History
March 14, 2017

Vintage Smart Lock Proves Home Security Existed Over 300 Years Ago

We live in an age obsessed with security, from fingerprint passcodes to keyless entry systems. But lest you think home safety is something new, we introduce a clever smart lock made over 300 years ago. This “detector lock,” so named because a counter tells you the number of times it's been opened, was created by British locksmith John Wilkes around 1680.

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Design
March 14, 2017

Designer Creates Whimsical New Font That Changes Shape as You Type

Designer Odysseas Galinos Paparounis is always looking toward the future. As the founder of Høly, an agency made up of “curious explorers of design,” the Greek graphic designer's innovative and imaginative approach to typography is particularly evident in his newest creation, Futuracha Pro—a typeface that evolves before your eyes. Futuracha Pro features Art Nouveau-like swirls and curves contrasted by simple serifs. While this whimsical look may be eye-catching as is, its design truly comes to life as you type.

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Architecture
March 13, 2017

Space-Saving Apartment in Japan Doubles as Purrfect Cat Playground

When you think of a cat friendly apartment, the mental image probably isn’t pretty. Much of the feline furniture (think scratchers and perching posts) that's on the market is made from carpet that seems to clash with any decor. An airy 915 square feet (85 square meters) unit in Japan, however, defies this convention and marries beautiful interior design with the types of furnishings cats love.

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Art
March 13, 2017

Tattoo Artist Captures the Carefree Fluidity of Watercolor Paint in Colorful Tattoos

Watercolor paintings and tattoos seem like an unlikely pair, but when they're put together, the results are stunning. Time and time again we've been wowed by the carefree fluidity that the fine art medium brings to contemporary body art. Aleksandra Katsan is one artist creating watercolor tattoos, and she incorporates ethereal brushstrokes as well as unpredictable splatters of pigment into her body art 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.