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.
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 (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...
