This design isn’t glamorous, but it’s certainly smart.  This light switch cover offers a convenient spot for mail at the top, as well as two key hooks.  Knowing where everything is in the morning – now that’s functional design.

The Light Switch Rack by Paul Koh costs more than a regular switch cover, but it’s still pretty affordable especially considering it’s impressive enough to be part of the MoMA store catalog.  It’s simple to install, and goes right over an existing light switch.

As eco-friendly architecture and design grows in popularity, so does the prevalence of bamboo.  While I seem to be seeing bamboo more and more these days, I’ve never quite seen it like this before.  Bamboo is so green because it grows extremely fast, so I’m happy to see that one architect, Vo Trong Nghia, is taking it to entirely new levels.

See more from Vo Trong Nghia here. 

Bits ‘n Pieces is a traveling, interactive exhibit showcasing the dialogue between the analog world and digital technologies within design in a post-digital era.  Including furniture, architecture, jewelry, graphic design, and product design, this exhibit is definitely one not to miss!

The objects included are both aesthetically pleasing and technologically advanced, offering a preview of the future of design.  Work from Lucas Massen, Dries Verbruggen, Jab Habraken, and Melka Teichroew is among some of the most highly anticipated. This traveling exhibit started Nov 4th and will continue until Dec 4th. Find out more here.

Manifold 2 is the result of a mathematical game to create a coffee table from a single square sheet of material.  Only cutting and bending are allowed, no additional materials or components.  As its designer (and mathematician) Anthony Leyland points out, while these constraints are challenging, limitless solutions are possible. And it is the solutions that are illustrated here.

Coffee tables are the first item Leyland has tackled, and many more possible designs are shown on his website.   These tables are made from one meter square sheets of steel with painted finishes. While steel was chosen for reasons of sustainability, it also makes these tables practically indestructible.

If you’re interested in getting one of these go to Leyland’s website and contact him. I believe they are currently only being made to order for now, though I hope to see them more widely available soon.  The endless ways of making a simple square into captivating tables is truly fascinating to me.  Happy weekend all. See you back here on Monday!

Over 3500 gold plated parts make up this truly unique vase designed to look like scaffolding. Its shape is inspired by 19th century Chinese vases, while its composition from “scaffold” makes it both very urban and very now.  There’s a small glass container that holds water, which is hidden by the rest of the vase’s design, making it not just a conversation piece but a functional vase.  The Scaffold Vase is the work of UK design studio Freshwest.

Adding a handle to a stool – genius. In addition to making it easier to move around, it also adds to the appropriately named Handle Stool’s playful look. Available in a variety of bold and bright colors, these stools are completely functional while adding a little fun into your day. The Handle Stool is designed by Fernando Brizio, who is known for his colorful eccentric style. I think it’s pretty hard not to love this stool that combine simple, sensible design meets bright, extreme colors.