Awesome Design

The simple act of turning the lights off becomes much more exciting with the Panic Button Light Switch. It’s made to be smacked on or off, but it also works as a dimmer for less critical moments.

A concept design by ADR-Studio envisions what a physical Instagram camera might look like – a giant Instagram logo, of course. The square camera would not just shoot, but print photos.

A wooden ladder made by Company And Company, the Corner Ladder’s steps fold completely into the rails, perfect for cramped storage spaces. Video here. (Sale price through 5/11/12, reg $250)

Soft Cities makes fleece blankets and cotton napkins printed with a Google Map-style drawing of your location of choice. Arrow markers can also be added. This is the Midnight Commander design.

Volkswagen recently gathered ideas from the people of China for new vehicles, and through the wonder of technology, brought one girl’s “hover car” dream to fruition, digitally. (Thanks Daryl!)

Designed by David Koch, the parts of the 3Style table can be easily recombined to transform it into either a four-seater dining table, a coffee table or a desk without using any tools.

A concept by Roshan Hakkim, the Umbra is actually a wall-mounted sundial. LEDs in the border of the clock emulate the sun, creating the appropriate hour and minute hand shadows.

Une Bobine (“a coil”) is a flexible yet stiff charging cable for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Its “metal gooseneck” material allows the cable to act as a stand and be fixed into a variety of positions.

Alisa Toninato makes cast-iron skillets shaped like the continental states of the U.S. The optional magnetic hanger lets you show ’em off after you’re done making state-shaped food.

A concept shelf by Yi-Cong Lu with an inner drawer in each level. Pulling out a drawer creates up to nearly twice the space, resulting in a shelf that can grow alongside your needs.

The Topsecret by designers Rob Hermes and Marlies Romberg is made from porcelain and has a wax seal, beautiful metaphors for the fragility and importance of privacy. Available in different colors.

Architect Paul Kweton’s CNC-milled birch plywood rocker provides a place for pet owners and pets to chill together. While cool, our pets would still opt for jumping on our laps.

A birthday card with a special present inside. Part of the card is a punch-out piece that you can fold to turn it into a shot glass. Available as a bottle hanger or as a normal A2 card.

Architect Zaha Hadid’s see-through acrylic table looks looks like a melting glacial formation with its drippy icicle legs. See it up close at London’s David Gill Galleries through 5/30/12.

Miniature plush replicas of American states. The sizes of the pillows vary according to the state (so pick Texas if you’re going for value). There are also a few country and continent pillows.

Danish firm Monstrum has created some of the greatest playgrounds we’ve ever laid eyes on. We can’t decide if the belly of the blue whale or the giant spider web looks like more fun.

This bathroom doesn’t have spiders or snakes in the toilet. What it does have is a clear glass floor revealing that you’re in an elevator shaft and that there’s nothing but a 15-floor drop beneath.

An experimental bike frame made by Brano Meres that uses sandwich panels to achieve a faceted look similar to its namesake aircraft. It has an aramid honeycomb core and carbon fiber skin.

You will have an even tougher time putting down that game of Draw Something with Ozaki’s iCoat Finger Case. It features a built-in nook that keeps a stylus conveniently on hand.

Designers Alrik Koudenburg and Joost van Bleiswijk set up this cardboard office space for ad agency Nothing. Clever construction bypassed the need to use screws or even glue to hold things together.

A brilliant and modern take on the bean bag, Taiwan designer Yu-Ying Wu’s Breathing Chair is made from foam, cut into triangular cells which allow it to flex and conform to its occupant.

James Law’s residential tower gets its inspiration from the “Ohm” symbol, but is much more, with luxurious, fluid swimming pools on balconies and a dramatic, vortex-like public space in the middle.

Monkey Wrench Design brings a popular childhood toy to life. The Can and Mini Can have built-in microphones and speakers, so you can use them as handsets on computers and mobile devices.