The dummy book motif has appeared on accessories from handbags to desktop boxes, only partially satisfying true literary geeks because, after all, they're only just replicating the covers. Book Chargers by Rich Neeley Designs, on the other hand, are made from actual vintage books outfitted with an impressively subtle power source for an iPhone or iPod. The USB-compatible hook-up tucks neatly behind the book's binding, and the dock itself is discreet enough to go unnoticed at quick glance.

Neeley and his wife, Brenna, travel around Southern California on what they call "book hunting" excursions. They've picked up tomes like a 1977 edition of "Alice in Wonderland", a manual called "Modern Dentistry" dating back to 1975, and a cloth-bound copy of Louisa May Alcott's "Eight Cousins" from 1914 for the antique bases they then refurbish to keep your modern technology fully juiced. The selection of books also includes contemporary releases bound in throwback past-edition covers, with titles spanning "The Picture of Dorian Gray", "Huckleberry Finn" and more.

Rich Neeley Book Chargers sell through the designer's Etsy shop, with prices ranging from $48-$55 per book.

Solid construction, clean lines and a no-frills approach to design drive LA-based bag brand, Ignoble. Centered on the assertion that the black backpack represents the true "essential carryall for the modern man," Ignoble makes their own with a focus on thoughtful design, style and personality. The current collection comprises five distinct versions, ranging from an oversized canister pack to a center-zip cocoon silhouette.

We got our hands on the Lenore Capsule Backpack, a multipurpose top-loader built for everyday use. The mid-back handle allows the wearer to carry it on the back or in hand as a duffel. Inside the large, double-zippered main compartment you'll find ample room for your gear, but no interior pockets or bells and whistles. The minimalist interior allows the bag to compress easily, making it nicely packable for travel.

The Cora Classic Rucksack caught our eye as well for its mountaineering look. The most technical bag in terms of pockets and compartments, the Cora features ultra-durable 400D high density nylon and a draw-cord opening with an adjustable hood.

Ignoble manufacturers their bags in America, explaining on their website that the line is "hand-assembled in small runs by a military-grade production facility." The collection is available online through Ignoble, with prices ranging from $165-$400. The Lenore and Cora Classic sell for $250 and $165, respectively.

A lot of ingenuity is required to rework a classic. Swiss company Kuhn Rikon recently had in-house designer Philipp Beyeler take on the iconic pepper grinder to create a fun design object informed by contemporary materials and ergonomics. The ratchet mechanism is more intelligent than a traditional twist grinder, and there's something to be said for a design that brings an element of playfulness to the mundane task of cracking pepper.

The grinder's personality resembles that of a small creature—a detail that's enhanced by the ratchet's chirping sound. We received a green one, which offers a nice pop of color and feels contemporary, but there are more classic colors available to fit any kitchen's scheme. Made from high-grade ceramic, the grinder can withstand the salt and moisture that erode a metal grinder over time. Ceramic also allows for high precision grinding from powdered dust to coarse chunks.

The Kuhn Rikon Ratchet Grinder is available from Amazon for $20.