What is Ideal?

Ideal is a carefully curated shop composed of unique, design-conscious gifts and accessories. The objects we choose are creative, authentic, and refined. They are inspired by the vision of talented artists and designers from around the world.

Our store was formed with our own ideal in mind: that shopping should always be a personal and thoughtful experience.

Enjoy our blog and please come visit our shop in beautiful, downtown Bellingham. If you can't make it in, we take orders over the phone - just call (360-752-5522) or e-mail info@anidealshop.com.


Showing posts with label IDEA International. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IDEA International. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

New Treasures Arriving Weekly

This is an exciting time of the year for us! Every week from now until mid-November new shipments will arrive from far-flung places (Japan, Finland, Portugal, and Honduras to just name a few) as well as closer to home (Bainbridge Island, Seattle, and Mt. Vernon).


Many of these are pieces from wonderful new designers we found while in New York. Some are new creations from our current designers.


Last week saw the arrival of new objects from Neo Utility and Saikai. We love the iStand from IDEA International. This great little gadget suctions to the back of your iPhone and props it up so you can enjoy a video or browse the internet. 


iStand, $8.00

We also now have IDEA's fantastic Yuento Balloon Speaker in black and lime green.


Yuento Speaker, $45


Miller Goodman PlayShapes ($150) are also back in stock, so come and see this beautiful set of wooden blocks for yourself. 
MillerGoodman PlayShapes, $150

Over the past few weeks we've also received some lovely pieces in from Saikai. If you are a fan of Japanese design, this group represents some of the superstars, such as Mori Masahiro. We have all five colors of his iconic Soy Bottle back in stock, so consider adding this drip-free container for soy sauce to your table. At $22, it makes a really unique gift.

G Type Soy Bottle, $22



























Also, Toyo Sasaki HS "Hard Strong" stacking glasses. First produced in 1967, the reinforced lip on these glasses makes them extra durable and they remain the leading brand in Japanese food service. At $4.50 apiece, it's a great way to introduce a bit of Japanese design to your kitchen.
 
HS "Hard Strong" Glasses, $4.50 apiece





















Newly arrived and wonderful - these Pocket Vases in white, yellow, or green. They work beautifully for flowers, but serve as handy catch-alls as well for things like pencils and paintbrushes.

 
Pocket Vase, $24



Finally, these wooden tops. They are miniature sculptures - lovely!
 
Koma Wooden Tops, $6.50 apiece

























We also just received a beautiful assortment of glass jewelry from Julie and Jess at verre newyork. It is challenging to find glass jewelry that is elegant and understated and these two glassblowers seem to hit the mark every time. If you see a design you like but would prefer a different color, we can always order you exactly what you want. They have over one hundred colors in their palette.


Three Drop Necklace, $102


Piet Burst Necklace, $106




Piet Stud, $33




Ulala Hoop, $50




















































Finally, the latest addition to our selection from Museum of Modern Art - the Chalkboard Vase.


MoMA Chalkboard Vase, $4

















Draw your own vase, contraption, or creature to hold the flowers. Also works for love notes and to-do lists. The vase includes hardware for wall mounting, as well as a chalk-holder.




That's just a taste of what's new in the shop. We will update you again next week on the latest arrivals! You can also check our Facebook Page for more frequent updates. Until then, enjoy this drawing of the Yuento Balloon Speaker in use. Who wouldn't want to be this happy walking down the street?  





Thursday, March 18, 2010

IDEA International

This just in! Objects from Japanese design collective IDEA International. Clever timepieces, headphones that stay put, a handy 10-key calculator for your laptop, and more.





Bell Alarm Clock
Designer: Industrial Facility
Materials: ABS plastic, acrylic, and steel
Dimensions: 4 x 3.75 x 2.5"
Price: $67

Noted for its decibel level as well as its stylish design, this clock is sure to wake you from a deep slumber. "Bell" is a new format for the alarm clock that moves the bell component to the back and uses it as part of the body. This not only saves on components and simplifies the appearance, but also allows for a much louder ring. Available in black or white.




Icon Watch

Designer: &design
Materials: ABS plastic and stainless steel body; polyeurethane band
Dimensions: 1.25 x 1.25" (case)
Price: $75

With a shape recalling computer graphics from an earlier era, the Icon Watch is available in dove gray or black.




Caocao Clock
Designers: Yoj i Ishi i × Yasuhiro Ikeda
Materials: Aluminum and glass
Dimensions: 9.5" diameter
Price: $75

The shape drawn by the thee hands changes as this clock ticks away, forming various facial expressions.






Microgem Headphones

Designer: IDEA International
Materials: ABS, stainless steel
Price: $30


A special slim and light earphone which fits comfortably in your ear. As it will not fall out easily it makes a great companion for a jog or trip to the gym.
10-Key Calculator
Designer: Ippei Matsumoto
Dimensions: 5.5 x 3.5 x .5"
Price: $57
This retro-looking piece can be used as a standalone calculator or connected to your laptop with USB cord (included). The satisfying "click" you hear when pressing the buttons may leave you finding reasons to calculate all sorts of equations. Windows compatable only.