beauty in utilitarian designs - a list by Kristine

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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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Viewing 11-20 of 38 Items

Riedel Amadeo Lyra Decanter

5 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.

Updated Mar 9, 2007

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sharp aquos

First 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.

Updated Feb 4, 2007

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tom dixon polystyrene chairs

First 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.

Updated Nov 30, 2006

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Fridge Magnet Bottle-Opener

17 people recommended this item

Description

Stop ruining your teeth because you can't find a bottle opener! This one sticks to the fridge so you'll never have to go looking for it. Nor will you have to nail it into your wall and hope it sticks. This works magically, and makes drinking your beer that much easier. Mmmm. Heineken...

Updated Sep 29, 2008

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3-second fold-up bike

First 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).

Updated Dec 1, 2006

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Otis and Claude Bettie Toy

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.

Updated Dec 18, 2006

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powder seat

First 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.

Updated Dec 12, 2006

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elx coat tree

First 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!

Updated Mar 4, 2007

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magrack

First 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.

Updated Mar 16, 2007

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wall coat rack

First to recommend

Description

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

Updated Mar 16, 2007

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Viewing 11-20 of 38 Items

Kristine

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A newbie shop keeper. (Aiyah!)

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