Core77 - Blog • Jan. 12, 2026, 2:51 a.m.

Here's what we looked at this week: Puzzle Bomb's form-follows-function jigsaw puzzles. Better if you want your kid to go into ID?

The rise of manual bread slicers. Hoto's designey Flashlight Duo.

The tool manufacturer continues to offer a vision of original Chinese industrial design. A rare Mid-Century Modern design for a space-saving bed.

Core77 - Blog • Jan. 12, 2026, 2:51 a.m.

We live in a strange time, where toys are sold to adults. It's as if we can't quite let go of our childhoods--even if we become successful enough to buy an expensive car.

For those who experience separation anxiety from their rides, Chinese company Nikola Toys makes this Infinite Space Garage Car Key Hanger. The wall mounted box accepts a 1:64 scale car model.

You can choose to have the built-in sensor activate the interior lights when you hang a key from the hook. You can also just leave it on.

Core77 - Blog • Jan. 12, 2026, 2:51 a.m.

This delightfully bizarre Penguin Donkey was designed in 1939 by Viennese architect Egon Riss. It was commissioned by the then-new Penguin Books, a British publishing house that had been founded just four years earlier, and would be produced by British furniture company Isokon.

The idea was that the piece would perfectly fit Penguin-sized paperbacks in its sides in several orientations, while the center channel would hold periodicals. The piece's name came from both its corporate sponsor and its ungainly shape.

The timing of the project was lousy: 1939 was also the year that Hitler decided to invade Poland, and before long, wartime shortages of plywood cause production to cease. Less than 100 units were produced.

Core77 - Blog • Jan. 12, 2026, 2:51 a.m.

This Momentum Calendar is "A physical manifestation of time," says German design firm Momentum Studio. "This concept explores the calendar as a daily haptic ritual rather than a passive display." I'm not sure about the utility of the dot indicator on the flower-shaped piece.

I suppose you're meant to aim it for Friday, or perhaps Sunday, if you're religious? The firm says the design will be going into production, though they have not yet announced a release date nor price.

Core77 - Blog • Jan. 12, 2026, 2:51 a.m.

The Core77 Design Awards Built Environment category features human-made surroundings that provide the setting for people's activities. Spatial and physical structures, interiors, exhibitions, or installations, either permanent or temporary, for private, public, commercial, or industrial purposes.

Examples include public installations, restaurant/hospitality interiors, office or medical interiors, set designs, retail displays, exhibition booths. Architectural designer Zhaoxiong Han understands that architecture's greatest power lies in its ability to shape human connection.

"I'm most excited about the ability of architecture to shape how people relate to each other and to the places they inhabit," he says.

decor8 • Jan. 12, 2026, 2:51 a.m.

Do you ever enter a room and think, “Wow this place looks amazing!”. Certainly you have.

But what makes it good, exceptional, even great? There are many factors that contribute to good interior design and surprise - it’s relatively straight

decor8 • Jan. 12, 2026, 2:51 a.m.

I'm thrilled to share that I'll be flying to Mallorca next week for my first-ever visit to the island. As part of a press trip, all the arrangements have been taken care of for me, and I'll be accompanied by my good friend and colleague

decor8 • Jan. 12, 2026, 2:51 a.m.

Heritage decor style, also known as heritage interior design or traditional decor style, refers to an interior design approach that draws inspiration from the past and embraces historical

decor8 • Jan. 12, 2026, 2:51 a.m.

In my most recent online course, The Clarity Course, we explored several diverse practices and thought processes that can aid with clarity. There are certainly

decor8 • Jan. 12, 2026, 2:51 a.m.

You may recall when I told you I was planning a trip to Mallorca for the XTANT Heritage Textiles gathering, exhibition,

Sidebar

Paste your ad here.