We’re back today with some of the most striking designs seen at the whole of the recent NYIGF - Mr Jones Watches. Many of their products are created in very limited quantities, so some of my favorite designs are still hot off the press and have not even been officially photographed yet! They’re all positioned at a decidedly affordable price point, and all designed with specifically commissioned artwork. Each timepiece tell its own story, and to make a long story short: I want one of these!



via Mr Jones Watches.

After a whirlwind handful of days, we’ve returned home and resumed business as normal - well, except for a pile of great stuff we got to see and get hands on with! We are going to be showing off our favorites here over the next few days, so be sure to stay tuned. Starting with one of our favorites (and something I’ll have to revisit here in the future) is the unique range of lighting from Cerno:



Constructed with a striking level craftsmanship and attention to detail, these were a pleasure to see in person. Expect to see more info on these and plenty of other great gifts and gadgets from the 2011 NYIGF right here!



via Cerno.

We have just partnered with TaDa for an amazing sale on a nice selection of our most popular homewares - but it’s for today only! In fact, there’s under 19 hours remaining from when I’m writing this!! So be sure to check it out right now for some great savings.



via Pure Modern on TaDa

Take one part space-saving ingenuity, mix in one part of absolute craziness and the result would look something like the Ermitaż, a concept house scheduled to be built in Warsaw, Poland by the Centrala architecture firm. Measuring an astonishing 52.4 inches at its widest point, this crazy idea actually does not meet building Polish codes and will thus be created as an art installation.


via tecca.

One of the most exciting announcements of the year was unknown startup Lytro’s bold entry in the highly competitive world of photography with a radical new technology that allows you to refocus your pictures after you take them. It sounds like a crazy person invented it, but click around on the picture to see for yourself:



And now courtesy of the Hello Tomorrow exhibition at La Cité des Sciences in Paris, we have our first images of Nikon’s newest camera iterations. Chief among them is their attempt to duplicate Lytro’s unique breakthrough by photographing multiple viewpoints “to capture the atmosphere of a scene.” Does this offer a glimpse of what Lytro’s final product will look like? Will this concept design ever see the light of day or produce any results? Stay tuned!



via wired. nikon. lytro.

Now through the end of July, you can shop Pure Modern where we’ve slashed 20% from the retail price on all Blomus products! Accent your home with sleek, stylish and extra durable stainless steel barware, kitchen utensils, bathroom fixtures, outdoor accoutrement and more. Click here to start shopping and saving at our main Blomus hub.

Fresh for Summer 2011 the Summertime in Dark Lime is a Special Limited Edition of 100 Verner Panton Plastic Chairs continuing Vitra’s tradition of creating limited runs of color for this iconic piece. Take a look at the Dark Green Special Edition right here, or view the full selection Panton Chairs here.

Everyone I know hates the idea of being forced to change to the energy efficient compact florescent bulbs in the future.  But those haters may appreciate a new take on the CF bulb called the “Plumen”.  An interesting take on the boring (and ugly) CF bulbs seen on shelves today. 

more at plumen.com

What’s the easiest way to end up with an empty piggy bank. Buy this Harry Allen design for Steuben Crystal - just a pittance at $1900.

The newest addition to our array of modern planters is the stunning set of environmentally friendly containers from Rotoluxe. Each product is available with their signature ambient light for indoor or outdoor use, an amazing addition to any home or public space. Designed and crafted in the US from post industrial/consumer plastics, their minimalist aesthetic makes them an easy addition to any setting. Click here to see our full line of Rotoluxe products.

A couple of nice space-saving ideas found over at treehugger and showcased in the NY Times, this “transformer furniture” is designed for use in small or cramped city apartments. First up, although not technically a true transforming piece, Jonathan Adler’s Gossip Bench is a versatile little shelf/TV stand/seat/nightstand that could be at home in any setting, really. While Carolina George’s Folding Dining Table (pictured below) is an ingenious curio shelf that uses the glass as a folding tabletop. My hope is that one day everything will be this efficient but until then, be sure to visit the designer’s websites.

A very strange sighting over at ReNest and fully explained by NPR, it’s what they’re dubbing Meat Eating Furniture. And yes, it’s every bit as creepy as it sounds. Seen above, the Fly Paper Clock converts trapped flies into an LCD time display. This sounds ideal for your average feed store or jerky outpost (??).

Seen below, the terrifying Mousetrap Coffee Table absorbs trapped mice into a microbial fuel cell, and I didn’t get this far, but you then presumably charge your cell phone or something pointless. As strange as these are, I might be more concerned living somewhere that could actually utilize either of these functions.

Despite all the doubtful commenters pointing out design flaws, you really have to love the idea of this minimalist record player. It has everything you need including volume controls, motor and speaker (an audio-out might be helpful) with the wiring held elegantly inside the copper piping housing. View the designer’s original concept drawings (along with spiteful comments, over at Yanko) if you are feeling creative, otherwise this is likely as close as anyone’s getting to this.

The NoteSlate is a new low cost tablet that doesn’t offer web browsing or e-reading, but gives you the the look of real paper and the option to save your work, or share it via Wi-Fi or USB or SD Card. It’s a “back to basics” product that is more about simplicity than processor speed and glossy screens (their words). A ridiculous 180 hours of battery life and affordable $99 price tag makes it much easier to take the plunge on something unknown.

From designer Singgih Kartono, a couple of very cool, classy desk sets made from real hardwood (Mahogany and Sonokeling wood sustainably harvested, of course) and handcrafted in his hometown Indonesian farming village. The Desk Set (pictured right) includes a Tape Dispenser, Stapler, Letter Opener and Pen/Card/Envelope Holder. If you’re feeling playful, his Toys for the Soul set are enhanced versions of his childhood favorites - Yoyo, Spinner, and Hole-Stick - each made to endure for generations.