Hasta La Gadget!

I use IKEA Stolmen components as my library shelves, but this sweet setup makes me think that the Expedit series could be even more versatile. This convenient workstation was nested inside an Expedit bookshelf, allowing its owner to maximize the efficiency of his available space.

Space was at a premium in Jason Outlaw’s one bedroom apartment. So he decided to use his Expedit as not only his bookshelf, but as his computer workstation and a TV stand. Jason added IKEA Non-Spotlights to add a bit of light, but the cooler, energy-efficient LED Dioders could work pretty well too. A slide-out Kensington keyboard holder fit his MacBook perfectly. Because of the depth of the shelves, his radio and receiver are hidden away behind books, and speakers are used as bookends. When not in use, the TV is covered up by a removable art panel.

It’s a cool hack, though I prefer large desks to allow my clutter to spread out.

[via IKEA Hackers]

You need to do more than just brush if you want to keep your pearly whites, well, pearly white. Aside from brushing, it’s also recommended that you floss regularly. Unfortunately, a lot of people ignore this advice and end up with overall bad dental health in the end.

The convenient solution? The UltiBrush.

This brush aims to be the king of all brushes because it doesn’t just come with the brush. Rather, it’s packed with toothpaste in an internal compartment and comes with a mirror and dental floss at the bottom. The UltiBrush also comes with a cap that doubles as a rinse cup to make it an even more complete package.

It’s perfect for travelers because this single brush can basically replace your entire dental kit. The UltiBrush is good for forty uses before it’ll need to be replaced. It’s currently up for funding on Kickstarter, where a minimum pledge of $12(USD) will get you your very own brush.

FontBook, the veritable bible for typography addicts and design nerds everywhere, recently updated its iOS app to support the iPhone. You’ll never be caught without an encyclopedic knowledge of typography ever again. More »

Commemorate your recent European travels and turn any loaf of bread into a pile of shredded crumbs with this trio of knives that feature serrated edges mirroring the silhouettes of the Alps. Pricing and availability haven’t been locked down yet, but the famous peaks include the Zurich Panorama, the Lake of Constance Panorama, and the Berner Alps Panorama. They’re all about form, not function, so make sure you have a way to display them instead of burying the set in a knife block. [PanoramaKnife via swissmiss] More »

While I still have years worth of old paper books lying around my house, I have to be honest and say that I don’t read much in the way of physical books anymore. Other than the occasional graphic novel or comic book, I prefer to read on my iPad these days. That said, I have a few very special books that are deserving of a proud place on top of the bookshelf, and I’ve finally found the best way to show them off.

Yep. Katana Bookends, folks. Shut up and take my money already.  They’re coming this March from UK design shop Mustard for about $30(USD) and they’re perfect for displaying your favorite martial arts instructional books, or in my case, issues of The Walking Dead – specifically those with Michonne in them.

While I’d like to think they pulled off the visual trickery of the blade slicing through the books using massive neodymium magnets, it looks to me more like the old Steve Martin arrow-through-the-head gag, but with books instead of a head in the middle. Regardless of how they’re made, they’re still Katana Bookends, so what’s not to like?