All posts filed under: Things for Decorating

Rollbe Compact Rolling Ruler

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Rollbe is a super compact measuring tool around the size of a quarter that comes in a small leather carrying pouch you can slip in your pocket. Does the market really need another ruler? Well, Rollbe has been on Kickstarter for just a few days and has already raised almost $20,000 – far beyond the initial goal of $6351. I’d say there’s a huge market. Designed for both the Metric and Imperial systems, Rollbe’s rolling design allows it to measure both straight lines and curved surfaces by rolling from point to point. It’s handy for home owners, architects, engineers, interior designers, fashion designers, decorators, art students, or anyone who needs to precisely measure irregularly shaped things on a regular basis. Rollbe comes in two versions, the coin-size 4”  ruler and the 8” ruler for more professional use. To use it, you simply place the start mark on the starting point of the surface or line you want to measure, and then roll and count full rotations by following the ”radius indicator”, then add remaining units. …

Highlights from Alessi’s New Collection

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The Italian accessories brand Alessi has brought together a range of collaborators — from star architects to new talent — for their Spring/Summer 2017 collection of tabletop products. Below are a few of my favorites from the new collection. Forma Grater by Zaha Hadid The Forma Grater was the late Iraqi architect’s final project for Alessi. Like many of her works, its shape was inspired by organic, natural forms that have been smoothed over time by water and wind. It consists of two elements: a sculptural black melamine base holding a mirror-polished stainless steel grater. $80 Va Bene by Miriam Mirri The Va Bene cooking utensil for testing pasta, vegetables, and other hot foods is produced via a complex sheet metal processing technique of molding, cutting, and welding to create a form that recalls part of a musical instrument. $45 T-Timepiece by Titus Wybenga Inspired by the shape of an antique pocket watch, this infuser was a result of the “Life in Transition” workshop organized in collaboration with Dutch University TU Delft, with a mission …

Paul Smith Edition Three Lamp by Anglepoise

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The British lighting brand Anglepoise and renowned British designer Paul Smith have collaborated on a third edition of the Type 75 Desk Lamp that evokes the primary colors of Dutch painter Piet Mondrian’s De Stijl style. The lamp has been launched to coincide with the run up to next year’s De Stijl centennial. The lamp has had quite a history. Designed by Sir Kenneth Grange in 2004, the Type 75 lamp is inspired by a 1970’s version of the Anglepoise Model 90, which was in turn inspired by the Original 1227 design launched in the 1930’s. The lamp features a matte paint or brushed aluminum finish with an aluminum shade and utilizes Anglepoise’s constant tension spring technology. The UL-listed lamp is wired for the U.S. and is supplied with a 13-watt, E26 CFL bulb. $240. All images courtey of Anglepoise. Photos by Jake Curtis and Styling by Despina Curtis. Images shot on location at Paul Smith Westbourne House.

Back-to-School Gift Ideas from Kikkerland

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Labor Day has come and gone which means it’s back to school  – a bummer for most kids but a massive relief for most parents. Kikkerland, known for their quirky gift designs, has put together a round-up of some of the best new products for making back-to-school a little more joyful, including a range of fun options for lunch time. Here are a few of my favorites:     All images courtesy of Kikkerland.

Accessories by Revolution Design House

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I met the folks behind Revolution Design House during last May’s ICFF exhibition in New York City. The brand was part of the Design Milk “Milk Stand” of curated vendors selling items on the show floor. I liked the modern style and quirky take on handcrafted pieces including salt cellars, candles, plant holders, and other pieces, all made in Portland, Oregon. Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the collection. For more info, visit. http://revolutiondesignhouse.com/shop/. All images courtesy Revolution Design House.

Book Signing at Brooklyn Designs!

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On Friday May 6th at 7:30 I will be signing copies of my new book on erotic product design, Objects of Desire, at Brooklyn Designs at the Brooklyn Expo Center in Greenpoint! We are excited to support Brooklyn design and the designers featured in our book who are based in the borough, including HEFF, Wonderpuss Octopus, and Dame Products. Brooklyn Designs is part of NYCxDESIGN, a world-class design festival which takes place May 3-17 throughout New York City. The three-day event kicks off on Friday at 10:00 am with “Kickstarter Office Hours” to present your ideas to the Director of Design and Technology Outreach at Kickstarter, and wraps up Sunday at 5:00 pm with a Maker’s Lab to teach designers how to promote themselves. In between are installations, pop-ups, seminars, and other fun events. I will be participating in the Opening Night Party from 7-9 pm, hosted by The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Metropolis, and Benjamin Moore, and sponsored by Broadway Stages. There will be food, drinks, music, and a cornhole tournament featuring one-of-a-kind boards from …