A beautiful piece of furniture can complete a room. It can be the final piece that makes a space come full circle, building a comfortable and cohesive haven, rather than a random area. Furniture pieces make or break a home, they add to the essence or soul of a home, hence one needs to be extremely picky while choosing a furniture design. The design should be a reflection of you, and what you want your home to be. When you place a piece of furniture in a room, it should instantly integrate with the space, creating a wholesome and organic environment. And, there’s something about a simple, minimalist, and well-done furniture design that completely wins my heart – for example, the ‘Sand’ Chair by Koichi Futatsumata.
Designed by product designer and architect Koichi Futatsumata, the Sand Chair was launched as a part of Tendo Makko’s Japanese Modern/80 Project celebrating the 80th anniversary of the furniture brand. The Sand Chair is the epitome of contemporary Japanese design, and it has a unique flexible build, that allows it to be converted into multiple seating options. Now, if you’re wondering, the chair isn’t actually named after the sand found on beaches, it is named after the ‘sandwiched’ components that come together to create this harmonious chair.
The Sand Chair draws inspiration from the classic backless chairs, that allow the user to sit from both the front and the back. It is available in a variety of configurations – without backrests, armrests, or even bench versions. Despite the multiple variations, the essence of the chair remains the same – a fluid combination of solid wooden legs ‘sandwiched’ between curved plywood elements, and held together by bolts.
To build the Sand Chair, the brand utilized a blend of solid white beech for the legs and frame and molded maple plywood for the armrests, backrests, and seats. The entire collection is available in a natural color that allows the wood grain to truly flourish, or in glossy black and wine-red versions. Customers can opt for seating with or without upholstery, finished in fabric or synthetic leather.
Flower vases are not an uncommon product in interior spaces, but the majority of them are designed for a single style of flower arrangement. This style often involves a handful of flowers surrounded by rich foliage that create an almost bulbous shape, bringing a splash of color to any area. Of course, that isn’t the only way to arrange flowers, but the standard shape and size of vases put a heavier emphasis on the flowers themselves, using leaves as a background and their stems as invisible scaffolding. Sometimes, however, you can have an even more striking presence with just a single flower and a stem with just a few small branches, and this small metal vase provides not only the support but also the flexibility to embrace that minimalist design, using whatever you may have as the base for such an enchanting floral arrangement.
The Japanese Ikebana style of arranging flowers is almost a stark contrast to what most see on vases. Where typical arrangements bundle a bunch of flowers that are mostly in full bloom, Ikebana might sometimes present a bud that slowly opens up over time, much to the viewer’s delight. Just like with many Japanese designs and philosophies, every aspect of the flower comes from a thoughtful decision, including the length of the stem, the cuts made, or the number of pieces used. A regular tall vase that hides those intentional details, however, isn’t cut for such an arrangement, which is where the HANAKUBARI vase comes in.
Named after the Japanese words for “flower” and “twig,” this small metal barrel looks nothing like a vase. Its size can hold just enough water to keep the flower alive, and its short stature means that it will only cover up a few centimeters of the stems, putting the focus on the minimalist arrangement rather than calling attention to itself. Despite its small size, however, it won’t topple over because the center of gravity is maintained by the main body’s 197g weight. There’s also a small 10g adapter that fits inside, allowing the vase to hold thinner stems.
This cute flower vase, however, isn’t meant to stand alone, although it can definitely function that way. Thanks to that diminutive size, you can place the vase on top of or inside anything, turning that thing into an Ikebana vase. You can, for example, put it on a ceramic plate with an oriental design or place it on top of a metal dish to complement the vase’s stainless steel body. You can even place it inside a transparent plastic or glass container to add some visual accent without detracting from the stem’s natural beauty.
Most flower arrangements are made to dazzle and excite, and their large vases are designed to support their weight and even embellish the image. This tiny yet elegant stainless steel vase, in contrast, encourages a more thoughtful, almost meditative, way to make a delightful arrangement, allowing even a singular flower and its stem to enchant the beholder with its natural beauty.
Major cities are vortexes of commotion, hustle, and bustle, and the city of Bangkok in Thailand is no exception to this. Finding peace and tranquility in such cities can often be a pain and a complete rarity. However, there is supposed to be a 90 percent increase in population in cities of developing countries, which is definitely something to note, and policymakers and citizens will have to reimagine and revamp how to live comfortably in these modern cities. In Bangkok, Thailand, city officials are increasing the amount of green space per capita, while also lowering the city’s carbon emissions. And local designer Mae Prachasilcha of La Tarta Piccola has created a sustainable and small living space in such circumstances.
Designer: Mae Prachasilcha of La Tarta Piccola
The interior designer completely transformed a 355-square-foot condo, converting it into a zen-like and peaceful haven for her brother and sister-in-law. The home was originally quite boring and cramped but is now a multifunctional minimalist space. The designer took inspiration from traditional Japanese inns that are similar to bed and breakfasts and often include traditional architectural components such as shoji (paper screen doors), and modular tatami mats. Mae utilized these elements to maximize the small condo, and to create a living space that felt calm and spacious.
“The design idea was to optimize the use of limited space by overlapping functional spaces. The design was inspired by the calm and peaceful vibes of Japanese ryokans, or hot spring inns. We wanted to use Japanese shoji doors to give the space a softer look and to also allow for flexibility. In doing so, we were able to create two multifunctional areas that expand the living area from 7 to 17 square meters (75 to 183 square feet),” said the designer. As you enter the home, you are welcomed by a space with integrated storage, and built-in cabinets floating over the floor, creating a cozy nook for storing shoes. The kitchen can be found behind a sliding door and is quite functional with loads of storage space. The main living room is adorned with a couch and a custom-made media center.
The star and focal point of the home is a set of large sliding shoji doors, which open up to living and sleeping spaces, as well as the couple’s wardrobe. The sleeping area is inspired by tatami modules and is multifunctional. You can sit, work, read, or sip on some tea there. Below the tatami, there are integrated storage cubbies to store the low table or the futon.
In the past couple of years, Japanese design philosophy and principles have been discovered by the rest of us, and since then they have slowly but surely taken over the world. There’s something about products with a Japanese touch that instantly makes you feel at ease. They have a sense of warmth and tranquility to them, one that spreads in the space that they’re placed into. There’s something surreal and relaxing about Japanese-inspired products, that just makes you want to introduce some minimalism into your life. And we’ve got you covered with a collection of innovative Japanese designs – from wearing aids to stationery! Whether you’re looking for a lovely levitating pen or a Japanese rubber gear that helps people relearn to walk after an accident– these beautifully designed products are all you need to introduce some Japanese functionality, practicality, and peace into your daily life!
1. The Levitating Pen 3.0
The Levitating Pen 3.0 does complete justice to its name. The pen seems to be suspended in its holder at a 23.5-degree angle and is designed to be a luxurious and grand writing instrument that features a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, which makes the pen rigid and also super easy to hold.
Why is it noteworthy?
When done writing, you 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 position. To add to the fun, a simple twist leaves the pen spinning in its place for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with the pen on a whole new level!
What we like
The pen is super fun to interact with
Relatively easy to hold and write with
Spinning the pen in certain intervals can be a stress buster
What we dislike
We wonder how ergonomic or comfortable the pen would be to use for longer durations of time
2. The Lightbone Floor Lamp
Designed by FÄRG & BLANCHE for Oblure, the Lightbone Floor Lamp is inspired by a bamboo forest on a trip to Japan, and features an interesting and unique focal point – the connection point between the spherical glass globes and the wooden sections, which also gave birth to the name of the lamp.
Why is it noteworthy?
You can place the lamp next to your sofa, or place multiple Lightbone Floor Lamps to create a cluster of lamps that look like a miniature and imitation Japanese bamboo forest.
What we like
Is available in custom color options, so you can create a lamp or group of lamps that perfectly match the interior decor style of your home
What we dislike
No information on how to replace the light bulbs once they die out and need to be changed
3. Mecricco Catch
Designed by Plus, these interesting elastic page-turning aids are called Mecricco Catch, and they help you turn your paper products with ease. The page-turning aids have an outer rib, that allows you to hold the paper firmly, while the inner rib ensures that your fingers don’t slip while you’re flipping.
Why is it noteworthy?
The elastic page-turning aids feature a concave curve at the bottom, that lets you freely move your fingers as you flip. It has been equipped with holes as well, to provide ventilation, so your finger has some room to breathe.
What we like
This is useful for those who have some sort of exquisite nail job that you need to protect even as you flip money or paper
What we dislike
If you have gone entirely digital, then this is something that you probably don’t need
4. Tri Light
This stunning lighting fixture is called the Tri Light, and is a modular sculptural light inspired by the Japanese shoji. What is the Japanese Shoji? It is a door, window, or room divider in the form of a paper screen, used quite popularly in traditional Japanese architecture.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Tri light features an interesting honeycomb-like structure that directly drew inspiration from a shoji. It is designed to be expanded and configured in different configurations and customizations.
What we like
The lighting design can be divided into multiple zones, allowing each zone to be configured to radiate different light strengths and temperatures
What we dislike
No personal customization options in terms of materials and colors
Unsuitable for homes and spaces with smaller footprints
5. The Futto
Designed by Yoshihiro Yamada, the Futto is a rather odd-looking yet ingenious wearable rubber gear that helps your muscles relearn to walk after an injury, or for the elderly.
Why is it noteworthy?
It “replaces” the muscles that you use for walking and strengthens the weak points that may need some support, as guided by a specialist like a physiotherapist. It is not a replacement for rehab exercises but it will be able to help strengthen your walking muscles.
What we like
Helps to “straighten” your posture by creating abdominal pressure from the corset, while the rubber stabilizes the lower limbs and stretches the spine
Not heavy to wear
What we dislike
Can seem weird to onlookers if taken out of context
Although technology and progress have definitely made many aspects of our lives easier, we’re also bombarded with so many things that make those same lives stressful. From visual or sensory overload coming from computers and phones to the information overload that we have to juggle for work and personal life, our brains and even our bodies are sometimes screaming for a break at the end of the day. Fortunately, you don’t need to drop and abandon everything to go on a month-long retreat to recover your sanity. Even simple things can help you rediscover the joys of life, and here are five great gift ideas that will not only help you relax but also solve some of the problems of everyday life, thanks to some Japanese design creativity and ingenuity.
1. Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set
Different people have different preferences and tolerances for scents. While some might love the fragrance of vanilla, others might prefer the smell of different flowers instead. Still, others might have a fondness for the smell of the woods and the mountains, something that isn’t always offered by most essential oils and aroma diffusers. The Miniature Bonfire Wood Diffuser Set easily sets itself apart with a cute collection of mini wooden logs and a tiny pocket stove that recreates not only the smells but also the experience of a memorable outdoor campfire.
The miniature hardwood, collected from branches that would normally be thrown away, gives off a smoky scent when burnt on the stainless steel miniature stove. Add a few drops of essential oils extracted from Mt. Hakusan trees, and you’ve got an authentic outdoor scent that will bring your mind to the soothing embrace of nature. And with a piece of solid fuel, you can even use the same stove as an actual cooking or heating tool, completing the circle of an outdoor experience at home or in your backyard.
Aroma diffusers are a popular tool people use to relax, but some produce more stress than they relieve. Some overwhelm or irritate your nose with vapors, while others leave you praying for a good breeze to carry those calming scents to you. Rather than leave it up to chance, this beautiful Stress-Free Aroma Diffuser really lets you just sit back and relax, making sure you’re breathing in the perfect mix of aromatic blends to soothe your tired mind. It creates its own gentle breeze to softly disperse the aroma evenly, while a porcelain filter soaks up the oil for a longer-lasting experience. Cleaning that filter is equally stress-free since you only need to rinse it under the tap.
The diffuser’s polished metal base creates a beautiful contrast with the more organic-looking porcelain disc on top, forming an elegant decoration that looks just as appealing as it smells. And thanks to its built-in rechargeable battery, you can place it anywhere you want, and it will work just as well, not to mention standing beautifully on top of any desk or shelf design.
While our noses can give us a bit of a reprieve from hectic and stressful days, our eyes are the ones that probably need the most help in stepping back from visual information overload. We can’t always keep our eyes closed, of course, so the next best thing is to always have something pleasing to look at nearby or in places we often look at. Pictures of loved ones and pets will always bring a smile to our faces, but a minimalist yet beautiful flower arrangement can also keep us thinking beautiful thoughts, especially when they’re set on a vase as unique as these Modular Flower Tubes.
Instead of a single container for a large bunch of flowers and stems, this “modular” vase uses thin copper tubes of different heights placed on a circular wooden base. The size of the tubes limits how much they can hold, letting you be more creative in how you arrange different elements, including empty tubes, just for effect. These Modular Flower Tubes not only bring a one-of-a-kind vessel for plants and flowers, it also helps give your creativity an outlet to keep your mind off more stressful concerns.
One of the biggest sources of stress is when things don’t go according to plan or when things don’t work like they’re supposed to. The latter is especially applicable to gadgets, particularly computers and smartphones, that we often rely on to keep everything, including our notes. As they say, simple is best, and nothing gets simpler than pen and paper. Actually, that’s not entirely true because this Personal Whiteboard not only gets simpler but also removes some of the worries and concerns surrounding plain pen and paper.
Imagine the liberating experience of never running out of paper. With an A4-sized whiteboard that you can carry with you everywhere, that dream easily becomes reality. The Personal Whiteboard, however, brings those little extras that truly make life worry-free, like a cover that protects what you wrote but also acts as an eraser that is with you all the time. There’s even an innovative Mag Force system that is both a handle and a pen loop, so you never have to stress over losing that all-important whiteboard marker ever again.
There is probably nothing more stressful, frustrating, and dangerous than falling over while putting on your shoes when you’re already in a rush. While shoehorns try to make it easier to, well, shoehorn your foot into your footwear, they aren’t exactly the easiest to use nor the safest. They aren’t also the most attractive tools in your house, which is why they’re often hidden and then get lost when you need them the most.
The Invisible Shoehorn, in contrast, is something you’d proudly put on display precisely because it looks nothing like a shoehorn. The stainless steel tool combines with a clear acrylic handle to form a beautiful rod ornament that hides the shoehorn in plain sight. The shoehorn’s sturdy metal body and elongated shape also make it easy to put on a shoe without bending and breaking your back. Finally, you can have an ergonomic tool that’s also beautiful to behold, presuming you can even see the shoehorn masquerading as a unique piece of home decoration.
Tucked away in the heart of Tokyo is a modern Japanese home with a traditional touch. Called C4L, the home is designed by Cubo Design Architect and beautifully integrates traditional Japanese materials and details with contemporary finishes. The home is inspired by Junichiro Tanizaki’s book on Japanese aesthetics, In Praise of Shadows, which focuses on “materials and furnishings whose beauty and comfort can only be fully appreciated in the half-light of a traditional home”, according to the team.
“We believe houses that are rooted in an understanding of Japan’s cultural context and a respect for the skills and innovations of our ancestors, which can nevertheless be passed onto future generations, are the kind of houses we should be building in Japan today,” the team continued.
The home was designed to celebrate “the warmth of things made by hand”, and was built in collaboration with local artisans specializing in carpentry, paper, and lacquer. As you enter the house, you are welcomed by a shallow pool, and a ground-floor lounge. Polished and natural stone walkways pass beds of rocks and plants and are complemented by textured plaster walls and wooden screens. The first floor employs the same stone and wood palette, but it takes on a more contemporary personality. The stone and wood are infused with Japanese paper walls, while a bedroom carpeted in a dark tone, and a bed covered with braided cords are added to the mix.
The bathroom features a sunken stone bath and a timber sauna. A tearoom has been equipped with tatami flooring and finished using traditional Japanese carpentry techniques. Wood-framed sliding doors lead you to compact balcony areas that provide views of the ground-floor lounge. The second floor of the home features a living, dining, and kitchen area, accompanied by a south-facing terrace.
“We paid close attention to the contrast between light and dark, creating both subdued areas that express the beauty of weak light and more dynamic areas filled with strong light. Traditional artisans transformed soil, trees, and other natural materials into a wide range of architectural forms. Illuminated by beautiful light, these forms became spaces with great depth,” concluded studio founder Hitoshi Saruta.
Located near the town of Český Těšín, Czech Republic, and designed to function as a little resting spot for visitors of the Hrabinka Lake is an adorable-looking building called the Tea House Pavilion. The Tea House Pavilion was designed by Slovakian studio Grau Architects and is a lantern-like structure with Japanese design influences. It functions as a space that provides respite and rest to those who want to relax after spending some time at the lake, or simply gaze at it while having a seat.
The pavilion was built using spruce, plywood, and white fabric, and is a modern reinterpretation of traditional Japanese architecture. This is evident in the use of materials, and the simple yet intricate form of the structure. It features a low table at its center, which can be utilized for quaint tea ceremonies, or some much-needed alone time. The spruce wood used in the construction of the pavilion was locally sourced, which allows the pavilion to harmoniously blend into the landscape surrounding it, while also helping to maintain an efficient budget. “We decided to use a subtle spruce profile from a local source, aligning the design, our own requirements, budget, and the current market offer, which was also significantly limited after the Covid-19 pandemic. Wood ages naturally and we naturally accept it,” said Grau Architects.
Occupying nine square meters, the lower part of the building is clad in plywood, while the upper half is covered in a thin white fabric. The pavilion was inspired by traditional tea houses, and it can be used for tea ceremonies, but it is primarily reserved as a resting place. “The pavilion was designed for unknown visitors but at the same time for anybody who would like to take time by the river and contemplate for a while,” said the studio.
The pavilion’s floor plan is in the shape of a square, and measures three by three meters, which is sufficient space for six people to sit around a low table. At night, the pavilion lights up, giving a beautiful lantern-like vibe. “The subtle and light open construction refers to traditional Japanese interiors but brings modern elements into it,” the studio concluded.
Kengo Kuma and Associates revamped and rejuvenated a reception hall for the ‘Kanjoin Temple’ of Shingon Buddhism. The hall is located at the edge of the Okurayama Ridge in Yokohama, Japan, which is also incidentally Kengo Kuma’s hometown. The temple hall was built over 100 years ago, and the Kengo Kuma team erected a sculptural wooden structure next to it, that will serve as the reception hall. The structure is designed to be a monumental one, while also maintaining an element of sustainability. The distinct hall is designed to welcome the local community openly and heartily.
As you look closer at the hall, you’re instantly wooed over by how dynamic and free-flowing it is. It’s not the kind of building that you can ignore easily, with a series of wooden louvers positioned together intricately, to create a piece of architecture that is quite sculptural and artistic in nature. The upper section of the wooden louvers is placed in a linear pattern, while the lower section ends at a different height entirely. The unique arrangement of the louvers and the abstract-ism of the hall give the impression that is it floating in the air, lending a rather visually intriguing air to it. “A set of laminated cedar louvers that follow a gradual slope wrap around the space like a membrane. Inspired by the decoration rafters of the main building featuring a traditional wooden architectural style, we proposed a new type of soft and modern under-eave space,” said the Kengo Kuma team.
The wooden louvers shade and shelter a 7-meter deep space, that functions as a gathering space within the perimeter of the temple – where community members can engage, interact, and socially connect. The entire hall is marked by low openings, ensuring that the space is suitable for religious activities, and maintaining an atmosphere of serenity and tranquility as well.
The interiors of the space are incorporated with traditional Japanese elements such as – washi paper, wooden rails, and subtle spaces covered by shoji screens. The second floor has been integrated with partition walls, and they function as construction elements, completely eliminating the need for massive pillars. The lobby is also delicately connected to the main temple via multiple floor levels, hence providing a sense of continuity and circulation to the site.
As someone who has worked in retail occasionally, I sometimes think about stuff that would make our staff’s life easier. There are times when we have to join various events and trade fairs but our products are not that easy to transport and set up. Sometimes all we have is a table and a small shelf so the display doesn’t look that great. It would be nice to have a mobile shop that we could bring with us whenever we need to have a mini bookstore with us. This mobile store by a Japanese design studio is something that we could have used.
Designer: COC
SHOPKIT is a sort-of DIY furniture set that you can bring along with you as a mobile store or display booth. It is pretty easy to assemble and disassemble and is also pretty portable so you can bring it with you whenever you need something to display and sell your wares. The design is pretty minimalist and uses various materials like wood, steel, and polycarbonate so it will fit right in with wherever you’re setting up shop, whether it’s a park, an exhibition venue, at the mall, or any other urban spaces.
There are two types of SHOPKIT currently available. The single door type is made up of one box and is the easier one to assemble of course. If you want something bigger, there’s a double door type that is made up of two boxes that has work counters held in place with magnets and has a translucent facade so you can get a little bit of lighting as well. The module also has a place where you can hang a split shop curtain to protect you from the sun if you’re outdoors. It’s also something reminiscent of traditional Japanese shops so it fits with the aesthetic.
Originally, these units were just temporary structures as a building was being renovated. But they have now been repurposed as a piece of mobile architecture that is movable, portable, and easy to assemble and store. The model can be used by businesses and entrepreneurs that are in need of mobile shops and like the minimalist, Japanese design. It would be pretty useful for my past retail self who had to lug around tables, shelves, and books.
In the past couple of years, Japanese design philosophy and principles have been discovered by the rest of us, and since then they have slowly but surely taken over the world. There’s something about products with a Japanese touch that instantly makes you feel at ease. They have a sense of warmth and tranquility to them, one that spreads in the space that they’re placed into. There’s something surreal and relaxing about Japanese-inspired products, that just makes you want to introduce some minimalism into your life. And we’ve got you covered with a collection of innovative Japanese designs – from furniture to stationery! Whether you’re looking for a minimal folding knife or the latest G-Shock watch with Japanese elements – these beautifully designed products are all you need to introduce some Japanese zen and peace into your daily life!
1. The Levitating Pen
Much like its name, the Levitating Pen actually does seem to be levitating! It looks as if the pen is suspended in its holder at a 23.5-degree angle. Designed to be a grand writing instrument, the pen features a Schmidt ballpoint cartridge, which makes the pen rigid and super easy to hold and creates a smooth and luxurious writing experience. And once you take a break from writing, the pen doesn’t go back to a boring old pen stand, it goes back to levitating!
Why is it noteworthy?
When done writing, you 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 position. To add to the fun, a simple twist leaves the pen spinning in its place for a good 20 seconds, allowing you to interact with the pen on a whole new level!
What we like
The pen is super fun to interact with
Quite easy to hold and write with
Spinning the pen in certain intervals can be a stress buster
What we dislike
We wonder how ergonomic or comfortable would the pen be to use
2. The Oku Knife
Scottish artist and metal worker Kathleen Reilly designed the ‘Oku Knife’. Inspired by Japanese table settings, the Oku knife features a rather intriguing handle that is folded 90 degrees from its blade. The design was informed by chopstick resets.
Why is it noteworthy?
Oku features a unique folded shape that lets the handle be placed on a surface, with the blade sitting perpendicularly away from that particular surface. You can even rest the knife’s blade along the edge of a cutting board or plate.
What we like
The knife can be hooked onto the rim of a plate, creating intimacy between the two objects whilst improving cleanliness and maintaining stability
What we dislike
The design may seem pointless or unnecessary to some people
3. The Spectrum Workstation Round ST160
Studio Geckeler Michels designed the Spectrum Workstation Round ST160 for Karimoku New Standard. Karimoku New Standard is an offshoot of Karimoku. It was founded to easily combine the brand’s craftsmanship with design studios around the world. The studio designed the minimal workstation to bring a semblance of calm and tranquility to our hectic workspaces.
Why is it noteworthy?
The station perfectly embodies Japanese craftsmanship and German design, in an attempt to merge stunning aesthetics with efficiency and functionality. It has been crafted from solid Japanese oak wood and is designed to support a flexible and dynamic style of working.
What we like
Works well for both home and corporate offices
The workstation can seat up to six people quite comfortably, so it’s also great to sit together and interact and collaborate
What we dislike
Looks a bit like a dining table
4. The Furoshiki Denim Bag
Blue Ainery’s Furoshiki denim bag was created by using the traditional dyeing and weaving methods of Japan. The compact fashion storage accessory pays tribute to the history and tradition of Japan, which many still follow and apply even today. The bag is an example of how the hard-earned lessons of the past can be used to make something beautiful and sustainable in the present.
Why is it noteworthy?
Almost everything about the Furoshiki denim bag is a nod to Japan’s past culture, design, and fashion. The term “furoshiki” itself is a reference to the traditional Japanese wrapping of cloths for goods, bento boxes, and informal gifts. When worn as a bag, the Furoshiki looks more like an “Azuma Fukuro” that predated today’s modern tote bags by about four centuries
What we like
It has a minimalist charm to it
Its uncomplicated shape leaves enough room for plenty of items inside
Utilizes traditional Japanese methods and techniques
What we dislike
The design might seem basic and old-fashioned to some
5. The G-B001 Line
G-Shock recently added the G-B001 line to their collection. It features the double bezel Capsule Tough features, and these removable bezels are crafted from stainless steel and urethane. It also boasts a resin case and a sturdy structure that has been reinforced with Carbon Core Guard.
Why is it noteworthy?
The capsule design is inspired by those toy capsules that you get in vending machines in Japan you never know what is inside them until you actually open them.
What we like
The detachable bezels for all these models of the G-B001 let you play around with the watch’s look
What we dislike
It’s only available in Japan for now
6. The Japanese Paper Memo Block
The Japanese paper Memo Block comes in to provide a temporary shelter for those itinerant thoughts of yours.
Why is it noteworthy?
There is nothing more welcoming and more freeing than a blank sheet of paper that’s ready to record those fleeting thoughts, flashes of inspiration, or even tasks that were suddenly dumped on your lap. With no other markings, not even grids or lines, this white Memo Block lets you focus on the simplest task at hand, jotting that note down before you get distracted again. And with its smaller footprint, it’s easy to put a block of paper anywhere on your desk, in any position or orientation, so that it will always be within easy reach when your Muse or your colleague visits you.
What we like
Its pure black surface challenges the mind as if daring it to put an unconventional and exciting new thought on paper
Uses high-quality Japanese paper revered by many stationery connoisseurs
What we dislike
At first glance, it seems like an ordinary notepad
7. The Trisqucle Scissors
If you’re looking for a pair of scissors that will do their job, while looking pretty on your workdesk then you’ve found the right product. The Trisqucle scissors come in really different and interesting shapes and sizes, in comparison to the regular scissors we see. There is a triangle, square, and circle-shaped pair of scissors, which is probably where the name trisqucle comes from!
Why is it noteworthy?
Aside from cutting things, the accessories can also be used as shape templates with various sizes of circles and as a ruler and compass in case you need it for your office work or school work. The items are made from steel and have various colors for some parts like the holder, circle shapes, etc.
What we like
Revamps the traditional scissor
Functional + good looking
What we dislike
The design may be too complicated to use for some people, in comparison to a traditional scissor
8. The Wooden Pen Holder
There’s something almost poetic about the act of picking up a brush or a fountain pen from an inkwell, drawing your strokes, and dipping it back in to be ready for when the next inspiration strikes, a feeling that’s almost lost even with the most elaborate and extravagant pens today. Not unless you have a pen holder that brings back that atmosphere, like a block of wood that could be the most Zen pen holder to ever adorn your desk.
Why is it noteworthy?
This wooden block is both unassuming and, at the same time, beautiful in its simplicity, as many minimalist products are wont to be. Made from genuine maple wood, each piece has grains and patterns that make it unique and special. Without saying explicitly, it’s an assurance that each black will be one of a kind, giving you the feeling that this pen holder was crafted just for you. Together with an equally stylish pen, this block transforms any desk into a thinker’s workbench, where the tools of the trade are just at an arm’s reach.
What we like
The Wooden Pen Holder has a gently curving depression that can accommodate any pen with a standard size
When you pick the pen up, you almost believe that the ink will also follow it up from an invisible well of ideas
What we dislike
It’s not customizable
9. The Outside In
This multifunctional shape-shifting table is called the Outside In, and it integrates beautiful hand-carved grooves into its timber frames, which resemble the raked ruts of Japanese zen gardens.
Why is it noteworthy?
Japanese zen gardens have supplied ceaseless inspiration for designers. While the sheer meditative quality of zen gardens is enough to insight into some new ideas, the artful design of zen gardens rakes its own creative vision for designers. Melbourne-based furniture, lighting, and object design company Sabu Studio found its own creative vision by way of Japanese zen gardens when designing the minimalist Outside In table.
What we like
Features a sinuous timber surface that resembles the hand-raked grooves of a zen garden
Outside In is a crafty piece of furniture that would look right at home in hospitality common spaces or even event halls
What we dislike
Space-consuming & bulky design
10. The Bed Hanger Rack
Called the Bed Hanger Rack, this interesting design is an extension of the open cupboard concept. You can attach the design to your bed, and it creates space to hang your clothes, and racks to store your smartphone, remotes, game consoles, and other accessories you’d want around you while you’re in bed.
Why is it noteworthy?
In addition to the hanging storage and shelving extensions, the hanger rack gets slightly more interesting with its assembly: possible to match the layout of your room. The rack can be installed alongside the shorter front or the longer side of the bed; so that it can attach without having to change the placement of the existing bed.
What we like
Allows you to effortlessly store everyday wear on hangers around the bed
Lets you skip the trouble of folding and sorting the clothes in a regular cupboard
