konzuk

item: concrete jewelry

designer: karen konzuk, konzuk jewelry

images via: konzuk

comments: konzuk is a jewelry line that is so simple and beautiful it will make you cry. ok, so, maybe i teared up a little the first time i saw this jewelry. the pieces shown above are made from hand cast and tinted concrete with gold or stainless steel. the scale, volume, and material of the pieces are painstakingly minimal but so well balanced. they are so thoughtfully proportioned that you can almost imagine them as prototypes for large scale sculptures. please check out the link above and marvel at the exquisite simplicity that is konzuk.

pia shopping bag, milk design

item: pia shopping bag

design firm: milk design, hong kong
images via: milkdesignshop
comments: these bags made of tyvek with leather handles have an interesting shape. the ample depth of the bag makes it more functional to hold larger items while also adding visual interest. well done.

slab vase, form us with love

item: slab vase
design studio: form us with love with cosentino
images via: form us with love
comments: these modular vases designed by form us with love with stone company cosentino are made of rings of silestone. the rings come in various colors and sizes and are cut to fit over a metal frame which creates a unique vase every time you use it! love that!

ariele alasko, brooklyn ny

items: custom designed tables
designer: ariele alasko
images via: brooklyntowest
comments: ariele is a custom furniture designer with a background in sculpture. the tables shown here are made with reclaimed wood. the intricacy of the patterns, exquisite craft, and subsequent time intensity of these pieces is breathtaking. the attention to detail and the rustic nature of the reclaimed materials creates such a captivating contrast. love, love, love, her work. please check out her blog to learn more about her and to commission some custom made furniture. i'm in such complete awe of her talent. wow.

candelero by nadadora studio

item: candelero candle
designer: pedro ochando of nadadora studio, valencia, spain
photos via: un4verde
comments: these colorful candlesticks are made into a shape that includes a wide base. while beautiful, the shape also functions to catch melting wax as the candle burns. smart. i love the minimal material and high function of this design. if you do too, you can find them at un4verde.com.

fiducia vases and candlesticks by louise campbell for kahler design

item: fiducia vases and candlesticks
designer: louise campbell for kahler design
photos via: kahler design and louise campbell

comments: these ceramic vases and candlesticks are meant to be displayed in groups. their "arms" have magnets so that they can be arranged into many configurations and will hold together nicely. the curved shapes and fun colors are lovely. please take a look at louise's website to see more of her work. her talent is boundless.

studio snowpuppe, origami lampshades

item: origami lampshades
designed by: studio snowpuppe, netherlands
photos via: snowpuppe etsy shop
comments: nellianna van den baard (architect) and kenneth veenenbos (industrial designer), of studio snowpuppe, designed these origami lampshades. not only are they beautiful in form, but the choice of material (paper) creates a soft, ambient light which is diffused and soothing. the lampshades are designed to be used with led bulbs which is an added environmental bonus. please check out their etsy shop for more of their amazing work.

kirstu storage, studio suppanen for marimekko

item: kirstu storage
design firm: studio suppanen
photos via: studio suppanen
comments: the base of this storage is made from polyester felt which is rigid but tactile at the same time. the lid, with its playful pattern, can also be used as a tray. what i love about this design is that it is functional but also beautiful. i admire when designers take products that can sometimes be mundane and make them so much more. this is visually interesting storage that can also be used as a table. this is storage that you would want to leave out on display. that is quite a feat. please check out studio suppanen's website (link above) for more of their beautiful work.

mokusei lamp

item: mokusei lamp
designed by: asahi plywood industry
photos via: tortoise general store
comments: this lamp is made of twenty triangular pieces of cherry veneer. the end user assembles the pieces into either one large lamp or two lamps made of ten pieces each. love the translucent quality of the veneer, the texture, and the overlapping areas. nice.

folda table and chairs, jordi gisbert and veronica coloma of ham & cheese

item: folda table and chairs
designers: jordi gisbert and veronica coloma of ham & cheese
photos via: ham & cheese
comments: jordi is a product designer and veronica is a graphic designer. together, they formed the design studio, ham & cheese. the folda table and chairs are designed for two users but can also adapt to four users. this is an elegant way to solve the problem of needing extra seating temporarily in small spaces. each chair is really two chairs, with one that fits inside the other. brilliant, your extra chairs are always at hand. no need for extra storage or chairs that don't match. the table expands also. the design is impeccable, the materials beautiful, the craftsmanship meticulous and the addition of color adds fun and contrast. please check out their website for more of their designs. love the thought, quality, and whimsy of their work, hope you do too.

triplette chair, paul menand

item: triplette chair
designer: paul menand
photos via: paul menand design
comments: this chair is designed to be used as one, two or three chairs. yes, i know it sounds confusing, but the design of each chair fits into the next so that when you only need one chair it stacks back together perfectly. love the simplicity of the design and the flexibility it offers without sacrificing beauty. nice.

burdhaus, nathan danials

item: burdhaus line of modern bird houses
designer: nathan danials
photos via: burdhaus on etsy
comments: well, these modern bird houses just could not be passed up. they are created by nathan danials, a designer from minnesota. love the materials, colors and craftsmanship. check out the link above for more of his beautiful work. nice.

magisso teacup, laura bougdanos and vesa jaasko

item: magisso teacup
designers: laura bougdanos and vesa jaasko
photos via: magisso
comments: this design is brilliant in its simplicity. the bottom of the teacup is angled which provides dual functionality. when the cup is tipped to one side you are able to steep the tea. balance the cup on the other side and you are able to drink the tea. so well done. the tea strainer is built into the cup so everything you need is there, just add tea and water. beautiful. bravo.

trevor elliott, magnetic pallet chair

item: magnetic pallet chair

designer: trevor elliott
photos via: uncommongoods
comments: trevor is an art director who recently shifted to product design. his focus with this new discipline is on sustainability, reclaimed materials and modularity. enter the magnetic pallet chair. besides the simple lines, bright colors and reclaimed materials (it's made from pallets), the chair has magnets which allow it to be taken apart and stored flat when not in use. brilliant.