This is a nice wall mounted shoe rack from J-Me that allows your shoes to float above the floor. I’m not so sure that this piece would work with pointy lady shoes, though. I also thought the photo-coat rack was a cute idea. It would be fun in an elementary class room.

Via swissmiss.

Shimano is a japanese company that makes hardgoods for cycling, fishing and snowboarding. Their main market, and what they are known for best, is the line of cycling products.

The world class Dura Ace 7800 component set is just that: world class. Shown is the STI Dual Control Lever, which handles 1. braking, 2. two types of shifting styles and 3. perched or tucked riding positions. The lever is only one of 14 individual components in the set. Check them out the next time you are at a bike shop to see how well made they are.

This is an interesting product from Muji – waterproof speakers. It claims to be so watertight that you can insert your iPod, MP3, CD or MiniDisc player into the case and voila – accompaniment for all the singing in the shower that you do. Your neighbors will thank you. On sale from the MOMA store for the very lovely price of $39.95.

Via betterlivingthroughdesign.

The “Chair” rug was designed by Rosemary Hallgarten, in collaboration with British artist Caroline Broadhead. It’s made from silk, wool and cactus fibers. It’s very painterly…

Beautiful vases from Swedish designer Erika Lovqvist. I like the molded pockets for water and a flower, but I have to say that I can’t stop thinking ‘cow’ when I see this.

Orla Kiely began primarily as a bag designer, but has expanded into clothing, accessories, home and travel products. Who can resist a pear umbrella?

Interesting topography vases from Schafermeyer Kelly Glass. Anthony Schafermeyer’s and Claire Kelly’s interest lies in patterns and glass. I find a lot of their work visually too busy, but I think that these pieces mix just the right amount of pattern and glass.

Graphic rugs from Brooklyn furniture company, BDDW. I love the subtle, random graphic that the leaves create.

I also appreciate how they design with modern, clean lines and set that against the natural form and texture of a piece of wood. Each furniture piece is hand-made from solid wood.

Ack! This is so cute! A mobile trike/vacuum cleaner designed by .tina, a recent graduate from Lunds University School of Design. This was her thesis project for Philips.

Via red.house

The Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) is sort of like the REI or EMSof Canada. They make some of their own equipment and they carry a range of clothing and equipment from other outdoor equipment manufacturers. However, the few items they do make are better designed than most of their American counterparts. The Slipstream jacket and the Pika Plus daypack are both examples of really simple and functional design. The best part is that MEC’s stuff is all sold in Canadian dollars, so the 12.00CAD pack is only 10.00USD. You could never get a bag for 10 bucks at REI or EMS. Too bad there are only stores in Canada.