Maison et Objet Fall 2012: Disappearing Acts

Extreme minimalism at the Parisian trade show

Pushing this year’s theme of “essential” to its most abstract limits, an exhibition at Maison et Objet plays with the idea of disappearance. Below, see the highlights we spotted—magical designs that seem to almost erase or reduce items until all that remained were delicate lines or dazzling reflections of light. Born in Tel Aviv, NYC-based artist Ron Gilad uses simple geometries to describe the transformation …

Cool Hunting Rough Cut: Drawing Machine

Old school drawing machine creates analog art

During a recent visit to Maison&Objet 2012 in Paris we came across a neat and simple toy from the London based company All Lovely Stuff. Their super analog drawing machine uses a felt pen and simple tools that are assembled with a rubberband and can be configured to draw different forms. Available from their web store, they are sure to be a hit with kids …

Union Sozialer Brushes

Cheeky, artisan-made grooming tools from Berlin's Institute for the Blind

The Institute for the Blind in Berlin workshop produces a line of grooming brushes demonstrative of both their rich heritage and sense of humor, using the same materials and techniques passed down for the last 120 years. Housed in the former Home for the Blind in Berlin, the factory was revamped in 1998 when German designers Vogt and Weizenegger took an interest in the workshop …