Kyoto’s serene pastiche of perfectly manicured Buddhist temple gardens, Shinto shrines, quaint eateries, crafts culture, labyrinth streets, and leisurely flowing rivers have made the historical former capital of Japan a popular tourist destination –  too popular. Tourism has grown at such a breakneck speed since the nation reopened after the pandemic, that the city has recently announced plans to counter issues related to over tourism by limiting or restricting access to select sections. And as someone who has recently visited the city, it is no exaggeration to say certain areas of Kyoto ..read more

According to research, bathrooms can be one of the most expensive home renovations of 2024. While it may be tempting to cut corners when it comes to outfitting the space, finding the right accessories will not only make the room more functional for daily use but also elevate the experience to that akin of a luxury spa. Designer Sebastian Herkner and leading German manufacturer of bath accessories Decor Walther are making it easier to replicate that extravagant ambience in your own home with the OF.LINE collection, unveiled at this year’s Salone del Mobile during Milan Design Week 2024. The ..read more

Collaborations between technology brands and fashion labels have become so prevalent, it’s hardly a surprise when a popular device is updated with a new coat of paint and some prominent branding to distinguish a special edition from its standard counterpart. Seoul-based fashion brand ADER ERROR has followed suit by lending their signature Z-blue color to impart the Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound A1 portable speaker with a hue distinct from the A1’s six available options. Where this fashionable partnership veers beyond the formula of color and logo is in the addition of two unique add-on access ..read more

As the taxi’s tires hit the cobblestoned streets of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, my curiosity to peel back the layers of this 16th-century colonial town ignited. Emerging from the darkness of an hour-and-a-half drive from Querétaro airport, the town unveiled itself like a hidden gem, exuding the charm of a bygone era. It wasn’t until dawn that the true essence of this UNESCO World Heritage city, rich in history and culture, came alive – a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, bustling markets, and the gentle tolling of church bells echoing through the winding and hilly streets. But amidst the col ..read more

Structured yet imperfect, the original PAF PAF Chair from Mattiazzi was released to much acclaim after its debut at Salone del Mobile 2023, but this year there was a new version on show during Milan Design Week 2024. The head of Studio Irvine, Marialaura Irvine, designed both the chair and the recently-introduced PAF PAF Lounge, a wooden armchair with a short, wide stance that maintains the essence of simple lines. PAF PAF Lounge chair Mattiazzi’s creative director, Konstantin Grcic, commissioned Irvine to work on the creation of the PAF PAF Chair, and now on the PAF PAF Lounge, to further ..read more

In scenic West Seattle, Washington, perched atop a cliff with panoramic views of Vaschon Island, the Olympic Mountains, and the Puget Sound, stands the Lark House. Originally designed in 1958 by esteemed architect Al Bumgardner, this mid-century gem has recently undergone a transformative renovation, reimagining its space to better align with its present owners while honoring its legacy. The project, led by SHED Architecture & Design, breathes new life into the home by delicately balancing innovation with preservation. The design team meticulously assessed each space, discerning where mi ..read more

Gustaf Westman bucks the expression look, but don’t touch with his eclectic showcase of furnishings and fashions presented by youth culture media brand Highsnobiety. Once synonymous with soft and squiggly, the Stockholm-based designer expands his visual language to include spiky. This partnership folds noteworthy artistry into the zeitgeist with the Gustaf Westman Collection comprising ceramics and apparel exclusive to the collaboration, which sit alongside additional classic pieces from the maker. The total offerings provide a peek into Westman’s evolving neotenic vocabulary and tone-on-ton ..read more

Debuted at Milan Design Week 2024, the Designated Side Table collection designed by Milan-based, Taiwanese designer YuoNing Chien, of 808: Studio, has a conspicuous feature that is clever and playful, like an inside joke that you’ve just been clued into. The series is formed entirely of geometric shapes, with cut-outs in the tabletop that are intended for storing items like a vase or a phone. The a-ha! moment comes when you realize the shapes, made distinct by their interior colors, extend through the pine surface to become the supporting legs, turning negative space into tangible material ..read more

Launched by Muuto, the Set Table Lamp by Toronto-based designer Jamie Wolfond is an experiment to create a new way of relatably interacting with light. The idea, which spawned the luminaire, came about in 2019 when Wolfond met a vendor who excelled at machining aluminum. He began to ask himself how the screw, a tool for adjustment, might be used unconventionally when the idea struck. “I think you need recognizable elements to communicate with people the same way that if you’re speaking a language to someone, you need words that they understand. Good designs are more of a question than an answ ..read more

If you’ve ever visited Japan, you’ll notice something unusual: the absence of public trash cans. Born out of concerns of public safety and connected to a cultural commitment to communal responsibility, the act of disposing of one’s trash is taken with admirable seriousness. Japanese brand ZitA’s automated trash can is an extension of the Japanese attention to disposing of trash thoughtfully within a traditionally inspired design with a few high tech features. The first thing that stands out is the ZitA Square’s attractive slatted exterior, a surface referencing traditional Japanese plaster w ..read more