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Magnetic Modular Armchair Combines Effortless Workstation & Lounge With Mid-Century Aesthetics

A new kind of lounge chair is set to change the way we think about working from home. The Encore armchair, engineered by Bateman Labs, is setting a fresh benchmark for modular furniture with its magnetic arms and removable worksurface. Designed for people who crave a seamless blend of function and comfort, this chair is intended to be a flexible station for productivity and leisure. In an era where home offices are everywhere, this is a chair that adapts to your rhythm, not the other way around.

The star feature is the magnetic mounting system. Instead of clunky hardware or visible brackets, the Encore relies on concealed magnets to attach a worksurface to the arms. When not needed, the surface simply snaps onto the back of the chair, leaving the silhouette clean and uncluttered. This makes it easy to transition from focused work to relaxed lounging without rearranging your living space. The movement is effortless, the intention clear: your home should work for you, not become a source of friction.

Designer: Bateman Labs

The chair is available in solid white oak or walnut, paired with a choice of five fabric colors. The finish is warm and tactile, echoing classic Craftsman influences while still feeling contemporary and minimal. The lines are simple but deliberate, blending into a range of interiors without demanding attention. It’s furniture that feels at ease in a quiet reading corner or a dynamic living room, equally ready for a quick video call or a long weekend gaming session.

The armchair is integrated with a sense of purpose. The Encore understands that modern living isn’t neatly segmented. Instead, it supports the fluidity of daily life—work, play, rest—without forcing you to compromise on comfort or style. Whether you’re attaching a desk for remote meetings, sketching, or simply eating lunch, the chair accommodates without fuss. When the workday is done, everything tucks away, and you’re left with a classic lounge chair that invites you to unwind.

Bateman Labs has also focused on adaptability and longevity. The Encore is more than a trend-driven novelty. Its modular design hints at future accessories and upgrades, ensuring that the chair grows with your needs. For those who invest in their home environment, this is a piece that can evolve alongside changing routines and technologies. It’s not just about ergonomic performance, but about creating an environment that feels personal and enduring.

In a crowded market of “work from home” solutions, the Encore armchair delivers utility and elegance in equal measure. It strips away the excess, focusing on the essentials that matter: comfort, adaptability, and a sense of belonging in the home. The result is a chair that doesn’t shout for attention, but quietly transforms the way you move through your day. If you’re looking for a smarter and more beautiful way to work and live, then this magnetic lounge chair will deliver a new way of modern living.

The post Magnetic Modular Armchair Combines Effortless Workstation & Lounge With Mid-Century Aesthetics first appeared on Yanko Design.

This LEGO Rotary Phone feels like a ‘Blast From The Past’ with a to-scale handset and rotating dial!

As a millennial, I can confidently say that I was perhaps the last ever generation to really see the rotary phone before it completely went out of common circulation. Kids these days probably wouldn’t even be familiar with landline phones in general, but the rotary phone was a mainstay of houses back in the 70s, phasing out in the 80s and 90s, when I was born.

“We were always meant to express ourselves, from cave paintings to hieroglyphics, from poetry to songs and letters. But imagine being able to communicate without borders, without boundaries,” says HisBrickMaterials, who put together this gorgeous MOC of an old-timey rotary phone using just LEGO bricks. The detail is flawless, the phone actually lifts off the receiver, and the dial rotates too, although the designer’s looking for ways to incorporate a spring into it so the dial returns to its old position after rotating.

Designer: HisBrickMaterials

Although there’s no official model or make on this MOC, HisBrickMaterials’ creation is roughly “based on a 1930s telephone from Denmark,” as an ode to the rotary phone he saw in his grandparents’ house. There’s no official brick count, but just the phone’s bakelite-inspired body looks like it’s got hundreds of tiny pieces coming together to create the design.

Bakelite was a ‘thermoset resin’ often used back in the day as a form of plastic before the common plastics ended up replacing it. It had great insulating capabilities, making it perfect for appliances or anything with electrical components. The telephone, as well as plug sockets/switches were some of the most common places where this particular resin could be found.

The square-ish receiver comes with a dial that is actually alphanumeric rather than just having numbers. This is because a lot of people preferred giving out ‘words’ rather than numbers back in the day. For example, companies like the Holiday Inn would make it easier to remember numbers by telling you to dial “1-800-HOLIDAY”, rather than having you remember “1-800-4654329.” The system obviously differed from country to country (this particular model has a few distinct differences, with the palpable absence of the letter W). These ‘Phonewords’ were a popular mnemonic device to help remember numbers.

Other details like the ergonomic handset, the ornate hand-rest, and that swirly cord make this MOC (My Own Creation) absolutely iconic in my book. The LEGO Ideas Telephone is currently a submission on LEGO’s community website, where fans share their own unique builds and vote for their favorites. MOCs that hit the 10k vote mark are then sent to LEGO’s internal team, which helps develop the concept into a retail box set (we recently got word that Matthew Esposito’s LEGO Godzilla just got green-lit for a box set last week!)

You can cast your vote for HisBrickMaterials’ MOC on the LEGO Ideas website here!

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We solved the Smartphone Keyboard problem back in 2013… It’s time to bring this concept back

I’ve owned a smartphone for a decade. I think a decade should be enough time to really go over a learning curve and become a master of something… but here’s the problem. I’ve typed relentlessly on touchscreens for ten freaking years yet I still make typos – more so than ever. Ten years should be enough to be able to navigate a keyboard without problems, right? Enough time to develop muscle memory to type flawlessly. I still make at least one typo every 2 sentences, which by ANY standard, is horrendous… especially after a decade of it.

Touchscreen keyboards are fundamentally broken. No level of swipe-to-type or alternative keyboard formats/designs will fix this. I also got my hands on the Clicks keyboard for my iPhone 15 Pro, and while it solves the typing problem (phenomenally well, if I may add), it doesn’t solve the real estate problem. The resulting device is at least 40% longer than my existing phone… resolving a typing issue by creating a size issue doesn’t seem like the best kind of fix, but I found myself stopping dead in my tracks when I stumbled across this concept from Jet Weng (founder of case-making brand SUPCASE). Concept Plumage builds a keyboard right into the phone’s case in a way that doesn’t extend the phone’s inherent footprint. For a concept released in 2013 (when Windows Phones were still a thing), it seemed way too futuristic its time, but in today’s reality, Concept Plumage can absolutely exist… and it should.

Designer: Jet Weng

When Weng designed the Concept Plumage, he envisioned the phone as having just ‘half’ a screen. Sort of like a Blackberry-esque device, Plumage would remain shut most of the time, but would open sort of like peeling a banana to reveal a screen on top and a physical keyboard at the bottom. Flip, type confidently, navigate the web, use the upper touch-sensitive screen, flip back to shut the phone. It’s elegant and user-friendly, even though the Concept Plumage essentially absorbs half of your phone’s screen space (or rather, the space where the screen could have been).

But let’s really look at the big positive here – this format of ‘flipping over a flap to reveal half a keyboard’ is actually a brilliant idea. Smartphone cases could implement a keyboard like this with absolute ease. Flip the flap halfway down for a keyboard, flip it completely to use your phone’s screen in its entirety. The logistics are manageable, but the pros outweigh everything I can think of.

Imagine having a smartphone with a dedicated keyboard that disappears when you don’t need it. Your average smartphone now has AI – it’s VASTLY more powerful than laptops from a decade ago – the only thing really stopping it from becoming a full-fledged personal computer is the fact that typing on a touch-sensitive screen is still such a massive problem… nearly 20 years after Jobs unveiled the first multitouch display on the first ever smartphone.

Weng’s concept from 12 years ago still sounds extremely promising for phones of today. If anyone from SUPCASE is reading this, you’re sitting on a goldmine. Keyboards run on BLE, and can be made to be really thin. Develop a keyboard that snaps to the front of your phone and runs for weeks (if not months) on a minuscule battery. Since half the flap houses the keyboard itself, the other half could be the processor, battery, and potentially a wireless charging coil that juices your keyboard flap in minutes, allowing it to run for months. Or better still, ditch the wireless charging headache for a simple solar panel that keeps your keyboard perpetually juiced.

It’s 2025 – I really don’t think we’re making much progress if humankind still wastes 10-20% of their time backspacing words because of dumb typos. We could fix keyboards, smartphones, and by extent, portable personal handheld computing. It’s just a question of who builds the prototype first.

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Bauhaus Chess Set is a Sculptural Minimalist Masterpiece for Design Lovers and Chess Enthusiasts

The Manopoulos Bauhaus Wooden Chess Set offers a compelling intersection of play and design, where every element reflects purpose, precision, and beauty. Designed in Greece and inspired by the Bauhaus movement, the set strips away decorative excess to highlight form, function, and craftsmanship. It’s an object that doesn’t just invite you to play, it invites you to look, to touch, and to consider the thought behind every detail.

At the heart of this chess set lies the philosophy of Bauhaus, an early 20th-century design movement that revolutionized the way we think about everyday objects. Bauhaus rejected ornate styling in favor of minimalism, emphasizing clarity, usability, and the harmony between form and function. This chess set reflects that ideology through a collection of smooth, carved wooden pieces, each reduced to geometric essentials. The king stands tall in the form of a cylinder topped with a sphere. The bishop, rook, and pawn follow suit, relying on cones, blocks, and columns to convey their identities without the need for symbolic decoration. These are not merely game pieces; they are sculptural studies in movement and hierarchy.

Designer: Manopoulos

The board itself measures 15.75″ x 15.75″ and features a leatherette playing surface, bordered by a handsome wood frame. The contrast between the soft, textured squares and the smooth wood introduces a subtle material tension that elevates the tactile experience of gameplay. Available in four sophisticated color options, turquoise, black, terracotta, and green, the chessboard complements a wide range of modern interiors. Each hue is chosen not to dominate a space, but to quietly enhance it.

Built into the board’s base is a discreet storage compartment for the chess pieces. This feature doesn’t just make the set practical for transport; it also allows it to be stored elegantly without compromising its aesthetic. The seamless integration of form and function speaks directly to Bauhaus sensibilities: every part has a reason to exist, and beauty comes from usefulness and simplicity.

What makes this chess set particularly special is its role as both a game and a design object. On the one hand, it’s a beautifully made set for quiet strategic play. On the other hand, it’s a statement piece, one that contributes to the character of a room even when not in use. On a coffee table, shelf, or office desk, it serves as a subtle expression of taste. It doesn’t demand attention, but it certainly rewards it.

The post Bauhaus Chess Set is a Sculptural Minimalist Masterpiece for Design Lovers and Chess Enthusiasts first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Modern Desert Home With A Cantilevered Deck Offers A Seamless Connection To The Landscape

The Periphery House by Locus Studio sits quietly on the edge of Utah’s high desert, adjacent to the vast Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This two-bedroom home is a careful exercise in framing space, light, and atmosphere. Its architects, led by Anson Fogel, have created not just a dwelling but a lens through which the rhythms of the desert—wind, silence, and shifting sun—are experienced from within. The result is a home that feels both rooted and floating, harmonizing with the landscape while maintaining a strong architectural identity.

Elevated above slickrock and wetlands at 6,300 feet, the house hovers among juniper and pinyon, leaving the ground largely undisturbed. The cantilevered concrete deck extends outward, offering a vantage point that turns the horizon into a living mural. Inside, the boundary between exterior and interior dissolves, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, oak finishes, and sculpted steel elements that create a seamless transition from the wild to the domestic. Every choice of material feels intentional and thought through, striking a gentle balance between durability and the softness of a lived-in space.

Designer: Locus Studio

Living in the Periphery is about more than shelter—it’s about immersion. The house is designed to capture the subtle drama of desert life: the way morning light cuts across polished surfaces, or how twilight transforms the color of the hills beyond. Spaces are open and uncluttered, with each room positioned to maximize views and privacy. There’s a sense of retreat here, but not of isolation. The home invites you to slow down, to notice the interplay of shadow and sky, to inhabit the landscape rather than dominate it.

Despite its modest size, every inch of the house is considered. The kitchen and living areas are compact yet generous, featuring built-in casework and meticulous detailing that create a seamless flow without excess. Bedrooms are oriented for both sunrise and privacy, while the bathrooms borrow light from clerestory windows, ensuring that even the most utilitarian spaces feel connected to the outdoors. The HVAC and lighting systems are discreet but effective, supporting comfort without distraction.

The home also beautifully showcases the value of craft. The studio’s design plan and approach mean that the people who imagined the project were intimately involved in its realization. This connection is visible in the joinery, the millwork, and the way surfaces fit together. The house feels personal, not generic—each detail speaks to the care and patience of its makers. It is an architecture of presence rather than spectacle, quietly asserting that utility and beauty are not mutually exclusive.

For those drawn to the edges, The Periphery offers a compelling vision of what home can be. It’s a space for reflection, connection, and pause—a reminder that the best architecture doesn’t shout, but listens. Here, utility, functionality, and a deep sense of place intersect, creating a home that is as much a sanctuary as it is a starting point for adventure. This is a house for those who want to live on the threshold, where nature and design are always in dialogue.

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3D-Printed Nox Lamp Twists Geometry and Corals into Home Decor that doubles as Art

The best combinations often emerge from unlikely pairings (think colorful plastic and technology a la iMac G3), and Kraken Decor’s Nox table lamp is a perfect example. This 3D-printed creation marries rigid geometry with fluid organic forms in a way that feels both unexpected and somehow perfectly natural.

The lamp’s dual personality is clear. A crisp, faceted white shade sits atop a twisting blue base that resembles coral branches or digital plant stems. This contrast is intentional, with the geometric upper portion providing a structured housing for light, while the dynamic base creates a sense of movement that static lamps typically lack.

Designer: Kraken Decor

The Nox lamp takes full advantage of 3D printing’s unique capabilities. It can be printed out of pretty much any filament, although PLA and ASA are your best bet. PLA is biodegradable and prints with a clean, smooth finish. ASA is a tougher alternative, offering more durability and UV resistance, which works well for statement pieces like this. The intricate blue lattice of the base comes straight out of the printer as a single piece, eliminating the need for assembly and making the most of digital fabrication’s possibilities.

When illuminated, the lamp transforms. The frosted shade diffuses light evenly, while the open structure below creates intricate shadow patterns that extend the design into the surrounding space. Even unlit, the Nox functions as a sculptural object that commands attention without overwhelming its environment.

The blue-white color scheme feels deliberate, cool, and contemporary, with enough contrast to emphasize the lamp’s dual nature. It’s a refreshing departure from the earth tones that often dominate bio-inspired design.

The Nox doesn’t hide its digital origins but instead celebrates them. The precision of the faceted top combined with the algorithmic-feeling base creates something that couldn’t exist before our current technological moment. It isn’t trying to mimic handcraft; it’s creating a new design language where computational design and natural inspiration coexist in the same object. The lamp’s 3D files are available on Kraken Decor’s webstore for a mere $4. You can download the files and print as many lamps as you want, or even modify them based on your own needs!

The post 3D-Printed Nox Lamp Twists Geometry and Corals into Home Decor that doubles as Art first appeared on Yanko Design.

Home Security for the 21st Century: Using Technology to Deter Intruders & Keep Your Family Safe

The new-age homes around the globe require robust security which has led to significant advancements in technology, with innovations like drones, robots, biometrics, and cybersecurity becoming increasingly popular. These technologies provide enhanced protection, especially for unoccupied or spacious homes with minimum residents and homes with elderly occupants, which can be prime targets for burglars. As the demand for better security and monitoring grows, these advanced solutions help address potential risks, they offer real-time surveillance and proactive threat detection. By incorporating these latest technologies in home security, one can efficiently improve home safety and prevent theft or burglary.

1. Security Cameras

In recent years, there has been a demand for advanced security cameras with multifunctional features and cutting-edge technology. Unlike traditional CCTV cameras, which often provide low-resolution video images, blurry footage, and poor performance in low-light conditions, modern cameras offer 4K and 8K resolution for clear and detailed images. The latest security cameras have infrared technology for enhanced night vision and low-light visibility.

A recent innovation uses AI-powered analytics to further elevate their capabilities by transforming video footage into actionable data. Additionally, advanced cameras feature motion detection, remote access, and seamless integration with alarm systems, making security more efficient, intelligent, and accessible anytime and from anywhere.

Take a look at the Anona Aurora Security Camera that offers advanced home security with 4K HDR resolution, exceptional low-light color night vision, and AI-driven motion detection. It captures sharp, detailed footage with eight megapixels that one to monitor crucial details like license plates and distant movements. The camera’s starlight sensor and 10-LED spotlight ensure accurate color and clarity even in low-light conditions, making it ideal for larger areas such as driveways and backyards.

The security camera is equipped with a 10,000mAh battery that provides up to 180 days of power on a single charge, the Anona Aurora ensures long-lasting operation. It features 32GB of local storage, eliminating the need for cloud subscriptions while keeping your footage private. When paired with a 4.8W solar panel, it becomes a self-sustaining unit. Some additional features include two-way audio, a siren, and Alexa or Google Assistant compatibility to enhance its functionality.

2. Smart Door Locks

Some emerging trends in door lock technology are revolutionizing access control and offering greater security alongside flexibility. As a result, traditional mechanical locks are being replaced by electronically controlled systems that prevent unauthorized entry. Note that biometric integration enhances access control, including fingerprint, facial recognition, and iris scanning. Also, wireless connectivity, through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allows for remote management and monitoring, making it easier to control locks from anywhere.

Mobile-centric solutions enable locks to be opened via smartphone apps, catering to a tech-savvy generation. Additionally, smart locks that integrate with home automation systems offer seamless access for authorized individuals and enhance convenience alongside overall security.

For instance, the Yale Approach with Wi-Fi is a retrofit smart door lock designed to offer easy installation and enhanced security for the home. It allows homeowners to upgrade their existing deadbolt without replacing the entire lock. The installation is quick as it requires only a screwdriver and around 10 minutes to secure the device. The Wi-Fi bridge connects seamlessly to your network, ensuring the smooth operation of the door lock.

This smart lock offers key-free access, automatic locking, and proximity unlocking, providing convenience and security. One can grant temporary or permanent access to others which makes it perfect for renters or shared spaces. Also, the Yale Keypad adds an extra layer of security, allowing entry through a code. It offers a simple, cost-effective way to upgrade home security without the need for complex installations., making it ideal for those who want a smart lock without the hassle and expense of a full replacement.

The Plus Link Z is an innovative smart security solution designed specifically for sliding doors, which are often overlooked in traditional home security systems. Unlike typical smart locks made for hinged doors, this module combines the functionality of a smart lock, a security camera, and an automatic sliding door opener. It allows homeowners to remotely lock or unlock the door and monitor activity through an external camera, enhancing home security with ease.

What sets the Plus Link Z apart is its ability to automatically open and close sliding doors using motorized gears, thus eliminating the need for manual effort. This design doesn’t require modifications to the door itself, as the module is installed above the door frame. It may require professional installation and raises concerns about potential wear on the door frame but the Plus Link Z effectively addresses a common security gap by securing sliding doors, offering a smart solution for modern home security needs.

3. Security Robot

Another innovation in home security is the security robots that provide effective video surveillance by moving around the home and eliminating blind spots that are usually missed by fixed cameras. Unlike static systems, it can monitor gates, doors, and windows, record suspicious events, and is a perfect security solution for homes that are left unattended for long hours.

However, the robot’s route must be mapped to ensure comprehensive coverage. It can detect strangers and send real-time alerts to guards, thereby enhancing security. Equipped with advanced sensors, motion detection, and high-definition video, it also identifies unusual sounds, smoke, or suspicious behavior. Make a note that regular maintenance and service are required to ensure optimal performance.

The EBO X is an innovative security robot designed to monitor your home with a friendly, kid-centric approach. Unlike traditional cold, impersonal security cameras, the EBO X combines advanced surveillance features with a playful, approachable design that children and pets can interact with comfortably. It moves on wheels, following people and pets while capturing images and sending alerts if something suspicious is detected. The robot can be controlled remotely, allowing you to check on your home from anywhere, and features touch-sensitive zones for easy interaction.

Its human-centric design truly sets the EBO X apart, making it more than just a security device. With a cute face and dynamic lighting, it responds to voice commands, making it feel like a companion. This combination of security and personal interaction transforms the EBO X from a typical robot into a friendly, accessible family member. It’s the perfect blend of technology and warmth, ensuring safety while enhancing home life.

4. Home Security Drone

Drones used for security can capture aerial footage and offer advanced features such as tracking and following intruders, while automatically identifying potential threats. As drone sizes decrease and technology improves, these devices can reach areas of the home that are otherwise hard to access. Cloud-connected and remotely managed, they provide real-time monitoring and quick responses to security risks. Equipped with high-definition cameras, they deliver clear images both day and night. Sensors like infrared and motion detectors allow them to identify unusual activities, while patrol routes are mapped via phone apps to focus on suspicious areas. The drones launch from their charging stations, capture aerial footage, and return to recharge, ready for the next mission.

The Always Home Cam by Ring is an innovative indoor security camera designed to protect your home from intruders. Unlike traditional fixed cameras, this flying drone activates when a break-in is detected by flying to the scene and capturing video footage, which is then sent to your phone or potentially the police. With a fully enclosed propeller system, the drone ensures safety for pets and family members while navigating your home.

While the Always Home Cam offers cutting-edge surveillance, the downside is that it raises privacy concerns with its ability to map the interior of your house. Unlike stationary cameras, the drone can navigate and capture a detailed floor plan of your home. Therefore it is designed to only activate when you’re not home, providing a discreet and effective security solution. While its main purpose is to identify intruders, its potential to gather more data about your living space can be worrisome.

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