wireless charging pad that powers the automatic grinder’s motor

What we dislike

  • Hefty price tag

10. Breeze Coffee Machine

The Breeze Coffee Machine is designed by South Korean coffee brand Dongsuh and it is a unique capsule coffee machine with a twist. It features a refreshing soft color palette with white, charcoal, and pink variants.

Designed by the South Korean coffee brand Dongush, this innovative capsule coffee machine has a twist. It features a refreshing soft color palette with white, charcoal, and pink variants.

Why is it noteworthy?

The coffee machine features a ridged surface wrapped around the base, which contrasts with the smoother texture of the head. The tall water tank at the back complements the subdued hues of the machine, sending a message of calm.

What we like

  • The design includes a more tactile interface to operate the machine, using marked LED-backlit buttons at the top of the head

What we dislike

  • There is no knowledge shared on how to make the process reduce wastage or make it more sustainable

The post Top 10 Coffee Machines To Help Coffee Lovers Prepare The Ultimate + Best Cup Of Joe first appeared on Yanko Design.

10 of the Best Products To Treat & Pamper Your Beloved Pets With

As much as I love spending time with my own cats, I’m honestly running out of ways to keep them entertained and prevent them from knocking down an item or two in my home, out of sheer boredom. 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 pet products you need in your home.

1. Quarter Sofa

Dubbed the Quarter Sofa, this modular and pet-friendly sofa is built using wood and fabrics and includes various modules in circular and square shapes. These multiple modules can be assembled and disassembled and moved around to build different configurations.

Why is it noteworthy?

The unique configurations that you can make using the modules serve as a playground for cats! They can move and jump around them, even allowing them to play together, if you have multiple cats.

What we like

  • The modules can be arranged to accommodate different numbers of people
  • The hollow spaces can be utilized to store and display items such as magazines, books, and other tidbits

What we dislike

  • If your cat poops or pees in the hollow spaces, it could be difficult to clean them up

2. ProbaPaws

ProbaPaws is a unique collection of wearables and accessories that were designed by Alex Proba of ProbaHome, and her dog Sam in their studio in Portland, Oregon. The wearables feature Proba’s quintessential design style, while also ensuring that the products are fun and functional!

Why is it noteworthy?

Some of Alex’s signature textiles were used to create the two dog bed styles, three rugs, two blankets, eight bandanas, and a toy in the collection. The products are colorful and quirky, with a whimsical air of fun to them. They are handmade from sustainable materials, so you can be sure that the accessories provided to your pets are of excellent quality.

What we like

  • Some of the products can be used by you and your doggo

What we dislike

3. Tesla Cybertruck Corrugated Cat House

The $13 Tesla Cybertruck Corrugated Cat House went up for sale on the Chinese version of the Tesla website, and it took the internet by storm, as everyone was wondering when Tesla decided to step into the pet product industry.!

Why is it noteworthy?

Measuring 56x41x25cm, the cat tray is inspired by the angular shape of the Tesla’s electric pickup truck. It is said to have a futuristic shape and is embedded with thick corrugated paper.

What we like

  • Can be used as a multifunctional space for your cat
  • It can support up to 15kgs, so can house cats of various breeds and sizes

What we dislike

  • It’s a simple cardboard box, there’s nothing really cyber about it
  • The real functionality and utility of the tray are still unknown, people are confused about whether it’s a cat bed or a litter box

4. The Maeve Pet Protection System

Designed by Tavo, the Maeve Pet Protection System is a system that allows you to seamlessly take your pet from your home to the car, and, finally to the desired location whether it’s a vet appointment or some adventure. It includes a carrier and a vehicle base for the carrier.

Why is it noteworthy?

Tavo utilizes the latest United Nations ECE child restraint standards to provide the highest degree of safety and protection. You can travel peacefully with your pet knowing they are safe and secure.

What we like

  • Provides your pet with the ultimate safety and comfort while traveling

What we dislike

  • We’re not sure how easy to clean the system would be

5. Wooffy Dog House

If you’re in the mood to gift your pet something truly cute and cozy, then you may want to consider the Wooffy Dog House. This luxurious and cozy dog house not only acts as a comfy haven for your pets but also functions as a well-designed piece of home decor for your home.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Wooffy Dog House is built from top-tier plywood and features transparent acrylic doors. Besides providing a resting place for your doggo, it’s an excellent piece of furniture that perfectly merges with the rest of your home decor.

What we like

  • Contemporary design that makes a statement without being too overbearing and loud
  • Caters to a large range of popular breeds

What we dislike

  • Space-consuming design that seems a little difficult to move around

6. The 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. Kanto x Kvadrat Dog Beds

Designed by Finland-based studio Kanto in collaboration with Kvadrat, whose fabrics are found in the world’s most famous and iconic institutions (the MoMA and Guggenheim), these dog beds are truly stylish and elegant.

Why is it noteworthy?

These beds are designed to promote canine well-being, providing them with comfort, without clashing with the surrounding interior design of the home.

What we like

  • The fabrics used to build the bed are soothing and durable
  • The color options complement different interior spaces

What we dislike

  • The beds look like they can easily get dirty or stained

8. Choo Choo Console

Dubbed the “Choo Choo”, this console is a unique creation in the category of pet-friendly furniture. It is a dedicated space crafted from natural materials like wood and cane webbing, which tries to create a solid connection between cats and their human companions.

Why is it noteworthy?

The console brings to mind the image of a bullet train, and it has a contemporary feel to it that also represents a sense of speed and efficiency. It embodies the concept of high-speed transportation with the functionality of a pet-friendly design.

What we like

  • A discreet compartment subtly conceals a litter box for your cat
  • Fuses aesthetics with functionality and practicality

What we dislike

  • Space-consuming design that will occupy a substantial amount of space in your home

9. Evolv Dog Crate

The Evolv Dog Crate is a far cry from the typical dog crates you see, which tend to be quite ugly and utilitarian. However, the Evolv Dog Crate by Diggs is a sleek and good-looking crate that you’ll never want to put away!

Why is it noteworthy?

The Evolv Dog Crate is Diggs’ newest and slimmest dog crate, which also has a super interesting “playpen mode”. The crate features a modular design and is a safe and cozy crate-playpen hybrid that evolves with your doggo as he grows from a puppy to a full-grown dog.

What we like

  • It is highly customizable and can be tailored to add four dual lock doors, and by removing the ceiling hatch to transform it into a playpen

What we dislike

  • Space-consuming + bulky design

10. TAIPEI

Dubbed TAIPEI, this minimal and chique-looking pet collection consists of a diverse range of furniture and accessories that aim to upgrade and improve the everyday lives of pets and their owners, while offering the utmost comfort to your doggos.

Why is it noteworthy?

The Pet Collection includes a diverse range of three furniture pieces and five accessories specifically created for dogs and cats. The furniture piece features modulated beds at the bottom, creating a cozy space for your pets to rest and relax in.

What we like

  • Clever integration not only maximizes available space but also allows pets to feel secure and close to their owners

What we dislike

  • Space-consuming and bulky design, not suitable for smaller homes

The post 10 of the Best Products To Treat & Pamper Your Beloved Pets With first appeared on Yanko Design.