Awesome Living

Coders and developers will love the Equation Bookshelf concept by Estudio Breder, which uses brackets, braces and parentheses as clever adjustable bookends.

The Sooloos Media System is a music hub: use the 17″ touchscreen to to choose tailored music “recipes”. At $13k, you can also sync up with your numerous beach houses and penthouses.

Luiza Barroso and Quentin Vaulot’s Oficio Workstation concept makes a space for those who are both messy and neat, by designating one half of the desk for clutter.

Pininfarina’s Xten Chair has advanced ergonomic features befitting its sporty heritage: lumbar support, adjustable headrests and arms, and synchronized back and seat tilting.

No, it’s not a military project gone awry–this Automower is a robotic, solar-powered lawnmower that does all the cutting for you. It even includes an anti-theft alarm.

If sitting down tends to make you squirm, a Webble may alleviate at least part of that tension. It’s essentially a mobile footrest that allows your feet to fidget away while you work.

Direct Designs’ Notebook Grill has a host of virtues that make it extremely appealing: lightweight design, handles that double as legs, and highly portable folding design.

The PICO Hybrid Radio combines both DAB, FM and internet radio into a splash proof package. It’s powered by a rechargeable Li-ion battery, making this ideal for outdoor and bathroom use.

This Quadraflex speaker has a timeless style; it was designed over 50 years ago by Ray and Charles Eames. They’re for serious collectors only: you’ll need to hunt for them.

New at ThinkGeek: the Exposed Flip Clock allows you to watch all 86,400 of your daily seconds tick away in agonizing detail. The gear on the left is a 24 hour alarm.

Steinway Lyngdorf’s Model D Speakers literally cost an arm and a leg, and are targeted towards (well-heeled) audio aficionados. Finishes include black lacquer, fine woods, gold and chrome.

Arthur Yung and Clemen Cheung’s Decode Clock reminds us of Ross McBride’s Normal watch: the hours are “encoded”, with the hollowed-out hour hand serving as a decryption key.

Designed by Harald Hynell, the Lap Tray takes work off the desk and into bed. The 24″ width is large enough for a laptop and a cup of joe; the cushioned bottom is a nice touch, too.

Got mad culinary skills (or think you do)? Check out GelPro’s gel-filled floor mats. These contemporary non-slip mats reduce fatigue on hard floors, are easy to clean and kill bacteria, too.

We have dreams (nightmares?) like Eboy’s Tokyo Pixel Poster, which makes this a must-buy. Sure, the giant robots are cool, but I bet you didn’t see the naked chicks on rockets.

Skate Study House takes skateboards off the street and into the living room; the results are remarkably sophisticated. Above: the God Father Lounge Chair is an homage to Eames.

We hate wires, and dream of the day they’ll all be eliminated. Until that day comes, Cableyoyo’s low-profile cable organizers do the job nicely, and slip right into your pocket.

The Ionic Ashtray promises to eliminate cigarette odor by giving smoke particles a negative charge and drawing it to its positively-charged dome. Whatever, it’s only $20 and looks cool.

If you can’t get enough of this year’s Olympics, Christina Bjorn’s Lighthouse torch keeps the flame alive. This modern oil-burning lamp is made out of porcelain and aluminum.

Bedol’s Water-Powered Clock is so elegant that we can’t help but smile. Using water and a bit of salt, the clock extracts electrons from the solution, serving essentially as a fuel cell.

It’s tough not to like Christian Lorenz’s sci-fi and fantasy-themed art. The scenes are imaginative, colorful, and often thought provoking. Gallery Nucleus carries several of his prints.

Carlo Mollino’s classic Cavour Writing Desk was designed in 1949, but its swank cantilevered design and sleek profile are timeless. The 1/2″ thick glass rests on a streamlined oak frame.

Schulte Design’s Kitchen Workstation is a butcher block on one end and a laptop work area on the other. The milk glass panel slides away to reveal power ports and a document tray.

Isay Weinfeld’s Mobile Bar is sort of like a rolling keg. Situated on four casters, the unit features sliding drawers and multiple cubbies for holding all your bottles ‘n booze.

Sony’s new RHT-G500 is ideal for tight living spaces: it incorporates a 3.1 channel surround system right into the TV stand. It includes three HDMI inputs and is designed for 32″-40″ flat panel TVs.

If you’ve already given up the futon and recliner for the missus, you can still make one last stand with Fernando Akasaka’s Cowboy Junkie stool. Includes removable jumping saddle and stirrups.