Design nerd meets science geek

Yep, it’s a periodic table of typefaces. With Helvetica and Futura prominently placed, as they should be.

But just like chemicals, if you combine the wrong fonts, you’ll be looking at a real mess.

modern mosaic

In bathroom design, I generally prefer very clean, very white subway tile. But this idea is really inspired.

When illustrator and New York Times contributor Christoph Niemann and his wife renovated their bathrooms, they incorporated the most clever tile concept – abstract mosaics of a pop art piece, an infamous art installation and a New York subway map.

I love this shower surround:

Read about their design process here.

On the rocks

Am delighted with this mid-century Italian ice bucket I found on ebay. I think it’s quite chic. And the double-walled aluminum design helps keep those rocks solid.

I do enjoy mixing cocktails, but sometimes it’s fun to let the guests make their own highball, lowball… or screwball drinks. For this, a stylish ice bucket is a must.

St. Valentine’s Day

Some say the association of romantic love with this holiday, which originally honored the legendary Saint Valentine, began with Geoffrey Chaucer in the Middle Ages. The mass production and popularity of Valentine’s Day cards in the late 19th century may have given way to the commercialization of American holidays… but weren’t they just lovely?

Muji for the masses

Racked NY

Muji, the Japanese lifestyle anti-brand (Mujirushi Ryohin translates roughly as “no brand, quality products”), has 200+ stores in Japan and continues to build its following while opening new stores in Europe and the United States.

In their bright shops you’ll find homewares, paper goods, linens and clothing. And everything adheres to the modern aesthetics of clean lines, simplicity, functionality. It’s kinda like IKEA, kinda like the Container Store. But more refined, more crisp. More Japanese. And the spare philosophy extends to Muji’s ecologically friendly packaging and manufacturing processes.

What is it that appeals most – Is it the clean functionality of the products? The “no logo” branding scheme which makes us believe we’re supporting a sort of populist design for the people? The low prices? I don’t know, but wouldn’t my place be super tidy with everything tucked neatly away in Muji organizers?