Time-telling has become one of those things we take for granted since we only have to look at our computer or our smartphones or our smartwatches to find out the current time. Sure there are still some places that have actual wall clocks or desk clocks but even those have become few and far between. It’s also rare now for people to collect unique-looking clocks but for those who actually do it, there is a “rare find” clock that you can find on Etsy if you can spare around $900.
Designer: Sergey
If you’re very much into hand crafted stuff that looks pretty unique and classic, the Nixei tube vintage clock may interest you. It looks like something that would have fit in during the Victorian era in a 19th century home. Its design is basically a hydro-mechanical column with manual drive and is made from brass, copper, bronze, and glass. They are soldered and threaded together and all these parts are connected by hand.
It can tell time in either the 12 and 24 hour format and has seven different colors as indicators. You can turn off the glow of these indicators if it proves to be too distracting at night. There are three buttons to control the different functions of the clock and you don’t need to be connected to a network to make it function. It is powered by a 5V adaptor and has a 24 x 29 x 11 cm dimension.
Oh and aside from telling time, it can also serve as a phone stand as there’s a cylinder shape on the side of the clock that can hold your smartphone. Of course it destroys the illusion of being a vintage piece if you put a modern device there but if you’re going for a contrast, then that’s the perfect thing to add to this desk clock.
Over the past years, we’ve “stanned” brands that not only uses sustainable materials but are also able to upcycle and recycle materials to create new products. We’ve become conscious about how we consume things (well, hopefully, we’ve actually become conscious of it) and how this consumption culture affects this planet we’re living in. Ikea is trying to capture our hearts by creating a new lifestyle line created from materials that they themselves had to discard.
The Swedish brand will be launching their newest collection called VÄXELBRUK which is uniquely made from their recycled coworker uniforms that were discarded when they introduced new attire back in 2020. So instead of just throwing these old uniforms into the trash heaps, they came up with new products that were made from 300 tonnes of these “useless” IKEA uniforms. If you’re not a fan of yellow and blue though, you might want to look elsewhere, even though they managed to tone down the colors considerably without dyeing the textile, which can be more expensive and resource-intensive.
The collection features 16 textile-based items that use the aforementioned old uniforms. This includes things like throw pillows, bags, cushion covers, and even curtains. They are not entirely made from the uniform textile though as they are blended with other recycled materials like polyester from used PET bottles. They also even included some of the “faulty” new uniforms so they will also not go to waste. The inclusion of other materials also helped to alter the colors that are normally so bright.
If you didn’t know that they were made from discarded co-worker uniforms, you’ll just think they’re normal Ikea products that use the iconic colors of the brand. But knowing there they come from makes it even more interesting. The VÄXELBRUK (which means interchangeable use in the Swedish language) collection will be released in February 2024 across Europe stores.
Whenever I pass by the appliance sections of department stores, I am always drawn to the SMEG display, even though I know I will probably not be able to afford any of their stuff. I like the retro aesthetics of the brand that they are able to bring to all their kitchen appliances. I also have no need (and never will) for a baby monitor but this project that imagines what a SMEG baby monitor would look like is still pretty interesting.
Designer: Priyanshu Maiti
The designer studied the design aesthetics and applied it to this project that asked them to create a concept for a baby monitor. The target market is Western and European parents and caretakers belonging to the upper middle class, which is basically SMEG’s market for their kitchen appliances. In keeping with the retro theme, what he came up would fit right in with the other products in their line since his inspiration was their other appliances anyway like the mixer and coffee maker.
The final render shows a baby monitor with a sophisticated but simple and playful look. The design looks like a toy rocket with pastel colors which will make it attractive to kids even though they’re not the target audience for this. When it comes to the features, it has the usual ones that you would need from a baby monitor like the camera, charging port, SD card slot, control buttons. They didn’t really expound much on the features since this is more for the design and aesthetics of the product.
As I said, I really don’t need a baby monitor. But this would be useful for those who need something aesthetic and at the same time something that would help keep their mind at ease when it comes to their children’s safety. Well, at least, we have an idea of what it will look like if ever SMEG does venture into products outside of their kitchen appliances.
Camping tools have gone through a serious transformation over the years. So much so that today you can cut down on how much you want to pack and still have all the essentials you will need at the camp. Case in point, the Camfy that is bringing an innovation to the camping knives, scissors, tongs, and a skewer holder to make this trend stronger.
Given what may, knives and scissors are considered two of the most essential tools you must have when you’re on an adventure or a trip to a campsite. Preparing a gourmet meal or sitting by the barbeque at the beach are part of every outdoorsy must but if you are not carrying the right gear, you are left wondering when the moment of truth arrives.
That said, it’s not the selection of the right tools, in fact, the correct tools you are carrying should be safe and useful. If the knife for instance is not securely kept in the sheath it can cause serious injury when pulling out of the camping kit. Camfy has pulled out a unique knife from its repertoire to give campers a meaningful tool.
The camping knife is designed to retract back into its sheath immediately after use. A combination of a small knife and saw, this cleverly thought knife is created to prevent accidental incidents that can happen when the knife is not kept in the sheath after its use. It has an interesting spring mechanism triggered by a button. On the press of a button, the knife would spring back into the handle, which is also a sheath.
The compact and useful tool next in the Camfy design league is the scissor and tong unification. The wonderful idea marries the scissor with the tong at the end of the blade that can grip food, so it can be used in unison for cutting and grilling meat and other food.
The most enticing here on the list of tools is the skewer holder to facilitate grilling. Designed after the clothes pin, this brushed metal item has little holes in the top to hold the skewers over the fire to grill. Camfy has almost all the things you need on hand to create gourmet outdoor meals, but if there is anything else, we are sure the designer can rethink convenience and safety for the same.
One of my still unfulfilled dreams is to one day be able to view the seas from the deck of a luxurious yacht. I don’t have to actually own one but it would be nice to experience this if a rich friend or acquaintance would invite me to go on board and experience the “high seas”. It would also be a bonus if said yacht can actually let us sail at high speed if we want to. This concept for a hybrid yacht seems to be a good option for this dream.
Designer: Pierpaolo Lazzarini
The Palladio is a concept for a hybrid yacht that is ultra-light and can speed up to 55 knots maximum. It also looks like something out of a sci-fi movie set in water as it uses a futuristic, mouth-shaped, avant-garde design that makes it look like a pod cruising through the waters. It is made from carbon fiber and is propelled by twin Castoldi jets and driven by two FTP engines.
The 20-meter yacht is able to house 26 passengers, with 22 seated in the main cabin and four at the front section which includes the captain. The pod-looking vehicle can also have toilets or dinettes in the corners to make the passengers more comfortable. The back section can also accommodate some of the crew and also store the passengers’ luggage and belongings.
Even though the Palladio is mostly a closed vehicle, there are filtered air intakes on each side so that the passengers can still have a comfortable breathing space in this environment. I’ll definitely add this kind of hybrid yacht to my dream water transport, although this is still in the concept stage so we don’t know if it will eventually become a reality.
In a world where the sun plays a significant role in shaping preferences for living spaces, a unique product has emerged to bridge the gap between lifestyle and the desire for a sun-soaked environment. The innovative SPOT, a pet plant inspired by the beloved Toy Story, brings a touch of whimsy and practicality to the lives of those who are away from home during the day.
Designer: Dami Seo
Koreans have a cultural inclination towards south-facing directions for their homes, favoring abundant sunlight throughout the day. However, modern lifestyles often lead people away from home during peak daylight hours, creating a paradox between their preference for sunlit spaces and their absence during the sunniest times.
Drawing inspiration from Toy Story, SPOT takes on a personality of its own when the owner is away. Just like Woody and his adventures, SPOT enjoys the warm sunlight in the south-facing direction, making the most of the daylight hours that the owner might miss.
The creators of SPOT have ingeniously crafted its form based on Woody’s rhythmic hat line, adding an extra layer of charm and nostalgia for fans of the iconic movie series. This attention to detail enhances the emotional connection users may feel with their sun-loving companion.
SPOT’s design mimics a sunflower’s ability to move towards the sun. Equipped with sensors, SPOT can adjust its position to capture the optimal amount of sunlight, ensuring that users can enjoy the warmth without the need to move the plant manually. This dynamic feature aligns with the varying sunlight patterns throughout the day.
For users returning home, SPOT adds an element of surprise and delight. By detecting the SPOT’s location, users can playfully interact with their sun-loving companion, creating a unique and entertaining experience. The wheels at the bottom of the product enable SPOT to move towards the sunlight source, making it a dynamic and engaging addition to any home.
SPOT’s ability to move is not only entertaining but also practical. Equipped with sensors on both sides, SPOT can navigate around objects in the house, ensuring a seamless and safe journey towards the sunlight. The autonomy of movement enhances user convenience, aligning with the modern desire for smart and responsive home devices.
To keep SPOT energized and ready for its sun-seeking adventures, a user-friendly charging unit is provided. SPOT can effortlessly navigate to the charging station, making the recharging process a hassle-free experience. Additionally, SPOT’s easy-to-clean and disassemble design ensures that maintenance is a breeze.
SPOT not only adds a touch of magic inspired by Toy Story to your home but also addresses the practical challenge of aligning sunlight preferences with a dynamic lifestyle. With its adaptability, autonomy, and entertaining features, SPOT is more than just a pet plant; it’s a delightful companion that brings joy and sunshine into the lives of its users.
DuoFlip is a new gadget that makes carrying your daily essentials easier. With DuoFlip, you no longer need to search through a messy wallet to find your card or ID. All you need to do is flip it open, and you’re good to go. The design is simple and comfortable, making sure your belongings are secure. It’s the perfect investment for a more organized and stress-free lifestyle. Say goodbye to the hassle of carrying cards and IDs the old-fashioned way.
Carrying multiple items such as a work ID badge, wallet, bag/purse, and phone can be cumbersome and often leads to forgetfulness of crucial IDs or cards when leaving home or the office. Additionally, while contactless card tapping offers convenience and hygiene benefits, current card holders and wallets still require physical card retrieval, making the process tedious and increasing the risk of card loss.
The Solution: DuoFlip – The Flippable MagSafe ID Card Holder
DuoFlip addresses these problems by consolidating your daily essentials (phone, ID, and cards) into one convenient accessory. With its innovative flip design and MagSafe compatibility, DuoFlip allows you to effortlessly switch between two cards with a simple flip for display or tapping. No more fumbling or risking card loss.
Streamlined Card Display and Tapping
DuoFlip features two card slots: one with a window and another covered. This design allows you to securely hold your essential ID and/or cards while keeping them easily accessible. The windowed slot is perfect for displaying your ID, while the covered slot ensures the safety and privacy of your other cards.
MagSafe Compatibility for Seamless Attachment
Designed to seamlessly and securely attach to your phone using MagSafe technology, DuoFlip eliminates the need to remember one more item to bring along. By keeping all your essentials in one place, you can simplify your daily carry and never forget your ID or cards again.
Hassle-Free Transitions with Innovative Flip Design
DuoFlip’s flip design enables seamless transitions between the windowed ID card slot and the covered card slot. This hassle-free solution allows for easy storage, display, and tapping of essential cards without the need for card removal. Say goodbye to the inconvenience of traditional cardholders.
Dual-Sided Card Tapping with Anti-Interference Design
DuoFlip takes card tapping to the next level with its proprietary 6-layer anti-interference card partition design. Unlike other card holders or wallets that claim to support card tapping but deliver poor results, DuoFlip has been extensively tested with over 230 anti-interference material combinations to ensure reliable and efficient dual-sided card tapping every time.
Integrated Phone Stand for Added Convenience
In addition to its primary function as an ID card holder, DuoFlip doubles as a phone stand, offering both portrait and landscape orientations. Now, you can enjoy hands-free video watching and easily make FaceTime calls without the need to find a cup or lean your phone against a surface.
Versatile Accessories for Customized Experience
DuoFlip can be further enhanced with versatile accessories such as a lanyard, lanyard phone patch, or retractor, allowing you to tailor your experience based on your specific needs and use scenarios. Its magnetic design also enables convenient clipping onto your shirt pocket, ensuring easy access and safekeeping.
Premium Materials for Durability and Style
DuoFlip is constructed with tear-resistant fabric for its soft hinges, reducing weight and thickness while ensuring durability. The proprietary 6-layer anti-interference partition between card slots enables proper tapping without signal interference. The exterior of DuoFlip is made of vegan leather, available in three colors, providing a high-quality appearance, comfortable feel, and excellent protection for your cards. All layers are meticulously sewn together to enhance durability and longevity, with over 100,000 flips tested.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
At SleekStrip, we are committed to sustainability. That’s why we have designed the packaging for DuoFlip to be 100% recyclable and space-saving. Whether you purchase DuoFlip online or from a retail store, you can be confident that the packaging aligns with our eco-friendly values.
The development of DuoFlip has been an exciting journey for the SleekStrip team, involving initial research and concept development, design iterations, prototypes, testing, and pre-production setup. The company takes great pride in presenting this innovative design and believes DuoFlip can greatly simplify and streamline your daily life.
Necessity is always the mother of invention. Zac Feltoon, a designer with a keen eye for practical solutions, recently introduced a delightful and functional wall hook named Itsahook. This cylindrical wall hook not only boasts a cheerful design but also addresses a persistent issue in traditional wall hook design: you know the one where you hang your clothes for too long and when removed, it has a weird protrusion?
Itsahook’s unique form is the result of thoughtful consideration to ensure that clothing remains unharmed when placed on the hook. Zac Feltoon explains that the hook’s design incorporates a large regular curve set at an angle, allowing it to grip onto clothes without applying concentrated pressure that could lead to dents. The innovation lies in the distribution of weight, ensuring that garments remain in pristine condition.
Recognizing the need for a coat hook that wouldn’t cause clothing damage, Zac Feltoon experimented with various forms, initially leaning towards casting-friendly designs. However, the cost of tooling for such designs led him to explore more feasible options. As the iterations progressed, a catch-all space below the rounded hook emerged, providing additional utility for users to store keys and other daily essentials.
To bring Itsahook to life, Feltoon faced the challenge of finding a US-based manufacturer capable of producing the product at scale within a tight timeframe. Collaborating with CR Industries of Milwaukee, WI, Zac Feltoon successfully overcame these challenges. Their craftsmanship and commitment allowed the project to move swiftly from prototypes to final production. Despite a mid-November start, Itsahook successfully launched for pre-orders on November 23rd, with order fulfillment starting in early December.
The hook can be used not only to hang but also as a shelf for your smaller accessories. It is available in 4 colors to suit your style. Beyond its functional aspects, Itsahook adds a touch of visual entertainment to the mundane task of hanging items. The attachment screws form a “:D” emoticon, contributing to the overall cheerful expression of the wall hook. This playful detail adds a sense of personality to the utilitarian object, making it not just a practical solution but also a conversation starter.
By addressing a common issue in a unique and visually appealing way, Itsahook brings joy to a seemingly ordinary product. As it finds its place on walls, it not only provides a functional solution but also sparks a smile with its clever design. Itsahook is a testament to the idea that even the most everyday items can benefit from thoughtful design, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Open floor plan is not just a dominant architectural trend in offices and tiny house, it is one of the most interesting trends in residential construction as well. As the name suggests, this type of home layout comprises one large open room that caters to functions of multiple rooms. In general, the “great room” as this segmentation is referred to, includes the living room, dining, and kitchen in a common shared floor space.
There are many advantages of such a layout, but it minimizes privacy. Therefore, the use of room dividers is hugely popular among homeowners residing out of such residential floor plans to create a division for privacy. These dividers largely – made of wood – serve a visually appealing dual function of bookshelves. Now Trolley, wants to add another segment to this functionality.
As the name suggests, the Trolley is a unit based on wheels for easy maneuverability. Again, designed with multifunctionality in mind, the designers have tried to create this room divider with a TV screen on one side and shelves: for books and décor items, on the other side. Interestingly, there is another shelf extending the width of the contraption in the base.
Designed to fit any home space without disturbing its aesthetics, the Trolley houses a 55-inch slim display and on the flip, side has storage for accessories such as the remote, game controller, and set top box, et al. Though it is difficult to decipher whether the display is built-in or you can have your own existing TV set installed into it, we do know that it is highly portable.
To that accord, the designers have made the Trolley in two parts, the base which separates from the TV section and the two can be used standalone or as one unit, by assembling the two back together. Trolley is constructed from premium metal and finished in matte bluish-grey hue. Save yourself the effort of purchasing a separate TV stand, or mounting the set on the wall, with the Trolley, you can isolate your living area from the dining/study with minimum fuss.
The fireplace mantel serves as a timeless centerpiece, a focal point for gatherings during the holiday season. It also provides an extra chance to showcase festive decorations and add a touch of holiday sparkle. Given the well-known role of the fireplace as Santa’s grand entrance on Christmas Eve, why not craft a captivating mantel to enhance the festive atmosphere?
Whether your aim is to craft a traditional, modern, minimalist, maximalist, colorful, classic, rustic, or contemporary holiday display, here are some beautiful Christmas mantel ideas for your creative endeavors this holiday season.
Embrace the timeless allure of silver and gold for the holidays as it outfits one of the mantels with versatile colors in Christmas baubles, candlesticks, stockings, and wreaths against a white backdrop. This classic and festive combination brings a cozy and elegant atmosphere to your festive decorations.
2. Bling of Gold
Craft a whimsical mantel aesthetic with sparkling string lights, opting for a warm white hue for a timeless arrangement. Infuse glamour by designing the décor with clear candle holders, incorporating various shapes and sizes for dimension as shown by designer Shalini Misra. Arrange an assortment of ornaments and small decorative items in a blend of metallic and neutral tones directly atop the mantel and adorn it with gold foliage to achieve the perfect look.
Deviate from the typical mantel design by incorporating a variety of textures in the mantel, stockings, and Christmas trees, adding a tactile quality. The three mirrors contribute to spaciousness, while touches of green infuse a festive atmosphere.
Add a whimsical touch to your mantel with Christmas decorations inspired by nature, showcasing colors and textures reminiscent of the natural world. Bring in woodland Santa Claus figurines and Christmas trees in green, gold, white, and natural earthy materials for a minimalist yet charming aesthetic. Observe how the garland elegantly drapes down both sides, evoking a feeling of abundance and celebration.
Craft a warm mantel display with Christmas decorations to achieve a timeless arrangement and cozy festive feel. Stars, candles, and the soft glow of string lights create a relaxing vibe in this minimalist mantel complemented by a circular mirror and characterized by dark green walls.
The fir trees provide a lovely frame for the garland, allowing the yarrow to stand out. Yarrow is a flowering plant known for its feathery green foliage and clusters of small, tightly packed flowers. The clever and enjoyable use of yellow fosters creative thinking to craft something exceptionally beautiful.
Adorned in soft pastel hues and featuring a sizable pink nutcracker, this mantel exudes a gentle and calming aesthetic. The addition of a large mirror enhances a sense of spaciousness, contributing to an overall bright and airy look.
This minimalist mantel in white stands out against a deep blue backdrop while the red and green Christmas décor creates a bold contrast and makes a striking style statement. The mirror features a chequered grid and its reflections create an element of spaciousness in the décor.
At times, simplicity proves to be the most effective. Just see how a few elegant touches exude merriment and brightness, whether or not a fire is present. In this minimalist mantel design, just see how textured stockings exude a festive vibe when hung from the wooden base.
Simply hang a few stockings from the mantel to give it a beautiful look. The mantel is impeccably designed with an ornate mirror layered with a beautiful print in front of it and a Christmas garland. A set of vases with a classic design complements the mantel design in this all-white space.
Adorning the living room with the delightful and timeless hues of Christmas, this mantel showcases red and white berry stems intertwined with various types of greenery. A charming touch is added with a beautiful white velvet ribbon.
The seductive allure of the dark black beaded garland complements the green mantel decor. On one side of the mirror, alongside golden candle stands, reindeer, Christmas nutcrackers, and wrapped gifts, the arrangement exudes a luxurious and captivating ambiance.
In this all-black mantel, a little faux fire scene is made for a faux fireplace with flameless candles You can enhance the fireplace decor for Christmas and enjoy the creative process of mixing it up and achieving a festive and inviting mantel appearance that exudes coziness.
This mantel showcases a maximalist aesthetic, incorporating a wrought feature for the fireplace, a striking garland adorned with dense florals, a classic chair, a gilded frame surrounding a painting, and decorative mirrors on either side of the painting. Together, these elements create a maximalist ambiance for the mantel.
15. Focus on Abundance
Photo by Laurey Glenn and Floral Design by Lagniapp
Adding a touch of elegance to the mantel, a straightforward bouquet complements the classy ambiance. The inclusion of wooden candles, white paneling, contrasting dark wood flooring, and a decorative mirror enhances the sophisticated vibes.
Infuse a tranquil vibe into your Christmas mantel presentation this year. Mix silver Christmas trees, white flowers, and stockings against a white mantel or create a minimalist arrangement with neutral accessories.
17. Winter Inspired Look
This mantel by Janet Clark creates a winter-inspired look with snow garlands, snowflake motifs, and snowy Christmas trees. They combine to create a festive atmosphere on the mantel, striking a holiday chord without the classic red and green.
18. Chic Minimalism
Create a stylish, minimalist mantel with winter whites and metallics that pop against a natural stone backdrop as shown by this setup by Crate and Barrel. This mantel looks visually light and imparts a light and airy look while the differently sized candles and fireplace exude a warm glow.
The black mantel provides a bold backdrop which allows the tree print, felt banner, and set of wood trees, with the wood houses, hanging star, wood beads, Christmas plaids, and mantle décor to stand out and provide a wealth of inspiration to the mantel decor.
Here is a simple take on Scandinavian-inspired décor that features a wooden Christmas tree, and mantel adorned with Christmas berries, providing just enough to evoke the Christmas feel.
This mantel functions as adaptable year-round decor, composed of Christmas tree branches, offcuts, a handful of eucalyptus sprigs, dried gypsophila, and a few foraged sprigs sprayed gold.
Against the black backdrop, the golden mirror frame and reindeer forms the showstopper element of the mantel. The statement-making Christmas décor stands out, emanating a sense of luxury and contemporary elegance at the pinnacle.
If children are in your home, turn your mantel into a lively and playful area with vibrant Christmas decorations against an orange wallpaper backdrop. An abundance of decorations infuses a dynamic touch to ensure your decor is as festive and cheerful as possible.
