IKEA’s unveiling of the BRÄNNBOLL collection marks a significant departure from the stereotypical dark and immersive gaming setups that have long dominated gamer living spaces. With a keen understanding of the evolving needs of gamers and their households, IKEA aims to create a harmonious blend of functionality, style, and comfort. By infusing the collection with a palette inspired by athleisure and street sports, IKEA ensures that these gaming-focused pieces seamlessly integrate into modern interiors, whether or not gaming is the primary activity. Philip Dilé, an IKEA product design developer, emphasizes the collection’s versatility, envisioning spaces that effortlessly transition between gaming and everyday living.

Central to the BRÄNNBOLL collection’s appeal is its focus on ergonomic seating solutions tailored to various gaming preferences. From fold-out armchairs for intense gaming sessions to rocking-style chairs for leisurely play, each piece prioritizes comfort without compromising on style. However, perhaps the most ingenious addition is the gaming station disguised as a contemporary cupboard, offering a discreet yet functional storage solution for gaming enthusiasts. With features like foldable tabletops, integrated cable management systems, and ample storage space, this multifunctional unit epitomizes IKEA’s commitment to enhancing the gaming experience. Scheduled for release in September, the BRÄNNBOLL collection promises to revolutionize gaming furniture, offering a refreshing alternative to conventional setups while catering to the diverse needs of gamers and their households.

In the picturesque landscape of Bali, the harsh reality of a plastic pollution crisis lurks beneath the surface, overshadowing its natural beauty. With a staggering 1.6 million tons of waste generated annually on the island and the additional burden of debris from neighboring shores, the ecological balance of its waters is under threat. However, amidst this environmental challenge, a beacon of hope emerges as two dedicated organizations join forces to tackle the issue head-on. Through the collaborative efforts of Sungai Watch and Sungai Design, Bali’s waterways are undergoing a transformative journey from polluted to pristine, with reclaimed plastic finding new life as sleek and contemporary loungers.

Sungai Watch initiates the cleanup process by strategically identifying and targeting rivers plagued by pollution, and deploying innovative barriers to capture and contain the waste. Since its inception in 2020, the nonprofit has made significant strides, extracting a remarkable 1,718,562 kilograms of plastic from Bali’s watercourses. Once retrieved and meticulously sorted, the plastic undergoes a metamorphosis at the hands of Sungai Design. Through a sophisticated process of shredding and pressing, the material is molded into large panels, which are then transformed by CNC machines into stylish and functional chairs. Not only do these loungers epitomize modern design, but they also embody sustainability, with each chair repurposing an estimated 30 kilograms of plastic, offering a tangible solution to Bali’s environmental crisis. For those intrigued by the journey from pollution to product, a delve into Sungai Design’s YouTube channel provides an illuminating insight, while the opportunity to support the cause and own a piece of eco-conscious furniture is just a click away.

The Luffa Stoolita project, born from the innovative minds of master’s students at Columbia University GSAPP, Justin Wan, Paul Edward Liu, and Tim Ting-Hao Chen, transcends traditional furniture design paradigms by repurposing natural waste materials. By ingeniously utilizing spent shower sponges and coffee grounds, the team explores the potential of plant-based by-products, challenging the norm in sustainable furniture creation. With a keen eye on environmental responsibility, the project not only offers a tangible solution to waste management but also serves as a poignant reminder of the possibilities that lie within responsible consumption practices. Embodying the ethos of low-impact design, the stool design extends the lifespan of food waste, highlighting the cyclical nature of materials in a world increasingly plagued by disposable consumerism. Moreover, the emphasis on locally sourced materials underscores a steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability, ensuring that every aspect of the project aligns with principles of eco-consciousness.

Throughout the research journey, the team meticulously crafted each aspect of the Luffa Stoolita, utilizing the inherent properties of luffa, coffee grounds, and clay-rich soil to construct a durable and comfortable seating solution. By harnessing the versatile attributes of the luffa fruit, from its fibers to its cushioning properties, the design seamlessly integrates form and function. Through rigorous testing and experimentation, the team arrived at an optimal earth blend, capable of withstanding the rigors of everyday use while minimizing waste. The resulting stool design marries the lightweight yet sturdy nature of the luffa with the robustness of earthen materials, culminating in a visually striking and environmentally conscious piece of furniture. With its intricate patterns and thoughtful construction, the Luffa Stoolita stands as a testament to the power of innovation in sustainable design, inspiring reflection and action in the ongoing pursuit of a greener future.

Modular cat furniture, exemplified by designs like the Quarter Sofa from SUNRIU Design, embodies a versatile and innovative approach to both human and feline comfort. This unique furniture piece seamlessly blends aesthetic appeal, functionality, and pet-friendly features. Constructed with a mix of wood and fabric, the Quarter Sofa stands out with its modular design, featuring circles and squares as interchangeable modules that can be assembled, disassembled, and rearranged according to the user’s preferences. This modularity not only caters to the diverse needs of human users in terms of seating arrangements but also transforms the sofa into an engaging playground for cats.

The Quarter Sofa’s adaptability allows for dynamic configurations that create an interactive environment for cats, encouraging movement, exploration, and play. The hollow spaces within the armrests and base add an extra layer of functionality, serving as cozy nooks for cats to curl up in or playful spaces for them to navigate. Beyond its pet-friendly attributes, the sofa maintains a modern and minimalistic aesthetic, showcasing SUNRIU Design’s commitment to thoughtful design that seamlessly integrates into contemporary living spaces. With its ability to accommodate both the comfort of humans and the playful instincts of cats, the Quarter Sofa represents a harmonious blend of style and functionality, offering a living space that truly caters to the needs of every member, whether two-legged or four.

Gemma and Nick Warren, a couple originally from the UK now residing in Tulum, Mexico, purchased a 296-square-foot cabin in the Catskill Mountains, New York, for $85,000 in December 2021. Despite lacking a bathroom and heating, Gemma saw the potential in the cabin and, over three months, they transformed it from an uninhabitable space to a stylish weekend escape listed on Airbnb. The renovation cost $50,000 and involved collaboration with local contractors and some DIY work.
The cabin is picturesque, surrounded by a creek and nestled in three acres of meadow with mountain views. The couple painted the cabin black, installed a driveway, and added a floating deck above the creek, creating a cozy spot for relaxation. Overcoming challenges like the absence of heating in the winter, they installed electric heating to make the cabin comfortable year-round.

The interior of the cabin was carefully designed to maximize space and comfort. They painted the interior white for a bright and airy feel, replaced furniture with bespoke pieces from small businesses, and extended the loft to accommodate a queen bed with a memory foam mattress. They opted for an incineration toilet to address the lack of a septic tank and added a stylish shower with blue tiles and brass fittings. The cabin features handmade maple top cabinets and a tiny kitchen flooded with natural light. The couple also created a sunroom as an add-on, enhancing the overall charm of the space. Now a dreamy retreat, the cabin offers a magical experience, especially when adorned with string lights at night.

The Choo Choo console table, a brainchild of Portugal-based designer Ricardo Sá, ingeniously addresses the curiosity of feline companions. Recognizing the unstoppable nature of cats’ exploration, Sá has integrated a secret tunnel into this stylish piece of furniture. Aptly named after its bullet train-inspired shape, the Choo Choo console table not only serves a functional purpose but also adds an aesthetic touch to any home. Crafted from all-natural materials like wood and cane webbing, the table exudes an organic vibe, seamlessly blending into various interior styles.

What sets the Choo Choo console table apart is its exclusive space dedicated to the feline occupants of the household. The secret tunnel features openings on either end of the table, allowing cats to navigate through the shelves or comfortably stay within the console, peeking through perforations in the cane webbing. This design not only satisfies their natural curiosity but also creates a dedicated space where cats can engage with their surroundings in a safe and stimulating manner. By embracing the innate tendencies of our furry friends, Sá’s creation fosters a harmonious relationship between cats and their human counterparts.

Ricardo Sá emphasizes that the Choo Choo console table is more than just furniture; it’s a thoughtful design that enhances the connection between pet owners and their cats. By seamlessly integrating space for feline exploration, the console becomes a testament to the designer’s commitment to improving the lives of both pets and their human companions. Through its innovative design and quality craftsmanship, the Choo Choo console table stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of pet-friendly furniture, catering to the unique needs and instincts of our beloved furry friends.

Nestled beneath the vibrant city lights of Las Vegas is an unusual real estate offering: a 15,000-square-foot underground bunker frozen in time, both literally and figuratively. Built in 1978, this underground residence is a unique piece of property, listed at a significantly reduced price of $5.9 million, down from its original $18 million price tag in 2019. The bunker, curated by the Stasis Foundation, is a time capsule decorated in authentic 1970s style, complete with period-specific furniture and décor. Lighting cleverly mimics the changing times of day, and the “outdoor” area even boasts a pool, creating a surreal experience for anyone seeking a trip back in time.

Realtor Stephan LaForge, handling the sale, notes that the price adjustment reflects the range of offers the property has garnered since its initial listing. Despite the unconventional nature of the bunker and its niche market, the seller remains committed to highlighting its distinctive value. LaForge estimates that replicating such an eccentric property could cost up to eight times the current asking price, emphasizing the rarity and exclusivity of this subterranean haven.

The Stasis Foundation, the property’s current owner, acquired it in 2015 for $1.15 million through a bank auction. As a foundation dedicated to cryogenics, the science of freezing humans and organs to advance scientific research, the bunker’s unique ambiance adds an intriguing layer to its history. Over the years, LaForge has hosted tours for potential buyers with diverse visions for the space, ranging from a musician eyeing it as a concert venue to a pinball machine curator exploring it as storage for his collection. The bunker’s potential remains as diverse as the imagination of those intrigued by its retro allure and the unconventional possibilities it presents. Take a tour of the surreal bunker through the selected images below.

Meyou, the avant-garde cat furniture design company hailing from the fashion capital of Paris, elevates feline living spaces to a new level of sophistication and style. Renowned for their contemporary and high-end approach to pet furnishings, Meyou’s collection boasts a range of meticulously crafted pieces that seamlessly blend functionality with exquisite design. The line-up includes The Ball, The Cube, The Nest, The Square, The Vegas, The Bed, and various Accessories, each a testament to the brand’s commitment to marrying aesthetics with the innate needs of our feline companions.

Handcrafted in the heart of Paris, Meyou’s cat furniture is distinguished by its use of premium natural materials, such as solid wood, metal, cotton, and wool. With prices ranging between 85 and 350 USD, the pieces not only exhibit a chic and architectural aesthetic that complements modern home décor but are also thoughtfully designed with a cat’s natural instincts in mind. The cozy cocoons and varied textures provide the perfect hideaway and play space, offering feline friends an environment that caters to both their comfort and curiosity. Meyou’s unique blend of Parisian elegance and feline functionality makes their cat furniture an ideal choice for pet owners seeking to enhance their homes with a touch of contemporary design.

In the heart of Queen Anne neighbourhood in Seattle, Washington, Brian Coleman’s Victorian cottage stands as a testament to the transformative power of dedication and passion for historical preservation. As a psychiatrist, Coleman took on a personal journey of restoration, breathing new life into a nondescript 1906 Craftsman cottage and turning it into a stunning Queen Anne-worthy house that resonates with the charm and elegance of the 19th century. The result is a meticulously curated masterpiece adorned with an array of 19th-century antiques, salvaged materials, stained glass, Aesthetic Movement furniture, and an impressive collection of Victorian memorabilia.

The Victorian cottage, now a captivating showcase of period design and craftsmanship, tells a story of more than two decades of unwavering commitment from Brian Coleman. Each corner of the house exudes Victorian charm, inviting visitors to step back in time and appreciate the intricate details and craftsmanship of a bygone era. Beyond the interior, the Victorian garden surrounding the cottage adds another layer of authenticity to the experience. Coleman’s commitment to historical accuracy is evident in every facet, creating a cohesive and immersive environment that pays homage to the Victorian aesthetic.

Brian’s restoration journey not only preserves the architectural heritage of the past but also serves as an inspiration for those who share a love for Victorian design. His dedication to breathing life into the forgotten beauty of a 1906 Craftsman cottage stands as an example to the enduring allure of Victorian architecture and design, offering a glimpse into a another era.