Focus Fireplaces

One day, when I eventually live in the modern house of my dreams, I know where to find the modern fireplace of my dreams. These stunning fireplaces are created by a company called Focus Fireplaces, which started as an artist's studio in 1968 and has since become an international business selling over 3,500 fireplaces a year. With so many different models it's a tough choice, but I think I'm a Gyrofocus kind of guy. Now I just need to start working on making that house a reality.

Different (key)strokes for different folks!

Early Christmas gift alert!! If anyone is feeling extra generous this holiday season, I would love to have one of these unique USB typewriters, which can connect to any PC, Mac or iPad! I can almost hear that "click...click...click" of an old-fashioned typewriter as I write this!

You can see other styles on their etsy page.

{via Whorange}

The Odd Couple

Polly George has an interesting attention to detail, and it is in the details that her handmade ceramics come alive. Her work is modern--stark white ceramics with classic shapes, but it is the hand applied details that Polly adds to each piece that truly makes her work unique. She creates coffee mugs, teapots, butter dishes and more with roses, butterflies or birds adorned to each piece. However, it is her "Mr. and Mrs. Jones" line of ceramics that I find the most intriguing. Pictured above is the Mr. and Mrs. Jones Citrus Juicers. They can be purchased here. To see more of Polly's work or purchase other pieces visit her website.

Lighting Designs by Jess Shaw

"Imaginative and emotional lighting designs" by Jess Shaw. View her website and see more of her work here.

"Cloud" by Jess Shaw. Made from nylon, wire and lights.

Homes made from recycled shipping containers

This is genius! I have been reading recently about the newest craze in "green" living. Several companies are using recycled shipping containers to create prefab modern homes. Not only are they cheaper than the traditional building costs of a new home, they are strong...and easily transported. That is why companies are springing up all over the world that are beginning to specialize in this niche market. Addis Containers, a New Zealand company that specializes in container house design and construction, has created a website where you can not only learn about the benefits of building with shipping containers, but you can actually browse layouts to find the design that best fits you and your lifestyle.

In addition to homes, recycled shipping containers have been used to create student housing, "portable" hotels, artist studios, and on-site camping for special outdoor events.



Click here to read a great article on container homes by Ecoble.
Visit Addis Containers website here.

Images from Ecoble and Addis Containers.