Delightful Fires
General Design, Product Design

Winter seems to be so near, and these fireplace designs are looking so inviting. There is something about a well-designed fireplace that is welcoming and cozy, even to just look at.


Winter seems to be so near, and these fireplace designs are looking so inviting. There is something about a well-designed fireplace that is welcoming and cozy, even to just look at.
Growing up as a fan of Transformers and Mask, this Toyota concept car really hits home. The colors and features stir my imagination. Slide-out seating, large screen monitors, bike rack, energy drink dispenser; everything screams overkill.

Small spaces can engender the best of designs. So many designs have been centered around tight quarters, but not like this. A company called Spiral Cellars has found a niche market servicing the wealthy wine aficionado.
Using a cut-out hole in the floor beneath common areas in the home, these guys create spiral staircases that lead to small depths; so small in fact, that you can do no more than grab a bottle of wine. A cool factor, indeed, to have such a cool hidden cellar, but at what cost? Plenty, I am sure.


What a clever way to package such a simple food. The NYC Spaghetti packaging was created by a University of Central Lancashire student, using the famous Chrysler Building as the platform on which the spaghetti noodles rest.

Having seen many induction stovetops, I was excited to see the Caso portable induction plate. This version, priced right and portable, makes induction cooking possible for anyone. Though this hot plate can reach temperatures of up to 428 degrees Fahrenheit, don’t be intimidated. Its built-in safety features include the ability to sense pans on its glass top surface. It also has a 180-minute timer and 10 precise power levels. Well designed and beautifully functional.

Here is a not-so-short, short history of why there are so many variations of the outlet plug around the world. A little history, a little geography and whole a lot of humor. Enjoy.
