MORE THAN A PRETTY FACE: Some of the most pedestrian items are now canvases for progressive design ideas. Like the new Uno vacuum cleaner from Eureka, developed with the idea that savvy home shoppers want more than great looks in their household products: Functionality is key. Eureka researchers discovered that vacuum handling has left a lot to be desired, so the Uno features an “O”-shaped handle for a more comfortable grip. The Uno sells for $129.99 at buyeureka.com. Discounted models are available at target.com and amazon.com.
I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW: Brian Ogan is a California interior designer specializing in modern spaces who founded the retail website The Magazine. Lately, Ogan is encouraging modernism fans to seek out glass and acrylic pieces like this Ghost Chair from Fiam Italia ($5,240) because they “open up a room by allowing light to bounce through.” Clear furniture also gives the illusion of more space, and helps frame a room’s other, more colorful, decor. Read more of Ogan’s design tips and shop his entire collection at themagazine.info.
THESE LAMPS ROCK! The iLamp Collection is the latest innovation from the contemporary home furnishings company Adesso. Each desk lamp includes built-in high-fidelity speakers and is compatible with most digital music players. In addition to the basic model, which sells for $89 at iLamp Store.com, the Harmony iLamp has a fluorescent bulb, the Tunes iLamp has a bubble-shaped base with round speakers, and the Boom Box iLamp features a chrome handle for easier mobility.
