In a blog post made by Unbeige, they featured "Cheep and Chic: A Bird-Shaped Smoke Detector."
Designed by Dutch designer Louise van der Veld, this cute, plastic bird is able to detect smoke with an impressive 85-decibel-alarm. Not only is this bird completely functional, but it "also bring(s) a new and dynamic approach to design." This little design wonder has traveled all the way from Europe and was introduced last week at the New York International Gift Fair.
The smoke detector will be offered for $75 with a battery that lasts about 1.5 years.
I don't know what it is about these past couple of weeks, but I've been intrigued by design that both aesthetically-pleasing and resourceful. I love the idea that design doesn't have to be restricted to just painting or layouts, but that it can be completely functional. I feel like functional design would attract a wider range of audience; and in the end, would sell better than just a painting that decorates a wall.
This post reminded me of one of my favorite stores, Speranza Design Gallery, back in my hometown of Dallas, TX. Although the products tend to be on the expensive side, they are very well-designed and use high quality materials. Created by real designers, the products are completely functional and designed to be completely different from anything you have ever seen before.
I've included a few of my favorite products:
David Weeks Gorilla Pink Ashtray, $28
Alessi Anna G. Corkscrew Blue, $60
"Tape" Tape Dispenser, $24
Haha. So as you can see, this store offers completely cute and functional designs too. With May just around the corner, they make great graduation presents for designers. Just saying!
Ack! I've seen that ashtray before and it creeps me out every time.
ReplyDeleteDo you ever look at fab.com? (I'll send you an invite if you want ... ohoho) But if you're interested in these sorts of products, they post new stuff every day and a lot of the brands/artists/things that they feature are along this similar vein of useful and chic, including a lot of 'ultra-modern' and minimalistic furniture. It's hard to not want to buy EVERYTHING, though! But yes, I think you'd LOVE IT.
I would totally buy that bird! And what I like about it more than the other unique items you posted about is that it is also a necessity. I really love the tape dispenser, but I could live without it. A smoke detector? No way can you go without that, so why not add some style to it. Great find!
ReplyDeleteGive. Me. That. Tape Dispenser! I love that! This stuff is an awesome find, but not sure I'd be willing to pay the price just for something that I think is adorable. My roommate just celebrated her 22nd birthday, and my other roommate got her a parrot bottle opener for about $8. Now, it probably wasn't designed by someone with as much design experience as the blue lady up there, but it's still really cute! Hats off to functional design!
ReplyDeleteAgree with Whitney that tape dispenser is pretty rad. I think it is funny how things that are "out-of-date" and from an older generation are making such a come back . Things like cassettes and record players and mustaches are huge in the marketing world right now. I also like the all of these designs are functional. Its taking something making it have a great design or at least a unique design then taking it one step further to make it something you can use. Thanks for sharing. ALso listen to Leeann fab.com is a great site.
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