pink lily pads

Lily pad table by nervous system. I'm pretty sure I would love it even if it weren't pink. Although the pink color definitely seals the deal for me. 

[via design milk]

the seamless tub

Ok I know this is the third post in a row on plumbing, and I promise to post about other things after this, but this whirlpool tub is amazing. Teuco's Sorgente Bathtub truly breaks the mold, seamlessly integrating into its environment. The Sorgente also utilizes Teuco's revolutionary Hydrosilence- which results in a soothing, relaxing environment with the sounds of lapping water, rather than the sounds of whirlpool jets. The Sorgente is available in a wide range of finishes ranging from woods to stones and can be covered with the same material, allowing it to blend seamlessly into almost any environment.

[via we heart stuff]

a tub to soak in, read in, eat some grapes in

The AQHayon Bathtub by Jaime Hayon is the perfect tub. It has an elegantly simple look, as well as a place to put that glass of wine, book, fruit, and anything else you may want within reach while soaking. The tub starts at $8,789 for the tub and legs with accessories such as a side ashtray costing extra. The tub is available via Generate.

a sink made for water

How great is this sink? Drying racks in the kitchen have always posed a slight problem because for the most part they are just plain ugly. Often, the more aesthetically pleasing ones are very simple and lack a drainage solution. The Decosink by Finnish designer Tiina Hakala provides a beautiful solution with twig like design that funnels water back into the sink.

[via design*sponge]

the life of a toilet paper roll: ceramic edition.

These ceramic vases were created by Dallas designer Blake Wright. The idea is to explore the life of a toilet paper roll. Cleverness. 

[via design sponge]

gone fishing.

While canoeing with this new transparent canoe, you'll be able to see all the fish and other creatures that may be lurking underneath you while you're paddling along. Could be really cool...could be really scary... All for a bargain $1475...plus $175 for shipping. 

[via toxel]

Semiramis Hotel Athens

The Semiramis Hotel Athens is a fusion of style, art, technology and design - all combined in a vibrant package. Designed by Karim Rashid (think design classic and MoMa exhibited Umbra trash cans), this boutique hotel even features scrolling LED screens on doors to request privacy or maid service. This hotel looks so trendy and cool that even the meeting room set ups look a little fun. Rashid designed everything from the artwork in the rooms, to the stationary and toiletries.

play that funky music.

When you think of Apple's IPOD you typically think, sleek, sophisticated, and kinda shiny. Similarly, most of the docking stations and different stereo systems created to play directly from an IPOD reflect this same design style. But now a Japanese company has created docks for those of you who prefer a more organic IPOD speaker. Just as sleek, just as sophisticated, a lot less shiny. And that's about all I can understand in Japanese. 

If only I hadn't lost my IPOD :( 

Walmart 2.0

In case you hadn't heard yet, this week retail monster Walmart debuted their new logo for the world to see. This logo re-design, part of their effort to "refresh" their stores, is the

sixth logo redesign in the company's 46 year history (although one logo was never used for signage etc.) The new logo's color and simple, clean lines reflect to some extent the Web

 2.0 "style" that has been spreading beyond the internet, and influencing the corporate logo world. 

The Web 2.0 "style," and I use that word loosely, is characterized by large, clean, simple fonts, usually in bright or pastel colors, and they often appear shiny. Many employ gradients, drop shadows, reflections and other effects as well. Overall, there seems to be a trend towards getting away from a "box" and towards more of an icon, like on your computer desktop. In the past several years there has been a rash of corporate logo redesigns - most of which reflect the simpler style popularized by the Web 2.0 websites. 

Here's just a sampling of some of the other logo redesigns in the past few years. Some, such as Volkswagen, are very minor, whereas some, such as Holiday Inn and GM Goodwrench, are quite drastic. 

No more reality shows.

Internationally known French designer Philippe Starck is doing a reality show. As much as I admire Starck's work, I'm a little bit disappointed. Starck has designed basically everything from interiors, hotels, and furniture to toothbrushes and even an optical mouse for Microsoft. I first studied S

tarck in school because of his Alessi Juicy Salif- the simple juicer that has developed somewhat of a cult following. Pinkberry stores feature his chairs and Target carries some of his products. Trust me, he's good kids.

So WHY does he have to do reality? Reality is soo skeezy. His new show, School of Design, will search to find the next great British designer. Since its on BBC and not in the states I can pretend he hasn't stooped to the reality level I guess?

I'm not going to lie. I enjoy some reality television shows. However, it doesn't mean that I respect the people that are in them. If Frank Ghery comes out with a reality television show I might cry.

2 steps forward, 1 step back

Television sets used to be considered a piece of furniture. It started with the invention of the radio when families would all gather around the radio at the end of the day to hear the news. As television grew more popular (and affordable), the sets were often displayed prominently in living rooms. Televisions were an important piece of furniture and rooms were centered around the set where families could gather or entertain people to watch their favorite programs.

While families (maybe?) still gather for shows (although with the thousands of channels and multiple televisions per household it is far less common), most people try to conceal their television or make it as unobtrusive as possible. T

elevision sets are stowed away behind cabinet doors, disguised to look like picture frames, and hidden in hidden compartments that raise up or swivel out at the touch of a button.

But what if you want all the modern HD, flat screen technology, but miss that comfortable, substantial old set you used to watch Mr. Ed on? Check out the m21 Flat TV Console by Wilkerson Furniture. It can be built to your size specifications, and exudes that warm, shag carpet feeling of another era.

When hand washing isn't fun anymore...

buy a new sink- 

 byHigh Tech 

[via materialicio]

Natural Light

This house was designed by Seifert Stoeckmann in Gelnhouse, Germany. It features 52 windows and the bedroom is a "drawer" that can slide out so you can sleep under the stars.

[Via Coolboom]

Have your cake and eat it too!

It has been a while since I last found something that I am truly in awe of. I Dream of Cake is truly awe inspiring. They are true artists creating everything from handbags and shoes, to statues and laptop computers out of cake. It is AMAZING. It even inspires me to want to bake! Here are some of their designs, but not even the best ones. You have to check them out.

Stamps & Great Design

I've never been a stamp nerd, or really ever had any interest in stamps at all, but that is about to change. This June the United States Postal Service issued the Charles and Ray Eames Commemorative Stamps. While I may never be able to own a piece of their furniture, I will get myself to a postoffice and buy a sheet of their stamps.

Really though, how come there aren't more stamps that feature truly great design? Who wants cartoon characters, woodland ducks and cliche felines? A stamp is such a small little item that could bring someone a little joy when they go to the mailbox.