Innermost Mantel Dome Clock

If you are looking for a unique modern gift -- check out these mantel clocks designed by France's Cédric Ragot of the 'designedbyitem' firm for London-based Innermost. I found these little "time capsules" striking and adorable.

With a Seiko mechanism, mouth blown glass covers the power-coated time piece. Available in black or white (other colors are planned) the clock stands 6" high. -- --diane

Tags: Modern Clock, Cédric Ragot, Innermost, French Designers

Protruding Clocks from Leo Yiu Chin Pong

These Insert Clocks from designer Leo Yiu Chun Pong seemingly protrude from the wall. Mounted to look like they were embedded (or the result of someone with some anger issues) this 3D modern clock is fun and eyecatching. (Better mount high enough so it is not noggin-catching to.) From what we can tell, this is still in the concept stage and not yet in production. If anyone knows otherwise, please leave a comment here! -- --diane

Thanks bedzine.com

Tags: Leo Yiu Chun Pong, Modern Clock, 3D Clock, Fun Furniture

Waterfall Bathroom Fixtures

A one-time social status in Asia, the fan's graceful lines and motion was elegantly transformed by SSi™ (Sustainable Solutons International) to be one of eight collections for the fluid line of bathroom fixtures. This Fan offers a completely flat spout, allowing a waterfall effect from either the tap or the tub fixture. Created in -- --diane

Tags: Sustainable Solutions International, Flat Fixtures, Modern Bathroom Fixtures, Sustainable Design

Pop Quiz Math Clock

If military time is a breeze for you, then you'll love this clock that offers equations instead of numerals. These problems on a chalkboard hopefully will just evoke a chuckle and not post traumatic math class. Personally I think it's cute and clever --  and would be fairly appreciated by some engineer friends. But I have no doubt my middle school sons would not be amused.

Meeting at square root of 4? diane

Tags: Geeky Clock, Math Clock

Raindrop Chandelier by Jean-Pierre Canlis

Seattle glass artist, Jean-Pierre Canlis, designed this blown-glass chandelier. The eight 'organic raindrops' hang from a 36" round metal base and are designed to be lit from the exterior, causing the drops to illuminate for a dramatic look.

Eco – Twinkle Light by Kenan Wang

Great concept light by Australian designer Kenan Wang. Crank the handle to power the battery and turn on the light. Love the idea of tying electricity output to exercise (thinking specifically of my kids' X-box).

 via www.yankodesign.com

Skull-king about

Hmmm, according to our Brit friends at MyDeco the skull motif is skulking its way to become a fashion icon. Check out the wallpaper from Beyond the Moon -- bronze flocked on bronze velvet pile -- available in black/gunmetal and gold -- in case you were wondering.

So while boho chic is out, death is very much in, and with Halloween looming at the end of the week we need to start embracing the darker side!

Portable Herb Garden

Pure Contemporary recently featured great ways to bring the outdoors in -- and our friend Anne Robert provided this gem by French firm Les Ateliers Ouvert. Made of eco-friendly material (aside from the herbs), la table-potagère (the kitchen garden table) -- is by all accounts "Green Design": A portable herb garden, that allows modern cooks the joy and essence of fresh herbs. Importing from France will be about $1600 with duty and shipping, so it is not an impulse buy. We're waiting word from the company to see if plans for distribution in the US is imminent.

--diane

Tags: Les Ateliers Ouvert, portable herb garden, Indoor+Landscaping, Green Design

Patio Heater: Lights, Music, Heat

Chilling with friends outdoors shouldn't mean shivering.

So we have our eye on patio heaters. Here's one from Grand Hall, the Taiwan-headquartered grill company. Grand Hall has taken the gas-fed heating elements and turned them on their side -- to make this free standing patio heater. The 6' high heater also includes sound system and LED lights. iPod® and refreshments not included.

Thanks for the tip Anne! --diane

Tags: Patio Heater, Grand Hall, Outdoor Heater, Gas Heater

Serralunga Vase for Inside Landscaping

We have our eye out for ways to bring the outdoors in. The Missed Tree series was designed for Milan-based Serralunga by Jean Marie Massaud in 2007.

Timeless and elegant, the vases are available in metallic or lacquered finishes. The branching nature of Missed Tree II stands a formidable 78" in height (200cm) rising from a stainless steel base. The external width at the top is nearly 30" (75cm). The smallest in the collection is 22" (57cm) in height.

--diane

Tags: Serralunga, Jean-Marie Massaud, Outdoor, Indoor Landscaping