Globe Doorknob Fisheye.

Ever wonder what is happening in a room just beyond the other side of the door? Well, now it is possible to do that - in a discreet and rather tasteful manner. Hideyuki Nakayama's glass globe doorknob serves a special purpose while looking quite attractive. It enables you to see the scene on the other side of the door in its depths, giving you a preview of what's going on in the next room before you turn the knob.

In conjunction with Design Tide Tokyo, architect Hideyuki Nakayama – a protégé of Toyo Ito –　has teamed up with UNION, a manufacturer of door handles and levers, to create a glass globe doorknob. This concept is very simple and very cool. You approach the doorknob and catch a glimpse of what appears to be another world, waiting for you to enter and join, but in fact is a reflection of the room on the other side of the door.

Happy Thanksgiving.

A Crane and Wrecking Ball.

I have been finding things lately that are just plain whimsical and fun. The unexpected has also been something I have been attracted to. Such is the case with these cool lamps from Carpenters Workshop Gallery. The lamps are artistic creations that are made of bronze and have been produced in an extremely limited number. You may choose the Crane lamp symbolic of building or creation, or the Wrecking Ball lamp, symbolic of tearing down or destruction. These lamps would be a smashing addition to the corporate offices of any construction firm.

Keith Haring Chairs.

Keith Haring (1958-1990) was an artist and social activist who was first recognized for the chalk drawings he did in the subways of NYC. Haring was greatly inspired by graffiti art, which you can clearly see by looking at one of his most famous drawings: "the radiant baby", (above). Manufacturer, Vilac, has created a variety of products that were inspired by Keith Haring's art. The great colorful graphics on these wooden chairs by Haring make them bold, whimsical, artistic, nostalgic and are sure to look great in any kid's room. They would also work well as a single "jewel piece" set perfectly in a contemporary or modern home. In fact, I can think of a dozen more places these chairs would feel right at home...

Happy Veteran's Day.

BeoSound 8.

I really like the new BeoSound 8 from Bang & Olufsen. If you keep your music on an iPad, iPhone, iPod, or computer, you are essentially all set to discover the iconic and breathtaking sound that has made Bang & Olufsen one of the most sought-after names in home audio. It is possible to move the BeoSound 8 from room to room or hang it on a wall. All you need is a power outlet and your music player of choice. The speakers are a conical shape that seem to 'disappear' to create an unobtrusive impression from most viewing angles and make placement easier. In terms of audio quality, they eliminate standing waves by avoiding parallel surfaces. While Bang & Olufsen says that may sound very technical, they claim the proof is in the experience.

Flexibin.

I believe that even the simple things we use in our everyday lives should be attractive. This Flexibin is one of the more attractive waste baskets I have seen. I just have two questions. Is it the innovative design and concept of the waste basket that makes it so attractive? Or, is this waste basket just as attractive when it is actually in use?

Duplex.

The best of both worlds. The Duplex Aquarium/Cage by Constance Guisset features an improbable encounter between a bird and a fish. The aquarium is thermoformed to create a space where a bird in the cage below can fly in and be at the same visual level as a fish. This is more than just your typical bird cage, it is truly a work of art and a great deal of fun!

Cigar Clock?

When I first saw this Nelson clock I immediately thought of a collection of cigars arranged in a wheel shape. It's actually called the Wheel Wall Clock. I see it as a funky accessory in a upscale Cigar Bar or maybe a sophisticated Gentleman's Club. The clock is made of dark stained solid walnut wood with aluminum varnished end caps. Vitra has produced this clock in Poland following the original design documents from the Nelson archive with permission from the George Nelson estate.

Honeycomb Vase.

The Honeycomb Vase designed by Eric Hilton for Steuben Glass is artfully sandblasted to create the illusion that the precisely positioned circles of transparent glass are but airy perforations in the glowing column. An intriguing sculpture on its own, it makes a stylish receptacle for branches or long-stemmed blooms. The vase measures 16" high and is priced at $3,700.00. A votive candle holder is also available.