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.
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.
This cube radio is a button-less radio that takes instruction by motion. The gravity switch enables an interface that increases and decreases volume and changes stations with a simple tilt, spin or roll.
Geometric package designs for snacks are coming from all directions. Doritos has had a conceptual design overhaul, making a play on its famous triangular snack shape.
Impact extrusion is used to create this new Coke can redesign. Looks cool, I just hope it feels cool and can match the structural integrity of the current can.
Combination gadgets never get old, and here are some new ones to make kitchen tasks a little easier.
Designed to cut through pizza and then flip sideways to dish it up with a flick of the wrist, this pizza cutter and spatula looks like it could even work its way through a dessert or two.
Grilled cheese and soup never look so good as when they are sharing the same plate. This combo bowl and plate set is the perfect size for any soup & sandwich.
Combining a strainer and measuring cup, this fat separator helps to keep the flavor of gravy, soups and stock without the fat. Non-slip grip and see-through design are always useful when working in the kitchen.
Grater, herb scoop, peeler, zester and knife all in one — this combo knife set does it all. Saving drawer space is smart design, and by using this tool, you can ditch those four other tools and save some valuable space.
This 5-in-1 utensil set combines a scraper, strainer, spreader, spoon and server made from reclaimed nylon. It even locks together for storing flat and has a 450-degree melting point.
Some of you may remember my interview with the author of Spoon and Tamago a while back; well, here is some more Japanese design for your viewing pleasure. This address tray is made from stacked paper and used to store hand written contact information. When closed, the top tray doubles as a pen holder in the notched-out grooves.
Not known for its style and design, Microsoft caught my eye with this mini mouse. Using a BlueTrack technology, this Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse goes where no other mouse will; carpet, granite and rough wood, to name a few. And neatly tucked away on the bottom you will find the mini wireless receiver. Great for any Netbook or laptop you take on the go.
Thinking outside of the box has been used so many times to describe an approach toward design. I really do think that the designers who worked on this touchpad case were thinking outside of the box. When slipped onto the bottom of an iPhone, this tactile guide gives boundaries to your fingertips, allowing for more than just a visual line between pressing a ‘D’ and an ‘S’ on your QWERTY touch keyboard.
Simple ideas are the best, and this is an example of one – a reusable lid for plastic bags. Buy in bulk, or cut open a bagged package of food and then use this to snap it closed without a twist tie or chip clip. Copoc Bag Clips can be used on big bags of M & M’s, bulk grains, sugar; the possibilities are endless.
