Is it weird that I can get excited about something as boring sounding as a stapler and tape dispenser? Weird or not, I am loving these ordinary items made sexy by Urban Prefer. The simple yet attractive white minimalist design might make those meaningless office tasks just a little more exciting.

If you speak Taiwanese, get them here.
Anyone know if these are available stateside?

The holiday of love is just around the corner, why not show how much you care with these unique letterpress cards from Portland-based printing studio Egg Press? I’ve been a fan of their products for a long time, and am always delighted when they release new designs. I think any V-Day would be extra special with one of these sweet cards! The Underwear Bear is one of my faves – which one catches your fancy?

Valentine’s Cards from Egg Press: $2.50 – $6.00

The Utah Heritage Foundation is having a Mid Century Modern Architecture photo contest. Sponsored by Pictureline, not only will the winner get some great prizes but they will also have their photos shown at the Utah premier of Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman. If you feel your architectural photography skills need a little help, tomorrow Feb 6th there will be a free architectural photography workshop taught by retired U of U professor Peter Goss.

For more information about both the contest and the workshop, visit the Utah Heritage Foundation website.

I have a mild obsession with Angela Adams, so it’s exciting to see her designs in a (relatively) more affordable textile form. I’ve been saving up for one of her wool rugs, but for now I may have to just pick up a pillow or two. These linen pillows are hand-printed and sewn in Maine. Available in two sizes: 12×22 and 18×18.

Angela Adams pillows: $85

What do you get when you put a Swiss graphic designer and an architect together? While it sounds like a cheesy joke, in the case of noon softspace, what you get is some great modern kids products. Among their products you can find…

…blankets, curtains, pillows, pocket bags (for a changing
set) and a mini pocket for pacifiers/dummies. All products are designed with a modern touch, to be fun and useful, with sewing techniques of quilts.

Noon Softpace
Prices from 13 -130 euros.

The blog Unhappy Hipsters made a bit of a splash over the weekend. In case you haven’t heard of it yet, here you go! The anonymous author pokes fun at modernism, with tongue planted firmly in cheek. The tagline itself made me chuckle – “it’s lonely in the modern world”. I’m glad there’s someone out there reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously!

Enjoy!
www.unhappyhipsters.com

House Industries is a US based type foundry, a rarity these days. They will be releasing a new “Eames Century Modern” font collection and to celebrate, they are giving away a handful of tours at the Eames casestudy home in sunny California. To enter to win fill our the catalog form and type the words EAMES HOUSE in the comments box. More details after the jump.

House Industries
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Punxsutawney Phil may say we have six more weeks of Winter, but I’ve turned my thoughts towards Spring: blooming flowers, buzzing bees, and chirping birds. To get a jump on the season, I’m considering one of these colorful and cheery Birdhouse Balls from Danish company Bagus. Available through Design3000, these ceramic orbs hang easily from a sturdy branch or garden hook. I’m not entirely sure if they ship to the U.S., but it doesn’t hurt to ask!

Birdhouse Ball available from Design3000: 36€ or about $50

Here is a great reader question that I thought someone might have some good ideas about…

I am looking for a really large, modern poster or wall decal that looks like a subway map. Any ideas on where I could find it?
Cameron

I mocked up a quick photo to show what I think Cameron is looking for. Does anyone know of a company that sells something similar?

Oh, now these are some fabulous salt and pepper shakers! Made from refined white clay, each shaker is a beautiful contrast of glazed and unglazed surfaces. Their spinning top shape will add a touch of playfulness at mealtime. Handcrafted and designed by Chris Stiles.

Tops Ceramic Shakers available from A+R Store: $36