Design

December 24, 2017

Japan’s Heated Tables with Built-In Blankets Now Also Have Storage Spaces

For small spaces, multifunctional furniture is an ingenious way to save valuable square footage. A prime example of this is a Japanese table called kotatsu. This ultra-cozy product is simultaneously a storage bin, eating surface, and heating source all rolled into one. Kotatsu has a long tradition in Japanese culture. It has been around since the 14th century, and it evolved from a cooking hearth to what we see today.

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December 15, 2017

You’ll Always Have Paris When You Wear This Stylish Map Necklace

The famous line, “We’ll always have Paris,” is iconic for more than its inclusion in the classic film Casablanca. It also captures the feeling that you have after visiting the City of Light—that the memories made there will sustain you long after you've left its historic streets. There are many ways to remember these special experiences, and they don't have to involve snapping a photo.

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December 6, 2017

People Are Wrapping Gifts with Fabric for the Holidays Instead of Paper

Are you looking to be eco-friendly this holiday season? One easy change to make is how you present your gifts. Wrapping paper, while beautiful, often ends in a crumpled mass that has to be recycled after just one use. If you want to avoid the mess but still have your presents wrapped and under the tree, try using this bundled approach. Known as furoshiki, it's a Japanese wrapping cloth used to cover gifts or other goods.

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December 1, 2017

Artist Embeds Sparkling Spiral Vortexes into Tiny Glass Marbles

Adam Smolensky of Smo Glass compresses mystifying vortexes into small glass marbles. His colorful, handcrafted creations fit between your fingers, but as you look inside, they appear vast—as if their spirals could go on forever. While these coils are common motifs in Smolensky’s work, it’s just one facet of his marvelous designs.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.