Aliante Bookshelf by Davide Anzalone

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Alec Banks

The Aliante Bookshelf is a project developed for the Carbon Fiber Design Contest whose aim was to promote the use of the material – with its intrinsic characteristics of strength and lightness. The idea behind the Aliante Bookshelf was to create a low air-resistance piece of furniture, with the inspiration coming from aeronautics (“aliante” is the Italian word for “glider”) with a shape of the shelves reminding those looking at it of wings on an aircraft. One part piece of art, another part fully functional shelving unit with built in bookends, the Aliante Bookshelf from Davide Anzalone is truly a marvel.

Source: designboom

Read more at Hypebeast.com

Aliante Bookshelf by Davide Anzalone

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Alec Banks

Source: designboom

Read more at Hypebeast.com

NOWNESS: Frédéric Malle – Perfume Publisher

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Alec Banks

NOWNESS and photographer Geordie Wood captures celebrated perfumer Frédéric Malle evaluating ingredients in his lab at the International Fragrance and Flavors headquarters in New York. Growing up in Paris, where his grandfather Serge Heftler-Louiche had founded Dior Parfums in 1947, Malle seeks out the best perfumers, curates their olfactory creations and then publishes the perfume. By placing no limit on the price of ingredients or the aesthetics of the perfume, Malle has brought together one of the best collections of olfactory art in the world. This spring also marks the release of his first book, On Perfume Making, that recounts the stories of his collaborations for Editions de Parfums over the last 12 years, including details of the fragrance formulas and their raw materials.

Click here to view full gallery at Hypebeast.com

Hip Potty Musts: 15 Concept Designer Toilet Brushes

Posted on April 1, 2012 by Steve

[ By Steve in Architecture & Design & Furniture & Interiors & Gadgets & Geek Art. ]

From the outhouse to the White House, the best toilet brushes never bristle when it comes to cleaning the latrine. Combining carefully engineered ergonomics and sometimes surprising style to produce spotless results where it counts the most, these 15 concept designer toilet brushes won’t drop the ball when you drop a deuce.

Ballo “Dancing” Toilet Brush

(images via: Normann Copenhagen)

The Ballo Toilet Brush was designed for Normann Copenhagen by Jozeph Forakis, an alumnus of Domus Academy in Milan and the Rhode Island School of Design. As the latter was where the members of Talking Heads first met, it’s really no surprise Ballo (which means “dancing” in Italian) merrily wobbles around the bathroom thanks to its atypically rounded base. Big suit not included.

(image via: Spotted By)

“Ballo is a different, amusing and happy toilet brush,” states Forakis, who’s undoubtedly the first to describe a toilet brush as being happy. Forakis goes on to describe Ballo as “a funny but functional product that creates pleasure and gives an experience in people’s daily lives.” Having a toilet brush & holder dance around the bathroom whilst one answers the call of nature would be a very special experience indeed.

Skull Head Toilet Brush Set

(images via: Pirates N Plunder, Nerd Approved and Jezebel)

You don’t have to be One-Eyed Willie to own the Skull Head Toilet Brush Set but no Goonie geek worth his doubloons would be caught without one. The set includes a “life sized skull” and the matching handle (topped with a voodoo-mini-skull) detaches so replacing a worn-out toilet brush is as easy as plundering an unarmed merchant frigate. Arrr, scrub those decks AND the toilet, ye scurvy dog!

Pinocchio Toilet Brush

(images via: E-Goods/Rakuten)

Pants on fire? Yes please! Pinocchio must’ve really told a whopper to get himself in this sort of fix. Designed with a red, blue or green hat for a base, the Pinocchio Toilet Brush “nose” just what to do when unsightly stains rear their ugly head… and that’s the truth.

(image via: Daily Home Tips)

Anthropomorphic products are appealing to some, off-putting to others and the Pinocchio Toilet Brush is definitely one of those love-it-or-hate-it items. “If there is such a cute restroom brush,” suggests the sales copy at the Japanese product page, “the cleaning seems to become fun.” Oh really? Methinks some noses may be growing at a certain ad agency.

Clean as a Whistle Bathroom Brush

(images via: ModCloth and Trend de la Creme)

The Clean as a Whistle Bathroom Brush adds a dash of pastoral charm to any bathroom. Modeled after a songbird sitting prettily on a tree branch, the design employs a second faux branch to act as a hanger for the handle thus suspending the toilet brush and keeping the brush head high & dry. Ideal for those social media addicts (and you know who you are) who can’t resist “tweeting” anywhere and anytime.

FRAGILE Toilette Brush

(images via: Selectism and Yatzer)

One doesn’t usually associate bathroom cleaning supplies with fine wine but Antonio Gardoni isn’t your usual designer. His FRAGILE Toilette Brush cleverly masks a functional toilet brush within a plastic shell modeled after an upside-down wine glass. Of course, should you overindulge on the bubbly and find yourself driving the porcelain bus, a wine glass is probably the LAST thing you want to see.

(image via: Yatzer)

FRAGILE is one of Gardoni’s “5 Collection”, designed to “transform an ordinary bathroom ‘visit’ into an unforgettable experience!” Fine, but what if you’re drinking to forget?

Istanbul WC Brush Holder

(images via: Stylepark, Mat and Me and First Bathrooms)

The Istanbul (not Constantinople) WC Brush Holder is one heavy hitter: 4.13kg or 9.1 pounds to be exact. Designed by London-based industrial designer Ross Lovegrove for the Turkish brand VITRA, the WC Brush Holder exhibits a smooth, rounded shape that works well with today’s organic inspired appliances.

KaKaK Toilet Brush

(images via: An Ad a Day)

There’s not much that can be said about the KaKaK Toilet Brush besides the fact it was designed in 2012 by Jordi Pla of Jordi Pla Studio S.L for Homewood International of Taiwan. Then again, one might say the design speaks for itself and any description would be redundant… not to mention repugnant.

(images via: Behance)

The KaKaK Toilet Brush comes in your choice of black, white, blue, pink and brown (of course). Made from molded polypropylene, the in-your-face design makes sure you make no mistake when fumbling for your toothbrush after not getting enough sleep the previous night.

Mahogany Skittle Brush

(images via: HGTV)

Nina Tolstrup of Studiomama exercises her creative muse by repurposing wood. The Skittle Brush is just one example. Named and designed after Skittles, the old European sport ancestral to bowling, this sleek and slender organically curved toilet brush allows you to strike and stains, sparing no messes.

Alessi Merdolino Toilet Brush

(images via: 4M and Furnish.co)

We’re not sure if it’s intentional or not but the Merdolino Toilet Brush from Alessi seems to be named after “merde”, the French word for poop. Designed by Stefano Giovannoni in 1993, Merdolino turns the humble toilet brush from a utilitarian object to a decorative accessory.

(image via: DesignBoom)

A subtle variation on Merdolino sees the budding branch replaced by a slender Saguaro. Now if only they could replace the brush head’s bristles with real cactus thorns. Mesquiteolino, anyone?

Rock Star Toilet Brush Holder

(image via: Pioneer Linens)

Those “pot of gold” jokes you’ve been saving up? Let ‘em rip, ’cause the $525 Rock Star Toilet Brush Holder has entered the building! Designer Windisch Nameek plated an otherwise unremarkable toilet brush handle and cylindrical holder in 24-karat gold for the very commonsensical reason that pure gold won’t corrode, pit or tarnish. Which raises the question… if you can afford $525 for a freakin’ toilet brush, why not just gold-plate your toilet so you’ll never need to use one?

Afro Collection Toilet Brushes

(images via: DesignBoom)

Gumption Design is based in Thailand, and that’s as far as we’ll go lest Spike Lee sees these so-called Afro Brushes and fires off another errant tweet. According to GD’s sales copy, what we have here is “a brush with a 70s afro look, the handle of the brush is in the form of a cool ‘hippy’” See, only cool hippies need be offended.

(image via: DesignBoom)

If you can get past the, ahem, distinctive design of the handle, what you’ve got here is a fun & funky… no, that’s not right. OK, these day-glo plastic psychedelic toilet brushes add a little color… forget it, we give up, gonna quit while we’re a head. Doh!

Kleinkindsichere WC-Bürste

(images via: Tchibo)

Also known as the Child-Proof Toilet Brush, the Kleinkindsichere WC-Bürste is an idea whose time has come – just like curious toddlers who can come into any room at any time and get into a heapin’ helpin’ of toilet brush-related trouble. Then there are the dogs who see “toilet brush” and think “big white bone!” German designer Peter Praktisch has a solution, one that will be very familiar to anyone who’s tried to remove a child-proof cap off a bottle of pills. Of course, if you have trouble with those than your bathroom will reflect it.

WC7 Electric Toilet Brush

(images via: Design Spotter and Castiglione/Morelli Design)

Does your toilet’s criminally encrusted condition call for a special kind of cleaning agent? Then call on WC7, the electric toilet brush whose orders are “shoot to clean.” Designed by Francesco Castiglione Morelli with Annamaria Carelli, this is one polishing potty pistol that will leave even the most evilly stained commode shaken AND stirred. Lock (the bathroom door) and load!

(images via: Castiglione/Morelli Design)

The WC7 packs a pair of AA batteries in the brush’s handle. Once installed, take careful aim and pull the trigger… the spinning brush head will eradicate those stains faster than Don Corleone erases his competition. Now there’s an offer nobody can refuse.

DIY Self-Disinfecting Toilet Brush

(images via: MAKE Projects)

Designer toilet brush? Why ask why when you can DIY! The clever lads at MAKE Projects combined a classic barbershop glass Barbasol container with a standard toilet brush to create this awesome self-disinfecting toilet brush & holder that ends up being much more than just the sum of its parts. Er, you might not want to store your combs in there once it’s been re-purposed and used, though.

THE Toilet Brush

(images via: Gigazine)

It takes a pair of big brass ones to dub your new toilet brush “Toilet Brush,” as if any and all other such devices are suddenly, hopelessly irrelevant, and Japanese housewares company Marna seems to have ‘em. Their new & improved product has been re-designed from handle to holder to be THE best toilet brush EVAR… and give Marna some credit for not calling it that.

(images via: Gigazine)

How does Marna know their brand new Toilet Brush will please their target market of finicky Japanese housewives? They asked them, of course: the company brought in 200 average housewives and asked them how the humble toilet brush could be improved. It was a smart move and besides, who’s gonna tell 200 housewives they’re wrong?

(image via: Gigazine)

Suggestions ranged from incising grooves on the handle to help secure the grip, using both hard and soft bristles on the brush, and engineering a floating holder design that keeps the brush head high & dry between uses. Now if only they could re-design the toilet itself so toilet brushes aren’t necessary, suggested one Marna employee just before he was, er, canned.

Want More? Click for Great Related Content on WebUrbanist:

Tiny, Magical Worlds Inside Toilet Paper Rolls

Artist Anastassia Elias creates captivating little worlds with the most mundane of materials: toilet paper rolls. 4 Comments - Click Here to Read More »»

Pretty Pointy: 15 Cool Concept Toothpick Holders

These 15 cool concept toothpick holders display your wee wooden weapons to best advantage while adding a designer dash to any kitchen, bar or chicken wing cafe. 2 Comments - Click Here to Read More »»

Darth Vader on the Toilet: Fantasy Photo Series

What do super heroes and villains do when nobody's looking? Photographer Ian Pool gives us a glimpse with this fantasy photo series. 9 Comments - Click Here to Read More »»

[ By Steve in Architecture & Design & Furniture & Interiors & Gadgets & Geek Art. ]

[ WebUrbanist | Archives | Galleries | Privacy | TOS ]

Maison Martin Margiela (untitled) Candle

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Alex Maeland

Building on the essence of its first fragrance, Maison Martin Margiela translates the refreshing aroma into its newest (untitled) Candle. The original fragrance that possesses a redolent overtone of greenery nature emanates from the candle via notes of Galbanum, cedar wood and other incense-inspired odors. Boasting a similarly minimal glass casing as its predecessor, the (untitled) Candle features is wrought from light, lime green wax and encapsulated within a pure white, paint-dripped vase. Retailing for £60 GBP (approximately $95 USD), availability is now offered through Selfridges.

Source: Fashionsnap.com

Read more at Hypebeast.com

Makr Carry Goods Stainless Steel Plant Ring

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Zach Pina

The utilitarian design specialists at Makr Carry Goods have created a simple and elegant solution for organizing and storing your potted plants. This domestically-produced, stainless steel Plant Ring is powder-coated with Avocado green and uses a two-bolt wall mount with leather risers for a clean, and snug fit. You can pick up your own Plant Ring from the Makr online store, where it retails for $48 USD.

Read more at Hypebeast.com

dutil. “Cube” Stop Motion Video

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Chris Danforth

Vancouver-based designer by way of Los Angeles, Eric Dickstein presents the multi-faceted dutil. cube. Owner of Vancouver and Toronto-based denim boutique dutil. Eric has created what he is calling his magnum opus. In addition to serving as a functional candle-holder and coaster, this design piece incorporates laser-cut bamboo into 6 interlocking puzzle pieces forming a cube. Representing a fusion of aesthetic and functionality, the dutil. cube also features lyrics authored by Dickstein himself.

Read more at Hypebeast.com

Maids of the Mist: 15 Steamy Humidifier Designs

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Steve

[ By Steve in Architecture & Design & Furniture & Interiors & Various Uncategorized. ]

Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could mist it… and these 15 humidifier designs will ensure you do just that. Running the gamut from cute to clever, these cool steam dream machines will bring you back up when dry air’s got you down.

Wool Ball Hybrid Humidifier

(images via: Coroflot and EcoFriend)

It’s a humidifier! It’s a cat toy! It’s… both? Yes indeed, the Wool Ball Hybrid Humidifier from Cincinnati-based designer Yuan Gu humidifies your home while entertaining your poor, bored, house-bound kitty cat. Maybe “entertaining” isn’t the right word… by playing with this self-contained, kinetic-powered orb your cat will actually be doing some work for a change – just don’t tell it.

(images via: Coroflot and EcoFriend)

The Wool Ball Hybrid Humidifier functions in either of two modes. Placed on a small pedestal and plugged into a nearby electrical outlet it spews mist much like run-of-the-mill home humidifiers. Unplugged and switched on via the integral LCD control panel, it’s free to roll around the floor under the impetus of the resident feline. Though the interior fan runs on a kinetic power source, we much prefer to call it “kitten-powered”.

Mast Humidifier

(images via: Rakuten)

Designed by Shin Okada and crafted from natural Hinoki (Japanese Cypress) wood by Masuya Koubou, the Mast Humidifier adds beauty to one’s home yet doesn’t subtract any electrical power from the grid. Just assemble the humidifier’s components, fill the “hull” base with water, and natural capillary action plus evaporation does the rest. No on/off switch is needed – water won’t evaporate into an already-humid room environment. Bonus: natural Hinoki wood exudes a fresh, lemony aroma and is resistant to rot, mildew and decay.

Penguin Humidifier

(images via: Joe Shlabotnik, Remodel This House and Chris Moseley)

The Adorable Humidifier from Crane is an ultrasonic cool-mist humidifier ideal for infants and children’s rooms. A removable 1-gallon tank can be filled with tap water and runs quietly for up to 11 hours – when the tank’s dry the humidifier shuts off automatically.

(image via: Eliduke)

Costing around $30 and available at most major retailers, the Adorable Humidifier is a perfect example of a clever concept making the transition to successful retail consumer product. Don’t like penguins? No problem, the design is also available in Cow, Elephant, Frog, Pig, and Hello Kitty livery.

Sauna Boy Portable Mini Humidifier

(images via: Good Design Products and Special Election Now)

The Sauna Boy Portable Mini Humidifier blows off steam so you won’t have to! Combining the functions of a humidifier, an aroma diffuser and an air purifier, this compact USB-powered device goes anywhere you and your laptop may roam. An especially neat feature are the decals included with each humidifier that allow you to design your Sauna Boy’s unique facial expression.

Middle Colors Humidifier Supersonic Wave

(images via: Japan Trend Shop and Rakuten)

With a name like Middle Colors Humidifier Supersonic Wave, it’s got to be Japanese – and it is. Even better, this organically curved and beautifully tinted humidifier comes with a matching remote control.

(images via: InventorSpot and Rakuten)

The AC-powered Middle Colors Humidifier Supersonic Wave is designed by Hironao Tsuboi and will run for up to 8 hours on a full tank of tap water. The remote control allows users to select from three settings: Low, Medium and Strong. Seriously, with a setting called “Strong” you know dryness doesn’t stand a chance.

Cup Noodle USB Humidifier

(images via: Strapya World and Gigazine)

Nothing like a steaming Cup Noodle instant ramen to warm the cockles while working late, amiright? What’s also true is that office air can get uncomfortably dry in cooler months. What to do? Set up a Cup Shitsuki ultrasonic humidifier on your desktop, plug it in to your comp via the handy USB connector (or AC adapter) and enjoy moist, soothing mist – calorie-free.

R2D2 USB Humidifier

(images via: Shop NCSX and Technabob)

The R2D2 USB Humidifier begs the question: how does one humidify the chill vacuum of interstellar space? While you’re chewing on that one, Chewbacca, consider the fact that the interiors of spaceships (not to mention the cramped confines of Mom’s basement) can get to feeling uncomfortably droid… er, dried.

(image via: Trendhunter)

Just twist off R2′s head (ignore his pitiable bleeping and blooping) and fill him up with water… hot water, preferably. That’s because this is an old-school steam humidifier that can take up to 20-25 minutes to warm up sufficiently to spew hot vaporized Dihydrogen monoxide into the air.

Oskar Humidifier

(images via: Generate and Gadget HIM)

Be the first one on your block to own an Oskar Humidifier, which is appropriate since the Oskar Humidifier is shaped like a block. It even comes in bright green like the H & R Block logo, though at press time no lawsuits have been filed. Designed by Matti Walker, the Oskar Humidifier features an integrated hygrostat to maintain optimum humidity and automatically shuts off when the water tank is empty. Last but not least, an interior scented-oil container adds aromatherapy to its usual humidifying functionality.

Stitch Humidifier

(images via: Akihabara News and TIKI Stitch)

Can you believe we’re coming up on the 10th anniversary of Lilo & Stitch? What better way to celebrate Disney’s 42nd animated feature than with a Stitch Humidifier? If you answered “a Lilo Humidifier”, you’re out of luck ’cause there isn’t one. You’re stuck with Stitch, like it or not, and there’s no use Hawaiian.

(image via: Runat)

The Stitch Humidifier runs off either a standard wall socket or via USB from your PC or laptop. It was available online for the princely sum of $179.80 but unfortunately (or fortunately, for the budget-conscious) it’s out of stock.

Love Pot Aroma Humidifier

(image via: Trendhunter)

The Love Pot Aroma Humidifier from Nanum is about as environmentally friendly as one can get. The design, by Sangmin Bae & ID+IM Design Lab, is non-electric and functions by natural wicking and evaporation. The red or blue heart-shaped moisture diffuser is made from laminated wool felt that can be safely laundered and re-used. best of all, Nanum promises that 100% of the profits from every Love Pot Aroma Humidifier sold are charitably donated to provide educational scholarships for impoverished children.

Beer Can USB Humidifier

(images via: Green House and ZAKKA Green)

Just wait ’til your boss walks in one morning and spies a can of beer on your desk… that explains the quality of your work lately, he might think. Be sure to interrupt him while he’s filing out a pink slip and explain that the Beer Can USB Humidifier from Green House is, well, a Beer Can USB Humidifier made by Green House.

(image via: Green House)

Green House certainly stressed the detail on this device, down to using German script on the can – the “Grünhaus” name is a nice Teutonic twist. If your boss wants a closer look, let him have it and be sure to point out the “Clear Taste Humidifier” text inscribed beneath the label. After you both have a good laugh over your close encounter with unemployment, explain to him that he can type a ü or any other umlaut character on his keyboard by holding down the ALT key and typing 129 on the Numbers keypad.

Fred Humidifier

(images via: SlipperyBrick and TechyChick)

“Fred” seems like an incongruous name for a UFO-shaped humidifier… unless that’s just one part of it’s evil plan. The organic exterior of the device exudes a cool retro vibe while the insides boil water into soothing steam shot out through a brushed aluminum snout, er, spout. Available in your choice of 6 different colors, the Fred Humidifier offers High and Economy settings and is designed to run extra-quietly. Yep, you’ll sleep like a baby while our friend Fred is out mutilating cattle.

Too Much Aroma Vaporiser

(images via: DeskStore and Made In Design)

The Too Much Aroma Vaporiser from avant garde designer Karim Rashid and Lexon UK may look monolithic but it’s actually quite the multitasker as humidifiers go. Interior air is moisturized and perfumed, improving the atmosphere to promote feelings of well-being. The device also incorporates ambient LED lighting to further set the mood.

(image via: Apartment Therapy)

The Aroma Vaporiser is one of Karim Rashid’s “Too Much” collection, a wide-ranging series of interior lifestyle designs that include everything from dedicated LED lighting to custom computer mice.

The Host Lamp

(image via: TECH@mikeshouts)

The Host Lamp by designer Minsung Bae is a curious concept: a humidifier powered by an incandescent light bulb. Here comes the science: A Thermo-Electric Module inside the device is made up of an aluminum heat sink that captures heat emanated by the light bulb and diverts it to a battery which then provides the power required to run the humidifier. The Host Lamp’s appearance is intriguing as well, being part rustic, slightly Steampunk and anything but commercial plastic.

Steam Mug Eco-Friendly Mini Size Cup Humidifier

(images via: Yanko Design and Zurmat)

Your morning cuppa java won’t steam for long but the Steam Mug Eco-Friendly Mini Size Cup Humidifier will… as long as it’s switched on, at least. Designer Young-Suk Kim engineered the Steam Mug to run on very low water levels, such as what’s left after you return from the office water cooler, take a long sip or two, and get down to work.

(image via: Yanko Design)

The Steam Mug automatically turns on when its placed on the saucer-like holder that’s connected to a convenient USB port. The cool-mist ultrasonic functionality ensures you can still take sips from your cup without steaming your mouth shut.

(image via: SEXY Gadgets)

Do humidifiers have to be high-tech to be cool? Not at all: take the plainly named Radiator Humidifier, for instance. Simply fill the plastic receptacle with water and hang it on your radiator using the integral hooks. No chemicals, no filters, no… radiator? Erm, never mind.

Want More? Click for Great Related Content on WebUrbanist:

Just Mist It: Foghorns Worth Sounding Off About

With their low, lonesome growls and timeless tremulous calls, foghorns fill the void when lighthouses lose their luster. And to that we say, “Hear here!" 4 Comments - Click Here to Read More »»

18 Innovative and Sexy Shower and Bath Designs

It's Winter. Thankfully for the innovation-minded, there are a host of creative, stylish new ways to bath or shower in blessed warmth...as these 18 examples illustrate. 16 Comments - Click Here to Read More »»

Dream Designs: 10 Uncanny Ultramodern Homes

Modernism is style - ultramodernism is undefined, but for the purposes of this article is that amazing design approach which brings the future into the present. 30 Comments - Click Here to Read More »»

[ By Steve in Architecture & Design & Furniture & Interiors & Various Uncategorized. ]

[ WebUrbanist | Archives | Galleries | Privacy | TOS ]

Baxter of California New Body Wash Scent “Flora Cassis”

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Chris Danforth

Baxter of California recently introduced a new body wash fragrance to the brand’s catalog of skincare products. Named “Flora Cassis,” the ultra-hydrating body cleanser boasts notes of cassis and currant bud with long-lasting aromatic qualities. Containing cleaning agents and skin softeners derived from coconut, jojoba oil, and aloe vera gel this new wash scent is a nice addition to the any Dopp kit.

Read more at Hypebeast.com

Baxter of California New Body Wash Scent “Flora Cassis”

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Chris Danforth

Read more at Hypebeast.com