December 29, 07 by You Teck
The Hinoki bathtub origin from Japan and the word “Hinoki” actually represents one of the highest qualities of wood in Japan. A few of their qualities include natural bactericidal agents that resist insects and adaptability to humidity.
As compared to western-style bathtubs, eastern style bathtubs are mainly used for soaking purpose and this is especially so in the Japanese culture. The Japanese believe that through soaking in the bathtub for 1/2 hour to a hour, you will find yourself much more energized, rejuvenated and relaxed.
I think everyone pretty much knows that a warm bath stimulates blood circulation but do you know of the curative and emollient effect from the minerals and oils present in the bathtub itself?
This is the part where the Hinoki really shines because of the therapeutic nature of the wood. One of the key minerals that it contains is Thio which is used as raw materials for soaps, antiseptics, perfumes, cosmetics, and hair restoration treatments. Another quality worth mentioning is the oil from Hinoki wood which is said to be able to cure asthma and serve as a tonic for the nervous system.
However, you must take note that for you to fully enjoy the effects of soaking, you must already be “physically clean”(the user have already taken a bath) before using the bathtub.
A first class registered architect design office named “dodici dodici” offers tubs that are custom built as per their client’s order and all of their bathtubs are handmade in Japan by skilled “toyo” (master carpenter) using traditional techniques. Thus, you can take away your worries if you’re thinking about installing one of these bathtubs in your compact bathroom.
Their prices varies according to the size of the bathtub but from what I’ve gathered, be prepared to spend at least a few thousand bucks if you’re interested in getting one for yourself. Even if you have no plans to purchase one of these tubs, you most probably wouldn’t want to miss out on one of these soaking sessions during your next visit to Japan.
More pictures…..
Source: Bartok design
October 11, 07 by You Teck
Sometimes, its not necessary to have all things modern to decorate your home office as a touch of retro could still produce a very special feeling.
Taking cue from that, the colored retro desk lamps will definitely liven up your desk through a different sense with its unique retroness.
Available in 3 colors, these lamps run on a 50w bulb and they retail for £26 or $78 SGD.
[Coloured Retro Desk Lamps via Retro To go]
October 04, 07 by You Teck
For people who spend a hell of a long time using your keyboards, there will definitely be times when you feel that your wrist is a little strain and you wish there could be something that’s comfortable for you to lean on.
Well, with no further ado, here’s the baguette wrist rest that looks almost like the real thing but its just a cushioning cell foam that adds that bit of comfort for your tired wrists. At $20 USD, it’s never too much to spend on personal comfort.
Now, wouldn’t it be cool if they could turn it into a USB powered massaging wrist rest or am I thinking too much or?
via [PopGadget]
September 27, 07 by You Teck
This LED chess set certainly fits the bill for a set of “Battle Of The Mind” with its inbuilt LED which will allow you to play in the dark. Think of the jedis swinging their light saber in the dark.
The chess set which has its LED built into the 4 corners of the board comes with matt and transparent chess pieces (traditional pieces are black and white) to differentiate the two set of players . Other than serving as a very nice looking decorative item, playing a round of chess will never be the same again if you’ve got one of this set.
Designer: Daan Van Tulder
via [Yanko Design]
September 26, 07 by You Teck
I’m simply in love with the innovative ideas from the Japanese and although there will be really weird ideas at times, their latest innovation, Yukka Bin is certainly a brillant concept.
Although there’s nothing new about trash can, the designers have certainly come up with something refreshing by repackaging the whole product. Constructed in 3 different tiers, you can easy adjust the height of your trash can according to the level of your garbage.
Simple and easy to use? Yes! Creative use of ideas? Tons of it!
via [Tokyo Mango]
