Posts from — June 2008

All you paper and stationary nerds out there (including myself) take note! Images from the Takeo Paper Show 2008, which wrapped up its Tokyo and Osaka venues last month, are beginning to surface.

“Off-Metal,” a paper that is engineered to simulate the look AND feel of metal. Designed by Naomi Hirabayashi.

“So Tired,” also designed by Hirabayashi, simulates the tactile quality of smoked ham. mmmm.

via itmedia (more images)

Also some footage here.

Bildschöne Bücher
Brunnenstraße 152, 10115 Berlin (GMAP)

My friend who’s studying furniture design in Germany just told me about this bookstore. I LOVE the interior. Actually, the space is so simple that the books become the interior, don’t you think? According to their website, the store specializes in books on photography, architecture and design, as well as provides a gallery space for up and coming artists to exhibit their work!

(images courtesy of Bildschöne Bücher)

These past few days have been excruciating but the heat wave we’re having in new york is finally coming to an end. Just a few more hours to go so hang in there everyone!In the meantime, this beautiful coffee maker helped cool me off.

A stunning before and after shot of city of Beichuan in China after the government carried out a “controlled drainage operation” of a dam that was damaged by the recent earthquake. Thankfully all residents had been evacuated. I thought is was interesting that the destruction was actually a direct result of man, rather than nature.

Image courtesy of Liu Jin/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

via the NYT

I found myself enraptured, staring at the photographs by Koji Onaka yesterday. I don’t think I’ve ever seen pictures that capture the essence of Tokyo so well; the Tokyo that I knew as a child, growing up. It’s far from a glamorous perspective, and yet I had this sudden urge to try and find the cheapest ticket on Travelocity.

Click to enlarge (images courtesy of Onaka Koji)

I just found these images over at Japanese interior design shop wise wise. mmmm, some much needed kitchen inspiration.

A gorgeous, gorgeous book by Maarten Kolk. I must get my hands on this!
via grijs

This made my day. Did you know that you can buy a tank on Amazon?

I found it funny that they only charge 14.99 for shipping.

(via gigazine)

(Image courtesy of Skonahem)
I encountered this image as I was browsing through some random bookmarks and came across this site. I couldn’t read a word but I loved what I saw (which is probably why I bookmarked it in the first place).

Take note designers!
Muji will begin accepting applications for their design competition on July 1st.
Check out previous results here and here.

P.S. their new store in times square just opened last friday.