Electrolux is best known for its household appliances but now it has also ventured into the arena of fine dining with their totally radical restaurant idea. The Cube is a transparent structure which is set atop monuments and buildings to offer diners a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A single 'table d'hote' serves 18 guests at any one sitting, who will get to enjoy a 3-course meal from tops chefs as well as spectacular views. The Cube is travelling around countries in Europe including Belgium, Italy, Sweden, Russia and Switzerland, with a 3-month residency in each location. The Cube is currently found in Brussels' Arc de Triomphe, overlooking the stunning Parc du Cinquantenaire.
Design houses Family and PlayLab have got together to create a very interesting concept of what New York could look like in a few years time. With the central idea of utilising the city's natural resources the team have created +Pool, a floating pool concept. River water would filter through the pool walls, described like a 'giant strainer', removing bacteria and odours from the river and creating clean, safe water for swimmers. The pool is also being designed with various users in mind with 4 types of pools accessible including a Children's Pool, Sports Pool, Lap Pool and Lounge Pool. Right now the team are working with a team of engineers to design the filtration system. A recent feature on crowdfunding site, Kickstarter has already seen +Pool surpass their funding expectations highlighting the interest and desire to bring this cool idea to life.
Mustard supply a whole array products to online and offline gift retailers. Their products are fun, imaginative yet practical and we love their new mouse scrollers which will become available from the end of June.
This award winning lemon press will make juicing that bit simpler. The novel device allows users to squeeze exactly the amount of juice they need, free of seeds and protects lemon halves in the fridge to retain maximum freshness. Perfect for limes too! Available through the Design Museum Shop.
It is always humorous to see mashups between different cultural icons and online store TruffleShuffle have launched their Popmash t-shirts including this amusing fusion between 80's icons Mr T and E.T. Their range is limited right now but through Facebook they are seeking for new and inspiring ideas from their followers.
The owners of London restaurant Buona Sera have been very creative with the use of space, taking the problem of limited table area and turning it into a unique design concept. With their wooden tables designed with two on top of each other, customers can feel like they are dining inside a treehouse, which is a pretty unique and cool experience.
Visual artist Nathan Sawaya knows how to create the wow effect with his LEGO sculptures. A childhood interest in LEGO never left him and even after qualifying as a corporate lawyer he continued to pursue his creative hobby. He now can boost quite a fan base with his exhibitions drawing visitors in their thousands. His latest show entitled "The Art of the Brick" will include 28 LEGO sculptures, held at the Mulvane Art Museum in Kansas, USA.
There are several cool online stores selling fun gifts for guys that don't cost the earth and we have found some very funky little products which would make great gift ideas. Website worth browsing:
1. boysstuff.co.uk 2. prezzybox.com 3. gettingpersonal.co.uk 4. iwantoneofthose.com
5. paramountzone.com 6. treathim.com 7. harlemuk.com 8. birthdayboy.co.uk
9. perpetualkid 10. stuffforblokes.com 11. firebox.com 12. myredpacket.co.uk
The 'Lil Vampire Pacifier' from ThinkGeek is just too funny and brilliant for photos.
Designer Jacek Holubowicz has taken the concept of a 'bike date' and developed the novel Sofa Bike, with the aim that two people can catch up with each other and exercise in comfort at the same time. The Sofa Bike includes dual pedals, a folding roof as well an in-built sound system. The Sofa Bike may also be a great way for tourists to take in the sights of a city in a more fun, yet relaxed way.
