I used to wonder why my older laptop backpack was so large. All I had in it was a computer, some cables, and an accessory or two - I looked like a trail hiker walking around with it. I was recently presented with the Loopbag Vanguard laptop backpack and I realized I can finally carry around my computer essentials without looking silly - In fact the backpack looks pretty good. Aside from this backpack in several colors, Loopbag makes a range of bags, packs, and other portable computer essentials in a fun range of colors that will remind you of Timbuk2 and Crumpler.

The namesake of the backpack makes sense when looking at it head on as you see two zippered areas that form two loops. It makes for a hip, modern look, and one that is simple enough to have broad appeal. I get the impression that the backpack was designed based upon a functional concept as opposed to just a look, and the system is pretty clever. It gives you multiple access points so things inside are easier to find, which is good because you don't have to unload everything to get to things buried inside, as you can access the main compartment from the front or rear on both sides. Inside the back is a whole range of little pouches - mostly zippered - for any manner of small or large items. I enjoy frequently finding new areas to store little items on the Loopbag such as a small pouch for cash or keys located on one of the shoulder straps.

I was wandering around (capsule), a PR event that takes place in New York, Paris, and Las Vegas and promotes hot designers, when I came across the above display of Tsovet watches. Actually, the first thing I noticed on the table was an altimeter -- very cool, but perhaps not as fashionable as the watches.

In any case, Tsovet makes beautiful, modern pieces with a vintage flair, armed with the slogan "A unique approach in crafting fine analog time instruments." You can purchase Tsovet Time Instruments on their website, which we visited to put together a gallery of our favorites, below. Most of the watches are available in simple silver and black, but we were enchanted by the colors, as you will see.

The soon-to-open Kimber Modern in Austin, Texas eschews the typically quaint look of the standard bed and breakfast. Kimber Cavendish and Vicki Faust shared a dream of launching a unique hotel in the hip Soco area of Austin. Architect Burton Baldridge has created an angular retreat that offers six rooms, a tranquil courtyard and a light-filled common area that includes a multi-level deck. Breakfast is self-serve and available from 7 to 11 a.m. The Kimber Modern opens to guests on October 10 and is now taking reservations. Standard rooms are $295-$320 a night, suites, which include a seating area with a custom couch designed by Burton Baldrige are $350 to $395 per night.

Modern in the 1950s and 1960s and modern now mean two entirely different things. Case in point, this home built by famed architect Edward Durell Stone in New Canaan, Connecticut in 1959. This peaked roof mid-century modern went through a major restoration in 2006/07. The 4400 square foot home now has a new Snaidero kitchen and new bathrooms with plenty of stone and those glass bowl sinks that are currently so popular. The home has four bedrooms and there are 12 pyramid skylights total. The estate also includes a reflecting pool and a home theater. My question for you is whether or not the restoration fits the home. While I think the kitchen is a match, the bathrooms seem a bit too au courant rather than classic modern. This estate is listed at $4.9 million.

Home decor items like clocks aren't easy to give as gifts, but if you know just the person (or maybe are looking to upgrade your own home's look before the hordes of family arrive) you might find yourself in the market. This Nava Wall Clock Time Bodoni Green will fit either a contemporary home or one with a bend towards the whimsical. It has some of the numbers, but not all, and even though they all appear to have slipped off to one side in a clump they're amazingly still in the appropriate places. Aluminum and plexiglass, gift boxed, 17.5" diam., $148.

This design strikes me as something out of a dream -- a little curvy and abstract, slightly warped and out-of-whack looking, but in a very peaceful and artistic way. For being a modern contemporary design it also has a nice "warm fuzzy" vibe. It's the "Forward in Time" wooden floor clock, and created by Brian Hubel it's made of thick-skinned black cherry with ebony accents on the clock face. Available in the extremely limited edition of only 5, this clock stands 70"H x 23"W x 13.5"D and goes for $6600.


Via Wists

It sounds like a dessert, but the Dulce de Leche Divan by Trevor O'Neil is a contemporary sofa that's both stylish and eco-friendly. Made of recycled cork and birch, this sofa is simple and contemporary in design. Besides neutral/natural colors (it looks almost unfinished) clean lines with rounded soft edges make this an inviting seat, although with no back it's probably not the best for real relaxing -- sit up straight! Only available in the one color scheme, and notice the handy built-in end tables on either side. $5,800


Via Born Rich

I'm usually pretty positive and like most of what I post on here, but I also get creeped out fairly easily and can honestly say this George Nelson Eye Clock design is not for me. I just don't need a large mechanical eye staring down at me while I'm trying to work, or relax and watch TV, or whatever. But designed in 1957 and reissued by Vitra, it's amazingly timeless (tacky pun intended!) in its appeal. Even if I'm not crazy about it I can appreciate the unique design and the fact that it really doesn't look like it was originally born 50 years ago. £196


Via Retro To Go

At first glance, this bed appears to be a cushioned platform in front a headboard consisting of two colorful, if oddly shaped, windows. But look closely and you will see what I missed at first - the headboard is meant to represent a couple kissing. Now, that is a romantic bed. Designed by Italian architect and artist Gaetano Pesce, the European double bed is made from resin panels, joined together with nylon pins. If you are sleeping alone, consider the single version. $12,000 for the double.

At the spring Milan furniture fair, Philippe Starck once again brought the sexy with his Prive collection for Cassina. The pieces are made of black or white tufted leather. The leather lounge chair is particularly alluring. It is a big sprawling expanse with armrests, chair backs that seem to invite a variety of different lounging positions. The lounge also has leather strips along the base and leather hand-straps on the back cushions. There are also two different type of types of padded chairs available. It's not revolutionary but it does look like a perfect match for some of Starck's modern apartment and hotel designs.

[via Square Magazine]

This Periodic Table is almost as simple as things can get, really. It's just four pieces of wood stuck together and painted, but somehow it works. Designed by One & Co., this piece was part of the launch of the new San Francisco-based furniture company called 'Council' last month. The metal coated wood block coffee table is made by coating a 48" x 48" x 13" block of wood with your choice of silver (natural, black, or pink). The resulting appearance is modern and bold, while keeping an organic feel with the natural wood-grain staying easily visible.

I love the design, but hate the colors.

If you're looking to add a dose of color to a room, along with some mood lighting, you should check out these Pharos Modern Pendant Lights. They aren't overly bold, but diluted and a little smoky looking instead. I can't really tell, but doesn't look like they'll cast "colored" light either, like some tinted shades do. I think these would look great hanging in a group of the same color, But I actually really like what they have here with different colors grouped together in a totally haphazard way. Designed by Jeremy Piles there are 7 colors in all, $325 each.

Although these chairs don't look outrageously comfortable for lounging around in on a lazy Sunday afternoon, they more than make up for it in bold artistic style. And they're not completely devoid of creature comforts, designed for a natural reclining position and treated to prevent heat retention on those sizzling summer days. As part of a three-piece set including a table, a chair, and a chaise, the Horchow Contemporary Outdoor Furniture collection will create an outdoor atmosphere all on its own with few to no other accessories needed. Made of metal and fiberglass, the pieces will develop a patina over time, giving them even more character. $1849-$3099 each piece.

Dot Kite Lab has an array of modern designs, but their latest furniture creation is Lund, a contemporary seating element somewhere between a chair and a sofa. Designer Thomas Mylonas combined clean lines, organic forms, and perfect proportions to create a nice feeling I would describe as casual modern luxury. It's upholstered in high-quality fabric in a pale but sophisticated pattern, and the seat backs (adjustable?) are complete with head rests reminiscent of an automobile (in a good way). Definitely a unique look, and for some reason I'm really curious if it's firm, or springy, to sit on?



Thanks Thomas!