Cool Hunting

Volkswagen CC
A couple of weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to check out the new Volkswagen CC, the German auto maker's foray into the entry-level luxury market. Having been the passionate owner of two Volkwagens already, I was more than thrilled at the prospect of test driving this introduction on the highways and byways of the Windy City. Over the years, Volkswagen had managed to...

Muji's Message
As longtime Muji fans, we were pleasantly surprised on a recent visit to see they've updated the site with a message expressing their tenets of true design. For a retailer that normally keeps to themselves, allowing their simply classic products to speak volumes in place of flashy marketing campaigns, it's a thoughtful marketing change. We're happy to see they haven't altered their philosophy, as this...

Final Wooden House
Blurring the lines between what is a floor and what is a ceiling, the Jenga-like structure of Final Wooden House allows its occupiers to decide how to use the space according to their position. Comprised completely of wood, Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto wanted to express the versatility of lumber by creating one structure that embodies all of the typical functions normally carried out by...

Middle Colors Humidifier
With winter just around the corner, it's time to pack away your air conditioner and bust out the humidifier. Luckily, the Japanese seem to have a small obsession with moisture and have produced several devices we wouldn't mind keeping out all year. The latest to join this lineup is the Middle Colors humidifier, which is not only attractive and available in a range of...

Scandinavian Grace
When I heard that Fredrik Larsson, owner of the Williamsburg boutique Scandinavian Grace, was opening an outpost in upstate New York, I had half a mind to take a day trip just to check it out. I still plan to but readers won't need to wait for my trip to view the interior (see more images after the jump). Located on Route 28 in...

Solange Azagury-Partridge: Unwearable Jewels
While it might seem untimely to mount an exhibition that celebrates opulence, there's no denying the appeal of Solange Azagury-Partridge's sensual jewelry. For "Unwearable Jewels," her debut U.S. solo show at Sebastian + Barquet, the designer translated her signature gestures into decorative objects for the home, including wall plaques, rugs, and furniture all detailed with precious and semi-precious stones. Having worked in jewelry design...