Kickstarter Designs Worth Backing

Since its inception, crowd funding platform Kickstarter has been making creative dreams come true by bringing to life some of the most amazing products we’ve ever seen from amateur and seasoned designers alike. Of the many ideas that get funded each day, these are the standouts we felt deserved a little extra attention:

Square Bottle

The Square bottle is the 3-year incubated brainchild of ex-designers from Apple, Frog Design, and Stanford. The team aimed to create a bottle that was sleek, functional, and durable; it appears they’ve achieved just that, which is why we’re such big fans.

Turtle Speaker Boombox

Following in the functional footsteps of the portable speaker movement created by Jawbone and Bose, the Turtle Speaker Boombox packs as loud a design as it does sound output. Beyond its obvious uses, this beautiful speaker features a bike attachment and heavy water resistance for easy use on the go. Honestly, have you seen a cooler portable speaker?

Savino Wine Carafe

Upon first glance, the Savino looks more like a glass art piece than anything else, but further inspection reveals that behind this beautiful form lies a very deliberate choice in function. The carafe’s floating pendulum sits atop the wine to protect it from atmospheric oxidation while the cylindrical vial features a drip-free rim to make pouring a cinch.

LLSTOL Table/Chair

The “Transformers” franchise captured audiences because there is a certain magic associated with one body of mass being able to perform two completely different functions with a simple trigger. This “magic” is the same magic observed in the LLSTOL chair/table. The furniture set comprises two carefully designed wooden pieces that come together to form a lounge chair or coffee table depending on configuration. The simplicity of this design is what makes it so magical.

Trioh Flashlight

While most would say the flashlight has reached its evolutionary end, designer Greg Hinzmann would beg to differ. Slated as “the world’s most beautiful flashlight,” the Trioh seems to trump its forefathers in almost every way; the ergonomic design, charging station, flashlight/lamp modes, and even an ability to light upon sensing power failure. Reinventing the light never looked so good.

Good, Better, Best: Apple Concept Designs

Enter the great wave of excitement around Apple/Mac concept design. Daily, the inspiring team of coders and designers come up with some of the most innovative, jaw-dropping, and sometimes, ridiculous ideas for the next best thing in Apple’s future.

Here are a few concepts we found awesome and ridiculous…

Awesome: LCD iView

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The LCD iView is a Mac concept design. The iView is the first screen with two distinctive characteristics: a double panoramicscreen with a unique curvature accompanying the natural eye curvature and movement.

Ridiculous: MacPad

MacPad is another Mac concept design. Although the idea is equipped with a convenient sliding mechanism that can display and vanish the keyboard at your convenience, the look and feel of the device is completely contradictory to Mac’s widely popular, minimal physique.

Best: MacBook Duo

macbook duo, apple design concepts

A hybrid device that is a unique combination of Apple’s existing portable media device technology with an e-reader/netbook. The MacBook Duo would offer enough usability in each arena to make it a standalone solution for frequent travelers. Work, browse, read, write, share and play all on one device.

Daaaaang: Apple-inspired Superyacht

Venus is the result of what happens when the superyacht concept and a design guru collide. Venus officially launched on a Sunday in the Dutch port of Aalsmeer, just over a year after the Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs, died.

You be the Judge:

Check out 30 of Mac’s latest concept ideas here:

http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/stunning-apple-concept-designs/

Smoke Like Sherlock Himself

Let me jump right in and get to my point: even the most illicit activities require style and panache. Whether you’re detonating a bomb or battling a villain on the top of a train, you need the right accessory to get the job done. It’s the responsible thing to do, right? It’s what Sherlock, the ultimate detective, has proven to us with his unstoppable flow of spectacles, monocles, card tricks, and serums. To that end, I’ve found some accessories for ganja enthusiasts (you know who you are, though we won’t name names) that would make Sherlock himself proud. Behold! the items below:

Custom Blue Freeze Coil 

This custom blue freeze coil comes at a pretty penny ($1,199) and features a removable multi-hole bowl, K clip, engraved grinder, clear even glass construction, and a coil with a glycerin section that you can freeze time and time again for complete coolness when smoking.

Mustache Sherlock Pipe 

This pipe was designer after Sherlock himself with glass construction and the silhouette of a moustache. Sherlock’s trademark accessory was a pipe for pensive moments and with this piece, you’ll be every bit as dapper.

VaporGenie’s Vaporizing  Pipe 

This classic pipe has a stainless steel bowl, screen, and filter top and the black mouth-tip can be removed for cleaning. This piece is lead-free, glue-free, and adhesive free. The best features are the new-age vaporization technology that allows for a steady temperature between 225-375 degrees and the patented flame filter.

Wickie Pipe Lighter Combo 

 

This combination pipe & lighter has a removable bowl cover and a secret storage unit under the mouthpiece for stashing your goods. Keep your herbs in the niftiest of units with this new-fangled Sherlock style piece.

If you’ve got money to burn and a taste for refined, if secret accessories, look no further than these bold pieces. The Holiday season is upon us— could this be the perfect gift for Granny? No? I was totally kidding…

How to Stand Out at any Halloween Party

Halloween: the only holiday where people can release their alter egos and not feel like a total nerd. As much stress as I have choosing a costume, we hope this selection of Halloween costumes brings you a new level of popularity at any social setting.

Transformers

This costume may be the most legit costume I have ever seen. Inspired by Bumblebee in the action film, Transformers, this mega fan made it his destiny to replicate the character. Do I dare to ask how much he spent in putting together this costume?

Tron

The remake of Tron set forward a new trend of innovative and techy costumes for a new generation. This costume is the intersection of sexy and futuristic and is sure to be the talk of any Halloween party.

Star Wars

Twi’leks, the omnivorous humanoid species from the planet Ryloth are distinctive for their colorful skin and their “beauty.” Why not go all out this Halloween and win the heart of every Star Wars enthusiast? We promise that you will find your soul mate.

Power Rangers

There is no room for debate here; being a Power Ranger for Halloween makes you a badass. It’s also perfect for groups of friends to coordinate with each other. Why not fight the world together with your best friends?

Avatar

If you don’t want to feel blue this Halloween dress as a Na’vi. From the hit movie, Avatar, this costume is a perfect way to show off one’s curves and stand out from the rest. Connect with the natives of Pandora and join the Na’vi clan.

Halo

With the release of Halo 4 right around the corner, we deemed it appropriate to add Cortana. The guide for Master Chief deserves the respect of preventing the activation of the Halo. Let this full-fledged Cortana get-up guide you to a fleet of fans at your next Halloween bash.

Metroid

While Samus Aran was always known for her bold, monster-defying ways, the reveal of her character being a female has led to many a costume attempt by cosplayers all over. Sport this impressive array of color and weaponry alongside an appropriately blonde doo and you’ll have monsters and men groveling faster than you can say “Metroid.”

How to Create the Perfect Bachelor Pad to Keep her Coming Back

Luxury, class, and style… it’s what defines the modern man. Here are some of the must-haves to create a stunning bachelor bad that will impress even the most stubborn of ladies.

Reference 52 Flat TV by Loewe

A TV is a staple in any modern home, and this flat screen TV by Loewe is an icon amongst televisions. It transcendes the simple screen in a box to create a clean and stunning display of art and perfection. Guys, if there’s only one TV you get, this one is it.

Couch Design by Emanuele Canova

This Italian design is as simple as it is beautiful. The curves match the feminine physique, while the angles represent a masculine style. A perfect combination for you and your girl.

Modern Mini Bar by SAOTA and Antoni Associates

A modern home needs a modern bar, and this concept bar by SOATA and Antoni Associates illustrates what a great bar should have. The slate table and wooden backdrop provide a unique combination of industrial and organic, making this bar an ideal candidate for your pad. Just remember, only top shelf drinks allowed.

Infinity Pool @ Sofitel So Bangkok

This infinity pool is a classic representation of what a pool should look like. The pools edge appears to drop off a ledge, allowing for a stylistic illusion of elegance and luxury. Gone are the days of round, underground backyard pools, and in comes the rooftop luxury infinity pools.

En Suite Sky Garage @ Hamilton Scotts, Singapore

This is a car garage elevator that goes up to your apartment. Yes, you heard that correctly… it is an elevator for your car, that brings your car to whatever floor you live on, and puts it on display. Awesome? Yah, I think so… just make sure you have a nice enough car to match.

Rain Shower By Edmonds & Lee

This is a Rain Shower room that has perfect visibility from the bedroom. Yes, this is what a man needs, and the reasons are pretty self explanatory. The shower and the bedroom provide modern design and sensual comfort all in one.

Aluna Floating Bed

The bedroom is a man’s sanctuary, and the perfect bachelor pad needs a perfect bed to match. Good thing we have the Aluna Floating bed… a bed that is simple, yet elegant and is sure to impress any company that has the luxury to venture this far in. You’ll love the bed, and she’ll love you more for owning it. Guaranteed.

The World’s Most Beautiful Alcohol Bottle Designs

While many are keen on gawking at modern industrial design elements in furniture, electronics, and kitchenware, vials designed to hold spirits can be equally impressive in form. Here are TOMO’s favorites from across the globe:

Licor Beirão

Licor Beirão Premium is a Portuguese liqueur whose recipe is a well-kept trade secret. All we know is that its flavors are drawn from seeds and herbs originating from overseas locales like Thailand, Malaysia, and Brazil. For a spirit this worldly, a bottle of this caliber makes perfect sense.

Colier Elite Champagne

Design firm Reynolds and Reyner is responsible for this otherworldly champagne bottle/case design that dazzles and intrigues all at the same time. The bottle itself features a studded texture a la Alexander McQueen while the egg-shaped shell sports patterned indents that give a carbon fiber feel from afar. The bad news? This special edition conceptual bottle/casing no longer in production.

1,000 Acres Vodka

A seemingly perfect balance between minimalism and class is achieved with the 1,000 Acres bottle. The gorgeous forms you see above were devised by US-based design firm Arnell.

Hennessy Ellipse Cognac

As tasty as it is sexy, the $6,500 Hennessy Ellipse Premium Cognac is made direct from Champagne, France and sports one of the most receptacle designs we’ve ever seen. Designer Thomas Bastide fashioned this elliptical crystal decanter specifically for Hennessy to encase the wonderful bouquet that Hennessy cognac continues to provide.

Purus Vodka

Originating from the Piemonte region of Italy, Purus organic wheat vodka and its packaging take modern, environmental design to a whole new level. Gorgeous glass form aside, The Purus packaging features tree-free labels, a sustainable cork closure, water-based adhesives, and soy-based inks.

Kauffman Private Collection Vodka

Equipped with beautiful lines and aviary undertones, the Kauffman Private Collection bottle almost resembles that of a perfume repository. What warrants such a shapely bottle, you ask? Kauffman vodka touts its use of only the finest wheat crops (purportedly from years 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007) to create a truly vintage liqueur.

Ghosts, Goblins &… iPads?

Halloween Horror, Apple style.

iOS Device + Halloween Costume  = Win.

As seen in the below video, NASA engineer Mark Rober cleverly reinvented the wheel in terms of modern costume design. No need to be fancy and spend hunders of dollars on individual trinkets: all you need is an iPad or iPhone to create a scary (or hilarious) halloween costume. Available in various haunting styles (and even custom looks you can make on your own), your next halloween costume could be one iPad away.

Tomo’s Favorite FREE Apps for iPad & iPhone:

Pumpkin Pops!

Virtually endless fun with over 100,000 levels and lots of spooky backgrounds:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pumpkin-pops%21/id456308088?mt=8

Fun Photo Effects HD

Get your freak on! Put your spooky photograph through some of the most amazing photo effects you will ever see:

https://itunes.apple.com/app/id463248555

Naked Design: The Bathtub Reinvented

Ben Affleck’s new flick Argo makes reference to the wife of a Persian Ayatollah who was rumored to bathe in milk and sleep in jewels. While her bathing habits were excessive and greedy, I can’t help but feel envious. I pay a hefty lump sum for rent (no, I’m not giving you an exact number!) and have approximately 4 minutes of hot water, never mind an entire tank to support my habit. And so, in the spirit of unrequited day dreaming and a dope collection of pictures, I’d like to take you on a little joy ride that I like to call Naked Design–5 amazing high concept, high design bathtubs that even an Ayatollah could get down with. Grab your robe and a loofah because this train is leaving.

1. The Organic Cocoon

This secret bathtub sits under the natural illumination of a skylight and features a blue/ green mosaic, natural jet stream, and rock pool inspired-design. A nearby wooden seat makes for post-bath grooming or seating for a special invited guest. This pool is secluded and sensuous for hours of alone time. Danielle Steel, anyone?

2. Maison Alexandre de Betak

This gorgeous stone tub is in a French family’s maison; it was constructed by local artisans out of salt stone and assembled in the bathroom before there were walls. This home is staggering in its innovative detail and this mondo tub is the capstone. Check out the rest on Architectural Digest‘s website (http://www.admagazine.fr/decoration/articles/une-maison-d-ete-a-majorque/13774).

3. Thomas Linssen

Thomas Linssen’s high concept design was born out of an ergonomic wooden chair that he re-constructed. He was concerned with making a ceramic tub that molded to the body and considered its total comfort above all else. The frame is laminated from strips of white oak and bent over a mould. The tub itself is a marble, polyester composite. I feel like I could take a nap in here..too much?

4. Patch House 2

This stunning, minimalist bathtub sits in Mayfair, London at architect Gavin Jackson’s Patch House 2. The home is a homage to sleek minimalist design and the bathtub’s open air/noir silhouette makes it a design-lover’s dream. With this small bathing pool, you’re as contemporary as can be.

5. Freestanding Stone Tub

Freestanding tubs are all the rage and this stone piece is a keeper (note the deep recess and natural silhouette). This tub is made of thick, lightly polished stone with natural curves to lean up against. If your hot water tank has no bottom and you’ve got hours to spare, curl up in this organic bath with some bubbles and a bottle of wine.

We’ve come to the end of my squeaky clean list but stay tuned for other design delights from ToMo’s official blog. There’s no telling when another writer will get down, dirty, and even naked with their decor tips. See you next time!

Top 5 Must-See Movies Featuring Modern Design

In film, actors are not always the starring role. Sometimes the architecture and design becomes the focus of the movie, propelling the plot. Here at TouchOfModern we focus our attention to the Top 5 movies in which design plays a key part in the movie’s story line.

5. The Lake House (2006)

The Lake House, starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, centers itself around a contemporary lake house in which two characters exchange love letters from distant paths. The main house features a simple open design for unparalleled views.

4. Ferris Bueller (1986)

One of film’s greatest conniptions of two schoolboys playing hooky and defying the education system. However, many do not recognize the midcentury house where Cameron Frye stole his Dad’s Ferrari flying it through a plate glass window.

3. Twilight (2008)

How could we pay tribute to modern design without recognizing pop culture’s teen phenomenon Twilight? If you have ever dared to watch any of the films, the Cullen residence is a pure treat to any design savvy. The modern boxy home uses natural materials and simple décor contrasting nicely with the surrounding outside scenery.

2. The Big Lebowski (1998)

The Big Lebowski: a movie filled with literary and intricate oddities makes it one of film’s most quotable mediums. “Dude” Lebowski receives a visit from Jackie Treehorn who owns a midcentury modern home overlooking the city. Although an overlooked scene in this classic, it represents the transition of modernity through the years.

1. Iron Man (2008)

 

Tony Stark the billionaire dedicated to fighting evil tops our list of movie’s most modern yet swankiest homes. It is hard to forget how cool Stark’s futuristic house is in the Iron Man franchise. Its stunning views and curvature walls creates a minimalist yet sophisticated environment for any billionaire mogul.

Top 5 Concept Designs of the Week: A Taste for Speed

5. The Ultimate Action Cam

The E-Clips video camera is ready when you are. Use it hand held, or attach it to your vehicle of choice. It comes with a digital wristband so you can control the action no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Cool? Yah, I think so. Lean more

 

4. Is this Bike For Real?

The Cannondale CERV bike is half bike, half mind blowing awesomeness. It has no chains, and instead, uses piston technology to bring power to the wheels. This is a head turner for sure. Check it out here.

 

3. The Street Machine

This street bike by Slugger01, is machine meets beauty. The iconic frame brings focus to the workings of the bike and gives it a distinctive flare. Check out more images of this stunner here.

 

2. Formula 1 on Water

I’m pretty sure someone just made a spaceship that floats on water. The Wesp Jetski is an exotic machine that looks like it’s constantly moving. Want more pictures? Click Here.

 

1. The Mercedes-Benz SF1 Concept

This is without a doubt the sexiest Mercedes I’ve ever seen. The lines are aggressive, the angles are sharp. I feel all tingly inside just looking at it. There’s a whole gallery of pics here.