Tag it "TN Fashion"

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A list by Kristine

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beauty in utilitarian designs

Recommendations

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literatura shelving system

Updated Mar 4, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

Designed for small spaces, but I think these work fabo for any space. Sliding shelves on casters, so you can double up on your shelving space and storage. I think these would work great as sliding doors, like a secret entrance. Don't you think?

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hidden ashtray planter

Updated Mar 4, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

Okay, this is one of the funniest and most appropriate product designs out there. A planter by day and ashtray by night. It's the ultimate "hide your bad habit" item. They say it hides the smell too, but that is simply not possible unless you have oriental lilies growing above it. I think it is fabulous!

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686 toolbelt

Updated Feb 4, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

This is basically a mini toolkit disguised as a belt. Ingenious design includes phillips, flathead, detachable 8MM, 10MM and 11MM wrenches, and best of all, buckle is also a bottle opener. Tools sized to work with snowboards and skateboards. Belt is water resistant. Cool or what? They make belts for girls too!

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full-size chrome bullet trashcan

Updated Jan 27, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

Under-the-cabinet cans are too small for me, and not functional covered. This can is nice enough to be kept in view, like a furniture piece. And I don't have to dump the garbage everyday, which is really nice.

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cyclone vacuum

Updated Jan 6, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

A contender for Wallpaper's 2007 Design Award, the cyclone vacuum is an incredible design by Chiaki Murata. Hidden hose, cordless, and nifty handle bars. Great engineering. (via Wallpaper Magazine)

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Sedona Elite HE4T Washer/Dryer

Updated Dec 29, 2006

9 people recommended this item

Description

Unfortunately, I have two old washer/dryer sets already, but I'm anxiously waiting for one to die, so I can use the other, and then wait for that to die, so I can get these! It's a torture to be waste-conscientious. (via lisaweinberger)

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clotheline clip

Updated Dec 20, 2006

1st to recommend

2 people recommended this item

Description

From India, this clip was designed and manufactured with a single piece of injection molded recycled plastic, which uses less material and therefore creates less waste. Let's not forget to also give credit to the nice design so well implemented on such a utilitarian product. (via Dexigner)

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LED desk lamp

Updated Dec 29, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

I just ordered two, and I can't wait! This lamp makes a good role model for new green products. Why should we sacrifice style to be good? This lamp is attractive, good for the environment (no mercury and less toxic gas), maintenance free (no bulb change ever), extremely durable (LED can move around without damage), and amazingly affordable ($59.95).

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small cruet

Updated Feb 2, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

This is not quite the one I have, which I found in Italy years ago, but it has similar functionality. I use it to mix balsamic and vinegar... Perfect as a small salad dressing server.

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Modern-Twist PJ Pocket Pillow

Updated Jul 18, 2007

1st to recommend

10 people recommended this item

Description

Inspired by a Japanese anemone box (which is traditionally used to hold family heirlooms), these wonderful pillows have another function - they are also storage containers. Super great design. I love things that use space well. (via Grenade Fishing)

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Riedel Amadeo Lyra Decanter

Updated Mar 9, 2007

3 people recommended this item

Description

Gorgeous decanter from Riedel. Mouthblown lead crystal designed by Amadeo Lyra for Riedel's 250th anniversay. One can never have enough Riedel. This makes a great gift for the wine enthusiast.

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sharp aquos

Updated Feb 4, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

Feel a little less guilty upgrading your t.v. This 52" flat-panel t.v. the friendlier alternative - eco-friendly that is. It is made in Japan by the uber green factory in Kameyama, Japan. By adhering to super green standards, this factory produces 40% less C02 per year than the rest.

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tom dixon polystyrene chairs

Updated Nov 30, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

In the midst of the London Design Festival 2006, Tom Dixon took over Trafalgar Square in London in order to introduce a little bit of his design to Londoners. This year, he teemed up with EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Group in order to demonstrate the possibilities of moulding furniture in polystyrene.

After a day of lounging around in the square, Londoners were invited to take the chairs away, absolutely free, in what has become known as "The Great Chair Grab"

**FYI, polystyrene is what they use to make life savers (ah uh, not the candy). Super lightweight, super strong. Molds to anything.

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Fridge Magnet Bottle-Opener

Updated Aug 13, 2007

13 people recommended this item

Description

I don't know how two tacky ideas created one good product, but this bottle opener (tacky) refrigerator magnet (tacky) is very attractive AND functional (good product). This may be the only refrigerator magnet I'll ever approve of. A unique "for him" gift.

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3-second fold-up bike

Updated Dec 1, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

FOR HIM: Increasing bike usage is one of the easiest ways to personally contribute towards a better environment.This bike makes commuting a lot easier. 3 seconds is all you need to get this bike folded and in its bag (with practice, I'm assuming). I love innovations that help people use less but live better. According to sources, this bike rides like any standard diamond frame bike. The best part, it's pretty cool looking, don't you think? Comes in wild orange and red as well (leave it to the French).

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Otis and Claude Bettie Toy

Updated Dec 18, 2006

2 people recommended this item

Description

I wonder how long this would last... Think two dogs. Tug of War. Many torn toys. Love the design.

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powder seat

Updated Dec 12, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

Collapsable stainless steel legs. This is a brilliant design and way more useful than what Vitamin Living markets it for (snowboard-bench solution). I would use it to create my own table. All I would need is a beautiful piece of reclaimed of wood.

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elx coat tree

Updated Mar 4, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

Why can't one mount a coat tree on a wall? I think it's an interesting twist on the coat stand, though I suppose there really isn't a need for the trunk, except for the visual. Love the hook design of this mountable tree. Punt Mobles make such great things!

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magrack

Updated Mar 16, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

Some of us hide our magazines, some of us like having tons around for people to browse through. This magazine rack is nice, because it functions like the unattractive commercial ones you see in doctor offices (those are usually wood) but looks way better. It also uses vertical space, which is great for smaller spaces.

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wall coat rack

Updated Mar 16, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

I think this is ingenious. It looks like wall decor when not in use. Beautiful, simple, clean design.

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ploof 2

Updated Mar 17, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

I'm not a Philippe Starck fanatic, but I do love this sofa he designed to be used indoor or outdoor. It's made of polyethelene, so it can be left outdoors permanently if you should wish to. Love that.

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folding chair

Updated Mar 17, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

Finally! A folding chair I like! If you entertain a lot, you know how important it is to have extra folding chairs around. But they're normally so ugly. This one is gorgeous. Steel frames. Stained beech wood to look wenge. Lovely.

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box storage

Updated Mar 17, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

I've been told I'm the most disorganized organized person they've ever met. I think this handy piece of furniture is what I need. Toss it in. Spinning mechanism makes it easy to find stuff easily. I'm gonna try to talk my boss into buying this for me.

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storm flowerpot

Updated Mar 18, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

This Danish design flowerpot by Storm Design is very clever. They redesigned the never-challenged water catch tray into the outter wall of the pot, allowing more overflow and improved aesthetic. (Some of us need that extra help.) (Or do my trick. Add a bunch of rocks to the bottom of a cachepot, then place a cut-down plastic planter on top. Cover with moss to hide ugly plastic cotnainer.)

Or buy this great coated aluminum pot. It's lovely.

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eva schildt umbrella stand

Updated Mar 25, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

It has taken four years for this prototype to finally go into production. Thanks to Design House of Stockholm, who is producing this product for May 2007 market release. It's so elaborate in its simplicity that I find it ingenious. You immediately recognize it is an umbrella stand from its shape, and the sea sponge at the bottom to catch water is an unexpected element that translates perfectly its existence. Great product. (via wallpaper)

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Kristine
grenadefishing
dimondites
elfing it
About this list
By definition, utilitarian means having regard to utility or usefulness rather than beauty or ornamentation. I think this is where the future of design will change - I have seen a great amount of utilitarian designs that are beautiful, which is encouraging. Today, in order for a product to qualify as great design, it needs to have both form + function.
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