For most of us, our pets aren’t simply pets! They’re our children and babies we consider our blood. We take care of them the way we would take care of our kids, and leave no stone unturned to ensure they are happy, healthy, and safe. If you’re looking for a new and improved way to take better care of your pet then you may want to look into Papuk’s CONNECT Collection by Vazken Karageozian.
Designed by Toronto-based interior designer Vazken Karageozian, the CONNECT Tree is an elegant and functional cat tree that is the ultimate haven for the kitties. Karageozian has two adorable felines himself – Grayson and Ella, and he decided to use his design talent to create something exceptional for his two favorite clients. As a result, Papuk which is Armenian for “soft and fluffy” was created.
The CONNECT Collection by Papuk offers a modular approach to the construction and design of a cat tree. It designs a cat tree as a multi-level system that can be personalized and customized with a bunch of attachable accessories, in turn creating a comfortable, cozy, and fun recreational activity for your cats, providing them with something else to do besides scratching and climbing your couch. The CONNECT Tree serves as the foundational element of the CONNECT system. It is the centerpiece of the multi-accessory system and is supported by other elements such as a scratching pad, cushion, tray platform, and hanging toy – which are available as a bundle or à la carte.
One of the designer’s motivations for creating the CONNECT Collection was the fact that most cheaply made cat furniture is disposed of in landfills owing to their poor and questionable construction and designs. The CONNECT Tree, on the other hand, features solid-ash dowels, ash-veneered plywood shelves, and accessories that can be added using genuine leather straps. The CONNECT Tree is designed by Vazken Karageozian as a solution that offers “inter-species happiness”, which is often found lacking in the pet product category.
In a world where the environmental impact of consumer choices is becoming increasingly critical, innovative solutions are emerging to address the challenges of over-consumption and waste. One such solution is the Koru WFH Furniture Subscription, a pioneering concept in the realm of home-office furniture that not only meets the needs of modern remote work but also champions the principles of a circular economy.
As of 2020, the Environmental Protection Agency reported a staggering increase in the amount of furniture and furnishings being discarded, reaching a whopping 12 million tons. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for sustainable alternatives in the furniture industry. Koru is a visionary response to the environmental challenges posed by the disposal of office furniture.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed a monumental shift in work culture, giving rise to the widespread adoption of remote work. In this context, Studio Elk seized the opportunity to introduce a circular economy concept for home-office furniture through its subscription service. By leasing modular furniture to businesses instead of selling it outright, the studio has developed a sustainable approach to furnishing home offices.
Koru furniture isn’t just functional; it’s a harmonious blend of professional utility and aesthetic sensitivity to the home environment. Employees subscribing to the services gain the flexibility to configure their home office setups according to their unique needs, spatial constraints, and personal style. This design characteristic ensures that the furniture seamlessly integrates into the home while meeting the demands of a professional workspace.
https://www.behance.net/gallery/184030027/Koru-WFH-Furniture-Subscription/modules/1042109815This subscription model empowers businesses to choose from a variety of flexible monthly plans that can adapt to the evolving size and requirements of their teams. The service encompasses installation, repair, upgrades, and efficient collection when the furniture is no longer needed. This holistic approach eliminates the time and cost burdens typically associated with managing, moving, and storing furniture assets.
The durability of the Koru furniture is a key factor in its sustainability. Crafted from hard-wearing materials and finishes, the furniture is designed for longevity. Moreover, its easy disassembly and reassembly enable a closed-loop system, promoting reuse and enhancing repairability.
Koru’s innovative subscription concept facilitates a continuous revenue stream throughout the entire lifespan of its products. Operating on a Product-as-a-Service model, the company aligns profitability with product longevity. The longer the furniture remains in use, the more sustainable and profitable the model becomes.
Koru’s subscription concept and circular supply chain model provide a blueprint for furniture brands seeking to diversify and future-proof their business. By integrating environmental responsibility with business goals, Koru offers a pathway for brands to thrive while minimizing their environmental footprint. In essence, the Koru WFH Furniture Subscription is not just a service; it’s a sustainable business model that envisions a greener and more responsible future for the furniture industry.
Japanese gaming furniture brand, Bauhutte, basically functions out of there bases: comfort, comfort and comfort. What did I miss? Comfort, allowing gamers to add days and more days to their regular gaming routines. Then whether it’s the Electric Gaming Bed or the Gaming Sofa, everything out of this company’s warehouse is designed to make the gamers addicted and lazier for their liking.
While that’s that. There ought to be a solution that is less about comfort and more about convenience and organizing. Two aspects that are as far from gamers as life outside their consoles. So, Bauhutte has taken some time out from creating ultra-addictive furniture to make us languid, to launch a specially designed cabinet to store game consoles, title, and other items in one place.
The table with open shelves looks to have been made using MDF board and is pretty similar to other stationary game console cabinets on the market. Two distinguishing factors: Bauhette’s dark color scheme and the open rack design. The primary layout without a backboard or door considers heat dissipation and ensures your valuable console is well-ventilated at all times.
Although it has a simple design that will never look out of place even if it’s installed in the living room, it is highly functional. Giving an open space for the game console to rest, the specially conceived cabinet for the gamers’ den, has a drawer to stack your titles, controllers, and other accessories that have grown through the years.
The cabinet organizes the gaming equipment neatly which would otherwise pile up on the side of your rig. A side hook has been installed on the cabinet for hanging headsets, etc. This keeps the headies in easy reach, so you can quickly pick them up whenever you want to use and then store it neatly after playing. But what really had the storage cabinet win my heart was its hidden cable box on the back and the ability to team up with an open rack for placing more than one game console. There is no word on the price or the global ability of the cabinet yet, but we are hopeful its coming soon!
There are a lot of product developers and designers who love to experiment with ideas for things that we sometimes take for granted. Good thing there are people like them who like to think about ways to improve these functional products. There are also those who think more about the materials used to create such products, especially materials that will lessen our carbon footprint. Chairs and stools are some of those things we don’t really think about innovating but there are still some ways to come up with better designed ones.
Designer: Razeen Mohammed
The EDGAR Stool is a concept for a portable stool born from the idea of creating something functional but also using the least amount of resources in terms of the material used for it, the energy needed to create it, and even the cost that you have to spend. In fact, in terms of prototyping this concept, they only spent around $0.29 in making one of these stools.
The reason for such a low cost is that the stool is made from waste from the packaging of electronic appliances and adhesives. The former is one of the biggest waste issues that we have now as the production of electronic appliances seem to be increasing. Therefore the waste has also been considerable. They were able to conceptualize a two legged stool from these waste materials and it seems to be light enough that you can carry it around.
However, from the product renders and photos, I don’t know how stable it is or how it can hold up a fully grown person. It might be able to fit a child or a really thin and small person but those with considerable weight might think twice about sitting on it. It also doesn’t seem all that comfortable especially if you have a pretty round derriere. But props to the designer for coming up with something that can utilize packaging for electronic appliances.
There are a lot of product developers and designers who love to experiment with ideas for things that we sometimes take for granted. Good thing there are people like them who like to think about ways to improve these functional products. There are also those who think more about the materials used to create such products, especially materials that will lessen our carbon footprint. Chairs and stools are some of those things we don’t really think about innovating but there are still some ways to come up with better designed ones.
Designer: Razeen Mohammed
The EDGAR Stool is a concept for a portable stool born from the idea of creating something functional but also using the least amount of resources in terms of the material used for it, the energy needed to create it, and even the cost that you have to spend. In fact, in terms of prototyping this concept, they only spent around $0.29 in making one of these stools.
The reason for such a low cost is that the stool is made from waste from the packaging of electronic appliances and adhesives. The former is one of the biggest waste issues that we have now as the production of electronic appliances seem to be increasing. Therefore the waste has also been considerable. They were able to conceptualize a two legged stool from these waste materials and it seems to be light enough that you can carry it around.
However, from the product renders and photos, I don’t know how stable it is or how it can hold up a fully grown person. It might be able to fit a child or a really thin and small person but those with considerable weight might think twice about sitting on it. It also doesn’t seem all that comfortable especially if you have a pretty round derriere. But props to the designer for coming up with something that can utilize packaging for electronic appliances.
The furniture of a home is what truly makes or breaks it. When you pick the right kind of furniture design, you build the essence and soul of a home. And it is essential that the soul of our home reflects our soul. Hence, you need to pick furniture designs that truly and authentically represent your personality, while bringing out the best in your home. And, we’ve curated a collection of innovative, functional, and sophisticated furniture designs that we feel will make an excellent addition to your home. These are our top furniture picks from 2023 – enjoy!
1. The Time Table
This desk is a unique and innovative one, as it makes the passing of time visible and tangible, enabling people to maintain a personal relationship with time as they invest in activities, projects, and other work.
Why is it noteworthy?
The desk is equipped with a sub-table that moves up and down, and it changes its elevation as time passes, before simply returning to its base state at the lowest point. It is time as a reverse hourglass, in which the movement of time is displayed visually.
What we like
Enables users to measure, log, and be aware of how much time they’re spending there
What we dislike
The desk could also become a bit distracting, especially for those who have trouble concentrating
2. Flow Wall Desk
Dubbed the Flow Wall Desk, this excellent piece of office furniture is designed for offices with space constraints. It is functional and decorative, while also following a sustainable and simple design ideology. When propped against your wall, it looks like an exceptional piece of art, one that instantly catches your attention!
Why is it noteworthy?
When the Flow Wall Desk is stored and folded up it looks like an art piece on your wall owing to its minimalist and intriguing shape. However, when you unfold it, it transforms into a ‘spiraling caterpillar’ from a flat canvas, functioning as a desk where you work, read, and write.
What we like
Has a convenient flatpack form that is easy to store away
Multifunctional furniture design
What we dislike
Folding and unfolding the desk whenever you need to use it means we can’t have a constant, which could be inconvenient for some users
3. Tokyo
Called Tokyo, this ingenious multifunctional design functions as a shoe rack and a bench. It is the combination of two furniture pieces in the form of one individual furniture design.
Why is it noteworthy?
Tokyo is a unique and special furniture piece. It features a side leg that gently and seamlessly curves, softly embracing the cushion to build a top tray for daily essentials. It serves as a cozy and neat spot to store your souvenirs and knick-knacks.
What we like
Equipped with a bottom shelf that functions as a nifty storage space
What we dislike
It’s a conceptual design, so we’re not sure how functional it will be in reality
4. Bookgroove
This unique furniture design is truly one-of-a-kind as it functions as a bookrack and a table. It has a seamless and well-crafted body that makes it an ideal fit for contemporary homes. Dubbed the Bookgroove, it is a conceptual design that deserves to be converted into a real one.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Bookgrove is circular at first glance, but as you look closer you see it has a J-shaped carving on one side that can accommodate multiple books. It is an unusual way to store books, as they follow the shape of the built-in shelf on the side table.
What we like
The top section can accommodate a cup of coffee or a glass of wine
It’s a fun + unique way to store your favorite books
What we dislike
The books placed at the bottom of the curve can get damaged over time because of the way they are placed
Difficult to access books when you want to read them
5. Snowhouse Sofa
Called the Snowhouse Sofa, this interesting furniture is designed for pets and humans alike. If a wooden sofa experienced some snow and was coated with it, it would look like the Snowhouse Sofa!
Why is it noteworthy?
The wooden sofa is covered with cushy white cushions that give it the picturesque impression of fallen snow. The edges of the sofa are rounded, which adds a depth of softness and elegance to the furniture piece. The ends of the sofa are hollow, and marked with little spaces to accommodate books, magazines, and other miscellaneous items.
What we like
The upper section functions as a passage for your cats
Features smart storage spaces
What we dislike
The Snowhouse Sofa is currently a concept, so we don’t know how the actual product will turn out to be
6. Plot Twist Bookshelf
Designed by Deniz Aktay, the Plot Twist Bookshelf features four separate twisted wooden elements that are connected to one another, building a stable and innovative form. The unconventional and mesmerizing design truly captures whoever looks at it!
Why is it noteworthy?
The bookshelf’s design can be accessed from every side. It is oddly satisfying and features curves that are seen in the designer’s other projects. Most of the furniture designs undergo bending and twisting like Aktay’s Wavelet, Tie Stool, and the Pet Table.
What we like
Similarly sized books can be easily arranged for a clutter-free look
Stable design that stands on its own
What we dislike
Space-consuming design, not well-suited for homes with space constraints
7. Alada Folding Desk
The Alada Folding Desk is a nifty and convenient space-saving desk that doubles up as an adorable decorative shelf. You can transform the desk into a display shelf in seconds, and it can hold your favorite souvenirs and potted plants.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Alada desk was designed to cater to the ever-growing need for smart and flexible desk designs for working at home. It is essential to have a transformative and space-saving workspace at home – one that can be stored away when the day ends!
What we like
Equipped with hidden storage spaces when folded up
What we dislike
Not the best option for people who prefer large and elaborate desks
8. Refold
Dubbed Refold, this foldable desk is made using cardboard. It uses a few pieces that can be folded down into a relatively thin rectangle that can be carried around with you and used as either a standing or sitting desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Refold is a sustainable and efficient option for those who want to set up a desk outdoors. It can be used indoors, to function as a space-saving desk that can be assembled and disassembled within a few minutes, or to offer a unique aesthetic.
What we like
Sustainable and flexible design
What we dislike
Will be difficult to carry a large canvas with you everywhere, and you may get funny looks from people
9. FTP Desk
This unique table design concept functions as a multi-purpose setup that can transform into something like a puzzle game, wherein different pieces can be fit into different places, depending on what is the needed functionality for the furniture design.
Why is it noteworthy?
Features an orange circle that can be moved around and away from the rest of the table. Moving this shape around and changing its position becomes both a symbol and a ritual that can help your mind shift to a different kind of activity, whichever one you decide to associate with its position.
What we like
Modular and shape-changing design that can be used for multiple functionalities
What we dislike
Shifting the various modules can be a major inconvenience for those who prefer one steady furniture piece
10. KNOT Stool
Called the KNOT Stool, this uniquely designed stool is flat all around and is made up of various layers of wood, which provides the stool with a raw and brutalist aesthetic.
Why is it noteworthy?
The three wooden pieces can be painted in the same or different colors. The decorative webbing strap that wraps around the top of the stool’s legs can also come in complementing or contrasting colors, not to mention being made of different materials.
What we like
Adds a whimsical + fun element to your interiors
Clean, minimal, and compact design
What we dislike
Seems to be designed more for viewing rather than sitting
While there are child seats in a lot of restaurants, not all of them are suited for kids that may have some developmental or physical issues. Parents may have to bring special seating for their child but not all of them are practical or portable so it can be a pain. Fortunately, there are countries like Japan that actually subsidize custom-made supportive chairs for children who need extra support to sit comfortably. So we see product developers in the country come up with better solutions for parents and their children.
Designer: Ikou
The Ikou Portable Chair is an improvement on the supportive chairs that have been around in Japan since the 80s. Previously, these chairs were meant for home use but this one is something that parents can carry around for use in places that may not have adequate seating for their children. It is created for toddlers and young children to help them have a more stable sitting position and it can also be attached to an adult chair so they can do activities like watch sports, camping, picnicking, and even just simply sitting with family and friends.
It is also pretty practical as you can carry it around like a regular bag when it’s folded into its case. When you need to use, you just open and unpack and secure the seat and backrest using the two belts that are attached to it. It also has an adjustable height and backrest and has a tilt mechanism that can be adjusted up to 20 degrees. The seat is designed to raise and stabilize the pelvis so as to help with their posture as well. The backrest meanwhile supports the shoulder blade to help control their upper limbs.
The Ikou Portable Chair is compatible for children as young as 7 months old and up to 3 years old. The great thing is that the backrest and headrest can be adjusted as the child grows so there’s no need to buy a new one as they grow older. This is available exclusively in Japan though so you’ll have to ask someone to buy it for you there if you’re not from the country.
When it comes to functional pieces of furniture, we probably go for items that are able to serve their function (and are most likely affordable) and are not really that concerned with the design or aesthetics. But the past years, a lot of people have also been concerned with how these items are made, specifically with the materials used to create them as we become more conscious about our personal carbon footprint and the things taht we consume.
Designer: Alexander Latersztain for Derlot
The original Stump stool from Derlot were already interesting enough with their “bold, minimalist and uncomplicated” take on this piece of furniture that lets us sit. Now the newest version is the Stump Recycled which carries the same basic structure of the stool but is now made from 80% recycled post-industrial plastic LDPE. And if you’re the type that would go for furniture that’s made sustainability then this should be right up your alley.
Because of the material it’s made from, you also get a different design. The patterns on the stools feature a terrazzo-like design which makes it more textured and colorful look. The original Stump stools had pretty solid colors but this time around you have the option to have a seat with a kaleidoscope-like finish. This is their “fresh interpretation” of how you can use recycled materials to enhance your design as well.
Derlot says that more than just a stool that you can sit on, this is a symbol of their commitment to pursue more sustainable design and production. I don’t know how long I can last sitting on this stool though as it’s small and doesn’t look that comfortable but sure, for sustainability, it’s a pretty interesting piece of furniture to have.
The “Choo Choo” console is a revolutionary creation in the realm of pet-friendly furniture. Beyond being a mere piece of décor, this console is a dedicated space meticulously crafted from natural materials like wood and cane webbing, aimed at enriching the connection between cats and their human companions.
At first glance, the sleek and modern form of the Choo Choo console is reminiscent of a bullet train. The design not only exudes a sense of contemporary style but also embodies a sense of speed and efficiency. The creators have successfully merged the concept of high-speed transportation with the world of pet-friendly design, resulting in a unique and visually appealing piece.
The central focus of the console design revolves around the exclusive space dedicated to our feline friends. The middle shelves are a thoughtful creation with openings covered in cane webbing. These openings allow cats to observe the world outside, satiating their natural curiosity while providing a sense of security within the confines of the console.
Understanding the grooming needs of cats, the plinth of the console is lined with cat-friendly fabric. This surface serves as a cozy and inviting space for cats to clean their paws and nails comfortably. It’s a thoughtful addition that cat owners will appreciate, recognizing the importance of a dedicated grooming area within the living space.
Inside the console door, a discreet compartment is ingeniously designed to house a litter box. This not only provides privacy for the cat but also ensures a convenient and easily accessible location for cleaning. The seamless integration of the litter box within the console maintains the overall aesthetic while prioritizing the practical needs of both the cat and its owner.
Catering to the pet owner’s practical point of view, the top shelf of the console offers ample storage space for cat products. This strategic placement keeps essentials organized and within easy reach. The remaining shelves provide additional storage for everyday items, showcasing a successful blend of pet-friendly design with the practical needs of a modern home.
Crafted with precision and an understanding of both feline behavior and human lifestyle, the Choo Choo console not only elevates the living experience for cats but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of any home it graces. It stands as a prime example of how thoughtful design can seamlessly integrate pets into our living spaces, fostering a stronger and more enjoyable bond between humans and their furry companions.
Arguably, the COVID-19 pandemic has made some dramatic changes to our lifestyle. A prominent one, personally experienced, is the curtailed visits to the gym. In the post-pandemic era, therefore, there has been a tremendous rise in home gyms and the probable equipment to fill them up. To that accord, IKEA wants to pitch in. But the Swedish furniture giant has its own way of doing it. It doesn’t want you to have a separate room for your gym, in fact, every bit of the furniture and equipment humbly adjusts wherever you keep it.
Enter the pastel-colored DAJLIEN collection: A consortium of 19 compact and versatile gear you can use as part of your living and exercising routine. The equipment here is not extraordinary; each one of them is easily identifiable and usable, like the options we have had over the years. The only difference is, that the fantabulous collection includes stress relief and recovery gear.
Made with the idea to help people live a more active lifestyle without the use of metal bars or drives to the gyms. The collection is making heads turn at the Art Basel Miami, where it is on showcase, before being available for purchase in January 2024. Before you head that way, be familiar with the expansive assortment of products on the list.
IKEA is offering equipment in a colorful blend of subtle green, yellow, and white, which allows it to gel naturally with the home and everyday environment. These include ring-shaped dumbbells, exercise mats, and step-up boards, which can all be stacked away when not in use. Interestingly, the collection has an air purifier, slippers, two distinct ponchos, a portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker for post-workout sessions, and kneepads, yoga straps, and more for recovery.
The highlight of the DAJLIEN is a wooden bench that doubles as storage. Designed to help with a range of bench exercises, it can allow the user to store the gear in the bench by lifting the lid. Beneath, the bench has a non-slip mat and it comes with a clean top so it can be used as a coffee table at home. All-in-all the collection, with all the gear, included, helps bridge the gap between home and active life and gives users another reason to invite IKEA into their homes.
